What is Early Entry?
While the ATAR is the main selection tool used by most universities to accept students at the end of the year, there is actually a way to get admitted into your dream university before you even sit your HSC exam. This is through early entry!
Many universities will have early offer programs for year 12 students. These programs will NOT intake students based on their ATAR but instead consider factors such as past school reports, extracurriculars, portfolios and interviews.
The requirements and application process will vary between universities so we have collated all the different early offer programs below, along with their key dates for your convenience.
Applications will open around July and outcomes will be released during September, just before you sit your final exams!
So, why apply for early entry?
Here are some benefits to consider:
- Reduced stress. Early entry programs ease the pressure on senior students, allowing them to focus on their studies, instead of worrying about getting a place in university. Applications will be completed earlier in the school year so students can better concentrate on their schoolwork later.
- Better planning. Early offers give students more time to plan for their first university semester. This might mean submitting student accommodation applications early or making financial arrangements.
- More organised school year. Students with early offers can access the university’s campus facilities and resources ahead of time.
- No commitments. There are no limits to how many early entry programs students can apply for. Students may choose to decline their early offers and apply through the traditional route with UAC.
Early entry programs offered in NSW universities
University Technology Sydney (UTS)
Key Dates
- 5 Jun 2024: Applications open
- 9 Sep 2024: Applications close
- 26 Sep 2024: Provisional offers released
The selection process will examine your:
- Year 11 results
- Engineering and IT applicants only: your Year 11 grades in relevant STEM subjects.
You will also be required to meet minimum ATAR requirements to validate your offer. For example, if you are offered early entrance into Engineering at UTS you must still achieve an ATAR above 69 to confirm your enrollment. This ATAR will vary between courses.
Apply online via the UTS website.
Macquarie University
Applicants need to demonstrate their leadership qualities and/or how they have contributed towards positive change in their community and consistently achieved good results at school.
The selection process will examine your:
- Demonstration of leadership and service to their community by completing the Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Early Entry Scheme questions when applying online
- Year 11 report
Key Dates
- 3 Jun 2024: Applications open
- 30 Aug 2024: Applications close
Apply online via the Macquarie University website.
Western Sydney University
Key Dates
- 3 Apr 2024: applications open
- Multiple offer rounds between September and January (Official dates will be released on HSC True Reward website closer to September)
The selection process will examine your:
- Year 11 and Year 12 results
Depending on the degree you choose, you need to meet a specified HSC band outcome in required courses.
Apply online via the Western Sydney University website
University of Wollongong (UOW)
Key Dates
- 17 Jun 2024: applications open
- 9 Aug 2024: applications close
- 2 Sep 2024: Early Admission offers released
The selection process will examine your:
- Your Year 11 results.
- Your responses to questions in your application addressing the themes of academic readiness, motivation and passion, planning and persistence, communication and collaboration.
You must also be on track to complete your HSC or IB Diploma.
Apply online via the University of Wollongong website
University of Notre Dame Australia
Key Dates
- 1 May 2024: applications open
- 2 Sep 2024: Round 1 offers released (for applications completed by 19 Aug)
- 20 Sep 2024: Round 2 offers released (for applications completed by 13 Sept)
- 4 Oct 2024: Round 3 offers released (for applications completed by 26 Sept)
The selection process will examine your:
- Your Year 11 and 12 school reports
Apply online via the University of Notre Dame website
How to make your Early Entry Application stand out?
A strong academic record is important but is not the only thing universities look for. To stand out in early offer applications:
- Ensure you have leadership experience. This includes leadership roles within your school or community – for example, positions such as school captain, club president or sports team captain. Leadership experience shows your ability to manage responsibilities and communicate with team members. The more experience you have, the better.
- Engage in extracurricular activities. Include all school or non-school-based activities in your early offer applications, such as sports, music or arts. This demonstrates to the university that you have a well-rounded personality and great organisation skills, as you can balance life outside academics.
- Include awards. If you’ve received an award of a qualification that isn’t academic based, include it in your application. This is also a good indicator of your willingness and enthusiasm to learn, as you can showcase a high level of expertise across diverse interests.
- Volunteering and community service. This greatly enhances your profile as it demonstrates you are community-minded. It also indicates your commitment to making a positive mark on society.
- Write a compelling personal statement. Highlight your high school achievements, goals and plans, and most importantly, show enthusiasm for your chosen course. Be specific as to why you are passionate about your field of study and why the university should select you over other students. This is your time to shine! Endorsements such as recommendation letters from your teachers are a great way to provide valuable insights into your potential as a student.
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