The In's and Out's of Early Entry Applications

As a high school student, the thought of applying to university can be daunting. However, many universities offer early entry programs that allow you to secure a place in your desired course before you even sit your final exams. In this article, we'll explore what early entry programs are, how they work, and what you can do to boost your chances of success.

What are Early Entry Programs?

Many universities and tertiary education centres offer early admission programs that let you submit course applications ahead of the official course application date. These programs allow you to secure a position in university before your final exams are completed.

This can greatly reduce stress during exam periods by ensuring that you already have a university placement lined up for the following year!

What is the Difference Between Conditional and Unconditional Offers?

Now that you understand what early entry programs are, let's dive into the different types of offers you may receive: conditional and unconditional.

Early entry offers can be either conditional or unconditional, depending on the university.

Conditional offers require you to meet certain criteria, such as achieving a specific ATAR, before your place in the course is confirmed. On the other hand, unconditional offers mean that you have been accepted into the course regardless of your final ATAR.

How to Boost Your Early Entry Application

To improve your chances of being selected for early entry schemes, you can undertake various activities and roles.

Step 1

The first and arguably most important is academic achievement. As a high school student in year 11 or 12, the challenge of academic excellence and success should be one of your highest pursuits! Many universities base your application on your year 11 marks, supplied by NESA, however, others base their offers on your internal high school academic achievements in year 12.

Step 2

The next category is community and co-curricular involvement. In combination with good marks, universities love students who can find a balance between school success and involvement in other activities. So, what can you do to meet this criteria? Join school clubs like debating and cadets, or participate in sports. These activities not only showcase your diverse interests and skills but also highlight your ability to manage your time effectively.

Step 3

Take on leadership roles and show initiative! Universities love a leader and a person who takes initiative, so try to find examples of where you can apply this. This could be something as simple as being the captain of your football team, or being a junior manager at your part-time job. Whatever activity or role it is, ensure you use it as an example in your applications.

Remember to carefully review the application requirements and deadlines for each university, and don't hesitate to reach out to our tutors for help if you need it. Good luck with your applications!

Which Universities Offer Early Entry?

It is important to note that not all universities across Australia offer early schemes to students. The list of universities below all offer early entry schemes. These universities are those with the highest attendance rates of New South Wales students.

When completing applications, put yourself in the university's position and ask yourself, "Why should they select me? Take the time to reflect on your achievements, experiences, and personal qualities that make you stand out from other applicants. If you do this and explain in detail "why," you are sure to succeed. Good luck!

University of Technology, Sydney (UTS)

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) ranks in the top 100 universities in the world and offers a vast range of courses and subjects. Located in Ultimo, Sydney, UTS excels in all courses including, engineering, law and business. Students should be attracted by their 62nd rank in the world for graduate employability. If you wish to study at UTS, apply for their early entry scheme below!

Applications for the UTS Early Entry Program opened: 5 June 2024

Application closing date: 9 September 2024

Offers released: 26 September 2024

If you are interested in applying for UTS’ Early Entry Program, visit their website to follow step-by-step instructions on how to apply! UTS Early Entry Program

University of New South Wales (UNSW)

The University of New South Wales (UNSW), ranked in the top 20 universities globally, is the perfect place to pursue your tertiary studies. Well known for its Engineering facilities and courses, UNSW's early entry offer schemes are slightly different to other universities. The only Early Entry Offers that are given out at UNSW are to those who meet the following criteria:

• Be a permanent Australian Resident, Australian Citizen or New Zealand Citizen
• Be completing an Australian year 12 qualification
• Attend a Gateway school or live in a low-socioeconomic area based on IRSAD and IEO indexes

More information on your eligibility can be found on the UNSW website: UNSW Early Entry Eligibility

(Round 1 applications are only open to students from ACT and NSW)

Round 1 applications opened: 29 April 2024

Round 1 applications close: 24 July 2024

Round 1 offers released: 5 September 2024

(Round 2 applications are open to all Australian students)

Round 2 applications for this early entry scheme open: 6 September 2024

Round 2 applications close: 11 November 2024

Round 3 offers released: 6 December 2024

In addition to its special early entry scheme, UNSW offers another early entry scheme known as the Portfolio Early Entry Scheme. This program specifically targets students who wish to study architecture/design or Engineering.

