University of Wollongong

Awards

The Australian Awards for University Teaching has presented the University of Wollongong with the Student Experiences and Learning Support Services award.

UOW received this for enhancing student's learning experience through its co-curricular learning programme, UOWx. This award-winning initiative connects students with opportunities outside of their academic work.

Rankings

The University of Wollongong has continued its international recognition through its latest rankings. In the QS World University Rankings 2021, UOW was rated in the top one per cent of universities worldwide, and placed within the top 250 global institutions by:

• QS World University Rankings 2021 (placing 196^th)
• Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2021 (placing 231^st)
• U.S. News & World Report Best Global Universities Rankings 2021 (214^th)

Many of its subjects were also highly awarded, with ten of its programmes ranked within the top 150 worldwide by QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021. These programmes included archaeology, geography, law, sports-related subjects as well as engineering and technology.

The university was also recognised as the 14^th best modern university worldwide (QS Top 50 under 50 Rankings) and was awarded five-plus stars in the QS Stars Rating System 2021.

The university is consistently ranked in the top 200 global universities for its graduate quality and was recently ranked 6^th worldwide by the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.

Scholarships

The Australian government has awarded UOW with over AUD 1.7 million of funding, which will be used to support high-achieving students with scholarships and internships. All four of the university's faculties received government grant funding, which can be used in 2021 and the first half of 2022.

On-campus pharmacy

The university has recently opened a pharmacy on its Wollongong campus. This will provide students with a convenient location to pick-up over the counter and non-prescription medications.

Recognised internationally in the top one per cent of universities worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2021), the University of Wollongong has a strong reputation for consistently providing teaching and research excellence.

The university has been given the prestigious Spotlight Award for global teaching excellence and was also awarded five-star rating by the latest QS Stars Rating System. Its research is regarded as world-leading and has been awarded five stars for its quality (QS World University Rankings 2021).

The programmes at UOW are student-focused, challenging and a combination of real-work delivery and classroom learning. In 2021, multiple subjects were ranked within the top 150 global universities by both QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 and Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2021. These subjects are:

QS 2021

• Archaeology
• Earth and marine sciences
• Electrical and electronic engineering
• Engineering and technology
• Geography
• Geology
• Geophysics
• Law
• Sports-related subjects
• Statistics and operational research

THE 2021

• Arts and humanities
• Physical sciences

UOW has also been recognised as a national Women in STEM Decadal Plan Champion by the Australian Academy of Science for its commitment to gender equality.

The university's international focus is enhanced by its involvement in the University Global Partnership Network. A global initiative, it encourages worldwide collaboration between academics and students from top universities on important topics.

The University of Wollongong has four faculties, each comprised of several schools which focus on specific disciplines. The university offers over 365 degree programmes across humanities, STEM, and social science fields. The faculties are:

Faculty of the Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities

Made up of seven schools, this faculty offers a range of programmes. This includes communications and media geography education international studies psychology social work and public health. In these courses, students learn how to research and implement positive social change around them.

Faculty of Business and Law

Home to business and law schools, students will experience a flexible and innovative environment. With strong links within business communities, its courses develop vital skills including critical thinking, management, and leadership.

Faculty of Engineering and Information Sciences

Its six schools specialise in the fields of engineering, information and communication technology, maths, and physics. Using education to improve the environment and society, its faculties look at both nature and technology to develop knowledge and skills.

­­­­Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health

Comprised of four schools, this faculty explores the natural world and builds tools that will improve both human and environmental health.

To secure a place at the University of Wollongong, international applicants will need to meet the entry requirements of their chosen programme, as well as English proficiency conditions.

The university accepts qualifications from over 40 countries and education systems. It requires applicants to have at least completed the equivalent of Year 12 at an Australian high school to be considered for direct entry to an undergraduate programme.

UOW accepts English proficiency test scores from IELTS, TOEFL, Pearsons, Cambridge, as well as OET for specific health courses. As many test centres are currently closed due to Covid-19, the university is also currently accepting alternative English tests, including the IELTS Indicator, Online TOEFL IBT at Home, and Duolingo. However, Duolingo will only be considered if online IELTS and TOEFL tests aren't available in the applicant's home country.

If applicants don't meet the university's English requirements, they can attend an English pathways programme (run by the university), before starting their degree at UOW. Upon completion of a pathways course, students are then guaranteed entry onto their chosen degree at either first- or second-year level.

Applicants who have previously studied in English may be considered without taking a proficiency test.

Previous studies, including diplomas and partially completed bachelor's degrees, can be used as course credit for a university transfer. If applicants choose to do this, it will reduce the length of study, and therefore the overall cost of their course.

Library

There are eight libraries across the university's multiple Australian campuses. Each library boasts thousands of e-books and electronic journals, extensive databases, and plenty of textbooks. Students can also borrow items from libraries on other UOW campuses using a document delivery service.

The Wollongong library also houses an online research archive, 3D printing facilities and VR.

Healthcare

The campus clinic offers a range of confidential health services, including:

• Chronic disease management
• Disease screening and management
• Mental health
• Physiotherapy, podiatry, and massages
• Routine health checks
• Skin checks
• Specialist referrals
• Sports health
• Travel medicine
• Vaccinations

Sports

UOW is classed as an Elite Athlete Friendly University, and its UniActive sports and training facilities are used by international athletes. Campus sporting facilities include:

• All-weather hockey surface
• Cricket nets
• 50 metre outdoor heated swimming pool
• Three tennis courts
• Two gyms
• Two multi-purpose sports halls
• Two squash courts

Educational

Wollongong's campus has the most digitally advanced planetarium in New South Wales. The first 4k laser projection system in Australia provides an innovative way for students, as well as the local community, to learn about space and science. It houses over 90 interactive exhibits, and regularly holds shows and workshops.

Accommodation

The university offers a variety of accommodation, including studio apartments, self-catered housing, and rooms specifically for international students. All housing includes utilities, furniture, laundry, car parking and recycling facilities.

Other on-campus facilities include:

• Banks
• Bar
• Dentist
• Grocery store
• Hairdressers
• Over 20 dining options
• Pharmacy
• Post office
• Travel agent
• Uni shop

When students want to explore off-campus, the university provides a free shuttle bus, which goes into Wollongong city and the beach within ten minutes.

International students can apply for a range of scholarships and bursaries through the university. From providing tuition fee discounts to helping students transfer between international campuses and partner institutions, there's a range of financial help available.

Students are automatically considered for scholarships and bursaries upon application to their specific course, so won't need to apply separately. However, students can only receive one UOW scholarship, sponsorship, or bursary.

Country-specific bursaries

The university offers country-specific bursaries, which are allocated based on a student's citizenship. Students are automatically given this bursary if they study for a coursework degree at UOW from 2021 onwards. Bursaries are awarded to students who are citizens of the following countries:

• Bangladesh
• India
• Indonesia
• Kenya
• Nepal
• Nigeria
• Pakistan
• Sri Lanka
• Tanzania
• Vietnam

Undergraduate students are awarded a 10 per cent tuition fee reduction for the duration of their course, while postgraduate students receive a 20 per cent tuition fee reduction.

Diplomat scholarship / University excellence scholarships

Both scholarships award a 30 per cent tuition fee reduction to undergraduate international students.

To be eligible for either funding, students must be based on an Australian UOW campus, demonstrate academic excellence in their previous studies and not be studying within the faculty of science, medicine, and health.

Research scholarships

The university has several research scholarships for eligible students who are conducting international higher degree research. This financial assistance can be used on any aspect of academic life at UOW, including accommodation costs and tuition fees.

The university also provides support with external scholarships, including funding offered by the Australian government and international companies.