Frequently Asked Questions

The UTS Cambridge Accelerator is a transformative program for Year 10 graduates (at least 16 years) that combines Cambridge International AS and A Levels - globally recognised qualifications - with UTS College Academic English, the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, the option of first year university (diploma) subjects, and the student-centred approach, and teaching excellence UTS College is known for.

The globally prestigious Cambridge International Program is known worldwide for its excellence. As a global leader in transitional education and the pathway provider to UTS, UTS College is proud to partner with Cambridge International to deliver this high-quality and enhanced curriculum.

This program enables students to accelerate their learning to study at UTS and other universities.

We’re offering a younger pathway for ambitious international students, by combining Cambridge International AS and A Level qualifications with Academic English and the choice to undertake university level subjects, in a distinctive offering that is the first of its kind globally!

We’re already uniquely positioned to prepare our students for success at UTS and beyond.

Now, we’re aligning with Cambridge International, a globally recognised and prestigious qualification – and offering UTS facilities and campus, university subjects and networks, and 35 years’ experience in pathway and under-18s education, to provide a transformational opportunity for students to attend a top 100 university and reach their potential even sooner.

The benefits for students are significant and are oriented to suit international learning preferences. Students can focus on their subject strengths and take a deep dive into their subjects of interest while also exploring extra-curricular opportunities to accelerate their development.

International students also benefit from Academic English embedded into the program – something we’re also internationally renowned for, with more than 35 years’ experience in providing exceptional English language programs which fully prepare students for the English language and academic skills demands of tertiary studies at UTS College, UTS
and other universities.

This program is designed for high achieving and academically minded students aged 16-18 years, who have completed year 10 or equivalent high school.

UTS College is partnering with Cambridge International to offer this unique program that emphasises business and STEM-related subjects. The transformative curriculum consists of:

• Cambridge International AS and A Levels
• UTS College Academic English AE4 and AE5 levels
• The option of four first-year university (diploma) subjects with a STEM or business focus.

The program combines:

• the above academic curriculum
• an immersive Australian university experience in the heart of vibrant Sydney’s tech startup precinct
• the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award program
• Activate UTS membership, including access to UTS clubs and societies
• UTS College career development program
• a wide range of academic and personal support services.

Cambridge International is a global leader in international education and exams, affiliated with the esteemed University of Cambridge. It provides widely recognised qualifications, including International AS and A Levels. Cambridge International AS and A Levels are comparable to Australia’s HSC exams and ATAR. A Levels are accepted for university admissions globally.

• Students earn a globally recognised qualification for their CV – the prestigious Cambridge International Program is known worldwide for its excellence.
• Guaranteed* entry to UTS – students articulate to UTS and build the foundation of a truly impressive career while being prepared for success by experts with more than 35 years’ experience in pathway and transitional education
• Students experience a global top 100 university’s campus, facilities and first year subjects, all while studying in the heart of Sydney’s tech startup precinct.
• Students can boost their English language skills – with our highly successful Academic English Program (AE4 and AE5) built into the program at no extra cost, to ensure students develop the English language and academic skills required to succeed in their AS and A Levels, university studies and career.
• Students build essential life skills outside the classroom with the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, career development workshops, and the Peer Mentoring Program which focus on personal, leadership and career skill development.
• Students access help and assistance tailored to under 18-year-olds within a connected campus and are aided throughout their university studies at UTS College and UTS.
• Students study the subjects they’re passionate about in STEM and business delivered at a technology leading university with a strong startup business community, AACSB accredited business school and high rankings across STEM and Business subject areas.
• Students can start and finish their studies in one location. From A Levels to degree – students can complete their studies on the UTS campus with our one stop study plan. There’s no need to move.

The UTS Cambridge Accelerator offers four course streams (Science, Engineering, Information Technology and Commerce) so that students can explore their chosen disciplines in depth, accelerate their learning, and prepare for learning at university.

