Careers Corner 

This will be the last chapter of Careers Corner for this term.  The time has flown! 

The end of Term 2 is fast approaching and there is a great deal of information available on the many different post school pathways.  The Year 12 students are hopefully looking at their post school options and are being urged to complete resumes and cover letters as well as applying for as many different courses as possible. 

I have recently attended an information day on tertiary pathways.  I have placed all the information from this day on the Careers Team OneNote for Year 12. 

I would like to encourage students and parents to check this each week for updated information on Apprenticeships, Traineeships, Scholarships and University Open Days. 

The Job Jump section has a wealth of information about all things Careers as well.  Please make it a regular weekly occurrence to check the information here. 

Job Jump is and continues to be a great source of Careers information for students and parents. 

I will be bombarding students with emails.  So please check your emails carefully so that you don’t miss out on an opportunity if and when it becomes available.  I am constantly being made aware of job vacancies in many different areas and email these out to the students as soon as I receive them. 

On Thursday next week, 35 Year 12 students will travel to Newcastle to take part in the University Schools Open Day.  The students have all registered for several sessions throughout the day and will be given a great deal of information about the courses running at Newcastle University plus scholarship and accommodation information. 

It will be an early start but certainly worth the trip down and back.  There will be some photos and more information in Careers Corner next term. 

Next term on Thursday 31 July, there will be a “Careers Quip” here in Taree at Fotheringham Park.  I am in the process of organising for Years 10, 11 and 12 to attend this.  There will be many different exhibitors at this event, all with post school employment information.  Last year was excellent.  Details will be forthcoming in the first few weeks of Term 3. 

Several universities are now open for early entry and several of these universities have their early entry separate from UAC.  UNE, Southern Cross and Charles Sturt have various pathways and are worth considering.  Newcastle University has just opened its Early Entry pathway, and I have emailed the information to the students as well as placing this in our Careers Team OneNote.  Please make sure that you have a Plan A, Plan B and Plan C! 

There is also an information booklet and a PowerPoint with information about this in the Year 12 Careers OneNote with a summary of Early Entry 2026 for Year 12 2025 students. 

University scholarships will begin to open over the coming months and some have already, so if you want to choose that pathway it is very important to keep checking university websites. 

APPLY, APPLY APPLY! 

Many scholarships go “untaken”.  You have to be in it to win it and have nothing to lose by applying. 

ATAR Information Part 2 

Continuing on from the information in Ch 5 please see below more information on the ATAR so that students and parents are aware of how this works. 

Not everyone gets an ATAR 

You can finish Year 12, receive your high school certificate, and not receive an ATAR. 

You can only receive an ATAR if you satisfy the rules in your state or territory, such as passing enough approved subjects.  For example, in Victoria you must have at least four VCE study scores in an acceptable combination of subjects in order to receive an ATAR. 

Even if you aren’t eligible for an ATAR, there are still plenty of ways to get into university.  They generally offer lots of alternative pathways to many of their programs, including undergraduate degrees. 

How your ATAR helps universities 

ATARs exist to help universities with their admissions processes.  So, unless you’re planning on going to university at some point, then your ATAR isn’t really all that important. 

Universities receive loads of applications every year, and ATARs help them compare students fairly by using a single number.  This is much easier than trying to compare results from different subjects (and even across different states). If many people apply for a course and there aren’t enough places, universities can use the ATAR to decide who gets in. 

You can use your ATAR from one state to apply to university in any other state – it’s valid across Australia. 

In addition, ATARs can sometimes be used as a guide of your potential to do well at university. Although it’s not always accurate, they might use it to assess your potential as a basis for admissions. 

Who calculates and releases ATARs? 

ATARs are calculated and released by the Tertiary Admissions Centres in each state and territory: UAC (NSW & ACT), QTAC (QLD), VTAC (VIC), SATAC (SA & NT), TISC (WA). and UTAS (TAS). 

How is the ATAR calculated? 

Each state has a slightly different method, but the general idea is the same: 

1. Scores from your top subjects are added to your results from any mandatory subjects (e.g. English or Maths) to create an aggregate score. 

2. Using those aggregate scores, a complex algorithm is applied to create rank tables, converting your aggregate into an ATAR. 

