Tools

Tools and information to support your transition from study to your future, wherever you are now in your school journey. Stay up-to-date with what's happening in the world of work.

UAC opens on April 2 for 2026 applications

UCAT 25

UCAT ANZ 2025 Registration will open on the 4th of March 2025

Students considering a career in medicine or dentistry will need to sit a compulsory entry exam known as the UCAT (University Clinical Aptitude Test) before they can apply for relevant placements in the aforementioned fields of study within most universities in Australia.

The first time a candidate is eligible to sit the UCAT is during their final year of school, that is, Year 12 (in Australia) or Year 13 (in New Zealand). Candidates can repeat the UCAT yearly. The UCAT is held once a year.

UCAT ANZ 2025 Key Dates

Candidates taking the UCAT ANZ in 2025 for entry to universities in Australia and New Zealand in 2026 should note these key dates. Deadline times are 11.59pm AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time.

UCAT registration is available only via the UCAT ANZ website - ucat.edu.au

Concession Scheme opened3 Feb 2025Access Arrangements open 3 Feb 2025UCAT ANZ BOOKING OPENS via ucat.edu.au4 March 2025

Concession application deadline 9 May 2025

Access Arrangements application deadline 16 May 2025

UCAT BOOKING DEADLINE 16 May 2025

Late UCAT booking deadline 30 May 2025

Late Access Arrangements application deadline 30 May 2025

FINAL late booking deadline 6 June 2025

Cancellation deadline 11 June 2025

Testing begins 1 July 2025

Last testing date 5 August 2025

Results delivered to universities Early September 2025

University of Sydney Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Mathematics Bridging Courses

Bridging Courses

For some courses or units of study, we assume you have reached a certain level of knowledge or have passed a relevant subject at Australian Year 12 level, such as the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) or equivalent.

Website Link: https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/bridging-courses.html

New Adjustment Factors for Macquarie Uni

Recognising study, sport and community accomplishments

We offer a range of achievement-based adjustment factors which may improve your chances of receiving an offer for your preferred degree.

Website Link: https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions-and-entry/pathways/adjustment-factors/achievement-based

University Open Days 2025

Before attending an Open Day @ at university answer the following questions:

  1. What courses and study areas do I want to learn about?
  2. Have I registered for the event yet? (places are sometimes limited)
  3. Have I prepared a list of questions I want to ask staff and students?
  4. What university facilities do I consider important for my study, and what aspects would I value most?
  5. What part of campus life am I most excited for, and will this institution be able to provide that?
  6. Will I need to explore any alternative pathways into uni?
  7. Are there any clubs or societies I’m interested in checking out?
  8. Will I need accomodation on campus?
  9. Am I interested in overseas study opportunities?
  10. Will I need financial support, such as scholarships or government assistance?

When attending an Open Day @ a university consider the following:

  • Study location
  • Flexibility and access
  • Course entry requirements
  • Course fees
  • Career pathways post graduation

March

Australian National University - Canberra: Sat 29 Mar 2025

June

Wollongong University - Wollongong campus: Sat 28 June 2025

July

ACU - Blacktown campus: Sat 26 Jul 2025, 10am to 2pm

Western Sydney University - Parramatta campus: Sun 6 July 2025, 10am to 4pm

Wollongong University - Liverpool campus: Sat 26 July 2025

August

Torrens University – Virtual (see website)

Macquarie University - North Ryde: Sat 16 Aug 2025

La Trobe – Sydney Campus (TBC)

University of Sydney - Sat 30 Aug 2025, 9am to 4pm

ACU - Strathfield campus: Sat 16 Aug 2025, 10am to 2pm

Notre Dame - Sydney campus: Sat 30 Aug 2025

Southern Cross University:

Lismore campus: Sun 17 Aug 2025
Coffs Harbour campus: Sun 10 Aug 2025
Gold Coast campus: Sun 24 Aug 2025

UTS - Sat 30 Aug 2025, 9am to 3pm

September

ACU:

North Sydney campus: Sat 6 Sep 2025, 10am to 2pm
Canberra campus: Sat 13 Sep 2025, 11am to 2pm

University of Canberra - Bruce: Sat 20 Sep 2025, 10am to 2pm

UNSW - (TBC)

UAC Early Entry Dates 2025

.Early entry 2024 for 2025.docx

UAC Early Offer scheme.pdf

Which universities have early entry programs?

A lot of universities now provide early entry programs. Here’s a list:

Don’t see your chosen university on this list? You might like to contact them directly anyway and ask about their pathway options.

