This page contains information shared at a Webinar + Q&A event for people from refugee and asylum seeker backgrounds, in relation to opportunities for study at University or TAFE in NSW, held on 5th August 2020. To find out more about this event, follow this link.
Applying to University & TAFE NSW:
- Western Sydney University
- University of Technology Sydney
- TAFE NSW
- Macquarie University
- Charles Sturt University
Frequently Asked Questions at the Webinar on 5 August 2020 Topics:
- Construction and Civil Engineering
- Early Offers
- English Language Proficiency
- General
- Medical Science and Medicine
- Nursing
- Pathways
- Recognition of Prior Learning
Contact details of Universities and TAFE NSW at the Webinar
Western Sydney University
| Applying to Western Sydney University | |
|---|---|
| How do I apply? | Applications can be made directly to Western for free or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) which incurs an application fee. Visit our ‘How to Apply’ page for more information: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/myid/how-to-apply.html |
| When do applications close? | Key dates can be found on our ‘How to Apply’ page: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/myid/how-to-apply.html |
| Can I apply via UAC? | Yes, although we recommend applying directly to Western as the application process is the same and there is no fee to apply compared to UAC. Visit our ‘How to Apply’ page for more information: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/myid/how-to-apply.html |
| How will I be notified that I have received an offer? | If you are successful in receiving an offer, you will be notified via your registered email address on your application as well as when you login to your application. |
| When would I be notified if I have received an offer? | Offer round dates for undergraduate courses can be found under Key Dates on our ‘How to Apply’ page: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/myid/how-to-apply.html |
| If my circumstances change, can I defer my offer? | Majority of offers to courses at Western can be deferred for 6-12 months. Select courses such as Medicine and Physiotherapy are excluded from deferment. |
| Are applications for 2021 open? | Applications for undergraduate degrees for 2021 admission are currently open through Western and UAC. Applications for the Doctor of Medicine open 1 August 2020. |
University of Technology Sydney
| Applying to University of Technology Sydney | |
|---|---|
| How do I apply? | Visit our step-by-step application guide on how to apply. You can chat to our team or email access.schemes@uts.edu.au if you need extra support on submitting your application. |
| When do applications close? | All applications for undergraduate (domestic and international), Educational Access Schemes and Equity Scholarships close at midnight Feb 05 2021. |
| Can I apply via UAC? | Yes, most applications for study at UTS require you to apply through UAC . |
| How will I be notified that I have received an offer? | You’ll be able to see your offers in your UAC account. We’ll also contact you by email with information to help walk you through the steps to accept your offer and start enrolling. |
| When would I be notified if I have received an offer? | If you’ve applied to start at UTS in the Autumn session (commencing in March) the bulk of UTS offers will be released in December Round 2 via UAC. |
| If my circumstances change, can I defer my offer? | Yes. If you’re a domestic student and you received an offer to study a course which commences in Autumn session (the beginning of the year), you may be able to defer commencement of your course (take a gap year) for 12 months. |
| Are applications for 2021 open? | Yes. Applications for UTS courses commencing in Autumn (March) session 2021 are open.es. Applications for UTS courses commencing in Autumn (March) session 2021 are open. |
TAFE NSW
| Applying to TAFE NSW | |
|---|---|
| How do I apply? | The exact process does depend on your course. Once you find a course and study-mode that suits you, simply click on the “ENROL NOW” or “APPLY NOW’ button on the course page. Your next step may vary, depending on your course and enrolment location. For some courses, you may be asked to attend an interview, submit a portfolio, sit a test or take part in an audition. The course coordinator will contact you to outline any further application requirements. Most TAFE NSW locations run information session that you can come and meet the teaching staff to discuss the course details including entry or application requirements. Information session details for a course will be listed on the course information page. The following link provides more information on how to apply and enrol in a TAFE NSW course www.tafensw.edu.au/enrol/applying-enrolling |
| When do applications close? | Applications for the 2021 Higher Education Courses will open on 19 August 2020 and close in January 2021. |
| ATAR | You do not require an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) for admission. HSC or equivalent is a requirement. |
| How will I be notified that I have received an offer? | Once you apply (and we have received your application) we will go through it to determine if you need to provide any additional information to support your application, and contact you to let you know if you do. Then, if your application is successful, we will send you an offer by email. To accept the offer and secure your place on the course, follow the steps in the email by the date specified. |
| If my circumstances change, can I defer my offer? | Yes you can defer for 6 to 12 months. |
| Are applications for 2021 open? | Applications for the next intake of TAFE NSW High Education courses will open on 19 August 2020. Academic Calendar for TAFE Degrees www.tafensw.edu.au/degrees/academic-calendar |
Macquarie University
| Applying to Macquarie University | |
|---|---|
