Guide to Year 11

Whether it's figuring out exactly how to achieve your dream career or simply deciding whether you want to go to uni, Year 11 is the perfect time to start exploring your options. The best part? You don’t have to make any decisions yet. Here’s everything you need to know to put yourself in the best position to start uni in a couple of years.

What to do right now
Build healthy habits in Year 11

Set yourself up for study success

"Your senior years are a marathon, not a sprint". Keeping up your efforts over Year 11 and 12 – and not trying to cram in a year’s worth of content the night before! – is key to doing well in your final exams. Year 11 is the perfect time to test out new study tips and set yourself up for success by establishing a realistic study routine that works for you.

Need some inspiration? We've collated our top 10 study tips for exam prep. Start testing and implementing your study routine in Year 11, so it'll be a habit by the time your HSC or final exams roll around.

Build your support system

Just as it’s a great time to hone your study skills, Year 11 is also your chance to zoom out and look at the bigger picture. Take the time to look after your mental health, maintain your relationships with friends and family, and stick with any hobbies, passions or extracurriculars that you enjoy. Your support system and healthy habits will help carry you through any challenges in Year 12.

Additionally, your extracurriculars may also help boost your chances of admission to uni; Many universities consider factors beyond your ATAR and look at you holistically.

Explore our degrees

How to apply

Where to go
The uni events for Year 11 students

Uni events are great places to start learning how to navigate your journey to uni. Here are a few to keep on your radar:

Y11 Experience Days: Get a taste of life as a UNSW student. Join us on campus for hands-on workshops in specific areas of study, connect with current students and inspiring speakers, and explore our campus.
Open Day: It's not just for Year 12! Each September, you’ll get a chance to explore UNSW and get all your questions answered at our biggest and brightest event of the year.
Faculty Info Evenings: Have a specific degree or UNSW faculty that you’re interested in? Info Evenings are a chance to get detailed insight into everything you need to know about that pathway.
Career expos: Figure out if UNSW is the right fit for you. Whether you have questions about admissions, degrees, career opportunities or student life, a career expo is the perfect opportunity to weigh up your options.

Sign up to our mailing list to stay up to date on all upcoming UNSW events including dates, details and how to register.

What to know
Do your research in Year 11

Get the scoop now, so you have one less thing on your plate in Year 12.

Understanding UAC: preferencing, offers and the dates to keep in your calendar.

Start familiarising yourself with the UAC preferencing process. Even if you’re not sure what degrees you’d like to preference, understanding the process will help ease any extra concerns you might have when it comes time to make your decision.
Don't get caught out. Learn the common misconceptions about UAC preferencing and offers.
Get out your calendar – check out , including key deadlines for applications and offer rounds. UNSW’s main offer rounds are December Round 2 and January Round 1.

Admission pathways

There's more than one way to get to uni – and you can start preparing right now.

Demonstrate your passion and talent alongside your ATAR for the opportunity to gain an early conditional offer or a significantly lower ATAR entry requirement for a range of Arts, Design & Architecture and Engineering degrees with Portfolio Entry.

Start preparing your portfolio in Year 11 to showcase your passion, creativity and potential to succeed in your degree area.

Learn more
If you attend a Gateway school or live in a low-socioeconomic area, you could unlock your access to UNSW through the Gateway Admission Pathway. Gain early entry or a significantly lower ATAR entry requirement for a range of degrees.

If applicable, the Year 11 Gateway Program is a great way to get the support you need on your journey to UNSW.

Check eligibility

Explore degrees

Year 11 is a great time to explore your interests and discover what you might want to study at uni, without the pressure of having to decide right now. Ask yourself: