Engineering

Frequently asked questions

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• What ATAR do I need to get into Engineering at UTS?

  Admission to UTS Engineering is based on your selection rank (ATAR + adjustment factors), which varies by major and year. Entry is competitive, as ranks depend on available places and applicant demand.

  You can also complete the UTS Engineering and IT Portfolio (Year 12) questionnaire to demonstrate your strong motivation to study engineering. If you fall short of the Selection Rank by 1-3 points, we will still consider your application.

  Check the latest ATAR and selection ranks using the UTS admission stats tool.

• Can I apply for an Engineering course without an ATAR?

  Yes, there are several pathways to study Engineering at UTS. You can begin with a UTS College Diploma of Engineering, which provides direct entry into Year 2 of the UTS Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) if you achieve the required grade point average (GPA).

  
  You can also enter via VET or TAFE studies, which may count toward your degree through Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Learn more about admissions and pathways.

• What Engineering majors are available at UTS?

  The available engineering majors include Biomedical, Civil, Civil & Environmental, Chemical Process, Data Science, Electrical, Electronic, Mechanical, Mechatronic, Software, and Flexible. Learn more about your Engineering study options through the UTS Handbook.

• Which Engineering majors are the most in demand and offer the highest employability in Australia?

  The demand for engineering majors in Australia changes each year, but engineering degrees generally offer strong employability across all disciplines. Because all accredited programs teach core problem-solving, maths, and design skills, graduates can often work across different engineering fields. For up-to-date trends on the most in-demand areas, students can refer to Engineers Australia’s annual reports on engineering employment and skills shortages.

  
  Explore Engineering career pathways.

• What is the difference between mechanical, electrical and biomedical engineering at UTS?

  Mechanical engineering deals with machines and motion, electrical engineering focuses on electricity and electronics, and biomedical engineering combines engineering with healthcare to create medical devices. 

  
  When choosing a UTS engineering degree, think about whether you enjoy working with mechanical systems, electronics, or medical technology. Explore engineering careers.

• I am interested in Engineering, but undecided on which major to study. Do I have to decide on a major immediately?

  If you're unsure about your engineering major, start with a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Flexible. This degree lets you study core engineering subjects and explore various areas in your first year before selecting your engineering major. You can also combine complementary majors to broaden your career options.

  
  Students selecting the flexible engineering major should decide by the end of the first year of full-time study whether to transfer to a designated major or continue with the flexible program.

• How is the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Data Science) different compared to the Data Science and Innovation Courses

  The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Data Science) provides strong foundations in mathematics, programming, engineering design, and professional practice, preparing graduates to become fully qualified engineers recognised by Engineers Australia.

  
  UTS’s Data Science and Innovation programs are postgraduate transdisciplinary courses that blend data analytics with innovation, leadership, communication, and human-centred problem-solving. These programs are ideal for graduates who want to apply data science across transdisciplinary contexts.

• What is the difference between a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) Diploma in Industry Practice?

  The Diploma in Industry Practice is a 48-week structured Practice Program, consisting of two six-month internships during your course, giving you a full year of hands-on industry experience before you graduate. It helps students fast-track their pathway to becoming a chartered professional engineer by reducing the post-graduation experience time required for accreditation. 

• Are there scholarships available to support women in engineering?

  There are two scholarships available: the Women in Engineering and IT Cooperative Scholarship and the Women in Engineering and IT Faculty Scholarship. Depending on the scholarship, benefits may include placements, varying award values and different durations. 

  
  Find out more about the Women in Engineering and IT community at UTS.

• Can I change my Engineering major after commencing my course?

  Yes, you can apply to transfer to another engineering major, as there are overlapping subjects in your first year. However, you should speak to your course coordinator and check the UTS Handbook to review your new study plan and subject availability to avoid delaying your graduation.

  
  Transfers will be considered if you have achieved the minimum grade point average(GPA) or weighted average mark (WAM). Conditions apply for scholarship recipients or sponsored students. Learn more about changing your undergraduate engineering major.

• How much Maths and Physics is involved in Engineering?

  All Engineering degrees include core mathematics and physics subjects in the first year. You can find out more about the subjects in your course through the UTS Handbook. If you haven’t studied Mathematics Extension 1 or physics at school, UTS bridging courses are available before you start. Learn about bridging courses.

• How long does it take to complete the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) and are there flexible study options?

  The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) offers flexible study options for domestic students - you can choose to study full-time over 4 years or part-time over 8 years.

  
  If you’re an international student on a student visa, you must maintain a full-time study load. If you want to study part-time, apply for permission to reduce your study load.

• Do I need to select my engineering major before I start my degree at UTS?

  You will need to select the discipline you are interested in to study from one of our discipline study areas: Civil and Environmental Engineering, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Data Science and Software Engineering Biomedical Engineering. If you are unsure as to which area of engineering you would like to study, why not start your degree off in our Flexible Engineering degree. 

• Are engineering degrees at UTS accredited?

  The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Biomedical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Data Science Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Engineering, Flexible Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical and Mechatronic Engineering, Mechatronic Engineering, and Software Engineering are fully accredited by Engineers Australia. These degrees are recognised internationally by signatories to the Washington Accord.

  
  The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in Chemical Process Engineering, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, and Renewable Energy Engineering are provisionally accredited with Engineers Australia, and are expected to be eligible for full accreditation once a representative group of graduates has emerged.

• Can I defer my study?

  Whether you can defer depends on several factors. Some courses do not allow you to defer, and you cannot defer if you commence your course in the Spring or Summer session.

  Visit deferring an offer for more information.

• Is it possible to study part time?

  Domestic applicants can study part time by enrolling in a less than full-time study load. Visit study load for more information.

  If you’re an international student on a student visa, you must maintain a full-time study load. If you want to study part time, apply for permission to reduce your study load.

• I have a previous qualification in a different field – will this support my application?

  If you have studied a previous qualification, it can be considered for admissions purposes. Visit admissions and eligibility for more information.

  You may also be eligible for credit towards your new course through recognition of prior learning (RPL).

• Can I transfer to UTS from a different university?

  Yes, although you will need to apply. Application information is available for domestic applicants and international applicants.

  If you transfer to UTS, you may be able to receive credit towards your new course based on your previous study through recognition of prior learning (RPL).

• What happens if I don’t get the selection rank?

  Your ATAR isn’t the only determining factor to entry into UTS. There are additional adjustments given to students who complete relevant HSC subjects, which can add up to five additional bonus points.

  You can also complete the Engineering and IT Portfolio (Year 12) questionnaire to demonstrate your strong motivation to study engineering and IT. If you fall short of the Selection Rank by 1–3 points, we will still consider your application.

• Can I study a UTS subject if I’m a student at another university?

  Yes, although you will need to apply. If you’re studying at a different university, cross-institutional study allows you to enrol in UTS subjects and receive credit for them towards your course.

  More information is available at cross-institutional study.

• Can I register for a tour of the UTS campus?

  Yes, UTS runs free campus tours throughout the year.

  Register for a UTS campus tour to secure a spot.