Parents and carers guide

What you need to know about your child's transition to university.

Home
/
ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥
/
Study at UC
/
Parents and carers guide

Your child's journey to uni

As your child prepares to transition from high school to university, you’re likely feeling proud, excited and maybe a little unsure about what comes next. It’s a big step that brings new opportunities, decisions and questions.

At UC, we want to see your child feel safe, supported and set up for success as they take the next steps toward their future. This guide is a practical resource to help you and your child navigate their university journey with confidence. You’ll find key information on applications, course options, fees, scholarships and support services available to help your child thrive in ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ and at UC.

You can join our Parents and Carers Webinar to learn more about life at UC and what it's like to live and study in ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥. We'll cover everything from applications and accommodation to support services and student life, with plenty of time for your questions.

Why choose UC?

#1 in ACT for full-time employment

With real-world learning opportunities, your child can gain practical experience and valuable industry connections while they study, setting them up for success.
(Good Universities Guide, 2026)

#1 in ACT for student support

Whether your child needs academic advice, wellbeing services or practical support, help is always within reach.
(Good Universities Guide, 2026)

#1 in ACT for student equity

Your child will study in a safe and welcoming community where they can feel confident, supported and able to thrive.
(Good Universities Guide, 2026)

#1 in ACT for full-time employment

With real-world learning opportunities, your child can gain practical experience and valuable industry connections while they study, setting them up for success.
(Good Universities Guide, 2026)

#1 in ACT for student support

Whether your child needs academic advice, wellbeing services or practical support, help is always within reach.
(Good Universities Guide, 2026)

#1 in ACT for student equity

Your child will study in a safe and welcoming community where they can feel confident, supported and able to thrive.
(Good Universities Guide, 2026)

Life at UC

The UC community

University life is richer than just lectures and tutorials. Your child can discover clubs and societies, join sporting teams, enter competitions and enjoy vibrant campus events. With the best overall experience of any uni in ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥*, there are countless ways for your child to feel at home and get involved, right here at UC.

*Good Universities Guide, 2026

Find out more

Living in ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥

ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ offers students the best of both worlds, combining the opportunities of a thriving city with the sense of community and lifestyle of a regional centre. From affordable living and strong employment prospects to world-class cultural attractions, green spaces and a welcoming community, ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ is a great place for your child to live, study and grow.

Find out more

UC campus life

A great university experience is about more than study. At UC, your child benefit from a safe and supportive campus environment, with access to modern learning facilities, health and wellbeing services, sport and fitness amenities, and a welcoming community that helps them thrive throughout their university journey.

Find out more

Where to begin

Depending on your child's stage of high school, there are different ways you can help. Here's a good starting point to support planning and decision-making.

If your child studies in the ACT, explore UC's Accelerated Pathways Program to study on campus in Years 11–12 and earn university credit.

My child is in...

Start by chatting about your child’s interests and strengths to open a discussion about further study. Ask whether they have ideas for the future or careers that appeal to them. Look into courses together and match options to their abilities and passions. As subject choices expand in Years 11 and 12, help them select classes they genuinely enjoy and that support their goals.

Keep in mind that some degrees have prerequisites, such as specific subjects or minimum grades, so check these early when planning subject selections. Be sure to attend Year 10 information sessions at colleges and high schools, and review eligibility for early entry pathways.

Now that your child is in their senior years of schooling, it’s time to decide whether pursuing an ATAR is the right path, or if an alternate entry pathway might be the best outcome.

ATAR

To study at university, your child must select the required amount of tertiary subjects in Years 11 and 12 to ensure they graduate with an ATAR. Visit the website to understand what an ATAR is and how it is calculated. On the UAC website, you’ll be able to research admission requirements with your child for courses that they are interested in. This can be a great way to help your child stay motivated and goal orientated.

Alternate pathways to UC

If your child is not pursuing an ATAR or may not be on track to achieve the ATAR that they were hoping for, looking into our alternate entry pathways such as UC College or Portfolio Entry is the next best thing. At UC, we know that ATARs aren’t everything and we won’t let it define your pathway to university.

