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Frequently Asked Questions

Who should undertake this program?

This program is designed for high achieving and academically minded students aged 16-18 years, who have completed year 10 or equivalent high school.

What are the benefits of studying this program at UTS College?

Students earn a globally recognised qualification for their CV – the prestigious Cambridge International Program is known worldwide for its excellence.
Guaranteed* entry to UTS – students articulate to UTS and build the foundation of a truly impressive career while being prepared for success by experts with more than 35 years’ experience in pathway and transitional education
Students experience a global top 100 university’s campus, facilities and first-year subjects, all while studying in the heart of Sydney’s tech startup precinct.
Students can boost their English language skills – with our highly successful Academic English Program (AE4 and AE5) built into the program at no extra cost, to ensure students develop the English language and academic skills required to succeed in their AS and A Levels, university studies and career.
Students build essential life skills outside the classroom with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, career development workshops, and the Peer Mentoring Program which focus on personal, leadership and career skill development.
Students access help and assistance tailored to under 18-year-olds within a connected campus and are aided throughout their university studies at UTS College and UTS.
Students study the subjects they’re passionate about in STEM and business delivered at a technology leading university with a strong startup business community, AACSB accredited business school and high rankings across STEM and Business subject areas.
Students can start and finish their studies in one location. From A Levels to degree – students can complete their studies on the UTS campus with our one stop study plan. There’s no need to move.

Why is the program focused on Business and STEM course areas?

The program offers three course streams (Engineering, Information Technology and Commerce) so that students can explore their chosen disciplines in depth, accelerate their learning, and prepare for learning at university.

With growing demand for graduates in Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM), the program sets students up for a successful future. According to STEM workforce data, people with STEM qualifications earn more than those with non-STEM qualifications and are more likely to be in the highest income bracket.

UTS ranks highly across STEM and business course areas:

• No 1. In Computer Science and Engineering and 17 in world (Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2022)
• No. 1 in Artificial Intelligence in Australia and 3rd in the world (US News Best Global Universities 2022)
• Top 100 universities globally for Engineering/Technology and Computer Science (Academic Rankings of World
Universities (ARWU) 2022)
• No 1. Most in-demand business course in NSW for 2023 for undergraduate students

Students will also develop valuable English listening, reading, writing and speaking skills with our specially designed Academic English program embedded into the curriculum. Students will learn with our unique model of learning, Learning.Connected, an engaging and interactive way to learn at UTS College which combines face-to-face classes with independent learning activities. Learning.Connected aims to develop independent learning competence in our students, as well as fostering connections and opportunities to develop communication, collaboration and critical thinking skills.

See also: What are the benefits of studying this program at UTS College?

Students can study A Levels in 18-months at other colleges. Why should students choose a 24-month program at UTS College?

Our high-quality program includes four first-year university (diploma) subjects with 24 credit points towards a related UTS College diploma, and two levels of academic English (AE4 and AE5), plus the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, and many other benefits and services from UTS and UTS College, including a university and on-campus experience, in a complete and comprehensive two-year program.

This is more than just A Levels; this is a unique opportunity for students to accelerate their development in many areas.

Is the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award a compulsory part of the program?

No. However, it is an opportunity for students to undertake new activities, learn new skills and accelerate their development. It is also included in the program at no extra cost, and we recommend students take part. If they do not like physical activities, students can focus on their development of other skills or in other service areas. Students will achieve an award certificate when they have completed the requirements of the program, which is a valuable addition to any CV.

What access and experiences will students have at UTS?

Students experience a range of UTS facilities, services, clubs and societies. These include:

the world class UTS Library
Activate UTS membership, including the UTS gym and access to more than 180 clubs and societies
the UTS Alumni Green, Food Court and other student accessible campus areas
the UTS Medical Centre
UTS Counselling Service.

Students also have access to specialised UTS College services, including:

the CareerSmart program (the in-house career guidance and development program)
UTS College HELPS Centre, for English and study skills support
UTS College Peer Mentors, Peer Helpers and Ambassadors
the Student Representative Group.

What will students learn in AS Levels?

Depending on the stream chosen, students will study the following three AS Level Cambridge International subjects:

• Commerce stream: Mathematics, Accounting, Economics
• Engineering stream: Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics
• IT stream: Mathematics, Computer Science and one other subject*

*Choose from Accounting OR Physics

What will students learn in A Levels?

