Understanding the language of higher education in Australia can be a big task, especially for those exploring opportunities abroad.
We've simplified the key terminology that international students may come across when exploring courses and applications at UOW College Australia.
English Language tests
All courses offered to international students by UOW College Australia will have an English Language requirements for entry. This includes English Language courses, Foundation Studies, or Diplomas that are used as pathways into the University of Wollongong.
You may notice that this information often refers to an 'IELTS' English language test score. While IELTS or an equivalent test is commonly mentioned, it is important to know that the University of Wollongong and UOW College accept a variety of English language tests to fulfill the proficiency requirement.
Pathway program
Entry into the second year of a bachelor’s degree
A pathway program is a course for students who have not met the academic entry criteria for their intended Australian undergraduate university degree, such as a University of Wollongong bachelor's degree. It provides you with a qualification recognised under the Australian Qualifications Framework and offers academic credit, enabling entry into second-year undergraduate studies.
UOW College offers two types of Higher Education Diplomas that provide guaranteed entry into a range of University of Wollongong bachelor's degrees based on Academic requirements outlined in country equivalencies and a lower IELTS or equivalent.
Our 3 session Diplomas, also known as standard session Diploma, require an overall IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with 5.0 in Reading and Writing, or equivalent:
- Diploma of Information Technology (3 Session)
- Diploma of Engineering (3 Session)
- Diploma of Business (3 Session)
Our 2 session Diplomas, also known as fast track Diploma, require an overall IELTS Academic score of 6.0 with 5.5 in Reading and Writing or equivalent:
- Diploma of Science (2 Session)
- Diploma of Information Technology (2 Session)
- Diploma of Engineering (2 Session)
- Diploma of Business (2 Session)
- Diploma of Arts, Social Science and Humanities (2 Session)
The UOW College Entry Requirements page helps students understand the difference between the two types of Diploma courses.
Foundation Studies programs
Entry into the first year of a bachelor’s degree
A foundation program is a nationally recognised preparatory course for students who have not met the academic entry requirements for their intended Australian undergraduate university degree. Successful completion of the foundation program provides an entry pathway to first year undergraduate study.
A foundation program can also be completed by international students as an alternative to an Australian Year 12 certificate.
Packaged offers
For students who do not already meet the English requirements for a chosen course and wish to study English through a packaged offer, UOW College English courses can be packaged with:
- UOW Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees
- UOW College Foundation Studies
- UOW College Diploma courses
Packaged programs that include English offer many advantages, including the exemption from external English tests (such as IELTS) before beginning your next course at UOW College or UOW.
English Language packaged offers
In December 2023, the Australian Government announced a Migration Strategy raising the English language requirements for Student and Temporary Graduate visas. UOW College has produced a guide to help understand English language course options for student for the purposes of applying for a student visa.
Principle courses
For students with packaged offers, you may read a reference to a 'principal course'. This is where a student has multiple offers as part of a packaged offer, the course with the highest Australian Qualifications Framework level, is the principal course.
Study at UOW College Australia
Starting from the humble beginnings of the Wollongong English Language Centre in 1988, UOW College has been on a mission to transform lives through education. With over 38,000 students hailing from 70 countries, our institution has become one with diverse cultures, ideas, and aspirations.
Each student's journey with us is marked by inspiring stories of growth, resilience, and achievement. From overcoming language barriers to conquering academic challenges, our students' successes resonate far beyond the classroom, shaping futures and making a positive impact both locally and globally. We are proud of all of our students; you can read about our inspiring student journeys.
If you are an international student and interested in studying at UOW College, we encourage you to visit our page designed for our international students. If you want to discuss your pathway options in more detail, contact a UOW College representative.