| How do I apply? | Applications can be made directly to Macquarie University for free or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) which incurs an application fee. Visit our ‘How To Apply’ page for more information: https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions/how-to-apply |
| When do applications close? | Key dates can be found here https://courses.mq.edu.au/ |
| Can I apply via UAC? | Yes, you can apply via UAC. Find out more here: https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions/how-to-apply |
| How will I be notified that I have received an offer? | If you are successful in receiving an offer, you will be notified via your registered email address on your application as well as when you login to your application. |
| When would I be notified if I have received an offer? | Offer round dates can be found on the ‘How to Apply’ tab on https://courses.mq.edu.au/ or on the UAC website https://www.uac.edu.au/current-applicants/undergraduate-applications-and-offers |
| If my circumstances change, can I defer my offer? | Majority of courses at Macquarie University can be deferred for 12 months. Courses such as Bachelor of Acturial Studies and Bachelor of Professional Accounting cannot be deferred. International students must make a deferment request with the university. |
| Are applications for 2021 open? | Yes, you can apply via UAC or Macquarie University. Applications will close on the 5th of February, 2021. |
Charles Sturt University
| Applying to Charles Sturt University | ||
|---|---|---|
| How do I apply? | Applications can be made directly to Charles Sturt University for free or through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) which incurs an application fee. Visit our ‘How To Apply’ page for more information: https://study.csu.edu.au/apply | |
| When do applications close? | Application key dates can be found here: https://study.csu.edu.au/apply/application-dates | |
| Can I apply via UAC? | Yes, if you are currently studying in year 12 you will need to apply via UAC. You can fin out more here: https://study.csu.edu.au/apply | |
| How will I be notified that I have received an offer? | If you are successful in receiving an offer, you will be notified via your registered email address on your application as well as when you login to your application. | |
| If my circumstances change, can I defer my offer? | Majority of courses at Charles Sturt University can be deferred for 12 months, however courses listed here cannot be deferred: Associate Degree in Policing Practice Bachelor of Dental Science Bachelor of Medical Radiation Science (Port Macquarie Campus only) Bachelor of Oral Health (Therapy / Hygiene) Bachelor of Paramedicine (Port Macquarie Campus only) Bachelor of Physiotherapy Bachelor of Social Science (Psychology) (Honours) Bachelor of Veterinary Biology / Bachelor of Veterinary Science | |
| Are applications for 2021 open? | Direct Applications through our Charles Sturt University website, for 2021 open on 7th August, however if you are applying through UAC applications are currently open now. | |
| Are there any scholarships available? | Yes, you can find out more about our Charles Sturt University scholarships here: https://study.csu.edu.au/get-support/scholarships | |
| Are there any pathways available to Charles Sturt University? | Yes, we have a number of pathway options available at Charles Sturt University. You can find out more here: https://study.csu.edu.au/study-options/pathways |
Frequently Asked Questions at the Webinar on 5 August 2020 Topics
Construction and Civil Engineering
| Question: I am interested in construction or civil construction, what are the different courses available to me? |
| TAFE NSW answer: There are different construction courses at TAFE NSW. The link below gives you more information through TAFE NSW: https://www.tafensw.edu.au/courses/building-trades-courses?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI3uGGtLGD6wIVSQwrCh1xggRkEAAYAiAAEgJ2lfD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds |
| UTS Answer: UTS has Civil Engineering related courses. You can find out more by going to the following link: https://www.uts.edu.au/future-students/engineering/courses/undergraduate-majors/civil-engineering UTS also has a course related to construction project management. More information is provided on the following link: https://www.uts.edu.au/future-students/find-a-course/bachelor-construction-project-management |
Early Offers
| Question: What are the early offers available to me if I am considered a domestic student as I have permanent residency? |
| UTS answer: SRS is available to year 12 domestic students. If you are applying to UTS you may get early offers through the SRS scheme. if you are a year 12 student, check out UAC https://www.uac.edu.au/current-applicants/undergraduate-applications-and-offers/early-offer-schemes-for-year-12-students |
| MQU answer: here is a helpful link that gives you an idea of what opportunities are available to you. https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions/entry-requirements/domestic/macquarie-entry |
English Language Proficiency
| Question: What level of English language do you need to enter university? |
| Answer: Each University may differ with regards to the English requirements of entry. Some courses within those different Universities may also have additional English proficiency requirements as well, so it is best to contact them through their website. The link below from UAC helps answer your question through: https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/admission-criteria/university-english-language-proficiency |
This link here gives you the contacts for all the Universities and TAFE NSW that were at the webinar if you would like to ask more questions about the English language requirements of specific courses. |
| Question: What proof of English language proficiency do I need to study at TAFE? |