Depending on the stream chosen, students will study the following three A Level Cambridge International subjects:

• Commerce stream: Mathematics, Accounting, Economics
• Engineering stream: Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics
• IT stream: Mathematics, Computer Science and one other subject*

*Choose from Accounting or Physics.

What UTS College diploma subjects will students study?

Depending on the stream chosen, students can choose to study the following UTS College diploma (UTS first year) subjects:

• Commerce stream AS Levels: Business Statistics, Accounting and Accountability
• Commerce stream A Levels: Economics for Business, Accounting, Business and Society

• Engineering stream AS Levels: Foundation Maths, Physical Modelling
• Engineering stream A Levels: Mathematics 1, Programming 1

• IT stream AS Levels: Intro to Information Systems, Web Systems
• IT stream A Levels: Networking Fundamentals, Programming 1

How many hours will students be in classes on campus?

Students will undertake at least 30 hours of face-to-face lessons from Monday to Friday plus Saturday morning activities for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

What does the study plan look like?

Students will commence in January (Summer semester) each year. The basic study plan is as follows:

Levels	Summer (4 weeks)	Semester 1 (12 weeks)	Semester 2 (12 weeks)	Semester 3 (12 weeks)
AS (Year 11)	AS subjects	AS subjects	AS subjects	AS public exams (no AS subjects teaching and learning)
		AE4.	AE4.2	Diploma subjects (optional)
	Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award	Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award	Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award	Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

A (Year 12)	AL subjects	AL subjects	AL subjects	AL public exams (no AL subjects teaching and learning)
		AE5.1	AE5.2	Diploma subjects (optional)
	Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award	Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award	Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award	Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

How will students study the program at UTS College?

Students will study a combination of the Cambridge International curriculum supplied by Cambridge International and, if they choose, additional diploma subjects with course materials supplied by UTS College, taught using our unique, integrated and engaging model of learning, Learning.Connected.

Cambridge International curriculum:
The curriculum is supplied by Cambridge International, ensuring up-to-date content and assessments. Face-to-face classes will be combined with pre- and post-class independent learning activities.

UTS College’s approach:
UTS College enhances the curriculum with additional first year university subjects, Academic English, interactive learning materials, independent activities, academic support, feedback and guidance, and the integration of Learning.Connected to provide a comprehensive and student-centric learning experience.

What is the difference between Cambridge A Levels and UTS Foundation Studies?

Cambridge International A Levels are a globally recognised qualification that enables entry into any university in the world that accepts them, including the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). A Levels consist of a deep dive into three subjects in the Cambridge curriculum, with points allocated for each subject’s results, after a student sits the external Cambridge exams. The total points for the three subjects create the score for university entry. At UTS College, students can also choose to undertake an additional four first year university (diploma) subjects, which can add credit towards a diploma at UTS College, and will be added to their testamur.

UTS Foundation Studies is available for students who have completed Year 11 and require additional study for entry into UTS. Subjects are aligned to diploma subjects (not Cambridge International subjects) and students who successfully complete the program gain a GPA and either qualify for the first year of most undergraduate degrees at UTS, or for those who need
more preparation, a UTS College diploma. UTS Foundation Studies however, does not confer a qualification and it does not provide credit points towards a UTS College diploma.

Will Cambridge students study in the same classes as UTS Foundation Studies and diploma students?

No. While students in this program learn in a university environment, they will not attend the same classes as other UTS College diploma or UTS Foundation Studies students. Cambridge students will have their own dedicated classes and timetable.

What extracurricular activities and development opportunities are available for students?

Students undertaking this program will have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities and development opportunities including:

• the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – the world’s leading global youth and education development program, embedded into the program. Students can engage in a range of exciting teacher-led cultural, sporting, and social excursions outside the classroom and undertake intensive learning. This program is designed to encourage personal development and growth through:

Volunteering: Service to local communities (Saturday mornings)
Physical: Explore a sport or activity with ActivateUTS
Skills: Develop new or existing talents (every Friday)
Expedition: Adventure and teamwork journey.

The Duke of Edinburgh‘s International Award is recognised by employers and tertiary educators globally and gives your students another quality credential to add to their future CV.

