Whole-of-Institution Information Set

1. About UNE

At the University of New England, our mission is to help ordinary people future fit their lives in response to the rapidly changing world in which we live. When you study at UNE you get more than a degree, you get a complete university experience: a vibrant, supportive community, small classes, and easy access to your expert lecturers. This means that you get every opportunity to reach your potential and get the very best start (plus some great memories along the way).

UNE remains one of the few universities to provide the complete on-campus experience, combining affordability, student support and community, as well as extensive sporting facilities. Study with UNE and see why we get the maximum five-star rating from graduates for Overall Satisfaction and Teaching Quality in the Good Universities Guide year after year.

In addition to a range of entry pathways, including a popular Early Entry program for school leavers, many students without entry qualifications take advantage of our Pathways Enabling Course, which provides entry to most UNE undergraduate degrees. The course has no tuition fees for domestic students and can be studied online from home.

UNE has been the leading innovator of flexible study for over 65 years because we’re committed to helping our students to balance their study with other commitments.

Campus Location

Armidale

Our Armidale campus is well equipped with first rate sporting facilities, shops, restaurants, medical facilities, childcare, and a post office. In addition to excellent study facilities, we provide an environment that facilitates the creation of lifelong friendships. On-campus facilities include:

  • Sport UNE – Offers students a great range of on-campus sporting facilities, including rock climbing, soccer, yoga, archery, hockey and basketball.
  • Café Life – Located in the centre of the campus, the café is a great place for lunch, snacks or an espresso coffee during the day.
  • The Booloominbah Collection – The Brasserie and Courtyard Café are located in the historic Booloominbah homestead. Relax with coffee and cake or enjoy excellent food for breakfast or lunch throughout the year at Booloominbah.
  • The Shop – A retail shop, newsagent and post-office rolled into one, Campus Essentials has everything needed for life at UNE.
  • Medical Centre – The UNE Medical Centre is located within the Tablelands Clinical School building, adjacent to Armidale Hospital in Butler St. International students are able to access this facility and use their Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for a number of different health services.
  • Childcare – UNE offers childcare to staff and students at a university managed centre called Yarm Gwanga Preschool and Early Education Centre (Yarm Gwanga meaning 'place for children') including long day care, residential and vacation care.

UNE Regional Campuses


UNE Sydney, UNE Tamworth & UNE Taree are innovation learning hubs providing students with access to student support, workshops, tutorial rooms, study areas, conferencing facilities and online learning technologies.

Regional Study Centres

Students in regional New South Wales have access to our eight regional study centres in Coonabarabran, Narrabri, Moree, Inverell, Tenterfield, Glen Innes, Gunnedah and Guyra. Universities Centre. UNE is a partner institution of the Country Universities Centre (CUC) network, giving our students access to these Centres across regional Australia, including CUC Snowy Monaro, CUC Goulburn, CUC Far West, CUC North West, CUC Clarence Valley and CUC Western Riverina.

Open Day

Armidale: May 5th 2023

UNE’s official open day is in early May. Campus tours are also a great way to see the campus and to get information relevant to you. To book a personalised tour, visit Campus Tours or call 1800 818 865.

Important Dates

2023
Orientation:  Monday 20 February 2023 - Friday 24 February 2023
Trimester 1:  Monday 27 February 2023 - Friday 9 June 2023
Orientation:  Friday 23 June 2023 
Trimester 2:  Monday 26 June 2023 - Friday 6 October 2023
Orientation:  Friday 20 October 2023
Trimester 3:  Monday 23 October 2023 – Friday 16 February 2024

For a full list of important dates for both 2023 and 2024, please visit Principal Dates section on the UNE website.

Contact UNE

Armidale Campus
CRICOS provider number 00003G

Postal enquiries:
Student Pathways
Level 2,TC Lamble Building 
University of New England
Armidale NSW 2351

In person:
Student Connect
Dixson Library Learning Commons
University of New England
Armidale NSW 2351

Telephone:   
Freecall 1800 818 865
From outside Australia +61 2 6773 2000

Email or Live Chat:  une.edu.au/askune
Facebook:  facebook.com/unearmidale
Twitter:  twitter.com/UniNewEngland
YouTube:  youtube.com/UNExtra

2. Admission criteria

A. Applicants with higher education study

If you have ever undertaken tertiary studies, your application will be assessed on the basis of your overall academic record. UNE has study options for you whether you have partially completed your study at another university and wish to transfer your studies to UNE, or you have completed a tertiary qualification and are looking to extend your qualifications or commence study in another area.

