The year that made us

Real stories.
Real moments.

UTS College. Where our UTS stories begin.

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Our story

Different starts, different challenges. One year that brought us together. Not all of us felt ready to go straight from Year 12 to university. Some of us needed more confidence and some needed another way into UTS. Others simply needed time to work out what came next.

At UTS College, we found more than a pathway. We found the support, skills and people that helped us take the next step. These are the moments that made our year- and the things we wish we had known when we were in your shoes. It was a year that changed everything for us. We hope it will be for you. Good luck in your journey.

Terez, Jacob, Isha, Rishi and Susie

First-year moments that made us

From late-night study sessions to new friendships, personal breakthroughs and graduation - these are the moments we will remember.

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tapeSetting up studio for an interview project

What we wish we knew in Year 12

University isn't a race

University isn't a race

It's okay to take a different path

Why UTS College worked for us

The pathway mattered. But so did everything that happened along the way.

A direct way to UTS

A direct way to UTS

Most diplomas lead to 2nd year UTS. Many of us liked knowing we could progress to UTS without adding extra years to our study journey. 

Explore the diplomas

How it works

There is more than one route from Year 12 to  UTS. Complete an eligible UTS College diploma and meet the required academic criteria to progress to a related UTS bachelor’s degree. Recognition of prior learning and entry point vary by diploma and destination degree.

High school
year 12
Entry based on
ATAR
UTS degree year 1
Entry based on
HSC subject
average
UTS College diploma
UTS degree
year 2 and 3*

*For domestic students, you must successfully complete your diploma by achieving the required Grade Point Average (GPA) for entry to UTS. Most UTS College diplomas take you to second year of UTS, depending on the course you choose. See individual course pages for details.

Important: the Diploma of Design & Architecture articulates to the first year of UTS with 36 credit points. Upon progressing to UTS, this credit recognition can reduce the amount of study required to complete your UTS degree.

Snapshot

Course length Pathway Entry Fees

8 or 12 months

Progression to eligible UTS degrees; many diplomas lead to second year
  • 12-month diploma: 67% HSC subject average
  • 8-month diploma: 75% HSC subject average

Eligible domestic students may access FEE-HELP

What's happening

Three questions we get asked all the time

Terez

I always wanted to go to UTS, but I did not feel prepared or confident enough to go straight from high school.

Terez
Isha

 The location and pathway worked for me. I was also older and did not have enough recent study credits to go straight to university.

Isha
Susie

I wanted to complete a diploma first. It gave me another qualification and time to prove to myself that I could do it.

Susie
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Terez

I always wanted to go to UTS, but I did not feel prepared or confident enough to go straight from high school.

Terez
Isha

 The location and pathway worked for me. I was also older and did not have enough recent study credits to go straight to university.

Isha
Susie

I wanted to complete a diploma first. It gave me another qualification and time to prove to myself that I could do it.

Susie
1 of 3Swipe to see more

FAQ's: A few practical questions

Have a question? We are here to help.

It's a question we hear often. 

UTS College provides diploma pathways that lead to related UTS degrees. Students complete university-level study before progressing to UTS, provided they meet progression requirements. 

For many people, it's not a choice between UTS and UTS College. It's about finding the right place to start. The destination can still be the same.

The word diploma can mean different things depending on where you study.  

A UTS College diploma is a higher education qualification that forms part of a pathway into a related UTS bachelor’s degree. Students study university-level subjects and may receive credit towards their future degree. 

For many people, what's most important is understanding where a qualification can lead. That's why it's worth looking at progression pathways, credit arrangements and future study opportunities when comparing options.

Many students worry that studying a diploma means taking a longer route to university. 

In most cases, it doesn't. Most UTS College diplomas lead directly into the second year of a related UTS bachelor's degree. 

Students have access to peer mentors, academic advisers, study support sessions and smaller classes that make it easier to ask questions and get help when they need it. Many students also take advantage of the smaller learning environment and classes – as this allows you to spend more individual time with your teachers.

Most domestic diploma options are completed in 8 or 12 months, depending on the study program selected.

UTS College assesses applications based on course-specific entry requirements, including HSC subject averages rather than an ATAR. If you don't meet the requirements for one option, our team may be able to discuss alternative pathways.

No. UTS College diplomas are not based on ATAR entry requirements. Instead, eligible school leavers are assessed using HSC subject averages relevant to their chosen course. Certificate IV (relevant to their chosen course) is also considered.
It's a fair question, and one many students  ask.

A diploma is more than a pathway into a degree. It's also a recognised qualification in its own right.

Many students tell us they value the combination of university-level study, and a smaller learning environment designed to help students transition into higher education with confidence.

Ultimately, the decision comes down to finding the option that's the right fit for you, your goals and how you learn best.

Yes. Eligible domestic students may defer tuition fees through FEE-HELP, subject to government eligibility requirements.

They're similar. 

FEE-HELP is a government loan scheme that allows eligible students to defer their tuition fees. Like HECS-HELP, repayments are made through the tax system once income reaches the government repayment threshold. 

Many families find it helpful to learn about FEE-HELP early when comparing their study options.

Most UTS College diplomas will take you straight to second year UTS, depending on the course you choose. See individual course pages for details.

Important: the Diploma of Design and Architecture articulates to the first year of UTS. This diploma gives you 36 credit points (a full year of uni credit is 48 credit points). This means you won’t go straight into second year but will enter your degree with reduced workload.

After successfully completing an eligible diploma and meeting the required academic criteria, you can progress to a related UTS bachelor's degree. Once you transition to UTS, you study alongside other UTS students in your degree.

By successfully completing the Diploma of Design and Architecture, and meeting the required progression criteria, you will be eligible to enter the first year of a related UTS degree with 36 credit points of recognised prior learning. This credit recognition can reduce the amount of study required to complete your UTS degree.

Start your UTS story

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