Beyond the ATAR: alternative pathways to your uni degree

If you didn’t get the ATAR you were hoping for, there’s no need to stress. UOW College offers guaranteed* pathways into over 40 UOW degrees, with all the support you need to step confidently into the future you imagine.

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It can feel like your entire future hangs on your ATAR, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. If Year 11 and 12 didn’t go as planned and you didn’t get the results you needed, there are plenty of alternative pathways to bring your uni dreams to life. 

UOW College is the perfect place to begin your next step, whether you’re looking to transition smoothly into a UOW degree or get job-ready quickly with a nationally recognised vocational course.  

Same destination, different path 

Maya was heartbroken when she realised she probably wouldn’t get the ATAR she needed to study psychology at UOW and become a forensic psychologist.  

“I thought, this is all I ever wanted to do – what am I supposed to do now?” she says. 

She jumped at the chance to gain alternate entry into UOW’s Bachelor of Arts (Psychology) through UOW College’s 14-week fee-free University Entrance Program. After struggling in high school, it proved to be the head start she needed. She’s now thriving in the first year of her degree. 

“The teachers and environment were really supportive,” Maya says.  

“They taught all the skills you need for uni, like referencing, essay writing and scientific reports. They even helped us set up calendars and timetables so we could manage our time better. It made the transition so much smoother.” 

All the benefits of direct entry, and more 

Studying at UOW College is just like being a first-year student at UOW, but with smaller class sizes and extra support to help you ease into university life. 

UOW College offers guaranteed entry to a wide range of undergraduate degrees – most leading straight into second year, so there’s no time lost. You’ll cover the same content as your direct entry classmates, but in an environment that’s all about small classes, personalised support, and building the skills you need to succeed in your degree and beyond.  

You’ll also have access to all the things that make up the UOW student experience, like student accommodation, clubs and societies, entertainment, printing and library facilities. 

No time lost 

When Ayla suffered a severe netball injury in her final years of high school, her HSC studies were sidetracked by surgery and a long recovery. Her ATAR suffered, preventing her from direct entry into the UOW Bachelor of Business (Marketing) degree she needed to chase a bright future in sports marketing. 

Ayla’s determination to chase a bright future in sports marketing led her to UOW College’s Diploma of Business. After completing her first year in just two 14-week sessions, she was more than prepared to join her cohort in the second year of her bachelor’s degree.  

“The foundational marketing subjects set me up well for second year, where we’re now exploring those topics in more depth,” says Ayla.  

“The smaller classes and supportive teachers made it easier to ask questions and engage in the coursework. It also helped me build strong study habits, like time management, and improve my communication skills. I didn’t really have that in high school, and it’s been so important in preparing me for my degree.” 

Meeting you where you are 

There’s more to a student’s story than their ATAR. At UOW College, we look at the bigger picture, like your personal history, earlier high school marks, vocational training, work experience – a whole range of factors that show who you are and what you’re capable of. 

Just like Sarah, who left school at 15 and is on her way to becoming a neurosurgeon through UOW College’s Diploma of Medical and Health Science pathway. After years of struggling with anxiety, she found a safe and supportive environment to restart her academic journey, nurtured by her teachers and Peer Learning Leaders. 

“It’s those supports, the after-class things, that bring it all back,” she says. 

“I see better results here than I did in high school, and I think it’s because I’m directing my own learning.” 

Whether you don’t have the ATAR you need for direct or just like the idea of extra support to help you on your way, UOW College is a great place to start.  

Find out more about our courses and pathways to university here   

*Guarantee is subject to meeting UOW entry requirements