What is the Principal's Recommendation Scheme?

Answer: The Principal's Recommendation Scheme is an early entry program which gives Year 12 students an opportunity to secure an offer from the University during the UAC early round in December for courses commencing in the next academic year. Offers are made based on the school principal’s recommendation along with a UAC preference for the selected course

Who is eligible to apply?

Answer: The Principal's Recommendation Scheme is open to all current year 12 students studying in Australia. This includes high school, college and TAFE students.

How do you apply?

When are the applications due?

Answer: Principal's Recommendation Scheme application forms must be returned to the University of Canberra, either by e-mail or post, by September 30 for courses commencing in the following academic year.

UAC application dates can be found on the UAC website.

What courses are available?

Answer: It is important to remember that not all courses are open for entry via the Principal's Recommendation Scheme.

All courses available are listed on the Principal's Recommendation Scheme application form or online at this website.

Do I need an ATAR?

Answer: No. The University of Canberra recognises that an ATAR is not always the best measure of a student’s ability or determination to succeed at university, so you do not need an ATAR to be eligible for this scheme.

Is the Scheme linked to a scholarship?

Answer: Yes, the scheme is linked to UC Aspire scholarships, but restricted to students in participating schools.

Other University of Canberra scholarship information is available here. 

What supporting material do I submit?

Answer: Unlike other early entry schemes, students will not be required to submit any additional material. On the application form, only the principals’ signature is required.

Who should be recommended?

Answer: The process and reasons as to why students are selected to be put forward for the scheme is up to the discretion of individual schools. However, it is recommended that only students who demonstrate the ability to succeed at university

Schools should consider whether the student would benefit from additional preparation through

• the University of Canberra College or
• our Foundation Program for indigenous students

prior to recommending them for the Principals Recommendation Scheme

Where are the forms available?

Answer: Application forms are sent directly to School Principals and Careers Advisors via email in July each year.

Schools that have not received a copy of the form can request one by emailing marzieh.nowrouz.tafreshi@canberra.edu.au

Students and parents are unable to request forms and must approach the school if they are interested in the program.

How many places are available?

Answer: There is no limit to the places available; Principals may recommend as many students as they wish to the program.

All students recommended will be considered for an offer providing they have completed the application process correctly.

How will I know if I am a successful applicant?

Answer: On 9 December early round offers for the following academic year will be released through UAC. Students can find out if they have been made an offer through the UAC website.

Students will also be contacted via e-mail.

If I am not successful what do I do?

Answer: As long as there are no errors on your application form and you have put the University of Canberra as your first preference for the UAC early round your application will be up for consideration. If you are unsuccessful, you will still have a chance to be accepted into the University of Canberra via the main or late UAC rounds.

Alternatively, there are pathways available into the University of Canberra through

• the University of Canberra College or
• our Foundation Program for indigenous students