We will assess your application against the rules outlined in the course information web page in the UNE Course Handbook and in accordance with any UNE Policies that relate to students studying with UNE.

Completed bridging or enabling course
Your admission application may also be assessed based on a completed bridging or enabling course regardless of where the course was undertaken. Admission applications must include a scanned copy of an academic transcript and your academic results will be converted to an admission rank.

Credit Transfer
Information regarding credit transfer on the basis of previous study for each course can be found under the heading Advanced Standing in the course information in the UNE Course Handbook.

Credit referred to in the UNE Handbook as specific amounts of credit based on ‘admission to candidature’ will be automatically assessed with your admission application. Some course rules provide for pre-approved credit for a combination of prior study and relevant employment experience. Similarly, credit for previous UNE units of study can also be assessed with your admission application. In these cases there is no need to apply separately for credit.

All other credit assessments require applicants to submit a separate Credit Application with supporting documentation such as a certified official academic transcript and unit descriptions for the units you are relying on for the credit to be granted. Candidates may also refer to the UNE Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Additionally you can utilise My eQuals as a way of providing your documents for advanced standing applications.

B. Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

Admission at UNE is often possible on the basis of previous VET study, such as a Certificate IV or higher. Some courses also allow for block credit towards a course (also called articulation is some courses)  based on VET qualifications and/or relevant employment experience. For more information about this, the admission section or program of study of your preferred course’s information in the UNE Course Handbook.

Credit Transfer
Information regarding credit transfer on the basis of previous study for each course can be found under the heading Advanced Standing in the course information in the UNE Course Handbook.

Credit is referred to in the UNE Handbook as specific amounts of credit based on ‘admission to candidature’ will be automatically assessed with your admission application. Some course rules provide for pre-approved credit for a combination of prior study and relevant employment experience. Similarly, credit for previous UNE units of study can also be assessed with your admission application. In these cases there is no need to apply separately for credit.

All other credit assessments require applicants to submit a separate Credit Application with supporting documentation such as a certified official academic transcript and unit descriptions for the units you are relying on for the credit to be granted. Candidates may also refer to the UNE Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Additionally you can utilise My eQuals as a way of providing your documents for advanced standing applications.

C. Applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years)

Australian Year 12 students

The ATAR is the primary mechanism used nationally for tertiary admissions and indicates a student’s position relative to other students.  

For Queensland Year 12 students from 2020 the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) has replaced the Overall Position (OP) as the standard pathway to tertiary study. The ATAR was introduced for students commencing Year 11 in 2019, who will graduate from the end of 2020 and seek entry to tertiary courses commencing from 2021. QTAC will calculate ATARs for Queensland school leavers.

Current International Baccalaureate (IB) students will be assigned a selection rank based on their score from their completed IB Diploma. As agreed by admissions centres around Australia, the IB score is converted to a 'combined rank'. The combined rank is on the same scale as the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR). IB Diploma students will be considered for an offer based on this selection rank (or other recognised qualifications undertaken when at school).

In addition to applying for entry based on their ATAR or OP, current school leavers may also like to consider the following:

ATAR-related adjustments

The UNE ATAR Adjustment Scheme assists residents of rural or remote areas to gain entry to most UNE courses through an automatic adjustment of two OPs or five selection ranks. The scheme is open to people living in areas classified as Inner Regional, Outer Regional, Remote or Very Remote under the Australian Standard Geographic Classification (ASGC).

The UNE ATAR Adjustment Scheme is not available for course with specific, or no ranks related admission criteria, such as but not limited to: Medicine, Law (3 Years) (no adjustment factors for 2023, adjustment factors apply for 2024), Music degrees.

UNE caps the overall number of bonuses ranks for all applicants regardless of the combination of educational access or type of special entry admission schemes to which they are entitled.  The maximum possible total adjustment factors is five (5) ranks.

Criteria that may apply in addition to ATAR

Some courses offer specific processes to address their entry requirements, examples of which include:

  • Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood and Primary)
  • Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood Teaching)
  • Bachelor of Education (In-service Conversion)
  • Bachelor of Education (K-12 Teaching)
  • Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program)
  • Bachelor of Music
  • Bachelor of Nursing
  • Bachelor of Organisational Leadership
  • Bachelor of Training and Development
  • Diploma in Music

Relevant information specific to these courses is published in the University's Course Handbook.

