UNSW College Blog

UNSW Sydney was always Mia Wilkinson's dream university. So, when she missed the requirements for a direct entry offer by just two marks, she was devastated at first. Then, her Diploma offer to UNSW College set her on the path to a transformative experience she never could have imagined.

Not every student follows a straight path from high school to university. For Alex, taking a gap year after high school was an important step before starting his journey at UNSW College.  

Now studying a Diploma of Science, he’s gaining the skills, experience, and confidence to transition into the second year of a Bachelor of Science at UNSW Sydney. His story shows that there’s more than one way to reach university.

High school is just the beginning of an exciting educational journey, and your ATAR is only one part of your story. Even if your results aren’t exactly what you’d hoped for, there are plenty of pathways that can lead you to a top university and support you in building the career of your dreams. 

Read how his studies led him from China to New Zealand and ultimately, to Australia.

Stella started her journey in 2019, graduating from UNSW College’s Foundation Studies in Commerce before completing a Bachelor of Commerce in Finance at UNSW Sydney in 2023 with a Distinction WAM. Along the way, she also became a UNSW Sydney student ambassador, learning to balance academics, leadership and friendships. So how did she do it - and what’s behind her drive?

Eunju is currently a Bachelor of Science student at UNSW Sydney with a keen interest in materials science and chemistry. Her plans for the future include continuing onto an honours year and pursuing further research in the field that has captured her interest over the past few years. 

The media world moves fast, but at UNSW College, we make sure our students don’t just keep up - they lead. That’s where academics like Amy Miller come in. With over 15 years of experience teaching across Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Diploma programs, Amy knows exactly what it takes to turn a passion for arts and media into a career. Having worked in the fast-paced agency worlds of Sydney and London, she doesn't just teach; she mentors students to find their own voice in an ever-changing digital world. 

Chemistry often feels like a subject defined by abstract concepts and complex equations. But at UNSW College, we're changing that narrative. We believe in making learning accessible, engaging, and grounded in real understanding.