What is Flexible Entry?

The Faculty of Science at the University of Sydney recognises that there are a number of pressures on students as they consider their options for their future. The breadth of opportunities after completing secondary studies is daunting, in addition to the concern in regards to achieving a competitive UAI (or equivalent) to receive a place in their chosen degree.

At present, Flexible Entry is offered through the Faculties of Science, Engineering, Arts, Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and Architecture at the University of Sydney.

Flexible entry for Science students

In Science, we acknowledge the anxietyassociated with choosing a university, a degree and the subjects that you will study, so we are aiming to make our entry requirements as transparent as possible. We also recognise the academic rigour of HSC science and mathematics subjects and our Flexible Entry Scheme automatically identifies students who have achieved excellent results in these subjects and gives them a competitive advantage when applying for Science dehrees.

It allows school leavers to be considered for a place in their chosen degree on the basis of their UAI (or equivalent) in combination with other specified selection criteria. For Science degrees, students whose UAI(or equivalent) is slightly below the UAI cut-off may still be offered a place based on excellent performance in relevant HSC science and mathematics subjects. The faculty will generally consider students who have a UAI up to 5 UAI points below the pub;ished cut-off in that year.

If this applies to you, it is still worth keeping that course in your preference list because you may be automatically considered for flexible entry into that course.

Applicants who are approved for admission under this scheme must have demonstrated their aptitude for the course of their choice.

The Faculty of Science offers Flexible Entry for most courses, however the criteria for consideration and application processes between courses may differ.

Flexible Entry to the BSc and specialist BSc degrees

Including: Science, Science (Advanced), Science (Advanced Mathematics), Science and Technology, Science (Molecular Biology and Genetics), Science (Nutrition), Medical Science, Science/Arts.


This can be on the basis of one of two criteria;

1. Performance in HSC Science or Mathematics subjects

Application is not required as the Faculty of Science automatically reviews the performance of all UAC candidates in individual HSC science and mathematics subjects.

2. Olympiad Participants

Application is required Olympiad participants who wish their Olympiad performance to be taken into consideration should write to the Faculty with details of their achievements by 4 January 2009.

Application By Mail:
(Olympiad participants only):
Cindy Wilkinson
Director, Academic Administration
Faculty of Science F07
University of Sydney NSW 2006

Application By Fax:
(02) 9351-4124 (Olympiad participants only)

Remember, the criteria for consideration vary between faculties and courses. Please scrutinise the relevant Faculty policy on flexible entry carefully, so that you do not miss out on vital information or application deadlines. For more information on flexible entry across the University, please visit:

www.usyd.edu.au/fstudent/undergrad/apply/scm/flexible/