University course application: How to get in without an offer

The boss of UAC has revealed her how-to guide to get into university if you didn’t receive an offer this week. See her tips here.

Almost 95,000 HSC students have received offers for university courses across the state, as another round of applicants are set to find out whether they were successful in their bid to go to University.

UAC revealed a massive 175,887 undergraduate applications have been made for university courses across the state this year, with NewsLocal developing a how-to-guide for students who were not offered a position for their chosen course.

UAC General Manager of Marketing and Engagement, Kim Paino, encouraged students to not lose hope.

Students at the University of NSW (UNSW) in Sydney.

“Don’t forget there are more offer rounds in February and you can talk to universities to find out what you’re eligible for and where there are vacancies still available,” she said.

“I’d also encourage students to think about all the other pathways available which will not only get you to university but get you better prepared for uni study.

“Please reach out to universities and reach out to us at UAC – we’re here to help.”

UAC general manager, Kim Paino

Ms Paino said 2021 graduating students faced different hurdles than previous year, due to delays in results.

“For this February round before semester one starts, it is different in the sense that we are not publishing modified lowest ATAR requirements,” she said.

“In a normal year, we would see offers made before Christmas.

“This means there will still be more positions at a wide variety of universities that remain vacant — if you missed out in previous rounds, there could still be places available if you have the eligible ATAR.”

The UAC boss said students should “check with your university of choice” to see if courses had availabilities.

“You will need to do your legwork to contact universities to look for vacancies,” she said. “But you shouldn’t give up hope.”

The University of Sydney. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Damian Shaw

If you didn’t get the ATAR result for your dream course, Ms Paino has another option for you through university pathways and preparations programs.

“These pathway diploma courses are run by the university, so they are a way you can still get into your dream course without the same entry requirements as a Bachelors degree,” she said.

“The expectation is that students in the pathways program need a little more support, which is fantastic at improving your chances at succeeding in the Bachelors program of your choice.”

Pictured are Uni Students Sophie Cornett, Joshua Lee and Mary Bul, at Western Sydney University today. Picture: Tim Hunter.

The other pathway recommended by UAC is entry into the TAFE NSW system.

“These pathways might seem to be adding time, but none of that is wasted because you are investing in specialist skills in the long run,” she said.

Applications to UAC are currently sitting at 77,249, while another 98,638 were made by students directly to universities.