| Answer: For some of our Certificate I courses there are no entry requirements though we may recommend you have reading, writing, oral communication and learning skills at Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) Level 1. To make sure the course is the appropriate course level for you, you will need to participate in a phone interview with one of teaching staff. For some of our other courses at a higher certificate level, you may be required to have literacy, language and numeracy (LLN) skills of Level 3 or above. You will need to provide evidence of your LLN proficiency by completing our RU Ready program which is a free service for our students. Alternatively, if you would like to develop you English language skills, TAFE NSW offers courses designed for people who are speakers of other languages who do not have the fundamental English language levels necessary to equip them for everyday life, employment and further study needs. To find out the language level requirements for a specific course and for all course information, please refer to the TAFE NSW website. There you will find information for all of our courses or call 131 601 for assistance. www.tafensw.edu.au/tafe-nsw English courses: www.tafensw.edu.au/search?q=english&search=manual |
General
| Question: What are the different diplomas (not bachelor degrees) offered by Universities? |
| MQU answer: Macquarie University offer four diploma programs (Arts, Commerce, Engineering and Information Technology). You can find out more here: https://www.mq.edu.au/study/find-a-course/pathway-programs or contact saya.hussain@mq.edu.au |
UTS answer: UTS Insearch offers diplomas that allow students to study if they do not meet the academic or English language requirements for entry into a UTS degree straight away. There are HELP loans available for domestic students, but this option is not available for students considered as international students. https://www.insearch.edu.au/programs/diplomas |
Medical Science and Medicine
| Question: For medical courses what level of English and maths requirements to get into University for these courses? |
| Answer: Universities have different entry requirements for Medical Science or Medicine courses. For UTS you can find information about UTS Bachelor of Medical Science which is different from a Doctor of Medicine course. Information is given here: https://www.uts.edu.au/future-students/find-a-course/bachelor-medical-science For WSU Doctor of Medicine, you may be admitted to the course based on your ATAR as well as UCAT test results, as well as other requirements. You can find out more here: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/schools/som?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIhaeTo6-D6wIVw30rCh0ZDAWHEAAYASABEgL7K_D_BwE For Macquarie University Medicine: https://www.mq.edu.au/study/find-a-course/medicine-and-health/medicine?c=BClinSc&utm_term=%2Bmacquarie+%2Buniversity+%2Bdoctor+%2Bmedicine&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIo-WAsK-D6wIVEQ4rCh1ehgQHEAAYASABEgITa_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds The requirements can sometimes be hard to understand. We encourage you to contact the different Universities that were present at the Webinar. Follow this link for their contact details. |
| Question: What are the pathways to get into medicine? |
| There are many pathways for Medicine courses (not medical science courses), every university has its unique pathways to Medicine. The most common pathways consist of a few requirements such as having a high ATAR/GPA, plus a high UCAT score, as well as an interview. These are usual requirements for the common pathways at most Universities that offer Medicine courses. However, it is worth checking with individual Universities for their own additional requirements and unique pathways to get into Medicine courses . Follow this link for contact details of the different universities. |
Nursing
| Question: What are the English language requirements to study nursing at UTS? |
| UTS answer: To be considered for a Bachelor of Nursing at UTS you will need to have the required ATAR selection if you are in year 12. Or for non current year 12 students, you either can have an Enrolled Nurse Certificate IV or Diploma/Advanced Diploma of Nursing to be considered. You can find more info about UTS Nursing here: https://www.uts.edu.au/about/faculty-health/school-nursing-and-midwifery?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=google&utm_campaign=hea-pg-school_nursingmidwifery&utm_content=adgroup-nursing&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIxbijiK6D6wIVSQ4rCh1QcAicEAAYASAAEgJKrPD_BwE As well as the above requirement, you also have meet the English language requirements. See here: https://www.uts.edu.au/future-students/international/essential-information/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements English Language requirements in more detail: The English language requirements for C10122 Bachelor of Nursing, C10123 Bachelor of Nursing Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and C10351 Bachelor of Nursing Bachelor of Creative Intelligence and Innovation align with the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council English Language proficiency criteria. The English language tests listed under the Undergraduate coursework English language requirements for Bachelor of Nursing are the only acceptable language tests. The test results must be current up to 2 years old and applies to one test sitting. The test scores from two different tests cannot be combined. However, a maximum of two sittings of the same test, in a 6 month period is acceptable only if: IELTS: an overall score of 7 is achieved in each sitting and no score in any component of the test is below 6.5 TOELF iBT: a total score of 94 in each sitting is achieved and no score in any of the sections is below reading 19, listening 20, speaking 20, writing 24 Academic