Other admission options

UNE Early Entry Scheme

The UNE Early Entry program allows you to apply for University before you sit your Year 12 exams, so that you can secure a place as soon as your exams are finished (taking some of the stress out of the exam period). The UNE Early Entry program relies on your High School's assessment of your ability to cope with study at university, rather than an ATAR.

The scheme is free to apply to and Early Entry applications can be completed online. If you plan to undertake a gap year after high school, you must apply while you are still in year 12.

Successful applicants will receive an offer from UNE in November. You will be able to accept your offer immediately and secure your university place for the intended academic year. Not all courses are available for Early Entry, due to the nature of their application processes (e.g. you may need to participate in an audition/interview). A comprehensive list of courses available for Early Entry can be found on the Early Entry Courses web page.

School Recommendations Scheme (SRS)

If you have applied through UAC for undergraduate admission, you are also able to apply for the School Recommendations Scheme using your existing UAC application number and UAC PIN. SRS offers are made based on the first preference that you have listed in your UAC application. For information changing your preferences, please visit the UAC website. Please note that you are only able to submit one School Recommendations Scheme application, in addition to your UAC application.

If you are successful, UNE will forward a pre-offer advice letter notifying you of the outcome of your SRS application. This outcome allows you to consider how you might then go and set your UAC preferences if you want to receive an Offer from UNE. Once you receive your offer, you will be able to accept immediately and secure your place for the intended academic year.

If you have any further questions about either the Early Entry or School Recommendations Schemes, please contact our Future Students team through the AskUNE Contact Us tab, online Live Chat, phone to 1800 818 865, or via Facebook.

The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

Special Tertiary Admissions Test is a test recognised by UNE that assesses your ability to understand the material given and to think critically about issues, rather than to test knowledge of curriculum or a specific academic subject. If you have no formal qualifications on which to base your application to a tertiary institution, you may be eligible to be considered for entry to a course by sitting a STAT. Your STAT results provide you with a score which is valid for 3 years.

Educational Access Scheme

UNE acknowledges and provides consideration for applicants who have experienced educational disadvantage. To help with this, UNE has an Educational Access Scheme. Applicants applying for on-campus study can apply for consideration under the EAS administered by the Universities Admission Centre (UAC) and the Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre (QTAC).

Internal Selection Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates

Internal Selection Program (ISP) is a one-day testing and assessment program which focuses on each participant's study skills and career goals. Following an interview, participants are recommended for admission to either mainstream UNE Courses or the TRACKS Tertiary Preparation Program and advised on suitable alternatives for study in their chosen field.

TRACKS Tertiary Preparation Course

If you are Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) you also have the option of undertaking the TRACKS Tertiary Preparation Program where you can be part of a community of other like-minded ATSI students, sharing similar goals and interests that lead to admission into mainstream UNE courses.

UNE Pathways Enabling Course

The Pathways Enabling Course is a short course which will allow you to be admitted to UNE courses with an entry ATAR of 77.10 or less. It is undertaken part time and online in just two trimesters.

Elite Athletes, Australian Defence Force Reserve and Emergency Volunteers

UNE is empathetic to the special requirements of Elite Athletes, Australian Defence Force Reserve and Emergency Volunteers and we encourage you to apply for admission to UNE. We specialise in organising tailor-made special arrangements including flexible study options to accommodate your particular circumstances.

Interstate Year 12

UNE can assess a vast range of secondary qualifications, including qualifications from every State and Territory of Australia and from overseas. If in doubt, UNE recommends that you apply for admission anyway and attach a copy of your qualifications.

D. Applicants with work and life experience

Even if you do not have formal qualifications since leaving school or never completed year 12, UNE may still be able to admit you to many of our courses.

There are conversions available if you have not recently (i,e within the last 2 years) completed Year 12 but obtained a score/rank that can be assessed against the current course cut-off score for a course.

Mature Age Special Entry as also an alternative entry option for applicants without educational qualifications accessed by completing and including a Mature Age Information Pro-forma with your admission application. The purpose of completing the mature age form is to enable applicants to provide a supporting case to demonstrate their reasonable prospects for academic success at UNE in the undergraduate course/s they are applying for. Please note this pro-forma cannot be used to support admission to some UNE courses with specific entry requirement/s or admission processes such as Law and Medicine.