• membership of ActivateUTS – including UTS gym and sports facilities, and access to more than 200 UTS clubs and societies catering to a wide range of interests to develop students’ collaboration and communication skills.
• UTS College career education and development program – providing resources, career workshops and career development counselling for students to understand their career aspirations and develop job-ready skills.

How does UTS College ensure the welfare and safety of students?

UTS College has more than 35 years’ experience helping young international students prepare for university and the excitement of living abroad. We have staff committed to student welfare and wellbeing, with frameworks in place to care for students and a dedicated under-18 student care program. You can find out more about under-18s welfare on our website and download the Under-18s student information guide.

Classes will all take place during the day from 8am-5pm on the vibrant UTS city campus. Getting to and from classes is easy, as everything is within a short walking distance. Sydney is also ranked the 4th safest city in the world (QS best Cities 2022), so you can be assured students will experience the best Sydney has to offer.

What accommodation options are available?

UTS College offers three approved homestay providers for under-18 students. They are Australian Homestay Network (AHN), Global Experience (GE) and Study Vision. These providers also offer an airport pickup service, which is mandatory for all under-18 students upon their arrival in Sydney. Scape also offers student residential accommodation for under-18s. Find out more on our website.

UTS College also has a mandatory guardianship service for all under-18 students under the College’s Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) arrangement. Our accommodation providers are thoroughly vetted and must undertake a rigorous assessment and approval process to be able to provide under-18s student accommodation.

Find out more about our Under-18 accommodation options and support on our website.

What academic guidance will students receive?

UTS College specialises in educating young international students. Academic guidance and assistance includes:

An industry-leading approach to learning with monitoring of progress, detailed feedback and tailored guidance built in on Canvas, the learning platform
Weekly one-on-one learning sessions and study skills workshops
Expert English-language support
Dedicated Student Success Advisers for under-18s, to counsel and assist students with their study plans
24/7 online study support including writing feedback and tutoring through Studiosity
Peer Mentoring Program, with an assigned mentor who can provide support, encouragement and information to help with study at UTS College and transition to study at UTS
HELPS Centre, with academic and English language workshops and resources
Dedicated career education and development resources, workshops and counselling.

Find out more about our student support services.

What wellbeing and social support will students receive?

Students at UTS College have access to a range of welfare and mental health support during their studies. This includes:

Under-18-specific Student Success Advisers to counsel and assist students with their study plans
UTS Medical and Counselling Services
24/7 peer-to-peer wellbeing support through TalkCampus
onsite medical and first aid
24-hour onsite security
Peer Mentoring Program – with international graduates and alumni of UTS College who understand the challenges of moving to and studying in a new country
Teachers, Academic Coordinators and Program Managers are also always available to talk with and support students in their studies.
access to all UTS clubs and societies through membership with ActivateUTS, along with UTS gym membership as part of their study program for physical and mental wellbeing and social support.

Where will students study the program?

Students will attend the UTS College campus, with some labs and classes on the UTS campus, located in the heart of Sydney’s vibrant, multicultural central business district.

Students will be within easy walking distance from major public transport hubs (train, bus, light rail), iconic tourist attractions, and a vast array of shops, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets and medical facilities.

How will UTS College ensure that students are attending class?

Attendance is taken in every class, including every morning in the homeroom at 8.10am, and is recorded in Canvas, our learning management system.

Students are expected to be on campus in class on Monday to Friday from 8am to 3:30pm (some days finish at 5pm) and have a high level of contact with their teachers. If students miss a class, they will be followed up.

How will I receive feedback on the academic progress and welfare of my child?

At UTS College, we understand the importance of having continual communication with parents. We have several communication channels for you to stay up to date with your child’s progress and school information. These include:

compulsory pre-departure information sessions
a fortnightly newsletter
direct access to 'Canvas Parent' - our learning management system at UTS College.

Parents will have online access to observe your child's academic progress, including teacher feedback and past and present assignments,

Parents and students will also be provided with a progress report at the end of every semester along with the opportunity to attend a parent-teacher meeting at the beginning of each semester during Welcome Week.

You can find more information on parent communication in the program's academic handbook.

What are the benefits of studying in Australia?