For this Early Entry scheme, you must submit a special application involving a major work or video. This scheme is open to all and explained in more depth on the UNSW website at: UNSW Portfolio Early Entry Program

Round 1 applications for the portfolio early entry scheme opened: 6 May 2024

Round 1 applications close: 22 July 2024

Round 1 offers released: 6 September 2024

Round 2 applications for the portfolio early entry scheme open: 7 September 2024

Round 2 applications close: 18 November 2024

Round 2 offers released: 6 December 2024

Australian Catholic University (ACU)

Australian Catholic University is a public university with locations in various places across Australia. In Sydney, campuses are located in Blacktown, North Sydney and Strathfield. ACU specialises in a range of subjects, including 28th in the world for theology, 32nd in the world for education and 14th in the world for nursing. If you wish to study any course under the topics of education, religion or nursing, ACU might be the place for you!

ACU early entry applications open: 22 July 2024

Applications cut off date: 16 September 2024

How to apply and tips for applying are available on the ACU website: ACU Early Entry

Australian National University (ANU)

Australian National University (ANU), located in Canberra, ACT, is a world-leading university ranked 34th overall globally. ANU is renowned for its exceptional programs in science and technology, particularly in fields such as engineering, quantum physics, and computer science. The university's cutting-edge research facilities and world-class faculty make it an excellent choice for students pursuing studies in the sciences.

Unfortunately, ANU early entry applications closed on 13 May 2024. However, applications for scholarships and co-ops are still available. To find out more go to our page talking about applying for scholarships Applying For Scholarships, Co-op’s and Cadetships

Macquarie University

Macquarie University ranked in the top 200 universities in the world, is considered one of Australia’s best universities. Located in Macquarie Park Sydney, it is accessible to students from all parts of Sydney. Known for its excellent business course programs, Macquarie University is the perfect place for a student wishing to study in a business-related field.

Macquarie’s Leaders and Achievers Early entry scheme applications are currently open.

Round 1 offers close: 26 July 2024

Outcomes released: 2 September 2024.

Macquarie also has a second offer round for those students who missed the first.

Applications close: 30 August 2024

Outcomes released: 25 September 2024

Apply for Macquarie University's Early entry scheme now, using their step-by-step guide: Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Program

Western Sydney University

Western Sydney University, located in Sydney’s west, is ranked in the top 2% of universities in the world. With campuses located in Liverpool, Parramatta, Bankstown and Penrith, Western Sydney University is the perfect location for any student living in the vicinity of Sydney’s west. Known for their architecture/design, construction and education courses, any student wishing to pursue these vocational fields would be the perfect candidate for Western’s True Reward Early offer program!

This programs applications opened: 3 April 2024

Round 1 applications close: 4 September 2024

Round 1 offers released 12 September 2024.

Round 2 applications close: 13 November 2024

Round 2 offers released: 22 November 2024.

Western Sydney University has provided instructions on how you should proceed with your application for their early entry program on their website. Start your application here! Western HSC True Reward Program

University of Notre Dame

The University of Notre Dame Australia, with a campus located in the heart of Sydney, is a renowned institution that consistently ranks among the top 10 Catholic universities worldwide. Specialising in nursing, education, and business, Notre Dame Sydney offers a unique learning experience that combines academic excellence with a strong focus on social justice and community engagement. So, to students who wish to pursue a vocational field in one of these fields, apply for Notre Dame’s early entry program below!

Notre Dame like many of the other universities listed here has multiple offer rounds for their early entry schemes. Direct instructions on how to apply can be found on their website: University of Notre Dame Early Entry

Early Entry applications opened: 1 May 2024

Application offers close: 4 December 2024

University of Newcastle

The University of Newcastle, located just north of Sydney in the city of Newcastle, is ranked among the top 200 universities worldwide. With a strong focus on engineering, science, and innovation, the University of Newcastle has earned a reputation for producing highly skilled graduates who are well-prepared for the challenges of their chosen professions. As such, the University of Newcastle has followed suit with other universities and opened its own early entry scheme.

After the original opening date for their early entry scheme, 8 April 2024, the University of Newcastle has three offer rounds. Key dates include the following:

Round 1 applications close: 29 August 2024

Round 1 offers released: 5 September 2024

Round 2 applications close: 12 September 2024

Round 2 offers released: 19 September 2024

Round 3 applications close: 26 September 2025

Round 3 offers released: 4 October 2024

More information regarding the application process and the application link can be found at:Early Entry at the University of Newcastle

University of Wollongong

The University of Wollongong, situated in the coastal city of Wollongong just south of Sydney, is consistently ranked among the top 250 universities in the world. Renowned for its excellence in research and teaching, the University of Wollongong is the perfect destination for students wishing to pursue vocational roles such as teachers.

To apply for the University of Wollongong’s early entry scheme, follow the link. This will take you to their website and a page that will explain not only how to apply, but tips to improve your application. Universoty of Wollongong Early Entry

The following are key dates relating to the University of Wollongong’s early entry scheme.

Early Admission applications open: 17 June 2024

Early admission applications close: 9 August 2024

Early admission offers released: 2 September