Information for parents and carers

All the information parents and carers need to help their teen find their path to university.

Going to university is a huge but exciting step for a young person. Having someone to talk to and support them can make all the difference. Families play a very important role in supporting teenagers with further education opportunities. Your advice can positively influence your teen's decisions about their own future.

Our Future Students team can also provide more detailed information. The team would love to answer your questions through a one-on-one conversation. Please email us your questions at future.students@utas.edu.au or book an appointment.

Book an appointment

Parent and Carers Guide

Our Parents and Carers Guide is here to help you support your teen's journey to university.

It offers practical tips for applications and enrolment, useful information on accommodation and scholarships, our handy Opportunity Tracker for Year 10, 11, and 12 events, plus more.

Download Guide (PDF 4.29MB)

Attend an upcoming event

Going to university is a big and exciting step for a young person, and parents and carers play an important role in supporting teenagers as they explore further education options.

Your advice and encouragement can help shape your teen’s decisions about their future. Join one of our Parent & Carer webinars to find out what you need to know. You can register for upcoming webinars or watch recordings of recent sessions below.

For more information about studying in 2027, join us at Open Day, held in across our campuses from 26 July to 16 August. Visit the Open Day page for dates and details.

Our webinars

Parent & Carer Information Session - Webinar 1

Watch this session to learn more about the Schools Recommendation Program, student support, the basics of the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) and Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), and the Australian Universities Accord, so you can better support your young person as they explore their university options.

Watch now

Parent & Carer Information Session - Webinar 2

Thursday 10th of September,  12:00pm - 1:00pm (AEDT)

Support your young person as they explore their university options and prepare for what comes next.

This is the second webinar in our three-part series. We’ll explain Early University Offers through the Schools Recommendation Program (SRP), what they mean and what students need to do next. We’ll also cover application options for students who have not yet applied, subject selection advice for Years 10, 11 and 12, alternative entry pathways, accommodation, scholarships and key financial information.

You’ll leave with a clearer understanding of the options available and how you can support your young person as they prepare for university.

Register here

Parent & Carer Information Session - Webinar 3

Thursday 10th of December,  12:00pm - 1:00pm (AEDT)

Help your young person feel informed, supported and ready to begin university.

This is the final webinar in our three-part series. We’ll guide you and your young person through accepting an offer, enrolling in units and preparing for the transition to university study. We’ll also cover fees and introduce the learning, wellbeing and student support available, along with opportunities to study overseas, connect with the Tasmanian University Student Association (TUSA) and attend Enrolment Days.

You’ll gain practical information about what happens before classes begin and how you can support your young person to make a confident and connected start to university.

Register here

Getting a head start

We offer two programs for students looking to expand their knowledge and get ahead in their studies whilst at school, available from years 10-12. In addition to TCE points, many are eligible for inclusion in their ATAR.

Learn more

Early entry to university

Our Schools Recommendation Program allows students to focus on what really matters.

Learn more

Future students starter guide (PDF 4.7MB)

Help your Child plan their future. When exploring your future, it all starts with you. Think about what motivates you, what excites you, and what you’re good at.

Learn more

Steps to starting uni

How do you begin your journey to uni? Whether you’ve got questions about applying, accepting your offer, enrolling, or orientation, you’ll find answers here.

Learn more

Alternative pathways to university

If your child is not accepted into the degree that they want to study, don't worry. We have many alternatives available, such as pathway programs and diplomas.

Learn more

Scholarships, fees and costs

We offer hundreds of scholarships, bursaries and prizes and Commonwealth Supported Places.

Learn more

There are changes to the way ATAR is calculated from 2025

These changes will impact current year 11 students completing the Tasmanian Certificate of Education.

Learn more about ATAR changes (PDF 238KB)

Frequently asked questions

University is for everyone, not just the elite or academically gifted. It's a place to grow and learn, build friendships that last a lifetime, and experience a whole new world. A much higher proportion of students attend university than they did 30 years ago, with about 40% of our students coming directly from year 12.

There are many reasons to pursue a higher education. Some roles require a university qualification, such as psychologists, architects, lawyers and teachers. Statistics show that university graduates have a much higher rate of employment and generally earn more money.

Perhaps, more importantly, are the transferable skills university students learn and the many opportunities on offer. University students learn self-discipline, as well how to think critically and flexibly – all great assets for any career!

We have many unique programs for high achievers.

  • High Achievers Program
    This program is available to students while they are still in high school. This allows students to gain credit for their future studies and to have an early experience of university life.
  • Catalyst Program
    Provides high-achieving students with extra experiences, activities and opportunities, such as overseas and summer research programs.
  • Bachelor of Philosophy
    A fee-free, dual degree, teaching students to be future leaders. The bachelor's offers courses on leadership and service, research and multidisciplinary perspectives.

If your young person is in year 12 they are eligible to apply for early entry through the School's Recommendation Program. The Schools Recommendation Program is an alternative entry pathway that works alongside your ATAR and Certificate of Education. We recommend continuing your planned studies, your ATAR can open more course options and qualify you for merit-based scholarships.

Our course and unit pages have study area and course-specific information.

For detailed, up-to-date information about entry requirements for domestic Year 12 students, including alternative pathways for those students who do not meet minimum entrance requirements, please visit undergraduate admission requirements.

If your teen is not accepted into the degree that they want to study, don't worry. We have many alternatives available, such as Pathway Programs and associate degrees.

The main cost is the student contribution to a Commonwealth Supported Place. This can vary depending on the course or choice of units. To assist, we offer hundreds of scholarships, bursaries and prizes.

For detailed information of all costs relating to studying at the University of Tasmania, please visit Scholarships, fees and costs.

Who can I contact for further information?

Our Future Students team can tailor information that suits future students and their unique journeys, including information about courses and the application process. Please contact:

future.students@utas.edu.au

You can also submit an enquiry form or book a face-to-face appointment.

You can also find plenty of information about starting uni on our website. Starting at the University is a great place to start.