Alternatively you could undertake the Pathways Enabling Course, the successful completion of which will allow you to be admitted to UNE courses with an entry ATAR of 77.10 or less.

If you identify as an Australian Aboriginal or a Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) you also have the option of undertaking the TRACKS Tertiary Preparation Program where you can be part of a community of other like-minded ATSI students, sharing similar goals and interests that lead to admission into mainstream UNE courses.


English Language Proficiency

English Language Proficiency is an admission requirement for all courses offered at UNE that must be met by all applicants. Some courses have a higher standard of English that the applicant must meet on admission as are specified in this Annex and those courses include but are not limited to courses in Nursing, Pharmacy, Law, Teaching (ITE degrees) and Social Work.  For the rest our the rest of our foundation or undergraduate courses, as a minimum, for an applicant to demonstrate their English Language proficiency at least one of the following criteria must be met as outlined in our Admissions, Credit and Enrolment Policy.

3. Additional information

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

The Oorala Aboriginal Centre is a teaching, research and study support centre for internal and external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students at the University of New England. We offer academic advice, tutorial assistance, a computer room, a resource library, tutorial rooms and a student common room for relaxation and study.

All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students are welcome at Oorala and can access the student resource area, a study facility where there are computers, internet, printers, lounge and kitchen. This area is also available for students to meet with their tutors, other students, or to take time out to relax.

Oorala Aboriginal Centre offers two programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who would like to apply for admission to UNE undergraduate courses:

  • The Internal Selection Program (ISP) is a one-day testing and assessment program which focuses on each participant's study skills and career goals. Following an interview, participants are recommended for admission to either UNE courses or TRACKS (see below) and advised on suitable alternatives for study in their chosen field.
  • The Tertiary Preparation Program (TRACKS) is an enabling course which prepares you for university study and supports you to make informed choices about applying for a UNE undergraduate course. Be part of a community of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who share your goals and interests! TRACKS is designed to assist students with the development of study skills and the transition to mainstream university courses. TRACKS offers on campus or online study.

Domestic applicants with overseas qualifications

The University recognises and accepts a range of secondary qualifications from internationally-accredited institutions, which may be submitted as part of an application to study with UNE.

Overseas qualifications equivalent to Australian qualifications are based on the guidelines established by the National Office of Overseas Skills Recognition (NOOSR).

For a list of qualifications which are considered the equivalent to an Australian Year 12 Qualification, please refer to the Commonly Accepted Overseas Secondary Qualifications provided by UAC. If you have secondary or tertiary qualifications from a country where English is not the medium of instruction, you will need to provide evidence of proficiency in English.

If you are an Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia with overseas qualifications please call UNE 1800 818 865 for advice before applying.

4. How to apply

How you apply to UNE depends on the course you are applying for, your preferred mode of study and the level of course you intend to undertake.

For more information on applying for admission to a particular course, please consult the How to Apply page and refer to the relevant How to Apply section in UNE’s UNE Course Handbook entry for your preferred course.

  • New students to UNE applying for study at undergraduate bachelor degree course in the on campus study mode apply through UAC or QTAC.
  • New students to UNE applying for an undergraduate course in the online study mode will apply direct to UNE through our Online Application Portal.
  • Past or current UNE students applying for study at undergraduate level either on campus or online will apply direct to UNE through our Online Application Portal.
  • All domestic postgraduate coursework applicants will apply directly to UNE through online through our Online Application Portal.
  • International applicants apply through UNE’s International Office.
  • Higher Degree Research applicants apply to UNE's Research Services.

For information about application opening and closing dates, please refer to the Application and Admission Dates page.

For more detail on alternative entry and pathways options, please visit the Entry Pathways section on the UNE website.

As part of the application process, some courses require you to provide documentary evidence to support your application for admission. These requirements vary from course to course. Where required, you will be asked to provide copies of certificates and transcripts or other relevant documentation, such as employers' letters, in order to establish your eligibility.

Applicants applying directly to UNE or a Tertiary Admissions Centre will typically be notified of their application outcome via email within one week. International applicants can expect to be notified of the outcome within five to ten working days. Those applying for Higher Degree Research will typically be notified within six weeks. Timeframes may vary depending on the particulars of your application.

