ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app

Whether your child is applying through Early Admission, receiving a UAC offer or exploring their options after Year 12, there's a lot to navigate. We've answered some of the questions parents ask us most often, from applications and enrolment through to careers, student support and life at university.

If you can't find the answer you're looking for, our Future Students Team is always happy to help.

Deciding on a university 

Is a university degree still worth it?

It's a fair question. With rapid advances in technology, changing industries and new career pathways emerging every year, many families wonder whether university is still the right investment.

For many careers, the answer is yes. Degrees remain the recognised qualification for professions such as teaching, nursing, engineering, law, psychology and many health professions. Beyond that, university develops the critical thinking, communication, problem-solving and collaboration skills employers consistently value across industries.

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app degrees are designed alongside industry and taught by experts, giving students practical experience, professional placements and opportunities to build real-world skills before they graduate.

Will a degree improve my child's employment prospects?

While no university can guarantee a job after graduation, a degree continues to open doors across many professions.

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app works closely with industry to ensure courses reflect the skills employers are looking for. Many degrees include work integrated learning like placements, internships, clinical experience, cadetships or industry projects, helping students graduate with valuable real-world experience alongside their qualification.

All ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app students also have access to career development services throughout their degree, including resume support, interview preparation, networking opportunities and employer events.

How does ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app prepare students for an AI-driven future?

Artificial intelligence is definitely changing the way almost every industry works, but it's also creating new opportunities.

Rather than competing with AI, tomorrow's graduates will need to work alongside it. That's why ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app is embedding digital capability, ethical decision-making, creativity and critical thinking throughout our courses. These are the skills that technology can't replace and employers increasingly value.

Students also gain experience using emerging technologies in ways that are relevant to their chosen profession, helping them graduate ready to hit the ground running the workplace.

Getting into uni

Can my child still get in if they don't receive the ATAR they hoped for?

Absolutely. There are many pathways into university, and an ATAR is just one of them.

If your child is still considering or applying for universities – ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app offers Early Admission, which is our early offer program for students finishing Year 12 (HSC or other Australian equivalents).

Instead of relying solely on Year 12 results, we consider Year 11 performance, along with the student's skills and experiences; giving them the chance to secure a place in the right degree at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app before the final exams even begin. Applications open in June, and close in August each year.

If they do not apply for, or get an offer through Early Admission, and don’t receive the ATAR they were hoping for, they may still receive an offer to another course or be eligible for a pathway through . Many ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app College diplomas lead directly into a ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app bachelor's degree, with students often receiving credit towards their degree after successfully completing their diploma.

If your child is unsure about their options after receiving their results, our Future Students team can talk them through the pathways available and help them find the option that's right for them.

What if they're still unsure about what they want to study?

That's completely normal!

Many students know exactly what they want to do after school, while others are still exploring their options. If your child isn't certain, encourage them to think about the school subjects they enjoy, the problems they'd like to solve and the kind of career or lifestyle they're hoping to build, rather than feeling pressure to choose the ‘perfect’ degree straight away.

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app offers a range of resources to help students make an informed decision, including course information, campus tours, webinars, one-on-one consultations and events where they can speak directly with academics and current students. And remember: it's possible to change direction later if their interests change. It’s not unusual for students to change their enrolment from one course to another once they start studying. 

What are the key dates we need to be aware of? 

Application deadlines, offer rounds, enrolment, Orientation and session commencement dates are updated throughout the year on our Important Dates page.

Starting university

How much does university cost?

University costs vary depending on the course your child chooses, but many Australian students are eligible for a , which allows them to defer paying their tuition fees until they're earning above the government repayment threshold.

There are still some upfront costs to consider, such as accommodation, textbooks, equipment or travel, although these vary between degrees. Depending on their circumstances, students may also be eligible for scholarships or government financial assistance to help with the cost of studying.

For the most up-to-date tuition fees and financial support information, visit our Fees and Assistance page.

Should my child live on campus or commute?

There's no right or wrong answer, it depends on your family and child's circumstances and what will help them thrive.

Many ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app students choose to commute from home, while others decide to live in university accommodation to enjoy greater independence and immerse themselves in campus life.

Living on campus can make it easier to build friendships, participate in student activities and access university facilities, while commuting can offer flexibility and help reduce living costs.

Whatever they choose, ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app offers a welcoming community, support services and plenty of opportunities to connect with other students.

If living on campus is an option for your family, there is an application process, and places often fill up fast. Applications open in June each year, at the ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app Accommodation website. You should also consider coming to our ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app campus Open Day or book a campus tour so that your child can see and experience where they’ll be living and studying.

How much contact time will they have each week?

This will vary depending on the degree and the subjects a student studies.

Some courses involve lectures, tutorials and laboratories across several days each week, while others include practical classes, placements or fieldwork. Some classes are compulsory, some are not (don’t tell students that!), and many lectures are repeated/streamed more than once to help students build their timetable around their schedule.

Students should also expect to spend time studying independently outside their scheduled classes - reading, preparing for tutorials and completing assignments.

University offers greater flexibility than school, allowing students to take responsibility for managing their own study, work and personal commitments while developing valuable time management skills.

Can they work while studying?

Yes. Many ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app students choose to work part-time while completing their degree.

The flexibility of university timetables often makes it possible to balance study with paid employment, although the number of hours a student can comfortably work will depend on their course, workload and motivation. During busy periods such as exams or practical placements, students may need to reduce their work commitments. ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app is very much a ‘uni town’ and many employees know what to expect when they employ students. Local businesses are usually quite flexible with rosters when it comes to exam time; and many students like to use their job as a distraction from study (and money for the holidays!).

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app's Careers and Employability team also helps students find casual employment, prepare resumes, build interview skills and connect with employers throughout their studies so they’re well set up to join the workforce as a university graduate.

Student support

Will my child be supported at ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app?

Starting university is a big transition, not just academically, but personally too. At ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app, supporting students is just as important as teaching them.

From orientation onwards, students have access to tools such as peer mentoring, academic skills support, wellbeing services, careers advice, learning development and dedicated staff who can help with everything from enrolment to navigating university life.

Whether they're living away from home for the first time or commuting to campus, students are never expected to figure everything out on their own.

My child has a disability, medical condition or learning adjustment. What support is available?

ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app is committed to creating an inclusive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to succeed.

Our Accessibility and Inclusion team supports students with a disability, ongoing or temporary health conditions, mental health conditions, learning differences and caring responsibilities. Depending on individual circumstances, support may include reasonable adjustments, assistive technology, alternative exam arrangements, accessible learning materials and individual support plans.

Students are encouraged to connect with the Accessibility and Inclusion team early so support can be in place before classes begin.

Still not sure where to start?

We’ve got you. Choosing a university is a big decision, and it's natural to have questions along the way.

You can connect with us over the phone, online or in person. We're here to support both students and their families throughout the journey. One thing to keep in mind is, once your child starts and application to ÌìÃÀ´«Ã½app we won’t be able to discuss the application with anyone but them without their permission. It's simply part of protecting their privacy.

Whether you need help understanding entry requirements, comparing courses, exploring pathways or simply working out the next step, our Future Students team is here to help.