Note: many of these programs are still showing information from 2024, and it is up to the university whether they will be offered again in 2025. Dates, courses, and eligibility requirements are subject to change.

USYD Maths requirements

From 2025, the advanced mathematics prerequisite will be removed from the following degrees:

Faculty
CourseThe University of Sydney Business School  

  • Bachelor of Commerce
  • Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Advanced Studies
  • Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws

Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences

  • Bachelor of Economics
  • Bachelor of Economics (Dual Degree: Sciences Po, France)
  • Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Advanced Studies
  • Bachelor of Economics and Bachelor of Laws

Faculty of Engineering

  • Bachelor of Project Management

Faculty of Medicine and Health

  • Bachelor of Arts and Doctor of Medicine
  • Bachelor of Science and Master of Nursing
  • Bachelor of Science (Health) and Master of Nursing

Faculty of Science

  • Bachelor of Psychology
  • Bachelor of Psychology Honours
  • Bachelor of Science and associated streams
  • Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Advanced Studies and associated streams
  • Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Dental Medicine
  • Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine
  • Bachelor of Science and Master of Mathematical Sciences
  • Bachelor of Science and Master of Nutrition and Dietetics
  • Bachelor of Veterinary Biology and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
  • Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Laws

Please note that USYD is investing in support for students, so they are able to complete their degrees with the required level of mathematics knowledge and skills.

Year 11 and 12 subject requirements for degrees

Referee Templates for early offer schemes for Year 12 students

While the ATAR is still the main selection tool used by most universities, many have one or more early offer schemes for Year 12 students. Through these schemes, the institutions will assess you using criteria other than (or in addition to) your ATAR. Check the universities' websites to ensure the courses you are applying for are covered by the schemes.

UAC

Provide your referees with the relevant template from the following list:

Head of Music Referee Report.docx

Head of Drama Referee Report.docx

Head of Art or D&T Referee Report.docx

Community Engagement Referee Report.docx

Leader_Referee_Report.docx

Volunteering Referee Report.docx

Education Access Scheme (EAS)

The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) aims to help students who have experienced significant educational disadvantage receive an offer to university. View Further Information here

International University Application - U.S.

Application Process

Studying in the US.pdf

Referee Report Template

US University Referee Report templates.docx

International Application Workshop Video 2023 : Although this is from the University of Syracuse, it covers the main elements for applying to a US university.

Top Job Picks

Top Fifteen Jobs of the Future

  1. Rewilder
  2. Metaverse Planner
  3. Human Organ Creator
  4. Tidewater Architect
  5. Cyber Calamity Forecaster
  6. Fitness Commitment Counsellor
  7. Work from home facilitator
  8. Smart home design manager
  9. Data Detective
  10. Workplace Environment Architect
  11. Digital Currency Advisor
  12. Drone Traffic Optimiser
  13. Recycling Engineer
  14. Algorithm Bias Auditor
  15. Biofilm Installer

Top Fifteen Jobs in Demand Now

  1. Engineers
  2. Primary, Secondary, and Special Education Teachers
  3. Software Developers
  4. Business Analysts
  5. Registered Nurses
  6. Chefs
  7. Project Managers
  8. Gardeners
  9. Electricians
  10. Aged and Disabled Care Workers
  11. Counsellors
  12. Sonographers
  13. Physiotherapists
  14. Programmers
  15. Cyber Security Analysts

Top Ten Jobs That Will Disappear

  1. Taxi Drivers
  2. Postal Workers
  3. Cashiers
  4. Travel Agents
  5. Customer Support Workers
  6. Factory Workers
  7. Bus and Train Drivers
  8. Bank Tellers
  9. Referees
  10. Data Entry Clerks

Top Ten Most Secure Jobs Now

  1. Registered Nurse
  2. Data Scientist
  3. Software Developer
  4. Actuary
  5. Early Childhood, Primary and High School Teachers
  6. Wind Turbine Technician
  7. Forensic Science Technician
  8. Electrician
  9. Speech Language Pathologist
  10. Physical Therapist

Top Fifteen Jobs that DON'T require a university degree

  1. Content Creator
  2. Influencer
  3. Freelance Writer
  4. Plumber
  5. Electrician
  6. Fitness Trainer
  7. Real Estate Agent
  8. Senior Care Workers
  9. Landscapers
  10. Dental Nurse
  11. Massage Therapist
  12. Pharmacy Technician
  13. Hearing Aid Specialist
  14. Optician
  15. Construction Worker

Top Ten Jobs for University Students

  1. HSC Tutor
  2. Waiter
  3. Personal Trainer
  4. Animal Caretaker
  5. Content Creator
  6. Library Assistant
  7. Barista
  8. Babysitter
  9. Sales Associate
  10. Research Assistant