School holidays and short courses

Year 11 is a fantastic time to try out some of our school holiday short courses to see if UC is right for you.

You can give your child the edge in our immersive Holiday Tech Days School Holiday Program. Holiday Tech Days balances screen time with collaborative activities, ensuring a fun, engaging experience that builds confidence and digital literacy. Program participants will showcase their new skills with take-home projects they can proudly share with family and friends. Our programs are developed in collaboration with Cisco and include the education technology platform, Cisco Networking Academy.

Choosing a university

This is the time to help your child clarify their goals and make confident choices about courses and university. Attend career expos and open days together to get a true sense of campus life – seeing it firsthand helps you both imagine them here. Learn more at UC's Open Day or book a campus tour to experience our beautiful campus at a time that suits you both.

Early Offer Scheme

To relieve some pressure on achieving a particular ATAR result, universities will release early offers to Year 12 students using criteria other than the ATAR. At UC, our Early Offer Scheme assesses your child’s Year 11 results, as well as a short written statement, and successful applicants will receive an offer to study in September of Year 12. The best part is, it’s entirely free! Receiving an early offer also does not exclude you from applying through other pathways such as UAC, so we recommend that all Year 12 students apply to as many early offer programs as they can.

Maximising your Selection Rank

Adjustment factors can help your child receive an offer for one or more of their course preferences at UC, even if their ATAR doesn’t meet the minimum requirements.. They work by awarding extra points to your selection rank, giving your child a higher entry score for certain courses. Adjustment factors are awarded to University Priority Groups (ATSI students, ADF students and elite athletes), students who have experienced disrupted schooling in their final years of school and to students who have performed well in related subjects in year 12.

Gap years and deferred enrolment

If your child is considering a break before starting uni, you can support them by attending info sessions together and exploring courses now, so they feel confident when they’re ready to begin. A gap year can be a wonderful way to grow and prepare, and in many cases they can defer their offer to save their space. Encourage them to submit their UAC application early and keep an eye on key dates like the Early Bird, as closing dates and fees can vary.

Personal consultations

Finishing high school can be fun and exciting, but it may also be stressful and overwhelming. Some people move straight into university, while others take another path to reach the course that suits them. We're here to support both of you at every step. with our friendly team to explore options and opportunities for your child as they begin their university journey.

Applying for university

There are a number of ways to gain entry to UC, and understanding the options can make the application process much easier.

If your child is currently completing Year 12 it is recommended they apply through The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

When you apply through UAC they will automatically be considered for Year 12 adjustment factors and can also apply for other university entry programs such as the Schools Recommendation Scheme and Educational Access Scheme.

Whether your child received the results they were hoping for or is exploring alternative pathways, there are plenty of ways to start their journey at UC. We offer a range of entry options, including direct entry, UC diplomas, portfolio entry and the Schools Recommendation Scheme, helping more students find a pathway that works for them.

Explore everything you need to know about getting into UC, including entry requirements, admissions pathways, credit transfers and support to help your child take the next step with confidence.

Learn more

What parents need to know

How is university different from high school? Learn the language you’ll see when choosing courses, understanding assessments, and planning future studies, so you can read guides, rules, and course details with confidence.

Topic High school University
Attendance Attendance in high school is compulsory. Students are expected to attend Monday – Friday, from 9am – 3pm. Some university classes may not have compulsory attendance. Classes can start as early as 8:30am and as late as 8:00pm. Students are not required to be on campus every day, with the possibility for being only on campus two days a week!
Class structures Classes in high school are set on campus with a face-to-face delivery. Some university classes will have face-to-face delivery while some classes may be delivered online. There is also opportunity to complete a unit through industry-based learning.
Class numbers Typically, 25–30 students with 1 teacher. Some lectures can have over 100 students with 1 lecturer. While some tutorials can be as small as 10 students.
Timetabling Class schedules are automatically set by the school. Students have the flexibility to build their own timetable in most cases.
Time management Teachers remind students when assessments are due and will ask for assessments to be handed in. Students study independently at university and are expected to manage their own time and be mindful of deadlines.
Results End of term/semester results are mailed to parents and carers. Student progress may also be discussed at parent/teacher interview evenings. Semester results are only made available to students.
Teaching periods High school typically has four terms, each approximately 10 weeks in duration.

