Post School Pathways News
UAC advice and updates for Year 12 students
A reminder to all Year 12 students applying for admission to university. The University Admission Centre (UAC) Early Bird applications close on 30th September. To clarify the difference between an early bird application and an early entry application. A UAC early bird application is simply a standard UAC application submitted before the early bird fee ends on 30 September. After this date, the application fee increases from $82 to $215. An early bird application is not an application for an early offer.
Direct early entry applications
Just a quick reminder: students should avoid listing the same course on both a direct application and their UAC application. If they don’t receive an offer through the direct application, they can then add that course to their UAC preferences to be considered in the regular ATAR offer rounds.
UAC Digital: videos to assist Year 12 students with applications
The UAC Digital YouTube channel is dedicated to navigate the application process. A range of videos providing advice, guidance and support are available for students applying for tertiary institutions. The following videos may be helpful to students at this time of year.
Year 12 Early Bird: What do you need to know by September 30th
Click here to view the video presentation.
How do I make good preference choices?
For additional advice on how to list your preferences, click here.
UAC Key dates:
6 November: Deadline to change SRS preferences
13 November: First round of SRS offers
18 December: 9am ATARs released
18 December: 11.59 pm Deadline to change preferences for Round 2 (Main Offer round)
23 December: 7.30am Round 2 offers released
HSC Exam Preparation workshops
Masterclasses (Year 12) @ University of Sydney & Macquarie University Monday 29 September – Friday 3 October
InspirationED is running small-group, subject-specific Masterclasses led by senior HSC teachers. Students will practise exam questions, review top-band exemplars, and receive live, targeted feedback to maximise marks. Limited places. Click here for further information.
Jobs for graduating students
Councils Now Recruiting Apprentices
Local councils across NSW are now recruiting apprentices to start in 2026, with around 300 roles on offer. The roles are funded through the NSW Government’s Fresh Start program which aims to provide genuine career opportunities while helping councils to build strong, skilled and sustainable workforces. To learn more, contact your council or click here.
Master Builders Association of NSW
Master Builders Association of NSW is here to help school leavers become an apprentice or trainee. The 3-week entry level Pre-Apprenticeship training program provides an introduction into both the industry and a carpentry trade prior to commencing an apprenticeship. Starts 5 January 2026. For further information please visit their website.
Information Sessions for Students & Parents, Holiday workshops
JMC Academy Holiday Workshops for Year 10-12 Students
For a list of workshops and enrolment details, please click here.
SAE Create for a Day | School Holiday Workshop
Head to https://sae.edu.au/event/create-for-a-day for further details.
Sydney Design School Information Session Wednesday 1 October 1.00pm
Early entry is now open for Sydney Design School with no ATAR and a pathway to university. Find out more about a career in interior design at their Info Session, Wednesday 1 October 1.00pm. Join Sydney Design School on campus or online. Register here.
myfuture Webinar: Navigating your Post-school Plans with Confidence, 15 October 6.00pm
Dr Michael Healy, myfuture’s National Career Education Manager, will share six simple ideas that will help you think about your future with confidence, including why the ATAR might not be as important as you think, why it’s okay if you don’t know what you want to do, how to research your options, and who to talk to for help. Click here for further details.
TAFE NSW | Bradfield Senior College Open Day – Tuesday 21 October
HSC students interested in preparation for the creative industries or completing Year 12 through pathways. Whether pursuing ATAR or vocational options, explore creative opportunities in art, music, design, performance, animation or filmmaking. Join Bradfield Senior College at their Open Day on Tuesday 21 October. Register here.
Charles Sturt University Virtual Parent Information Evening ‘Thinking Ahead: Supporting your Teen’s Journey to University’ 22 October: 6.30pm – 7.30pm
The Online Parent Information Session offers expert guidance to help parents support their teens exploring university options at Charles Sturt. It will cover early offers, scholarships, accommodation, and include insights from current students and their parents. Register here.
myfuture webinar: Discover your Future in Cyber Security, 22 October 6.00pm If you’re a student who enjoys solving puzzles, thinking critically, or exploring technology software and hardware, cyber security could make for an exciting future career. Whether you’re just curious or ready to dive in, this session will help you understand what it takes to have a meaningful tech career in cyber security. https://myfuture.edu.au/assist-others/webinars.
The University of Sydney’s Ngara Future Focus Program 24 October
Join USYD on campus or a fun and informative day exploring the University of Sydney’s history, study pathways, and student support services. This event is open to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Year 11 students in metropolitan Sydney who will be entering Year 12 in 2026. Register here.
Australian Academy of Beauty Dermal Laser Information Evenings
Discover why they are one of Australia’s most prestigious Beauty, Spa, Laser & Dermal Academies. Learn about their 2026 Diploma courses, tour luxury student spas, and secure your place. 4 Sydney locations: Bella Vista, Rockdale, North Strathfield and Sydney CBD. Visit their website for further details.
The University of Sydney’s Indigenous Futures Webinar: Last Chance for Scholarship Applications
As the scholarship application deadline approaches, this yarn will offer a final opportunity for you to ask any remaining questions about scholarship applications. Don’t miss this chance to ensure you’re fully prepared. Register here.
Expressions of Interest for the University of Sydney’s Year 11 Gadalung Program Now Open
Open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in Year 11 (entering Year 12 in 2026), this program offers a taste of university life, skill-building workshops, and the chance to connect with students and staff. Register here.
Australian Community Education College | Certificate III in Early Childhood Education – SBAT Start your career in childcare with the CHC30121 Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care at Australian Community Education College. Get real skills, workplace experience, and a nationally recognised qualification. A rewarding future starts here. Email: mark@acec.edu.au to learn more.
Enter the World of Le Cordon Bleu Careers Residential High school students in Years 11 and 12 can join Le Cordon Bleu Sydney’s Careers Residential on 25–26 Nov 2025 ($500, redeemable on enrolment). Experience hands-on culinary and hospitality workshops, meet lecturers and industry experts. Le Cordon Bleu- 250 Blaxland Rd, Ryde NSW. Enquiries: Joan Kim, jkim@cordonbleu.edu.
This article on College life meets The Archbishop’s Charter for Catholic Schools – Charter #2, #6 & #8
