Are you a year 11 or 12 student stuck at home during COVID-19? Here’s some options to help you gain entry in to your 2021 dream degree.
While many Year 12s are currently facing uncertainty in their final – and most important – year of schooling, there’s a new opportunity for Murraylands and Riverland students to fast-track their entry to university.
The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted schooling for senior students, raising doubts about how it will impact their end-of-year ATAR score and chances of securing a place in their preferred uni course.
But local Year 12s can get a head-start on their study goals, and work towards automatic entry into their chosen degree in 2021, by exploring EARLY ENTRY online uni pathways this year!
The Murray River Study Hub is supporting year 11 and 12 students to start university now, by linking them with early entry study opportunities at partner universities.
Murray River Study Hub Program Manager Vanessa Leigh says taking on the early entry courses is a proactive way students can turn this year to their advantage – and the study can also help them complete their SA Certificate of Education (SACE).
“While this year has been disruptive and unsettling for many Year 12s and their families, we want to assist students to use this time to set themselves up for their future careers,” she says.
“Our partner unis offer early entry courses that students can complete during the year to help secure direct entry to their preferred course in 2021, or credit towards other university study.
“This helps take the pressure off for some students, because if they can gain direct entry via early study, there’s less need to stress about getting the perfect ATAR score – or even full SACE completion.
“Many of these courses are also SACE accredited – so while students are working to fast-track their uni options, they’ll also be gaining points to contribute to finishing their schooling.
“An added bonus is that these courses can be delivered online to students in the comfort of their own home – and it’s a great way to get experience in online study and uni expectations, which can set them up for success in their undergraduate studies.”
Central Queensland University (CQUni) allows students in both Year 11 and 12 to study via its Start University Now (SUN) program.
All courses are delivered online, and students who successfully complete their unit may be eligible to apply for direct entry into an undergraduate degree regardless of their ATAR score or SACE completion. They can also receive credit for units studied if they go on to enrol in a CQU undergraduate degree after Year 12.
Applications are now open for the SUN course, with two study periods available before the start of the 2021 university year (Term 2: July-October 2020 and Term 3: November 2020-February 2021).
Flinders University’s Extension Studies Program also offers high-achieving secondary students the chance to study while at high school.
Successfully completing a topic through this program can also lead to credit transfers to future university degree studies.
“We want to reiterate to all of the Year 11 and 12 students in the Murraylands and Riverland that there are options open to them right now to help them through this challenging time – and to give them a head-start on their chosen areas of study,” Ms Leigh says.
“This year doesn’t have to be uncertain – it can actually be a game changer for our local Year 12s – and our team here at the Murray River Study Hub can assist each step of the way.”
So if you think early entry into an online uni might be for you, get in touch.
Any student interested in starting university in 2020 (while still at high school to increase their chances of university entry in 2021) should visit the Murray River Study Hub website and compete the expression of interest form.