Semester 1 & 2: 14 week duration with a one week mid-semester break (week 8). In addition, there may be an option to modify your studies to include a Winter/Summer Semester (7 week duration) for those studying part time or who may like to spread their studies out.
Holidays/breaks Two to three week break between terms. Students can have up to 2 months break between semester 1 and semester 2.
Student support Teachers identify if students are having problems and approach you. UC has a range of support services available to all students. It is the student’s responsibility to seek help.
Campus involvement There may be sports teams, musical bands and other extracurricular groups. UC has over 50 clubs and societies that range from academic, social, cultural and sporting. It’s a fantastic way to meet like-minded people.
Opportunities Visits from guest speakers, school excursions and camps. Students can enhance their university experience through opportunities such as study abroad programs, industry placements, real-world projects, guest lectures from industry professionals and hands-on learning relevant to their course.
Term Definition
Accreditation A certification of regulatory compliance in a specified subject or area of expertise awarded by a third party (usually a governing body).
Adult learner Students interested in  commencing tertiary study that are not directly from year 12 completion. This could be someone from the workforce, someone looking for further studies, someone who didn’t complete their schooling, or someone who has spent time away from studies for a number of reasons
Articulation A tertiary ranking calculated from year 11 and 12 results that universities and other tertiary education providers can assess students for admission into a course. Other criteria may also be used in conjunction with an ATAR.
Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) A tertiary ranking calculated from year 11 and 12 results that universities and other tertiary education providers can assess students for admission into a course. . Other criteria may also be used in conjunction with an ATAR.
Course A program of tertiary study, usually taking three or four years to complete. When a student completes their course, they are awarded a degree.
Credit The recognition of prior learning and skills, which can be applied against a nominated unit within a degree through meeting the learning outcomes. Students would no longer be required to undertake said unit, reducing the amount of study required to complete the course. 
Deferring A term used when a student receives an offer from a university but applies to delay their start date by six months to one year.
Degree A qualification or award a student earns after completing their course of study.
Discipline Similar to a department, a discipline is a particular field of study or focus of knowledge where academic subjects are managed and research is conducted. A group of degrees at an institution that share common themes, units and resources.
Double Degree Where two degrees combine to create an extended degree, typically allowing students to completed two specialist majors. Please note, not all degrees are able to be offered as double degrees. 
Faculty A collective group of associated disciplines, run by a Dean who oversees teaching and research.
HECS (or HECS-HELP) HECS-HELP is a government financial loan available to eligible students enrolled in tertiary studies at a higher education institution. Find out more at 
Honours A one-year course for high-achieving students, typically undertaken at the end of a standard three-year bachelor’s degree. There are some undergraduate courses that will include an honours year.
Lecture A class where a presentation is delivered by an academic or expert that contains course material and provides context, examples, theories and concepts to a group of students. 
Major A sequence of related units that form a student’s main field of specialisation within a degree. Students are required to undertake a certain number of units within this specific field to qualify with a major.
Mature Age Students

(Adult learner)		 Students who are entering tertiary study and are aged 21 or over.
Minor A sequence of related units that form a student’s secondary field of specialisation within a degree. Minors also require a certain number of units to be studied.
Packaged Offer When a student doesn’t meet the direct admission requirements of a degree, they may receive a Packaged Offer that requires them to complete a program of study prior to commencing study such as a pathway program or English language program.
Pathway Alternative entry methods into university that are not based on a raw ATAR score.
Postgraduate (PG) Study that is typically undertaken after a student has already completed at least one undergraduate bachelor’s degree or equivalent.
Prerequisite Prescribed conditions students must satisfy to enter a course.
Scholarship Financial grants given to eligible students to help cover costs associated with university, based on merit, need, career or equity grounds.
School Leaver Students who plan on studying straight after completing Year 12.
Selection Rank An adjusted score for entry into university consisting of a student’s ATAR plus any adjustment factors that they are eligible for and have been awarded.
Tutorial A class intended to assist students in the understanding and practical application of information provided in the lecture. Also known as a ‘tute’.
Undergraduate (UG) A student who has not yet completed any tertiary study. Most bachelor’s degrees are referred to as undergraduate degrees.
Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) UAC processes applications for admission to most undergraduate and some postgraduate courses at participating institutions (mainly located in NSW and the ACT). For more info, visit .
Work Integrated Learning The unit of study that combines workplace experience with academic learning assessments and support. This is embedded in all our degrees at UC.

