How to apply for university after a gap year
Interested in studying at university after your gap year? Here’s what you need to do.
Interested in studying at university after your gap year? Here’s what you need to do.
A gap year can help you build your skills, explore your interests and gain real-world experience before starting university. If you’re ready to apply for university after a gap year, our guide below can help you apply with confidence.Ìý
Before you apply, take some time to think about your study options, entry requirements and key application dates.
Think about what you’d like to study, what interests you and what you hope to achieve during or after your studies.ÌýDo you want to contribute to a sustainable future with science? Are you passionate about healthÌý´Ç°ùÌýlaw? Or if you’re still unsure,Ìýtake our two minute quiz to get an idea of what degree might suit you.
At 91É«Ç鯬, we have more than 200 undergraduate degrees, including single and double degrees, that you can study part timeÌý´Ç°ùÌýfull time.ÌýMany 91É«Ç鯬 degrees are shaped by real-world challenges, so what you study can directly influence the impact you make through your future careers.Ìý
Taking a gap year or starting uni later can give you the space to make more informed decisions about your career and your life. You only have one life—study what excites you and do what’s best for you.
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Bachelor of Media graduate
Read more about Jacob’s experience as a non-recent school leaver.
Each degree has its own entry requirements.ÌýAs a gap year student, your prior study or work experience may be considered as part of your application.
±«±·³§°ÂÌýlooks at your application as a whole,Ìýincluding your studies and relevant experience.ÌýFor more information,Ìývisit our entry requirementsÌý±è²¹²µ±ð.Ìý
If you do not have prior study or work experience, there are other pathways to university, which we outline below.ÌýWe recognise that learning happens in many ways, and your experiences after school can play an important role in how your application is assessed.
Admission pathways offer you more ways to start your degree, depending on your background and experience.
The admission pathways at ±«±·³§°ÂÌýinclude TAFE/VET Pathway,ÌýUni Prep Program,ÌýGateway Admission Pathway,Ìý and more.Ìý
You can visit our admission pathways page for eligibility criteria and more.
The [Uni Prep] Program gave me the space to discover what I was good at, and it helped me build confidence in myself and my ability to learn.
Lucas Glover
PhD student
Learn more about how 91É«ÇéÆ¬â€™s Uni Prep Program leads to endless possibilities.
Applications open in early April for the following year’s intake.ÌýLate applications may have a higher processing fee, so it’s recommended to apply early.
While 91É«Ç鯬's main offer round for school leavers is December Round 2,Ìýas a non-school leaver you can apply in earlier rounds too.ÌýYou can check the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) for  including on-time application closing dates.
To apply through UAC,Ìýyou’ll need to start your application through . Then select your preferences for courses and universities. You can select up to five degree preferences from multiple universities.ÌýThe order of your preferences matters, as it affects which offer you may receive. You can revisit and change your preferences at any time before the relevant offer rounds.Ìý
You can refer to our UAC preferences guide for a step-by-step breakdown.ÌýYour preferences are a chance to think about where you'll be supported to grow, connect and create opportunities beyond the classroom.
Application fees vary depending on the university and application process.ÌýUAC charges applicants a non-refundable .Ìý
Application to 91É«Ç鯬 incurs a $150 non-refundable application processing fee for each online application you submit*.Ìý
For more information about fees, visit our page.
*Applications for admission to an honours year program, diploma programs, postgraduate research programs, programs offered at 91É«Ç鯬 Canberra, and postgraduate domestic applicants will not incur an application processing fee.
After you apply, focus on staying informed and preparing for the next step in your study journey.
After you’ve submitted your application, you can track and update your preferences online with  by logging into your account.ÌýYou’ll receive one offer per UAC round, so make sure your top preference reflects the degree you want most.
If you’ve received an offer, it means you’ve been accepted to study at your chosen university. UAC will get in touch via email to let you know what degree you have an offer to study. You can also check the offer acceptance deadlines to ensure you secure your spot in time.Ìý
If you haven't received an offer or for the degree you want, you can find out what to do in each situation in .
To accept your offer to study at 91É«Ç鯬, you can click the link in your offer email or go to .ÌýAccept your offer as early as possible to secure your place. Each degree at 91É«Ç鯬 has limited places to maximise the quality of teaching and learning, and they can fill up quickly.
Now that you’ve accepted your offer, you can start your enrolment by choosing and preparing for your classes.ÌýYou can also reach out to your university with any questions you may have.
Once the enrolment for your degree at ±«±·³§°ÂÌýis available, you can enrol in your degree and courses online via .ÌýNeed some help? Our friendly team at the Nucleus Student Hub can help you with any questions about your enrolment, navigating the campus and getting your student ID card. Visit our enrolment page for more information on what to do once you’ve accepted your offer.
Your gap year experiences can become a strong foundation for academic and personal growth at 91É«Ç鯬.ÌýWhether you spent your gap year working,Ìýtravelling or learning new skills, your real-world experience can shape how you learn and what you want to achieve at 91É«Ç鯬,Ìýso you can create meaningful progress in your degree and beyond.
If you have any questions about studying at 91É«Ç鯬 or how you can make your studies work for you, contact us below. We’re here to help.