ATARs are the same no matter where you are in Australia. An ATAR of 81.00 in South Australia, for example, is the same as an ATAR of 81.00 in any other state or territory. 

Once your results are released and you know what your ATAR is, it will never change. 

Scaling levels the playing field 

You might have heard people say that some subjects are “scaled up” or “scaled down”. That’s true – sometimes it can seem unfair that some students get “extra points” (adjustments) to their ATAR, but it’s really about making the results as fair as possible. 

Scaling makes sure that students aren’t disadvantaged (or overly advantaged) based on their subject choices. It’s also used to adjust for things like varying performance across schools – such as the difference between a top selective school and a small remote school. 

Think of it this way: if one student studied dance and languages while another studied predominantly STEM subjects, how can you compare their results? The scaling system is designed to even out the differences in the thousands of different subject variations, helping universities to assess applicants from a single source – their ATAR. 

What’s the difference between an ATAR and a selection rank? 

Your selection rank (or SR) is your ATAR plus any adjustment factors you might be eligible for. These can come from things like: 

• living in a rural area
• doing well in certain subjects
• having a tough personal situation
• applying through special entry programmes 

For example, if your ATAR is 86 and you receive three adjustment points, your selection rank becomes 89.  This higher rank can help you get into a course with a higher cut-off. 

How university adjustment schemes work 

If a university offers adjustment factors, your ATAR number remains the same but your selection rank will be higher. That means you could receive an offer to a course you listed in your preferences even though your ATAR is below the cut off, because your selection rank gets you over the line. 

For example, Beth has applied to do a Bachelor of Medical Science.  The course information states you need a minimum ATAR of 89.  Beth’s ATAR results are released and she receives an ATAR of 86. The university she applies for offers adjustment factors which she is eligible to receive.  Once they’re applied to her ATAR, she has a selection rank of 89 and is accepted onto the course. 

Each institution may have their own adjustment schemes, and even different courses at the same university may apply them differently. 

University course cut-offs and how they work 

University courses often have a limited number of places, so there’s only so many applications they can accept. 

Some courses might have a minimum ATAR or selection rank requirement (sometimes called a cut-off).  These are often the courses that receive more applications than they have places available.  The cut-off is reflective of the popularity of that course, not necessarily how easy or hard it is going to be.  If lots of applicants list a specific course on their preferences this year, the required ATAR to receive an offer might go up next year. 

It’s important to remember that lots of universities consider more than just your ATAR when making offers.  They want well-rounded applicants who can offer more than just a high ATAR, so you might be invited to an interview, do an audition, or provide a portfolio, for example.  It’s the perfect opportunity to show them more about you, your skills, strengths and values. 

An example of how university course cut-offs work 

Course X has 100 places, but 200 students apply for a place.  Therefore, only the students with the top 100 selection ranks will be offered places. The lowest selection rank offered a spot then becomes the course cut-off. 

Take a look at these students who applied for Course X: 

• Student 98 has a selection rank of 78 (ATAR of 78)
• Student 99 has a selection rank of 78 (ATAR of 76 plus 2 bonus points)
• Student 100 has a selection rank of 77 (ATAR of 77)
• Student 101 has a selection rank of 76 (ATAR of 76)
• Student 102 has a selection rank of 76 (ATAR of 75 plus 1 bonus point) 

Therefore, the cut-off for this course would be 77. 

Student 99 received an offer despite receiving an ATAR of 76 because their selection rank bumped them over the cut-off. Student 101 didn’t miss out because they were incapable of completing the course – they missed out simply because their selection rank was lower than 100 other applicants. 

You can get into university without an ATAR 

Back in 2018, Victoria University’s Mitchell Institute reported that: 

“Only a quarter of undergraduate university admissions for domestic students are made on the basis of an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank).” 

Over the last few years, many universities began to lower (or in some cases remove) ATAR requirements for entry as they’d witnessed the stress and disruption many students experienced. 

Even universities who still use ATARs as a means of admission will often have alternative entry pathways, so you still have options to consider. 

Low ATAR options are available too 

If you search Course Seeker for courses that require an ATAR between 30.00 and 60.00, there are a staggering 1354 results – so there’s plenty to choose from, even if you think you might receive a low ATAR. 

It’s a good idea to list courses with lower ATAR requirements in your preferences. Even if they’re at the bottom list, you will have a better chance of receiving an offer than missing out entirely. 