With growing demand for graduates in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths (STEM), the UTS Cambridge Accelerator sets students up for a successful future. According to STEM workforce data, people with STEM qualifications earn more than those with non-STEM qualifications and are more likely to be in the highest income bracket.

UTS ranks highly across STEM and business course areas:

• No 1. In Computer Science and Engineering and 17 in world (Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU) 2022)
• No. 1 in Artificial Intelligence in Australia and 3rd in the world (US News Best Global Universities 2022)
• Top 100 universities globally for Engineering/Technology and Computer Science (Academic Rankings of World
Universities (ARWU) 2022)
• No 1. Most in-demand business course in NSW for 2023 for undergraduate students

Students will also develop valuable English listening, reading, writing and speaking skills with our specially designed Academic English program embedded into the curriculum. Students will learn with our unique model of learning, Learning.Connected, an engaging and interactive way to learn at UTS College which combines face-to-face classes with independent learning activities. Learning.Connected aims to develop independent learning competence in our students, as well as fostering connections and opportunities to develop communication, collaboration and critical thinking skills.

See also: What are the benefits of studying the UTS Cambridge Accelerator Program at UTS College?

Our high-quality program includes four first year university (diploma) subjects with 24 credit points towards a related UTS College diploma, and two levels of academic English (AE4 and AE5), plus the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award, and many other benefits and services from UTS and UTS College, including a university and on-campus experience, in a complete and comprehensive two-year program.

This is more than just A Levels; this is a unique opportunity for students to accelerate their development in many areas.  

No. However, it is an opportunity for students to undertake new activities, learn new skills and accelerate their development. It is also included in the program at no extra cost, and we recommend students take part. If they do not like physical activities, students can focus on their development of other skills or in other service areas. Students will achieve an award certificate when they have completed the requirements of the program, which is a valuable addition to any CV.   

Depending on the stream chosen, students will study the following four AS Level Cambridge International subjects:

• Commerce stream: Mathematics, Computer Science, Accounting, Economics
• Engineering stream: Mathematics, Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry
• IT stream: Mathematics, Computer Science and two other subjects*
• Science stream: Mathematics, Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry

*Choose from Accounting and Economics OR Biology and Chemistry OR Physics and Chemistry.

Depending on the stream chosen, students will study the following three A Level Cambridge International subjects:

• Commerce stream: Mathematics / Computer Science, Accounting, Economics
• Engineering stream: Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science / Chemistry
• IT stream: Mathematics, Computer Science and one other subject*
• Science stream: Mathematics / Computer Science, Biology, Chemistry

*Choose from Accounting, Economics, Biology, Chemistry or Physics.

Depending on the stream chosen, students can choose to study the following UTS College diploma (UTS first year) subjects:

• Commerce stream AS Levels: Business Statistics, Accounting and Accountability
• Commerce stream A Levels: Economics for Business, Accounting, Business and Society

• Engineering stream AS Levels: Foundation Maths, Physical Modelling or Chemistry 1
• Engineering stream A Levels: Mathematics 1, Programming 1 or Chemistry 2

• IT stream AS Levels: Intro to Information Systems, Web Systems
• IT stream A Levels: Networking Fundamentals, Programming 1

• Science stream AS Levels: Cell Biology and Genetics, Chemistry 1
• Science stream A Levels: Human Anatomy and Physiology, Chemistry 2

Students will undertake at least 30 hours of face-to-face lessons from Monday to Friday plus Saturday morning activities for the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

Students will commence in January (Summer semester) each year. The basic study plan is as follows:

Levels	Summer  (4 weeks)	Semester 1 (12 weeks)	Semester 2 (12 weeks)	Semester 3 (12 weeks)
AS (Year 11)	AS subjects	AS subjects	AS subjects	AS public exams (no AS subjects teaching and learning)
		AE4.	AE4.2	Diploma subjects (optional)
	Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award	Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award	Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award	Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award
A (Year 12)	AL subjects	AL subjects	AL subjects	AL public exams (no AL subjects teaching and learning)
		AE5.1	AE5.2	Diploma subjects (optional)
	Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award	Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award	Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award	Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

Students will study a combination of the Cambridge International curriculum supplied by Cambridge International and, if they choose, additional diploma subjects with course materials supplied by UTS College, taught using our unique, integrated and engaging model of learning, Learning.Connected.

