The University of Wollongong (UOW) is one of Australia's most prestigious universities having been placed in the top two percent of universities in the world by its performance in the 2009 Shanghai Jiao Tong Academic Ranking of World Universities. For the third year in a row, UOW has been ranked in the top 100 universities in the world by the Times Higher Education Employer Review (2009). This review rates employers' opinions of UOW graduates.

The University of Wollongong was one of only four universities in Australia to score in Band A in all four discipline groupings in the Federal Government's 2009 Learning and Teaching Performance Fund.

At UOW, the rankings mean that you get more from your degree. We've received the maximum five-star ranking in six key categories in the Australian 2009 Good Universities Guide, which ranks Australian universities over a range of criteria. The current five-star rankings have been awarded in the following categories: Graduate Overall Satisfaction, Graduate Success in Getting a Job, Graduate Starting Salary, Positive Graduate Outcomes, Graduate Generic Skills and Research Intensity.

UOW graduates enjoy some of the best outcomes of any graduates in the country - high employment rates, high starting salaries and the confidence that comes from studying a degree designed to create well-rounded graduates.

UOW courses are reviewed often to make sure they're relevant to all the latest developments in both industry and the academic world. They're also flexible, allowing you to study across a number of disciplines and the possibility to transfer between degrees.

UOW is located in the city of Wollongong, Australia's ninth largest city (population 400 000), about 90 minutes by rail or road from Sydney. Its blend of lifestyle, natural beauty, culture and entertainment makes this cosmopolitan city a great place to live and study. The UOW campus is situated at the base of Mount Keira, less than 5 km from the city centre and white sand beaches of the city of Wollongong.

UOW has a total student population of just 26 000, including around 6 000 international students from more than 70 countries. UOW strong international focus provides you with the opportunity to interact with a highly divers student population in a variety of academic, social and work environments and to obtain an affordable, quality education designed to increase your employment options in the future.

UOW is strongly independent, self-reliant and a little surprising and after studying with them, you will be too.

AREAS OF STUDY

UOW offers a wide range of undergraduate courses in:

    * Arts and Humanities;
    * Business and Commerce
    * Computer Science and Information Technology;
    * Creative Arts;
    * Earth and Environmental Sciences;
    * Education;
    * Engineering;
    * Health Sciences;
    * Law;
    * Mathematics;
    * Media, Journalism and Communication Studies;
    * Science.

Details of all courses, including course descriptions and structures can also be found via the online Course Finder.

TUITION FEES

Tuition fees are paid one session at a time. Your offer letter states the tuition fee payable provided that you accept the current offer and commencement date. The tuition fee will remain the same for the duration of the course, provided the course is completed in the minimum time, and is fixed at the level quoted in the final offer letter.

Contact us for full details of fees for each course.

Acceptance, Orientation, Enrollment & Deferment

ACCEPTANCE

To accept your offer of admission, you will need to complete the Offer Acceptance and Payment Advice form attached to your offer letter and return it along with the total payable fee to commence the course as quoted in your offer letter.

The fees payable includes tuition for your first session of study and Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).Payment can be made by credit card or a bank draft drawn in Australian dollars at an Australian bank.

You must ensure that payment is made as early as possible to allow sufficient time for visa processing. Depending on the country you come from, the visa process can take anywhere from several days to more than 3 months, so you need to allow sufficient time for this process. HELLO AUSSIE STUDENT SERVICES can assist you with acceptance and payment procedures.

When you have completed pre-visa assessment (where applicable) and paid all fees quoted in your offer letter, an electronic Confirmation of Enrollment (eCOE) will be issued and sent to you via email. It is important that you provide a current email address with your application so that your eCOE can be returned to you quickly. You will need the eCOE to apply for your student visa.

ORIENTATION

Orientation sessions, including course enrollments, for all new international students commence in February. This will be your official introduction to the University and will give you the opportunity to make new friends and to settle into Wollongong before lectures start. Orientation Week is designed to familiaries you with the campus, staff and facilities. Information sessions and group discussions on a large range of topics will be held during the week.

These include:

    * services and facilities available on campus;
    * Overseas Student Health Cover;
    * study skills and essay writing;
    * general information about living in Australia, local customs and attitudes;
    * how to stay safe and legal in Australia;
    * campus tours.

Faculty orientation seminars are also held and you will have the opportunity to consult with academic advisers from your course to assist with selection of subjects for your program of study.

