Advice & Guidance on Making Applications to Australian Universities

1. Advice & Guidance on Making Applications to Australian Universities

2. Presentation Rundown • Groupings and Ranking • University Application System • Entry Requirements • ATAR • Applying as an International Student • Applying as a Domestic Student • Alternative Pathways • Ex-student Profiles

3. Group of 8 (Go8) The Group of Eight (Go8) is a coalition of leading Australian tertiary institutions, intensive in research and comprehensive in general and professional education. • The University of Adelaide • The Australian National University • The University of Melbourne • Monash University • The University of New South Wales • The University of Queensland • The University of Sydney • The University of Western Australia

4. Australian Technology Network (ATN) TheAustralian Technology Network (ATN)the five Australian universities with a common focus on the practical application of tertiary studies and research. Their graduate and research outcomes are closely aligned to the needs of industry and wider society. The ATN member universities are: • Curtin University of Technology • University of South Australia • RMIT University • University of Technology Sydney • Queensland University of Technology

5. Innovative Research Universities in Australia IRU is a network of seven comprehensive universities conducting research of national and international standing. The IRU network has national reach, with an institutional presence in every mainland State of Australia and the Northern Territory. • Flinders University • Griffith University • La Trobe University • Murdoch University • University of Newcastle • James Cook University • Charles Darwin University

6. Australian universities and world rankings UNIVERSITY Aus World University of Melbourne 1(28) Australian National University2 (37) University of Sydney 3(62) University of Queensland 4 (65) University of New South Wales5(99) Monash University 6 (47) University of Adelaide 7 (176) University of Western Australia 8(190) Macquarie University 9 (251) Reference: Times Higher Education 2013

7. Australian University Application System

8. TAC – Teritary Admissions Centre South Australia & Northern Terrirtory– SATAC Victoria – VTAC New South Wales & Australian Capital Territory – UAC Queensland – QTAC Western Australia – WATAC Tasmania – Direct Application to the university

9. Entry Requirements – Prerequisites • Entry to some degree courses requires Certain pre-requisites– DO CHECK WITH THE INDIVIDUAL UNIVERSITY. • Preferred IB subjects & levels or assumed knowledge. While these aren’t always essential, you’ll stand a greater chance of obtaining a place if you can provide evidence of prior learning in these areas. • ISAT / UMAT - Medicine

10. IB/ID Score vs ATAR - For ID students, please contact the university directly for admission requirements and individual assessment. - Whether you’re applying as an Australian citizen or an international student, you’ll need to see how your IB grades relates to ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank)– the system used to try to put international examinations on an even weighting.

13. International Students • Apply directly to each university by late December with your predicted grades to start in August. (Eg. Monash and University of Melbourne) • Apply with your final results to start in the following year February. You may not need to go through the Tertiary Admissions Centre, check with individual universities.

14. Timeline – Domestic Students • These will vary from state to state and course to course so you need to keep abreast of different deadlines. VTAC example

15. Timeline – Domestic Students JULY/AUGUST (post results) - Tertiary Centre Guides are available - Research state, universities and courses to identify prerequisites, assumed knowledge etc - Early closing dates such as Medicine • Prepare for supporting documentation • ATAR vs IB SEPTEMBER - Make application through Tertiary Admissions Centre - Rank order your choices - Decide whether you are applying as HECS (HE Contribution Scheme) or full fee paying - Apply for accommodation - Receive acknowledge of your application

16. Timeline – Domestic Students OCTOBER - Last chance to make changes to your preferences - additional charges may apply - Submit outstanding documentation JANUARY - Most offers are made late January FEBRUARY - Second round of offers made - Orientation programmes and classes commence

17. Alternative pathway to university study (1) Technical & Further Education (TAFE) – Australian Government funded vocational and technical training. TAFE institutes provide direct pathways to university study. They are widely recognised for their role in preparing people for work by providing training, skills and knowledge that lead to employment.

18. Alternative pathway to university study (2) Foundation courses prepare students for university entry generally after one year of academic study.

19. Ex-Student Profiles 2013 entry • Student A: Final IB score: 34 IB points. First Choice - UNSW – Bachelor of Engineering and Bachelor of Science (Double Degree) • Student B: Final IB score: 27 IB points Third Choice - Macquerie University: Bachelor of Education

20. Ex-Student Profiles • Student C: Predicted IB score: 32 Final IB score: 25 Conditional Offers: Edinburgh and Exeter Final Destination – Foundation at University of Queensland Now – Bachelor of Science at University of Queensland

21. Q & A