We value the wide range of skills that you can bring to UTS, so we want to support you to get here.
The U@Uni Academy is an alternate, non-ATAR entry pathway to study at UTS, exclusive to our U@Uni partner schools. It is offered free of charge.
The program runs for two years, starting at the beginning of Year 11. It provides a select cohort of students with university experiences, academic support, and opportunities to develop key capabilities that will give them an edge in university study and beyond.
Over the program, students take part in a variety of on-campus experiences and in-school mentoring and tutoring. These experiences will provide industry connections, enhance HSC studies, and help develop skills in areas like communication, critical thinking and innovation.
Upon successfully completing the program, participants will receive an offer into one of our undergraduate courses!
Participating students will keep track of their progress through an online portfolio - see further information below.
The program
Below explains each step of the two-year program:
Year 11
Orientation – Term 2, UTS
Students are welcomed onto campus and are given an opportunity to meet their mentors and UTS staff.
Winter School – July school holidays, UTS
Students are given a taste of what university is like with one week of on-campus workshops and activities.
Online module 1 – Term 3, online
Students explore UTS Canvas and new disciplines while working through online learning activities
Online module 2 – Term 4, online
Students dive deeper into new subject areas and explore cross-disciplinary approaches to problem solving.
Year 12
UniPrep: My story – Term 1, online
Students are introduced to the online UniPrep Hub and get a chance to explore their identity and post-school options.
Experience UTS Day – April school holidays, UTS
Students get to explore more of what UTS has to offer, with 30+ faculty workshops to choose from.
UniPrep: My uni – Term 2, online
Students engage with important tools and resources that are key to navigating through uni with confidence.
Experience UTS Day 2 – July school holidays, UTS
Students solidify their learnings from UniPrep through this one day on-campus experience.
UniPrep: My future – Term 3, online
Students revisit the skills and strategies they will take with them into their HSC exams, as well as learn about the social aspects of uni.
Graduation workshop – November, UTS
Students begin their final preparations for uni, with enrolment support, trouble shooting and opportunities for Q&A.
How to join
Applications are managed through each participating school (see list of partner schools). Applications open for Year 11 students of partner schools from around March each year. Please note that places are limited. Speak to your school to find out more.
U@Uni Academy graduation criteria
In order to successfully complete the U@Uni Academy and receive an offer to study at UTS through the program, students must:
- Successfully complete the HSC
- Undertake HSC pattern of study (however, you don’t have to be on an ATAR pathway). See the NSW Education Standards Authority NESA Rules and Procedures Guide for HSC pattern of study requirements. Note that life skills courses are not considered eligible.
- Sit all HSC exams, including optional exams for VET and category B subjects.
- Pass the minimum standards exam.
- Attend 75% of all U@Uni Academy program activities
- Demonstrate achievement and progress through the U@Uni Academy experience. This involves online submissions demonstrating achievements in capabilities such as collaboration, creativity and critical thinking. Specific online submission requirements will be communicated during the program.
- Complete a personal statement. At the end of the two years we want you to tell us what you learned while in the Academy, and what your aspirations are for university. Completing this personal statement is included as part of the U@Uni Academy process, and assistance will be provided to students in putting this together.
Frequently asked questions