Cambridge International curriculum:
The curriculum is supplied by Cambridge International, ensuring up-to-date content and assessments. Face-to-face classes will be combined with pre- and post-class independent learning activities.

UTS College’s approach: UTS Cambridge Accelerator:
UTS College enhances the curriculum with additional first year university subjects, Academic English, interactive learning materials, independent activities, academic support, feedback and guidance, and the integration of Learning.Connected to provide a comprehensive and student-centric learning experience.

Cambridge International A Levels are a globally recognised qualification that enables entry into any university in the world that accepts them, including the University of Technology Sydney (UTS). A Levels consist of a deep dive into three subjects in the Cambridge curriculum, with points allocated for each subject’s results, after a student sits the external Cambridge exams. The total points for the three subjects create the score for university entry. At UTS College, students can also choose to undertake an additional four first year university (diploma) subjects, which can add credit towards a diploma at UTS College, and will be added to their testamur.

UTS Foundation Studies is available for students who have completed Year 11 and require additional study for entry into UTS. Subjects are aligned to diploma subjects (not Cambridge International subjects) and students who successfully complete the program gain a GPA and either qualify for the first year of most undergraduate degrees at UTS, or for those who need
more preparation, a UTS College diploma. UTS Foundation Studies however, does not confer a qualification and it does not provide credit points towards a UTS College diploma.

No. While students in the UTS Cambridge Accelerator Program learn in a university environment, they will not attend the same classes as other UTS College diploma or UTS Foundation Studies students. UTS Cambridge Accelerator students will have their own dedicated classes and timetable.

Students undertaking the UTS Cambridge Accelerator Program will have access to a wide range of extracurricular activities and development opportunities including:

• the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award – the world’s leading global youth and education development program, embedded into the program. Students can engage in a range of exciting teacher-led cultural, sporting, and social excursions outside the classroom and undertake intensive learning. This program is designed to encourage personal development and growth through:

• Volunteering: Service to local communities (Saturday mornings)
• Physical: Explore a sport or activity with ActivateUTS
• Skills: Develop new or existing talents (every Friday)
• Expedition: Adventure and teamwork journey.

The Duke of Edinburgh‘s International Award is recognised by employers and tertiary educators globally and gives your students another quality credential to add to their future CV.

• membership of ActivateUTS – including UTS gym and sports facilities, and access to more than 200 UTS clubs and societies catering to a wide range of interests to develop students’ collaboration and communication skills.
• UTS College career education and development program – providing resources, career workshops and career development counselling for students to understand their career aspirations and develop job-ready skills.

UTS College has more than 35 years’ experience helping young international students prepare for university and the excitement of living abroad. We have staff committed to student welfare and wellbeing, with frameworks in place to care for students and a dedicated under-18 student care program. You can find out more about under-18s welfare on our website and download the Under-18s student information guide.

UTS Cambridge Accelerator classes will all take place during the day from 8am-5pm on the vibrant UTS city campus. Getting to and from classes is easy, as everything is within a short walking distance. Sydney is also ranked the 4th safest city in the world (QS best Cities 2022), so you can be assured students will experience the best Sydney has to offer.

UTS College offers three approved homestay providers for under-18 students. They are Australian Homestay Network (AHN), Global Experience (GE) and Study Vision. These providers also offer an airport pickup service, which is mandatory for all under-18 students upon their arrival in Sydney. Scape also offers student residential accommodation for under-18s. Find out more on our website.

