The University of New England and the University of Sydney have launched a new program to improve access to higher education, with the first students under the ‘Alternative Entry Pathway’ to commence in 2012.

 

 

Under the ‘Alternative Entry Pathway’ opportunity, which will be offered jointly by the partner universities, current Year 12 students from more than 60 eligible high schools in Sydney and on the NSW coast (full list available at http://www.une.edu.au/usyd) can apply to study the first year of selected degrees on campus at the University of New England.

 

 

In year two of their degree students can transition to the University of Sydney, provided they have made satisfactory progress in their first year of study in approved majors and units at the University of New England.

 

 

The Alternative Entry Pathway relies on a school’s assessment of a student’s ability to cope with study at university, rather than their Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) or equivalent. The assessment is based on personal attributes, such as the student’s ability to work and learn independently, as well as a judgment about the student’s potential for academic success at university.

 

 

The intention of the arrangement is to grant greater access for students who are eligible for Youth Allowance, who are disadvantaged by their background or geographic location, and who are assessed to be capable of achieving academic success.

 

 

For each Alternative Entry Pathway student, both institutions will be offering additional academic support to facilitate a transition to university study. Scholarships and sponsorships are also available.