Top Ten Jobs for the Outdoors

  1. Wildlife Biologist
  2. Landscape Architects
  3. Wind Turbine Technician
  4. Environmental Engineer
  5. Geographers
  6. Hydrologists
  7. Farm Managers
  8. Surveyors
  9. Camping Guides
  10. Dog Walkers

Top Ten Creative Jobs

  1. Product Designer
  2. Brand Manager
  3. Art Consultant
  4. Animator
  5. Content Creator
  6. Ethical Hacker
  7. Graphic Designer
  8. Editors
  9. Landscape Architects
  10. Teachers

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I make myself stand out from other applicants?

  • Research the organisation you are applying for thoroughly.
  • Design a customised CV and Cover Letter for each position you are applying for, which reflects what the employer is looking for.
  • Practise your interview answers as much as you can. Record yourself and listen.
  • Demonstrate professional demeanour while also appearing approachable and respectful.
  • You should arrive 15 minutes before the start time of your interview.
  • Show enthusiasm, determination, and an eagerness to learn.
  • Illustrate your value to the organisation and prove how you can be an asset for them.
  • At the conclusion of the interview, ask the employer a question or two about their business that’s relevant and that displays a genuine interest in their operations.
  • After the interview, thank them for their time to see you. Maintain your level of professionalism until you leave the building.

Q: Should I choose a degree I am passionate about over a degree which provides more job security and demand?

Choosing a degree that you are genuinely passionate far outweighs the benefits of pursuing a degree that is merely based on job security or money. The success that evolves from immersing yourself in an area you love will sustain you through your degree, into your first job and beyond, providing a lifetime of satisfaction. However, job security is a valid reason to pursue an industry or field with high demand and growth, so balancing passion and job security is worth considering.

Q: Do double degrees improve my chances of obtaining employment?

It depends on the choice of degrees and which jobs you are applying for. You may gain more skills through a double degree. Whether it’s worth it or not, will depend on the occupation and industry you are interested in pursuing following graduation.

Q: I can't decide which specialty I want to major in my degree?

Ask yourself ‘what are your interests?’. Studies show that students on average perform better when majoring in a specialty that interests them. ‘What are your priorities?’. You might also consider the demand of the job market to guide your choice if you’re still undecided. ‘How rigorous will the coursework be?’. Some specialities can be far more study-intensive, involving heavy workloads, higher academic expectations and exams for accreditation.

Q: Should I undertake an internship throughout my university studies?

Internships are excellent opportunities to ascertain if you are going to enjoy working in a specific field. You will learn a lot from this experience. Internships are a good addition to your CV, showing potential employers that you understand the nature of the business, and that you are eager, committed, and determined.

Q: Should salary be the highest priority when deciding a degree or choosing a job?

Salary is an important factor to consider when making educational or career-based decisions. A good salary provides you financial stability, allowing you to meet basic needs and invest in personal growth, but also provides you with increased bargaining power when negotiating job offers and compensation packages. However, there are other important factors to consider throughout these decisions, such as personal fulfilment, recognition, and increased opportunities, and also work-life-balance (i.e. personal priorities, such as family commitments, socialising, down-time, and pursuing other interests). Ultimately, this choice is highly personal, there isn’t a right or wrong answer, so as long as you are asking yourself the right questions, you should prioritise what works for you.

Q: I am uncertain about what I want to do in life. How should I proceed?

This is a common dilemma everyone at all stages of their life grapple with. Dealing with uncertainty whether it concerns our choices of work or study, our financial situation, or our personal relationships, affects the course of our lives. This may cause some concern and feelings of insecurity. The first step is to focus on the things under your control. Challenge your need for certainty, and learn to embrace the uncertainty of life. These feelings are actually healthy, because they enable us to reassess our lives, provide us with the time to self-reflect, and figure out our purpose and how we want to contribute to society. Keep listening to yourself, discover new things, and remain optimistic. As long as you are doing something that you enjoy, or you are bringing joy to someone else, you will be adding value to the world.

Q: How can I speak more professionally?

  • Breathe in before you start speaking
  • Articulate every syllable and enunciate every word
  • Manage the pace of your speech
  • Maintain a calm mind
  • Speak slowly and clearly
  • Create friendly eye contact
  • Be deliberate in what you are saying
  • Record yourself and listen back
  • Speak to as many people as possible
  • Smile

Q: How do I identify my talents?

