Key facts
Domestic students course information. This course is currently not available to international students.
Entry is gained by being recommended by your school principal and having completed at least one Board Developed Course subject at HSC Stage 6 before the start of year 12.
View full entry requirements- 1 trimester part-time
| Start Dates and Campus | Trimester 1 – February 2024 | Trimester 2 – June 2024 | Trimester 3 – October 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online | Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Armidale Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
| Sydney Campus | Not Offered | Not Offered | Not Offered |
Course information
Download course brochure
Prepare for your future with the HSC University Pathways Program, a unique study opportunity especially for high-achieving New South Wales high school students. The program is offered by UNE for students who have completed an HSC subject that will count toward their ATAR before starting year 12, and who are looking to study a first-year university unit to supplement their HSC. Although the unit completed in this course does not contribute toward an ATAR, you can develop knowledge in a subject areas relevant to you and potentially receive advanced standing for the unit in a UNE course. Real-world university study skills are embedded in each unit with flexible learning and expert support throughout.
Why study the HSC University Pathway program with UNE?
If you are a high-achieving student in a New South Wales high school and you want to get a head start on your degree, the HSC University Pathway program will take your study to the next level.
This program is designed for students who have completed an ATAR-acceptable subject before starting Year 12. It offers a range of first year units, which can be completed in the first trimester of the year, allowing you to focus on your HSC in the latter half of the year. If you are interested in participating in this program, contact your school's Careers Adviser directly, noting that applications also need the support of your school Principal.
Below is a list of units you may be eligible for, based on your HSC studies. These units are available in a wide range of university degrees:
- AFM101 Introduction to Financial Accounting**
- BIOL110 Biology I*
- CHEM110 Chemistry I*
- CRIM100 Understanding Crime
- ECON101 Introductory Microeconomics
- GEPL111 Earth in Crisis?
- LAW100 Foundations of Law
- LING101 Introduction to Linguistics
- MTHS110 Quantitative Skills with Applications**
- MUSI101 Aural Skills 1
- PHIL151 Introduction to Philosophy A: Ethics, the Self and the Possibilities of Freedom
- PHYS131 Applied Physics I*
- PSYC101 Introductory Psychology I
- SOCY100 Introduction to Sociology
*Mandatory on-campus intensive school
**Optional on-campus intensive school
These units are featured in many of the most popular UNE degree courses, from the Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Laws, to the Bachelor of Psychology, Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Urban and Regional Planning.
Students, parents/carers and school advisors can contact the support team at UNE for important advice on which units are appropriate for entry into degrees.
To apply:
- Download the HSC Pathways Entry Form.
- Write your NSW Education Studies Authority (NESA) number and name at the top of each page. Fill in Part A of the form.
- Gather any additional documentation needed for your application.
- Deliver your form to your Principal (or whoever is responsible for it at your school, such as your Careers Advisor).
- Relax while your school completes Part B of the form and submits it to UNE on your behalf.
- You will receive an email advising you that your HSC Pathways application has been received by UNE.
- Accept your offer of admission directly through UNE.
What makes our course different?
This program is designed with an emphasis on real-world learning that prepares high school students to successfully learn and prepare for further university study. Choose the program to:
- Undertake one university unit that supplements your HSC education and can provide advanced standing into a university course of your choice
- Benefit from the program’s offering as a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), meaning that if you are an eligible domestic student you may defer your tuition fees through HECS-HELP
- Select from a range of individual unit options across a variety of discipline areas
- Learn from experienced professionals and internationally regarded researchers
- Experience the high level of teaching and support that has earned UNE a consistent five-star rating in the Good Universities Guide
- Pace your learning to suit your other high school commitments, with most subjects available to study fully online
UNE is consistently ranked as one of Australia’s top-rated providers of online education.
Entry requirements
You can apply for this course if you meet all of the following entry requirements:
- You have completed at least one Board of Studies accredited subject (that is acceptable for an ATAR) at HSC Stage 6 before the start of year 12
- AND you have been recommended for this program by your School Principal.
If you meet the above entry requirements, you will be eligible for admission into the HSC University Pathways course.
Please note: all admissions are subject to UNE’s Admission, Credit and Enrolment Policy. Please read and familiarise yourself with the details of the policy. See our Glossary for help with university terms.
These requirements are in addition to the entry requirements above.
When applying you may be required to show how you satisfy the English Language Requirements for this course.
Some courses require you to provide documentary evidence, or interviews to support your application. The following documents are required to support your application:
A completed HSC University Pathways Entry form. Please fill in Part A of this form and deliver it to your Principal (or whoever is responsible for them at your school, such as your Careers Advisor). Your school will fill out Part B and submit this form to UNE on your behalf.
Advanced Standing is credit or recognition of your previous study, work and/or life experience. This can reduce the cost and length of your studies.
Advanced Standing is not applicable for this course.
Course structure
Course Structure is not available for this course.
See UNE Handbook for more details. The Handbook contains detailed course information designed for enrolled students, including course plans, exit awards, intensive schools, and work placement requirements.
Fees and scholarships
How much will it cost?
The costs will depend on the units you choose to study as the cost of individual units vary each unit has its own costs. For more information, please see fees and costs.
Your career
Whatever you want to learn, the flexibility of the HSC University Pathways Program gives you a head start on a university degree in areas such as:
- Economics, Business Administration and Management
- Arts and Humanities
- Psychology or Social Science
- Law
- Science and Technology
- Biology and Chemistry
You can potentially receive advanced standing for the unit in a UNE course. Advice should be sought from the Career Support team at UNE in consultation with your school Careers Advisor.
A five-star experience
Five Stars,
18 Years in a Row
UNE is the only public uni in Australia awarded 18 straight years of five stars for Overall Experience
Good Universities Guide 2007-2024
No.1 in NSW for
Student Experience
QILT (government-endorsed) ranks UNE as the top public NSW uni for Student Experience
QILT Student Experience Survey
Five Stars for
Teaching Quality
UNE rates among the top 20 per cent of universities in Australia for Teaching Quality
Good Universities Guide 2024
Studying online
At UNE we know it takes more than just being online to be a great online university. It takes time and experience. We pioneered distance education for working adults back in the 1950s, so we’ve been doing this longer than any other Australian university.
We understand the challenges faced by busy adults studying at home. We know that a vital part of online study is your engagement with the learning community. Communication with your classmates, teaching staff and university support staff will enhance your study experience and ensure that your skills extend beyond the subject matter. UNE’s teaching staff are experts in their field which is why UNE consistently receives five stars from students for teaching quality, support and overall experience.*
*The Good Universities Guide
Stay connected
Register your interest and we'll keep you updated
Why study with us?
I chose UNE because I had heard from previous cohorts that it is structured well and one of the best for online learning.
How to apply
Preparing to apply
You should always provide the details of past or current studies in your application. You may also need to include documents to support your application.
The kind of documents you need will depend on:
- Your preferred course/s
- Your personal circumstances
Important Dates
Different application methods and courses can have different closing dates. To find your correct application method click the Apply Now button below. Please check the appropriate application website for opening and closing dates.
If you are applying online direct to UNE please see below for application dates.
| Intake | Application Closing Date | Trimester Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 | 16 February 2024 | 26 February 2024 |
Important Notice for Prospective Students
For accurate, up-to-date details on entry requirements, course structure, and other essential information, please consult the UNE Student Handbook before applying or enrolling. The Handbook provides comprehensive guidance to assist in your decision-making process. We apologise for any inconvenience.