UAC DATES

Key dates for 2025 to 2026 

Application dates

Tuesday 30 September 2025 Early bird processing charge deadline.  (Pay for and submit your application by this date to avoid the higher processing charge.)

Friday 6 February 2026 Applications close for semester 1, 2026. 

Some courses have early closing dates set by the institutions.  Check the course descriptions on UAC’s website at uac.edu.au/search. 

Processing charges

Early bird Standard

Wednesday 2 April to 11.59pm Tuesday 30 September 2025 approx. $80 Wednesday 1 October 2025 to 11.59pm Friday 6 February 2026 approx. $215

All fees and charges are in Australian dollars (except as required by law) and subject to change after 30 June 2025. 

Year 12 results and ATAR dates

All dates determined by external organisations are subject to change:

2025 NSW HSC students 2025 ACT Year 12 students
Thursday 18 December 2025
HSC results released by NESA from 6am
ATARs released on UAC website from 9am
Mid-December 2025
Statement (including ATAR) issued by ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies
Thursday 18 December 2025
ATARs released on UAC website from 9am

Offer dates

All dates are subject to change. For the latest information, check uac.edu.au/key-dates.

Undergraduate

Institutions decide when they will make offers to their courses. There may be a significant amount of time between when you apply for a course and when the institution.

Career Advisers Association (CAA) 

The latest information from the CAA is as follows: 

Information Sessions for Students & Parents, Open Days, Expos for Students 

TAFE NSW Information Sessions Offered online or at a participating campus, Information Sessions allow students to discover how TAFE NSW can help them to get the skills they need for the careers they want. Register now:

Master Builders at the Western Sydney Careers Expo A perfect opportunity for students, parents and job seekers to speak with Master Builders about career pathways and apprenticeships in the Building and Construction Industry. Date: Thursday 26 to Saturday 28 June 2025 from 9am to 3pm. Venue: The Dome, Sydney Olympic Park. Stand No: 39. This is a ticketed event.

TAFE NSW | Bradfield Senior College Open Day This open day is for HSC students interested in a traditional HSC, or for preparation for creative industry, Bradfield’s project-based learning in Year 11 can build specialisations and industry connections. Enrolling for February 2026 Year 11 and October 2025 Year 12 start. Find out more at Bradfield Senior College Open Day on 1 July – Register:

Western Open Day | Sunday 6 July Open Day on Sunday 6 July is a chance to discover Western’s courses, experience interactive displays and state-of-the-art facility tours, explore clubs and student support stalls, and experience university life. Tickets will include travel on trains, metro and light rail services. To register:

Study in Korea: STEM Universities Information Session Online Via Zoom Thursday 10 July 2025, 10.00am - 12.00pm. Explore study opportunities in science, technology, and engineering at some of Korea’s leading research universities: DGIST, GIST, POSTECH, and UNIST. These universities offer full tuition waivers and generous scholarships, international student exchange, and have strong industry links. The first 100 student registrants who attend the session will receive a $20 e-Gift card. Find out more and to register:

This is Music@Western Event Western's School of Humanities and Communication Arts ‘This is Music@Western’ Day, is for Year 12 students studying music in their HSC. To be held on Friday 18 July at Kingswood Campus, the event focuses on non-ATAR pathways for 2026 intake for Music. Find out more and to register:

USYD Veterinary Medicine Undergraduate Admissions Information Session Join the webinar on 23 July to learn about the Bachelor of Veterinary Biology/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (BVB/DVM) at the University of Sydney. The team will cover admission requirements, including how to submit your commitment statement and complete the Casper test. Bring your questions for the Sydney School of Veterinary Science and get expert advice on applying to the degree.

Meet the 1300apprentice Team at Parramatta & Hills District Apprenticeship/Traineeship & Jobs Expo 1300apprentice is excited to exhibit at the Parramatta and Hills District Apprenticeship / Traineeship & Jobs Expo on Tuesday 5 August. Meet their team in person and explore a wide range of school-leaver apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities. Don’t miss your chance for a one-on-one chat with their experts. For more information and location details, visit:

UCAT NIE: FREE Webinar – Pathways into Medicine, and all About UCAT 6 August 2025 The National Institute of Education will be presenting a webinar about UCAT, interviews, pathways into Medicine & Dentistry. The session is packed with invaluable information. Register via:

University of Canberra Sydney Hills Education Open Day | 9 August Join UC for an inspiring and fun day at the UC Sydney Hills Education Open Day. Explore the Bachelor of Early Childhood Education (Birth to Five) program through hands-on activities, real-world insights and campus tours. Register now.