ENROLMENT

The enrolment process commences in February and involves registration in individual subjects, lecture and class times, obtaining your student card and other administration matters relating to your enrolment at the University.

Students are normally not permited to enrol after Orientation Week, unless written permission from UOW has been granted. If you have unavoidable circumstances preventing arrival by Orientation Week, you must request an Extension Letter (permission for late enrolment) by contacting UniAdvice (uniadvice@uow.edu.au). Under no circumstances will enrolment be permited after the second week of session.

Students who arrive after Orientation Week will not be guaranteed places in the subjects of their choice - where subjects are compulsory, this could result in course of study taking up to one year longer to complete.

DEFERMENT

Deferment requests must be received by the end of March and can be made online at http://coursefinder.uow.edu.au/coursefinder/DeferralrequestDetail.aspx.

Do not enrol if you intend to defer. Deferment is not available for any of the creative arts or journalism degrees (including the double degrees).

STUDENT SUPPORT

UOW provides a wide range of academic and social support services to help you through your life and studies.

Some of these programs include:

    * airport pick-up
    * learning development programs;
    * academic advisers and student liaison officers;
    * Momentum - student mentoring program;
    * International Friendships Program;
    * workplace learning to increase your employment prospects.

For details visit www.uow.edu.au/future/international.

ACCOMODATION

Many students say one of the best parts of the University experience is living in residence. Rarely will you have the chance to live in a community that has people from so many walks of life and countries. To find out what's really like go to the website and view infomercials at www.uow.edu.au/about/accomodation/.

Living @ UOW provides a range of accomodation options fro students. Residences are in convenient locations and students benefit from an environment that is committed to providing high academic achievement, involvement, development and fun. The community culture in each residence provides a vibrant atmosphere with many social, cultural, sporting and other activities on offer.

Residences are catered, self-catered and flexi-catered. The catered residences are International House and Weerona College where 19 meals a week are provided. Campus East offers flexi-catered and self-catered options and also designated postgraduate units. The self-catered residences are Kooloobong (for 2nd years and above) and Keiraview.

Applications for accomodation close 30th November of the previous year. If you are thinking of living @ UOW, it is important to apply online well before the deadline as demand for accomodation is very high and continues to grow each year. Further information about residences, fees and the application process is available at www.uow.edu.au/about/accomodation/.

Campus Services & Facilities

CHAPLAINCY

There are a range of services fro different religious groups, including a Buddhist Temple in the city of Wollongong, a mosque within walking distance of the University and a dedicated building on campus for Muslim prayer and other activities. Wad'u (ablution) facilities are available. Student-based religious clubs include the Muslim Association of Wollongong University, Catholic Club, Chinese Christian Fellowship, Evangelical Christian Union, the Baha'i Society and the Australasian Union of Jewish Students.

COUNSELLING

Student Support Advisers (SSA's) will help you settle into university life in Australia. They assist with orientation to the local area, homesickness, study difficulties, academic concearns, budgeting, legal/accidents, visa issues, health, personal problems, family emergencies and children's education. They can give advice about returning home after you complete your studies. the service is free and completely confidential.

The SSA can also liaise on your behalf about issues of concern and can provide support through the University grievence procedure. They can also help you meet other students and community members through the activities of ICIS and the International Friendship Program.

Visit www.uow.edu.au/student/services/SSA/index.html for more information about the services available and relevant contact details.

SPORTS AND RECREATION

The University Recreation and Aquatic Centre (URAC) provides world-class facilities for sport and recreation. Facilities include playing fields, all-weather outdoor playing surfaces, a 50-metre heated swimming pool and tennis courts. The recreation centre has a fully equipped gymnasium, squash courts, basketball courts, sport store, cafe and 24 sports clubs. Activities offered include fitness classes, leisure and outdoor activities, learn-to-swim classes and a social sports competition.

STUDENT ORGANISATIONS

There are over 60 clubs and societies on campus, ranging from religious and cultural groups to recreation groups. International clubs include the Chinese Students Association, Thai Student Association, Muslim Association of UOW, and Saudi Students Association.

The Illawarra Committee for Internationa Students (ICIS) provides support and activities for international students such as bus trips, an English conversation group and student dinners.

Visit www.uow.edu.au/future/international/prearrival/ for the full range of services and facilities.

FAQs &FURTHER INFORMATION

For more information about studying at UOW as an international student visit www.uow.edu.au/future/international/prearrival/.