There are several important dates throughout the university journey, including application and enrolment deadlines, orientation, census dates and graduation milestones. You can find upcoming deadlines and events on our Key Dates page.

Understanding study costs is an important part of helping your child prepare for university. At UC tuition fees can vary depending on your child’s course, study load and eligibility for government assistance. In addition to tuition fees, it’s important to consider other expenses such as learning materials, technology, transport and day-to-day living costs. By planning ahead and understanding the financial support options available, you can help your child make informed decisions about their study journey and confidently manage the costs of university life. Learn more about UC fees, costs and financial support on the Fees and Costs page.

Support for students at UC

At UC, we're committed to helping students feel safe, supported and set up for success throughout their university journey. Whether your child needs academic support, counselling, healthcare services, disability and accessibility assistance, or career guidance, our dedicated support teams are here to help.

Students can access support whenever they need it, or may be connected with services by their teaching staff. Whatever their goals, we'll help them make the most of their university experience and navigate challenges with confidence.

Support with studying

Accommodation

Students with disabilities or health conditions

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

Work integrated learning and careers

Student wellbeing

Explore our courses


Arts

Built Environment

Business

Communication and Media

Design

Education

Health

Law

Politics and International Relations

Science

Sport

Technology

FAQs

If your child is currently in Year 12, they can apply to UC through UAC or through our Early Offer Scheme. If they have taken a gap year or a longer break from study, they can apply directly to UC.

Students may be able to start in Semester 1 or Semester 2, depending on their chosen course, and can also choose to defer their offer in some study areas. If applying through UAC, it's important to review and update course preferences throughout the admissions process, and to rank UC courses in the order that best reflects their interests and goals.

If you're unsure where to start, our Future Student team can talk through courses, entry pathways, accommodation, scholarships and application options. Whether you're ready to apply or just exploring possibilities, we're here to help you and your child work out the next step.

    Talk to us

    University of ÃØÃÜÖ±²¥ entry isn't always determined by an ATAR or other selection rank score. If your child is interested in an Arts, Design or Communication degree, students can apply via UC’s Portfolio Entry option, where they can submit examples of creative work and a written statement. 

    UC also offers a Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS), special consideration or a bridging course like UC Connect.

    High performing students thrive at UC! We recognise and reward academic achievement through programs such as our Early Offer Scheme, the Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) and the Accelerated Pathways Program, which allows students to earn credit towards university while still at school or even get an early offer. 

    Once they arrive, high-achieving students can take advantage of scholarships, research opportunities, industry projects, leadership programs and internships. With strong access to academics and personalised support, students can challenge themselves while benefiting from a connected and supportive university community.

    From applying, studying to life after graduation: we are here for our community. 

    Whether your child ever needs help with study, wellbeing, careers or finances, there are dedicated teams ready to help. Students can access academic support, medical and counselling services, disability and health adjustments, careers advice, financial assistance and peer mentoring through UC Thrive. There are also specialised programs for elite athletes, clubs, societies and social events like Speed Friending, O-Week activities, market days and much more. 

    Choosing a uni is a big decision, and sometimes the best way to get answers is to have a conversation. UC's Future Student team is here to answer all your questions. You can contact us to book a personalised consultation, send a message, join a virtual campus tour or visit us in person at events like Open Day. Whatever stage you're at, there's always someone ready to point you in the right direction.

    Contact us

    No matter where you live or what your child is hoping to study, our Future Student Services are ready to answer any questions you or your family may have.