  • Think about and evaluate the things you are good at and consider what you enjoy doing the most.
  • Seriously consider any compliments that you receive from others.
  • Ask your family and friends to identify your strengths.
  • Reflect on your childhood interests and talents.
  • Take a professional career assessment from a reputable Careers’ Counsellor, or from an online source.

Q: How can I improve my time management?

  • Create a schedule
  • Start your tasks early
  • Set limits for what you will say yes to
  • Prioritise your tasks
  • Organise your workspace
  • Focus on one task at a time
  • Learn your patterns of productivity
  • Limit distractions
  • Give yourself breaks

Q: What is networking and what are some ways in which I can do this effectively?

Professional networking involves building and maintaining relationships with other professionals in your industry or related fields. It is an important aspect of career development and can help you to expand your knowledge, opportunities, and connections. You can network effectively by collaborating with your colleagues, attending networking events, being a good listener, offering value and building trust, and staying up to date with industry information. Networking is a skill which will improve over time with practice and experience.

Q: Should I work while studying?

Working while studying offers an array of benefits, such as independent financial support, gaining confidence as an employee, learning new skills like networking and team collaborating, and continuing to build on your time management. You will gain overall life experience joining the workforce. However, there are a few things you should consider before you look into working while studying, for e.g. your studies should take priority over working, so it is best not to take on more hours than you can handle, and if possible, try and seek employment that aligns with your choice of degree, so you can apply your knowledge into your vocation, or conversely, extract skills you learn from your job that expedite your understanding of your studies.

My Personal Statement

SAT Test information for Applying to International Universities

The keys to successful preparation include making a plan to get the most out of your study time, setting realistic goals, targeting the areas where you have room for improvement, and practising.

Downloadable SAT practice tests for free.

See the College Blue Book

UCAT - Application to Medicine

UCAT PREPARATION

To be updated for 2024 when new dates are released

Intensive UCAT Preparation Workshop: Live Online Interactive 

ENROL or View other dates

UCAT Preparation Courses and Services

Courses, Workshops, Tuition, Medify UCAT Platform, Books

INTERVIEW PREPARATION

Medical Interview Workshop: Live Online Interactive 

CAREER EXPERIENCE PROGRAMS

Future Doctors Australia (4-day attendance program)

Age: 14 - 18 years old students

The "Future Doctors Australia" program. It is an engaging and high-impact 4-day program that provides young people with a unique opportunity to gain medical work experience in a safe and structured environment. Participants will have an invaluable opportunity to spend time with senior clinicians, various medical specialists, and current junior and senior medical students. Students will learn about clinical specialist's relevant fields of work, ask them questions, and learn hands-on skills from them. Spots are strictly limited. Tell me more...

To be updated for 2024 when new dates are released

ACADEMIC INSIGHTS (11-day summer holidays residential program in Sydney)

Choose from: Medicine, Psychology, Engineering, Business Management, Creative Writing International Relations, Veterinary Studies+ other subject areas. 

Age: 13 - 18 years old students

To be updated for 2024 when new dates are released

This Immersive Academic Insights 11-day summer program provides ambitious high school students with an unrivalled experience studying undergraduate-level subjects at the University of Sydney. Enrolments are open to students Australia-wide (13-18 years of age). Spots are strictly limited. Tell me more

UCAT Scores Information

A UCAT score changes from year to year, as the percentile cut-offs fluctuate over time. Usually, a UCAT ANZ score of at least 80th percentile (ideally 90th) > 2800 is required for entry into medical and dental programs, unless you have a very high ATAR or are applying from a rural or Indigenous background.

See UCAT website

JCU no UCAT

Bond no UCAT

Central Queensland University (provisional entry)

  • Interview: Yes (100% for sections 1-4, in the event of a tiebreak section 5 will be used)
  • Final selection: Yes (25% for sections 1-4)

Charles Sturt University and Western Sydney University Joint Medical Program

  • Yes (100%) Combined score of UCAT, ATAR and Interview results and ranked
  • Yes (25%)

Curtin University

  • Yes (40% for sections 1-4) The application is ranked on a 60:40 base with 60% of the weight on ATAR score and 40% upon UCAT score
  • Yes (20%)

Flinders University (direct entry)

  • No interview
  • Yes (10%)Students are ranked based upon their ATAR and UCAT score. Minimum score of 95.