Safety and quality of life: Australia is one of the world’s safest countries with a high standard of living.
Improved English: Studying in an English-speaking country enhances students’ language and communication skills for global opportunities.
Student centric: Australia offers specialised infrastructure for international students.
Global curriculum, local excellence: Practice Cambridge’s world approach in Australia’s
top educational setting.
Innovative thinking: An Australian education fosters critical, creative, and forward-thinking skills.
Multicultural setting: Interacting with other students from diverse backgrounds broadens student perspectives.

Can the program be packaged with a UTS degree?

Yes. Students studying this program on a five-year packaged visa can select a three-year UTS degree to articulate into before joining the program at UTS College. The packaged program, including the UTS degree, will take five years (two years for AS and A Levels plus a three-year degree). On this packaged program visa, students should commence at UTS in the Autumn (February) session following completion of their A Level exams.

Degrees longer than three years in duration would exceed the five-year package visa option and are not available as package options with the Cambridge program. If a student wishes to apply for a different degree than the one in their package at the end of their Cambridge program, they can apply using their Cambridge results.

When the student finishes their Cambridge program, they can contact UTS to request a change of degree (For example, a student who packaged Cambridge with a Business degree but decides to change to an Engineering Honours degree). UTS will provide the new offer, as the commencement date at UTS is not affected. However, the change of stream or inclusion of honours may require a different aggregated score as per the approved pathway arrangements.

Students can also choose to undertake just the standalone two-year program on a two-year student visa.

What are the articulation requirements from the program at UTS College to UTS?

Students need to achieve 7 - 13 points in their Cambridge A Level exams (with three A Level subjects) to articulate to a UTS degree (point requirements vary, depending on the degree chosen). We believe articulation rates will be high, with scores and the equivalent points as follows:

• A* = 6 points
• A = 5 points
• B = 4 points
• C = 3 points
• D = 2 points
• E = 1 point

Students will be able to articulate to degrees with a standard IELTS entry requirement of 6.5 (6.0 in writing). Degrees with higher English language requirements are not available for articulation.

Please speak to our Admissions team if you have any questions about the available articulations with a packaged student visa.

How many credit points will my child get towards a UTS degree or UTS College diploma?

Over the course of two years, students in this program can choose to undertake four UTS College diploma (first year university) subjects. This provides 24 credit points towards a UTS College diploma in Business, Engineering or IT. Successfully completed diploma subjects will appear on a student’s testamur, and may confer credit to a university degree, depending on the university and degree chosen.

Can students in this program choose to move across to a diploma or UTS Foundation Studies after AS Level?

The program is structured as a two-year package that builds and develops students’ capabilities and skills each year, across a range of academic, leadership, communication, career and personal development areas. Students will need to undertake course counselling if they wish to amend their study plan.

What if my child doesn’t achieve the required points for articulation to UTS?

In the unlikely event that a student does not achieve the points needed for articulation to their UTS degree, the student may wish to consider UTS Foundation Studies or a diploma as an alternative pathway to UTS.

Students will need to achieve at least 3 points (e.g. one D and one E in A Level) to articulate to a UTS College diploma or 8 points (e.g. four Ds in AS Level [year 11 equivalent]) to articulate to either UTS Foundation Studies or a diploma.

How will students be assessed?

Our assessments are well designed and include assessment activities to help students excel in the Cambridge public exams. Our Academic English assessments support the development of four key English language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

The design of our diploma assessments aligns with UTS first year subject assessments. Students will be assessed in group work and projects, preparing them for university assessment.

How will students receive their results?

All UTS College assessment results for Cambridge students will be recorded in our student systems as per our current processes. Public Cambridge International exam results will be sent by Cambridge and stored in our student record system at UTS College.

Students will receive two sets of transcripts on completion - one from Cambridge and one from UTS College. Students will sit for public Cambridge Exams in October/November, at UTS College, supervised by our exam team members. Results will be released in January.

What are the entry requirements?

Admission (entry) requirements are as follows:

Cambridge Advanced (AS Level) admission (all of the following):
• completed Year 10 or equivalent
• good grades in academic subjects and English
• must provide the last three school reports (in English).

