If you’re on an ATAR pathway and want to discover university, then the Gateway Program is for you. 

The Gateway Program is for students in Years 10, 11 and 12 who want to discover UNSW degree options, explore future career opportunities and access additional resources for the HSC. Participating in the Gateway Program also provides critical support to receive an early offer to UNSW through the Gateway Admission Pathway. 

Interested in viewing the full program? Download an overview of our metro and regional programs.

Year 10 Gateway Program 

During this on-campus experience, run in collaboration with the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), students attend workshops where they will gain knowledge of UNSW degrees, learn strategies to articulate and develop compelling personal narratives, and adopt practical dramatic techniques to enhance presentation and public speaking skills.

This opportunity is available to a select number of Gateway schools based on a school sign-up process.

Things to know about the Year 10 Gateway Program

  • Year 10 students who attend a Gateway school, intend to pursue an ATAR pathway and are interested in attending University. This program is based on school sign-up only.

  • Students will:

    Discover how their interests and aptitudes align with UNSW degrees and careers and reflect on their learning strengths.

    Enhance communication skills with dramatic techniques. 

    Engage in small group self-reflective writing workshops. 

    Be inspired by different perspectives, career trajectories and experiences of University Ambassadors and UNSW Alumni.

  • This program will run on-campus in Term 1, from Week 3 - 10.

  • Participate in an on-campus experience to explore your strengths, passions and goals and develop your presentation skills in workshops run by NIDA. You will identify your career goals, write persuasive personal pitches, and practice dramatic techniques for communicating with influence. You also have an opportunity to practice your enhanced skills live, as part of a networking experience.

Year 11 Gateway Program

During the program, students can explore their passions and learning strengths, get an understanding of the Gateway Admission Pathway and leverage Program opportunities for their journey to university. They are supported to start planning their written personal statement as part of their application for an early offer to UNSW in 2026.

Things to know about the Year 11 Gateway Program

  • You can participate in the Year 11 Gateway Program if you are a Year 11 student on an ATAR pathway, are an Australian resident and:

    If you’re unsure whether you meet these criteria, contact us.

    Note: The HSC-specific content covered in the Program is based on the NSW school curriculum and won’t be relevant if you are currently studying outside of NSW. 

  • In-school workshop – a 60-minute pre-workshop

    • When: Term 2, Weeks 2 – 9
    • Where: In-school

    Online workshop – a 60-minute workshop

    • When: Term 2, Week 9, Wednesday 26 June, 5:00pm
    • Where: Online  

    Online resources through OpenLearning

    • When: Resources available from Term 2, Week 10, Monday 1 July
    • Where: Online

    On-campus days 

    • When: School holidays, Week 1, Monday 8 and Tuesday 9 July
    • Where: UNSW Kensington campus
  • The Year 11 Gateway Program features on-campus days where you can explore a range of UNSW degrees through cross faculty experiences, academic skills workshops and opportunities to be immersed in the vibrant UNSW community. It also has online Gateway Admission Pathway information sessions and gives you access to a suite of academically enriching online resources to equip you for the HSC.

Year 12 Gateway Program

Students will engage in meaningful conversations to explore their passions, learning strengths and hopes for the future. Students will learn about the Gateway Admission Pathway and how it can support them towards their desired futures.  

During the online program, students will prepare for the HSC through subject-specific exam practice and workshops led by experienced HSC teachers and markers. Students will also be supported to write their personal statement for their Gateway Admission Pathway application.  

The on-campus days provide students an opportunity to explore the UNSW campus and participate in ‘day in the life of a uni student’ through connecting with current university students, societies faculties and academics.

Things to know about the Year 12 Gateway Program

  • You can participate in the Year 12 Gateway Program if you are a Year 12 student on an ATAR pathway, are an Australian resident and:

    If you’re unsure whether you meet these criteria, contact us.

    Note: The HSC-specific content covered in the Program is based on the NSW school curriculum and won’t be relevant if you are currently studying outside of NSW. 

  • In-school – a 60-minute pre-workshop

    • When: Term 2, Weeks 1 – 8
    • Where: In-school

    Online – a 60-minute workshop

    • When: Term 2, Week 9, Monday 24 June, 5:00pm
    • Where: Online

    Online program

    • When: Term 2, Week 10, Monday 1 - Thursday 4 July
    • Where: Online

    On-campus days

    • When: School holidays, Week 1, Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 July
    • Where: UNSW Kensington campus
  •  

    Prepare for the HSC with personalised mentoring, subject-specific masterclasses, practice tests, and tutoring in the lead up to exams. You’ll also get support in applying to UNSW through the Gateway Admission Pathway. 

     

In Year 12 and ready to apply for an early offer?

If you're in Year 12, the Gateway Admission Pathway is an alternative pathway to UNSW which considers more than just your ATAR. It offers early entry to UNSW or a significantly lower ATAR entry requirement for a range of degrees. 

Have a question about Gateway?