Monash University (direct entry) 3000

  • Yes
  • Yes (33%)

University of Adelaide

  • Yes (100% for sections 1-4, in the event of a tiebreak section 5 will be used)
  • Yes (20%)

University of Newcastle and University of New England Joint Medical Program

  • Yes (100% for sections 1-4)
  • Yes

University of New South Wales 3000, and no official UCAT ANZ cut-off exists. However, realisticallyyour scores need to be higher than around ATAR 99.50 & UCAT 92%tile

  • Yes (sections 1-4)
  • Yes

University of Queensland (provisional entry) 3030

  • Yes (100% for sections 1-4)
  • Yes (25% for sections 1-4)

University of Tasmania

  • No interview
  • Yes - A UCAT mean score greater than or equal to the 50th percentile (combined scores of the 4 cognitive sections, i.e. first 4 sections and excluding the situational judgement test).

University of Western Australia (provisional entry)

  • Yes (100% for applicants who meet the academic threshold)
  • Yes (20%)

UNSW Built Environment and Design Degrees

Luminocity gives a flavour of the student work, and experience in each of the UNSW Built Environment and Design degrees. See videos and more: https://luminocity.unsw.edu.au/2022/

The portfolio submission / early conditional offer scheme. See: https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/undergraduate/admission-pathways/portfolio-entry. A second round opens in September, 2023.

HSC4Me

Study resources for Year 12 students

https://inspired.edu.au/hsc4me/

My Career Plan Tool

Career Coaching 1:1

Every Scots College student or graduate has the opportunity to meet individually with a Scots College Career Coach to plan their career journey and enhance their employability.

Careers with STEM

Glossary of Terms

Do you have a career in mind?

Skills Priority List

The Australian Skills Commission has reported on the ongoing effects of COVID-19, along with the changing economic landscape have created challenges in many occupations, including those related to health and teaching, and there are ongoing persistent shortages of technician and trade occupations. Specifically, shortages are most acute in Professional occupations (Skill Level 1), requiring higher level qualifications and experience, and Skill Level 3 occupations among Technicians and Trades Workers.

National Commission Skills Priority List

Browse 100 jobs of the future

100 Jobs of the Future

A project by Ford Australia, Deakin University and Griffith University

What will future work look like for you?

In the future, could you be a robot ethicist? A habitat designer? A personal brand manager? A biofilm plumber?

Everyone has characteristics that make them unique. Different people have different combinations of interests, aptitudes, and skills.

This job explorer tool has been designed to identify some of your career interests and aptitudes. It is not a fully detailed assessment — while you may have stronger interests in some areas than in others, you may also find that you can relate to more than one.

Take the quiz now

On the basis of your answers, the job explorer will recommend some of the ‘100 Jobs of the Future’ that may be a fit for you.

A project by Ford Australia, Deakin University and Griffith University.

The Australian Job Market Today

YouthXP

A jobs platform for young employees between 15-24.

Test it here

Making Sense of the HSC

In this video Making Sense of the HSC, the following questions are addressed: -

  • What is the HSC? What is an ATAR?
  • How is the HSC marked? What are bands?
  • Offers from the University Admissions Centre (UAC)
  • What if my son does not attain the required ATAR for their degree?
  • What are the Scots Pathways and where do they lead?

When you click on the link, you will be taken to the Year 11 page in SchoolBox - scroll down until you see the following image and click on the arrow to start the video.

The Capstone Program -To be updated for 2025 when new dates are released

The CAPSTONE PROGRAM provides direct entry into selected universities without an ATAR. The Capstone Program in 2024 will be offering either the Diploma of Business or the Diploma of Sport with the following options:

  1. Diploma of Business/Sport without the HSC (least recommended) or
  2. Diploma of Business/Sport + HSC English, or
  3. Diploma of Business/Sport + HSC English + Electives or
  4. Diploma of Business/Sport + HSC English + Maths standard or
  5. Diploma of Business/Sport + HSC English + Maths standard + 1-2 electives.

We can work out a schedule and monitor your son’s progression, tweaking his workload according to one of the above options = Diploma + ATAR + HSC. We have established partnerships with several universities for a seamless transition post-Year 12.

If you are interested in exploring this please see the following information. Click on the link will take you to the relevant page in SchoolBox scroll down to this picture and press the video start arrow.

REGISTER YOUR INTEREST

After reviewing the video, please register an EOI @

Capstone - register a formal expression of interest[click on link to register]

For Years 10 and 11 students and parents who wish to be considered for the Capstone in 2024. All links are on the relevant pages in SchoolBox. Once registered, we will contact each for an interview to assess their eligibility, then follow-up with you.

Please note that the Capstone is alternative parallel pathway to the AEP. The AEP is a practical learning pathway (as is the Capstone) contains a guaranteed pathway into a non-degree program @ UTS post Year 12; however the AEP does not lead to a qualification.