English proficiency requirements (at least one):
• AEAS: Score 57 or above (equiv. to IELTS 5.5). AEAS Report
• Evidence of studying for a minimum of two years at a school where all subjects, except languages, were taught in English
• IELTS (Academic/Online): 5.5 Overall, min 5.0 all skills
• TOEFL - iBT: 58, 16 in writing
• UTS College English AE3: Pass grade
• Pearson PTE: Overall 46, min 38 all skills
• C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency: Overall 162, min 154 all skills.

NB: VEPT is accepted for entry into an Academic English course to ensure students are placed correctly according to their current level of English. VEPT results are not accepted for direct entry into academic programs, including the UTS Cambridge Accelerator.

Students must be at least 16 years old at time of enrolment in the intake year. Applications can be submitted earlier for students who are not yet 16.

My child doesn’t have the required English for entry to the program. Can they complete English at UTS College prior to starting?

Yes. Students who require additional English to meet entry requirements may be able to undertake an English program specially designed for Cambridge students, at UTS College in Sydney from November to January prior to the January 2025 AS Level intake. More information will be provided on this option soon. Please note that students must be 16 years of age prior to commencing any program at UTS College.

My child already has a higher level of English than required. Do they still need to do AE4 and AE5 in this course?

Yes. Even if students are above an AE3 level of English, they will still benefit from Academic English at UTS College. Our English courses teach students academic reading and writing skills including essay writing, researching, university referencing and presentation skills, as well as focusing on the development of critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills - all skills that are needed for success at university.

To recognise these students' excellent English skills, they will be invited to become in-class peer helpers to assist other students. Their contributions will be recognised by the Duke of Edinburgh's International Awards under the categories of Services and Skills.

Can my child enter the program from year 11 or 12?

Yes. Students’ three most recent school reports will be assessed. If Year 11 or 12 reports are the most recent, they are acceptable. Regardless of how many years of secondary school students have completed, students will still need to complete the full two-year program.

If my child completes the AS Level at a different location, can they join A Level at UTS College?

Not at this stage. We are currently not offering A Level as a standalone course.

Do students have to be 16 years old to enrol in this program?

Yes. As part of our TEQSA accreditation and CRICOS registration, we cannot enrol students younger than 16 years old at UTS College. Our program is registered as a post-secondary course, where students must be 16 years or older, and have completed Year 10. 

When are applications open?

Applications for the program are open. Please contact your education agent for details on how to apply. You can register your interest on our website.

How are applications submitted and accepted?

The process is the same as applying for all other UTS College academic programs. Applications must be submitted through Studylink, and will open early March 2024. These applications will be prioritised and a response provided as soon as possible.

How do students enrol & re-enrol in this program at UTS College?

Enrolment for students will be the same process as for UTS Foundation Studies students. Students will be guided through the process of enrolling online and will also need to re-enrol each semester.

When will the program commence at UTS College?

The program AS Level will commence at UTS College in January 2026 and A Level will commence in January 2026 for the first cohort.

Academic English for the program will be undertaken in Semester 1 and 2 of each year, while UTS College diploma subjects, if chosen, will be undertaken in Semester 3 of each year, along with Cambridge International exam preparation.

What is the duration of this program?

This is a two-year course. Students undertake AS Level in year one and A Level in year two. Students also undertake AE4 and AE5 Academic English and may choose two diploma subjects each year.

How many intakes are there per year?

There is one intake per year in January.

What are the 2026 fees for the program?

For study in 2026, the cost per student is $78,000 for the full two year program for AS and A Levels. This can be paid in three instalments each year. Students will receive an invoice for summer and semester 1 prior to commencing, followed by an invoice for semesters 2 and 3 before each semester. Find out more about fee payment options on our website.

What is included in the fees?

In addition to the academic program (Cambridge International AS and A Levels) we offer:

Face-to-face teaching hours: AS and A Levels: at least 30 hours per week.
Pastoral care: Enhanced for students under 18 years.
Student welfare: Comprehensive academic, career and personal wellbeing assistance, tailored for younger students’ developmental needs.
Embedded programs: AE4 and AE5 English programs and four optional diploma subjects at no extra cost.
Cambridge examination costs.
ActivateUTS membership and scheduled excursions.
Duke of Edinburgh‘s International Award registration and expedition costs.
Career development resources, workshops and counselling.

Are scholarships available for this program?

Yes. Scholarships are available. Ask your education agent for details.