Non-school leaver

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Return to study with UC

Return to study with uc

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Whether you’re beginning your university journey for the first time or returning after a long break, we know you’ll be looking for a course that lets you balance your studies with your work, life and family commitments.

At UC, more than half of our students have returned to study after some time away, so we know how important flexibility, great student services and a supportive network are to you.

Our proven practical approach to learning, strong ties to industry and innovative Work Integrated Learning programs will get you where you want to go.

As Canberra’s number one university for graduate employment*, there’s no better place than UC to start your life-changing university journey.

*Good Universities Guide, 2023

Why choose UC?

Top 5 in the world for reducing inequalities

Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, 2023

#1 in Canberra for graduate employment

Good Universities Guide, 2023

#2 young university in Australia

Times Higher Education Young Universities Rankings, 2022

Get the 2024 course guide

Learn about our study areas

Arts
Built environment
Business
Communication and media
Design
Education
Health
Law
Politics, economics and society
Science
Sport
Technology

Explore our courses

Explore our courses

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Offering more than 200 courses spanning diverse study areas, the University of Canberra is an excellent choice for your studies.

Explore your entry options

We’ll consider a number of factors when assessing your application to study, including your academic history and relevant work experience. 

Year 12 results

Even if you finished Year 12 some time ago, you can still gain admission into your preferred course using your ATAR, UAI or TER.

Prior study

If you have completed a Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualification (Certificate III or higher), it can be used to gain admission into your preferred course. This may also apply if you've only partially completed the qualification. 

Professional experience

If you have at least one year of full-time professional work experience, we can consider it when assessing your application. Simply provide evidence of your employment with your application. 

A fast track to postgraduate study

Even if you've never been to university before, you may be eligible to apply for a postgraduate course based on a combination of your previous work experience and qualifications. 

Find out more about your entry options

Balancing study with your lifestyle

We know that starting university is a big commitment, but one with life-changing rewards. If it’s been some time since you’ve studied, or if you’re feeling unsure about how you’re going to balance your classes, assignments and study with your work, family and social commitments, we’re here to help.

Flexible learning

We have flexible learning options so you can study in-person or online, which will help if coming onto campus regularly doesn’t suit you. Most lectures are also available online.

Part-time study

If full-time study is too much to handle at any point during your degree, you can change to part-time study.

Study when it suits you

When it’s time to put your timetable together you’ll have options. Choose lectures, tutorials and workshops at a time and day of the week that suits best. 

Find out more about our flexible study options

Consider your study costs

Money matters

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Understanding the costs of studying a degree is an important part of getting prepared for university. There are lots of outlays to consider, but it doesn’t mean that university is unaffordable.

As a domestic student, you’re eligible for a Commonwealth Supported Place in all undergraduate and some postgraduate courses. You may also be eligible for a government HELP loan, which allows you to defer your remaining course fees and pay later through the income tax system. 

Learn more about fees and costs

"After high school, I was in full-time work for four years and I took time for some soul searching and to decide what I wanted to study. One day I decided to stop comparing my path to everyone else’s and just know that this was where I was supposed to be."

Keisha Preston
Bachelor of Communication and Media

Experience UC

Experience UC

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Beyond your lectures, tutorials, labs and library time, there are plenty of hours left in the day to experience a full and fun social life at UC. With an active and lively atmosphere on campus, there’s always something to do. Join one of our clubs or societies, meet friends on campus for events, gigs or market days, or get involved in sport, art, music, languages and so much more.

Join one of our regular campus tours to check out the learning spaces and facilities at our Bruce campus and hear about the services available to students.

Find out more about life at UC

Explore our campus

Explore our campus

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Take a virtual campus tour and explore our Bruce campus as if you’re there.

Go on a virtual campus tour

Campus accommodation

Campus accommodation preview

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If you would like to live in an apartment or studio on or near our Bruce campus, there are plenty of campus accommodation options available. Check out the spaces, social activities and room options at each 'ressie' choice to find something that best suits you.

UC Lodge

Lodge introduction

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Located on campus with modern spaces to lounge and study in, enjoy everything UC has to offer in one of UC Lodge’s 353 apartments or studios.

Weeden Lodge

Lodge introduction

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Based in Belconnen near shopping, restaurants, cafes and Lake Ginninderra, Weeden Lodge offers 309 stylish apartments and studios close to campus.

Cooper Lodge

Lodge introduction

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Close to the UC Library, cafes, a supermarket and a bar, Cooper Lodge has 296 apartments and studios suitable for those who are as social as they are studious.

Campus West

Lodge introduction

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Set out like a village while being staffed and secure, Campus West strikes the perfect balance between student housing and independent living.

Discover Canberra

Welcome to Canberra

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A vibrant city with a homely feel, Canberra has no shortage of things to do. We’re home to major events, nightlife, enticing shopping and a thriving cafe culture, while surrounded by beautiful national parks and reserves.

Our community is known for being friendly, welcoming and accepting, and we’ve repeatedly been named Australia’s most liveable city. We’re also one of the most affordable cities for students, making it easy to live an inexpensive lifestyle.

Learn more about living in Canberra

Don’t miss a key date

Now

Semester 2 applications open

24 July 2023

On-time applications close

31 July 2023

Semester 2 starts

Explore UC key dates

How to apply

1

Choose your course

2

Gather supporting documents

3

Submit your application