PTE: a minimum overall score of 65 in each sitting is achieved and no score in any of the four communicative skills is below 58 OET: tested in all 4 components in each sitting and no score in any component of the test is below C For applicants who declare English as their primary language, evidence of the following will only be accepted: · Satisfactorily completed at least six years of primary and secondary education taught and assessed in English in one of the recognised countries, including at least two years between years 7 and 12 OR Completed at least five years (full time equivalent) continuous education, including a tertiary qualification in health, taught and assessed solely in English in one of the recognised countries. Recognised countries means: Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Republic of Ireland, South Africa, United Kingdom and United States of America Both Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University also have courses for Nursing. To find out more, please contact these universities by using the contact information provided. |
| Question: I want to study nursing at TAFE. Where can I find entry requirements and more information? |
| Answer: When you study with TAFE NSW, we want you to succeed. Entry requirements allow us to make sure that you have the right pre-existing knowledge and skills to achieve your chosen qualification. For some of our Nursing courses it may be a requirement to have a language, literacy and numeracy skills at level Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) level 3 or above. You will need to provide evidence of your literacy, language and numeracy proficiency by completing our RU Ready program which is a free service for our students. For our Diploma in Nursing course there are 3 steps to apply for entry to this course: 1.Submit an application form. Enquire now to receive your form. 2.Participate in a language, literacy and numeracy (LLN) assessment. To continue to the next stage, you need to achieve an English language result of Level 3 or above. 3.Attend a face-to-face interview. At your interview you will need to provide evidence that you have satisfactorily completed: Year 12 of high school or a Certificate III qualification or an equivalent In addition to the TAFE LLN requirement above, you will also need to meet the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia (NMBA)’s English language requirements. To find out the requirements for a specific course and for all course information, please refer to the TAFE NSW website There you will find information for all of our courses or call 131 601 for assistance. www.tafensw.edu.au/tafe-nsw Nursing courses: www.tafensw.edu.au/search?q=nursing&search=manual |
Pathways
| Question: Which pathway would be the best for me if I had already finished school in another country and now you want to start studying in Australia? |
| Answer: This really depends on a range of personal preferences and your circumstance, like how long you want to commit to study, what sort of residency or visa conditions apply to you, what is your career aim or what sort of qualifications you want to end up getting. It is best to get in contact directly with someone at the different Universities and TAFE NSW so that they can understand your needs and would be in a better position to give you education advice once they find out more about what your aims are. Follow this link for the list of direct contacts. |
Recognition of Prior Learning
| Question: If I have a certificate or diploma from TAFE NSW, how do I know that it will be recognised towards what I want to do at University? Will I get credit for some of the work done at TAFE? |
| UTS answer: UTS recognises prior learning from TAFE NSW but this is different in each course. You can use this tool to search for the course you are aiming to get into at UTS: https://www.uts.edu.au/future-students/recognition-prior-learning In Addition, every other university recognises prior learning differently. This link here gives you the contacts for all the Universities that were present at the Webinar. Please use the direct contacts to find out more about recognition of prior learning at University. |
| Question: If I have another country’s diploma and I want to have it recognised (or some of it to be recognised) so I can extend my studies in my field, how should I go about it? |
| TAFE NSW answer: you can get assistance with the process of validating of your overseas qualification from TAFE NSW if you wish to study at TAFE NSW. Please contact eva.atkins6@tafensw.edu.au Alternatively, there are recognition of prior learning processes at all the Universities present at the Webinar. Follow this link to see their contact details and get in touch with them for advice on recognising your course that was previously studied in another country. |
Contact Details
| TAFE NSW | Eva Atkins | Cultural & Linguistic Diversity (CALD) Coordinator, Customer and Stakeholder Relations Unit | (02) 9825 7376 | eva.atkins6@tafensw.edu.au | www.tafensw.edu.au |
| Charles Sturt University | Student Equity & Diversity | (02) 6338 4256 1800 275 278 | equity.officer@csu.edu.au info@csu.edu.au | www.csu.edu.au/current-students/support-services/specialist-services/refugee-students | |
| Macquarie University | Saya Hussain | Senior Mentoring & Transition Officer, LEAP UP Macquarie Mentoring Program Refugee Transition Program | (02) 9850 7394 | Saya.Hussain@mq.edu.au | www.mq.edu.au/study |
| UTS | John Tran | Student Equity Project Officer, Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion | 02 9514 1084 | access.schemes@uts.edu.au | www.uts.edu.au/humanitarian-access |
| Western Sydney University | Bronwyn Williams Alfred Mupenzi | Community Project Officer Senior Project Support Officer Refugee, New and Emerging Communities | 02 9678 7662 02 96787157 | B.Williams@westernsydney.edu.au a.mupenzi@westernsydney.edu.au | www.westernsydney.edu.au/future |