Answering parent FAQs about UOW
A comprehensive guide for parents with children starting at UOW.
May 6, 2025
You asked, we’ve answered! Here is what parents want to know about UOW.
For the uninitiated, the path to university can be daunting, so we thought we’d break it down and directly answer some common questions that parents ask. We have also talked to some local parents to find out what’s on their mind and how we can make the path to UOW a little easier for everyone. Here’s what they asked!
How do students apply to UOW?
Year 12 students can apply directly (and for free!) to UOW via Early Admission. Early Admission applications for 2026 have closed; so, students who didn't receive an Early Admission offer can apply to UOW through
The 'main' round of UAC offers to school leavers will occur on Tuesday 23 December. To be considered for this round, students will have until 11:59pm, Thursday 18 December to lock in their preferences. Don't leave it to the last minute!
Students can enter five UAC preferences; they should list their UAC preferences in the order they want them to be considered:
1. Put the course they most want to do first
2. Then list the #2 next choice
3. Keep going in order of preferences
If students have already received an offer to UOW through Early Admission, they don't need to include that course in their UAC preferences. If they plan to enrol in Early Admission offer, they don't need to participate in UAC at all. .
Someone who is starting university after a year or more break after Year 12 (we call these students 'non-school-leavers') can apply to UOW via UAC or can also look at making a . Students can find a degree with the Course Finder tool on our website, check the application requirements, then click through the application process.
When will students receive an offer from UOW?
Students who apply via UAC will receive their outcome on specific dates, depending on when they apply; we have an important dates page that we keep up to date to help students and families keep track!
Non-school leavers who lodge a direct application will receive an outcome usually within two-four weeks of lodging their application.
What is the enrolment process?
UOW enrolment is straightforward and can be started from Monday 1 December. To enrol, students will need their and, if they're deferring payment via , they will need their Tax File Number (TFN).
Then just follow the steps to enrol.
Many students will have received more than one offer to study at UOW; all offers that have been made to a student will be listed for them in their UOW 'profile' when they start the enrolment process - any student with multiple offers will need to choose the one they ultimately want to enrol in!
How long can they defer their studies?
Students can defer (or delay starting) their studies between one session (six months) and one year. They will have to complete a after they've received a UOW Student Number. Once we receive and process a deferral request, we'll send the student a new offer and information on how and when to enrol for the new start date.
What are the key dates we need to be aware of?
- 1 December, 2025 - UOW enrolment opens for students with an offer to UOW
- 18 December, 2025 -
- 17-26 February, 2026 - Orientation
- 2 March, 2026 - First session classes start
How can we communicate with UOW?
- Drop in! - come to any of our campuses and chat to our Student Services team in person or go on a campus tour. Find campus locations.
- Email or call the Future Students team on 1300 367 869.
What are the payment methods used for uni study?
There are a few different ways to pay for study at UOW:
- Pay upfront – you can use your credit card, BPAY, direct deposit, Flywire or pay in person at Student Central on any UOW campus (no cash payments accepted).
- Partial upfront payment – using one of the options above and balance placed on a loan.
- HECS-HELP loan for the full amount
What makes UOW the best choice for students?
Students get the best of both worlds at UOW; a world-class education with a welcoming, small-town feel. We genuinely care about our students' wellbeing and provide plenty of support and opportunities to help them thrive, including Peer Assisted Study Sessions (Pass) and other mentoring programs.
We're also focused on the future. UOW is leading the way in developing new industries and the jobs of tomorrow - not just by preparing our students for them, but by helping create them through cutting-edge education, research, and innovation.
At the heart of this is our award-winning in ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp - a world-class research and technology precinct where 15 global organisations have joined forces with UOW's leading research institutes. It's also home to , our startup accelerator that supports the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators.
If they don’t get the ATAR they need, are there bridging courses?
There are so many ways for your young person to undertake the degree they want, even if they don’t get the marks they initially need. offers pathways to most UOW degrees. Located on our ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp campus, some of the study undertaken can also reduce the length of their UOW degree.
UOW will be hosting bridging courses for Biology, Chemistry and Physics. We are finalising the details and will soon send the information to any student with an application for those courses at UOW.
What accommodation options do you offer and how do we apply?
Applications are now open! Our top tip is for your student to apply now - even before they receive an offer to study - as spots usually fill up quickly.
Options include:
- Bangalay - self-catered, located opposite our ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp campus.
- Campus East - catered and self-catered, located across from the beach and close to ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp CBD.
- I-House - catered rooms, close to ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp campus and North ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp train station.
- Kooloobong Village - self-catered on our ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆµapp campus
What scholarships do you offer?
We offer many types of scholarships for many types of students. Head to the UOW Scholarship page and use the Scholarship Search tool to find the best fit. Some scholarships may have already closed; some will close soon!
Are there opportunities for studying overseas?
Study abroad offers UOW students the exciting opportunity to study in a foreign country before they graduate. This study program can count towards their degree, whether it’s a semester or short-term experience, students can choose from 200 destinations in 45 countries, opening up a world of opportunity and experience for them. Read more about studying abroad.