ATAR, Bonus Points & Uni Entry Explained | 20 August, 7pm Webinar Looking for ways to unlock bonus points and improve university entry chances? Join this webinar designed for Year 12 students and parents, navigating university admissions. Topics covered: The ATAR explained, bonus points (adjustment factors) and who qualifies, what is EAS and how to apply, dates, preferencing and decision making. Run by Claire Pech Careers and Amanda Krulis. Register:

ADHD & the ATAR, Bonus Points & Uni Entry Explained | 28 August, 7pm Webinar Looking for ways to unlock bonus points and improve university entry chances? Join this webinar designed for Year 12 students with ADHD, and parents, navigating university admissions. Topics covered: The ATAR explained, bonus points (adjustment factors) and who qualifies, what is EAS and how to apply with ADHD as the main contributor, dates, preferencing and decision making throughout this. Run by Claire Pech Careers and Amanda Krulis. Register:

Courses & Workshops for Students 

ACU North Sydney | Air Aware Hackathon 7 and 8 July Ready to hack for a healthier planet? ACU will host the Air Aware Hackathon on 7 and 8 July at ACU North Sydney. Students will collaborate to develop AI-powered tools that monitor and analyse air quality with real-world data, exploring pollution patterns and health impacts while working towards cleaner cities. Find out more and register at

National Fashion College Styling Workshop Taught by Tiffany & Co.’s National Stylist, Emma Read, this exclusive workshop includes 2 photo shoots with a top fashion photographer, plus insider training in celebrity, e-com and social styling. Held at the National Fashion College’s Sydney campus Saturday 19 July—spots are limited.

The University of Sydney Computer Science Fellowship Program Running from late July to November, the Computer Science Fellowship is for high-achieving Year 11 students. It offers the chance to study Introduction to Computing (INFO1110)—a first-year University of Sydney subject. On successful completion, you will earn 6 credit points toward the Bachelor of Advanced Computing. Apply by 23 June.

myfuture Webinar: Navigating Your Post-School Plans with Confidence, Thursday 21 August at 6.00pm It is okay if you are not sure about your post-school plans or feeling a bit anxious or overwhelmed about it all. A career path is not a single momentous decision – it is the result of many decisions and adjustments, big and small. In this webinar, Dr Michael Healy will share 6 simple ideas that will help you think about your future with confidence.

Western Sydney University Reinvigorated Science Majors Update The School of Science is revamping its Bachelor of Science majors. The Innovative Foods major will now be named Food Science and Innovation, and the AgriFoods major will become Agricultural Science. Both subjects feature opportunities for industry placements and learning outcomes focused on employability.

Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation) Applications Opened 16 June Applications for ACU’s Bachelor of Arts (Western Civilisation) with scholarships up to $160,000, opened on 16 June. Entry considers academic transcript, CV with references, a sample essay, and a successful interview. First round interview cut-off is 8 September, with up to four rounds until early 2026. A webinar on 19 August more details to follow. For questions, Ask ACU:

Introducing ACU’s New Bachelor of Computer Science / Master of Data Science ACU introduces the Bachelor Computer Science/Master of Data Science, a four-year double degree combining technical and practical training for careers in technology and data. Students gain skills in AI, VR, cybersecurity, and digital trust, plus hands-on experience and access to scholarships and internships. Graduates are prepared to lead responsible innovation. Learn more at

New | Bachelor of Environmental and Social Sustainability - (Single and Double Degrees) ACU’s new Bachelor of Environmental and Social Sustainability, available as a single or double degree, prepares students to address key sustainability challenges and positively impact society. The course explores the intersection of environment, society, and culture, helping students understand and respond to social and political issues. More details at

NIE Academic Insights for 13-18 Year Old Students Choose from Medicine, Psychology, Law, Engineering, Veterinary Studies, Business Management, Creative Writing, International Relations, Software Development and AI. 13-day residential career experience, 4 - 17 January 2026 at the University of Sydney. TEL. 1300 974 187 or 0412 439 115 enquiries@nie.edu.au Details via the link:

NIE CAREERS: Future Doctors Australia Program (Age: 14-18) 22 - 25 January 2026 in Sydney (Chatswood): A high-impact 4-day program that provides young people (Age: 14-18) with a unique opportunity to explore medicine as a career. TEL. 1300 974 187 or 0412 439 115 admin@niecareers.com.au Program details via the link:

Projects Abroad - Medical Experience Programs Overseas Projects Abroad offers close up medical experience placements for students aged 15-18 in countries such as Nepal and Cambodia. A webinar recording with student interviews available online here:

Details of all programs here:

Sonder: Be a Changemaker | Applications Open Empowering young people to create positive change is at the heart of what Sonder does. Sonder are growing their team and looking for 15 new Program Leaders to join the Sonder Youth team. If aged between 18–24 and living in regional NSW, this is a chance to learn powerful leadership skills and be a leader in your community. Take part in a one-week, all-expenses-covered training retreat including food, travel, and accommodation. Location: Burrill Lake, NSW 2539 Dates: Monday 8 December, 9:00am – Friday 12 December, 11:00am Cost: FREE. The training is fun, intensive, and deeply rewarding. Learn to facilitate workshops, be mentored by expert youth facilitators, and become a driving force for grassroots change. Spots are limited. To find out more and apply, visit:

Scholarships, Early Entry, Alternate Pathways 

USYD MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme Webinar Join MySydney Entry and Scholarship Scheme Webinar on 24 June, 5.00pm to learn how students residing in low socio-economic areas can access their dream degree. Discover benefits like entry on a reduced ATAR, an $8,500 annual scholarship, and ongoing support. They will cover eligibility, how to apply, FAQs, and more.

USYD Regional and Remote Entry Scheme Webinar Join USYD on 24 June, 6.00pm for an online webinar to learn how the Regional and Remote Entry Scheme can support students from regional or remote areas. Find out about reduced ATAR entry, scholarships, and the ongoing support available throughout your studies. They will walk you through eligibility, how to apply, and key details to help you take the next step.

Early Entry at The Fashion Institute The Fashion Institute’s Early Entry scheme is now open to Year 12 students. Students can receive an offer before exams and gain access to a VIP event in December. Applicants must submit a Careers Adviser recommendation letter and respond to three short questions. Applications close end of August:

Jobs & Work Experiences for Students 

USI: A Must-Have for School Leavers’ Future Plans School leavers will need a Unique Student Identifier (USI) to undertake vocational education and training, apply for university, access a Commonwealth Supported Place or HELP loan, and graduate. Only one form of ID is needed to create a USI

so encourage students to create theirs now. They can also check if they already have a USI via USI website

For more information:

Resources for Students 

NIE UCAT and Pathways into Medicine/Dentistry Webinar Recording If you are in Years 9, 10, 11 or 12 and considering a career in medicine or dentistry, and have missed the previous ‘UCAT and Pathways into Medicine/Dentistry’ information session, you can access the recording and PDF slides of the presentation via the following link:

NIE.EDU.AU - UCAT and Interview Preparation Resources and Services The National Institute of Education was founded in 1999 with one goal in mind: To provide unparalleled assistance to students who wish to pursue a career in medicine or dentistry. Contact NIE to see how they can help you or your child succeed. enquiries@nie.edu.au / (02) 4367 0404 / 0404 197 178 /

For resources and training services visit:

Other Information 

Yarning Circle Edition #21 Western Sydney University presents the 21^st edition of 'The Yarning Circle'. This edition highlights the diverse talents, stories, and perspectives within their Indigenous community from insightful articles to celebrating award winners.

I would also like to keep encouraging all students to have a draft ‘Cover Letter’ and resume which can be tailored for job applications both part-time and fulltime.  This can be saved in the OneNote and accessed/changed at any time. 

If any student is interested in doing Work Experience, please see Mrs Lovern and collect the necessary paperwork from her.  The Catholic Schools Office has set guidelines for Work Experience.  Year 9 and Year 10 students must complete this during school hours; however, Year 11 and Year 12 students can do Work Experience during holiday time or on the weekend.

Karen McCann
Careers/VET Adviser