5. Enrolment

If you receive an offer of place from UNE, it will include information about how to accept and enrol.

If you wish to request a deferral (delaying the commencement of your course to a later date), you may do so by completing the Deferral of a Course form. Requests for deferral must be completed prior to the census date of the commencing trimester. Please be aware that in most cases, students are able to defer the commencement of their course for a maximum of one academic year, except for students commencing an on campus undergraduate course who may request to defer for up to two years (this must be requested one year at a time). Some courses cannot be deferred.

UNE can help lessen the number of units you need to study to be awarded your qualification. If you have completed a tertiary qualification, or even part of a qualification or units within a course at UNE you may be eligible to apply for Advanced Standing. This is sometimes referred to as credit or recognition of prior learning. Visit the advanced standing section on the UNE website for more information.

You should always check your course and unit costs, and ensure that you know and understand any different fee types or your eligibility for any government support, before enrolling in your course.  Fee amounts can vary from course to course and from unit to unit, and are subject to change annually and can increase as a result. This means you should always check the current fee information that might apply at the time of your enrolment in case fee information has changes since you last checked it. For information on fees and charges refer to the section on Financial Assistance below and visit une.edu.au/fees

6. Student and campus services

UNE has a range of student support services. These include counselling, chaplaincy, academic assistance and learning support, and employment and career advice. Campus facilities include a medical centre, computing centre, sporting and recreation facilities, and a childcare centre. The University supports a variety of student organisations, clubs and societies for students to become involved in campus life. For more information on UNE student and campus services, visit UNE Life. For students with disabilities and special needs, UNE has dedicated support services visit Student Support.

Accommodation

The UNE residential system gives you the benefit of academic, social and personal support networks and a rich tradition of vibrant inter-college competitions in sporting and cultural activities. Living on campus means you are in the ideal position to enjoy the living and learning experience to the fullest. Both socially and academically you are right at the heart of the action. You’ll also be living right next door to SportUNE and the great facilities it has to offer. There are seven colleges, including six traditional college residences, a village of self-contained units and 211 modern studio apartments.

Living on campus at UNE provides greater value for money when compared with other accommodation options, giving you the flexibility to choose a college that suits your budget, along with exclusive academic and personal support to ensure your success. We recommend residential college accommodation be arranged before the start of the academic year. For more information, visit UNE Accommodation.

Dixon Library

You will enjoy free access to a technology-enriched environment at Dixson Library. Computer labs, meeting rooms and large open research spaces are available to support your learning.

Other amenities include:

  • Access to books and electronic resources
  • Dual monitors pc’s
  • Wi-fi access
  • Echo360 video recording and video conferencing software
  • Multi-function devices for printing, scanning and copying​

7. Financial assistance

Youth and student allowances
For details on Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY, visit humanservices.gov.au.

Loans
UNE offers interest-free loans for enrolled students who are facing genuine financial difficulty for enrolment-related expenses. Eligibility criteria apply. For more information visit une.edu.au/current-students/my-course or call (02) 6773 2617.

Scholarships
It’s easier than you think to get extra financial help to pay for the cost of university. Unlike government help that you have to repay when you start earning, a UNE scholarship never has to be repaid. They are open for all to apply and don’t cost you anything. Visit une.edu.au/scholarships for further information.

There are scholarships for:

  • high academic achievement
  • students who plan to live in a residential college
  • students from regional areas
  • specific subject areas and degrees
  • students who are disadvantaged
  • students who excel at sport

8. Student profile

The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students at the institution. It provides data on students that commenced undergraduate bachelor degree study and passed the census date in the most relevant recent intake period for which data are available, including those admitted through all offer rounds, across all Australian campuses, and international students studying in Australia.

Applicant background

Trimester 1, 2023

Number of students

Percentage of all students

(A) Past higher education study
(includes a bridging or enabling course)

281

10%

(B) Past vocational education and training (VET) study

2127.5%

(C) Work and life experience
(Admitted on the basis of previous achievement not in the other categories)

1,69960.4%

(D) Recent secondary education:

  • Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR
    (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject adjustment factors)
  • Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered
    (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test, early offer conditional on minimum ATAR)
  • Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor
    (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR requirement)

67


27


423


2.4%


1%


15%

(E) International students

106

3.8%

All students

2,815

100%

Notes:  L/N - Low numbers: the number of students is less than 5.

9. Where to get further information