Transition Support
To assist you in the transition to university and help you succeed in your studies the University of Canberra offers a range of transition support programs for all new students.
- Support for Commencing Students
- Support for Outstanding Scholars
- Support through the University of Canberra College (University Preparation for International and Domestic Students)
- Support through the Ngunnawal Centre (for Australian Indigenous Students)
Support for Commencing Students
This support program offers a range of services to help you achieve your study goals, develop the skills required for success at university, and provide ongoing support to all University of Canberra students.
Smart Study Passport
Smart Study Passport is a comprehensive orientation program available to all students. The program introduces new students to important facets of the University including getting to know the campus and UC’s unique culture, learning practical skills for studying and assignments, and familiarisation with University facilities such as online networks and the library.
Academic Skills Centre
The Academic Skills Centre (ASC) supports all students enrolled at the University of Canberra to acquire and enhance the skills needed to succeed in their studies. The ASC provides workshops, tutorials, and individual consultations, encouraging students to use strategies and techniques which will help them reach their academic potential.
Peer Assisted Learning Sessions
Peer Assisted Learning Sessions, or PALS, is a program offering extra learning and study support for traditionally difficult units. PALS Leaders are previous students who succeeded in the units and are given additional training to assist them in passing their knowledge on.
In-Discipline Support
The University provides five extra hours of tuition in nine key first year subjects, focusing on academic literacy, information literacy and study strategies. This in-discipline support program will ensure that students are able to get a head start in developing the graduate attributes and generic skills expected by the University of Canberra.
Library Rovers
Dressed in distinctive blue shirts, Library Rovers are available in the Library to assist students with general library and basic ICT queries.
Support for Outstanding Scholars
This program includes the Outstanding Scholars Program and a University of Canberra scholarship.
Outstanding Scholars Program
The Outstanding Scholars Program is for high achieving school leavers who receive an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) of 95 or above. The Program aims to inspire, support and encourage students and to provide them with the opportunity to be exposed to research activities in their field of study. Outstanding scholars receive:
- a University of Canberra Chancellor’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence valued at $2,500 per annum
- a specialised orientation session
- mentoring by a research active academic
- access to short seminars and courses normally only available to higher degrees by research students
Students who receive an ATAR of 99 or above also receive the University of Canberra Commonwealth Supported Scholarship for Undergraduate Students, which is a HECS exemption scholarship.
Transition through the University of Canberra College
The University of Canberra College specialises in preparing students for study at the University of Canberra. Students who do not gain direct entry into a degree at UC can choose from several pathway programs offered by the College.
Transition through the Ngunnawal Centre
The Ngunnawal Centre Foundation Program operates for those Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who do not gain direct entry into the University. The Foundation Program provides students with the opportunity to study units from their degree of choice while also completing foundation units.
The Foundation Program is run by the Ngunnawal Indigenous Higher Education Centre, who also offer pastoral care and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.