UTS College also has a mandatory guardianship service for all under-18 students under the College’s Confirmation of Appropriate Accommodation and Welfare (CAAW) arrangement. Our accommodation providers are thoroughly vetted and must undertake a rigorous assessment and approval process to be able to provide under-18s student accommodation.

Find out more about our Under-18 accommodation options and support on our website.

UTS College specialises in educating young international students. Academic guidance and assistance includes:

• An industry-leading approach to learning with monitoring of progress, detailed feedback and tailored guidance built in on Canvas, the learning platform
• Weekly one-on-one learning sessions and study skills workshops
• Expert English-language support
• Dedicated Student Success Advisers for under-18s, to counsel and assist students with their study plans
• 24/7 online study support including writing feedback and tutoring through Studiosity
• Peer Mentoring Program, with an assigned mentor who can provide support, encouragement and information to help with study at UTS College and transition to study at UTS
• HELPS Centre, with academic and English language workshops and resources
• Dedicated career education and development resources, workshops and counselling.

Find out more about our student support services.

Students at UTS College have access to a range of welfare and mental health support during their studies. This includes:

• Under-18-specific Student Success Advisers to counsel and assist students with their study plans
• UTS Medical and Counselling Services
• 24/7 peer-to-peer wellbeing support through TalkCampus
• onsite medical and first aid
• 24-hour onsite security
• Peer Mentoring Program – with international graduates and alumni of UTS College who understand the challenges of moving to and studying in a new country
• Teachers, Academic Coordinators and Program Managers are also always available to talk with and support students in their studies.
• access to all UTS clubs and societies through membership with ActivateUTS, along with UTS gym membership as part of their study program for physical and mental wellbeing and social support.

Students will attend the UTS College campus, with some labs and classes on the UTS campus, located in the heart of Sydney’s vibrant, multicultural central business district.

Students will be within easy walking distance from major public transport hubs (train, bus, light rail), iconic tourist attractions, and a vast array of shops, cafes, restaurants, supermarkets and medical facilities.

Attendance is taken in every class, including every morning in the homeroom at 8.10am, and is recorded in Canvas, our learning management system.

Students are expected to be on campus in class on Monday to Friday from 8am to 3:30pm (some days finish at 5pm) and have a high level of contact with their teachers. If students miss a class, they will be followed up.

At UTS College, we understand the importance of having continual communication with parents. We have several communication channels for you to stay up to date with your child’s progress and school information. These include:

• compulsory pre-departure information sessions
• a fortnightly newsletter
• direct access to 'Canvas Parent' - our learning management system at UTS College.

Parents will have online access to observe your child's academic progress, including teacher feedback and past and present assignments,

Parents and students will also be provided with a progress report at the end of every semester along with the opportunity to attend a parent-teacher meeting at the beginning of each semester during Welcome Week.

You can find more information on parent communication in the UTS Cambridge Accelerator academic handbook. 

Safety and quality of life: Australia is one of the world’s safest countries with a high standard of living.
Improved English: Studying in an English-speaking country enhances students’ language and communication skills for global opportunities.
Student centric: Australia offers specialised infrastructure for international students.
Global curriculum, local excellence: Practice Cambridge’s world approach in Australia’s
top educational setting.
Innovative thinking: An Australian education fosters critical, creative, and forward-thinking skills.
Multicultural setting: Interacting with other students from diverse backgrounds broadens student perspectives.

Yes. Students studying the UTS Cambridge Accelerator Program can elect the UTS degree that they would like to articulate to prior to joining the program at UTS College. Students can also elect to undertake just the standalone two year program.

The packaged program, including UTS degree will take five years (two years for AS and A Levels plus a three-year degree).

Students need to achieve 7 - 13 points with three A Level subjects to articulate to a UTS degree (point requirements vary, depending on the degree chosen). We believe articulation rates will be high, with our scores and the equivalent points as follows:

• A* = 6 points
• A = 5 points
• B = 4 points
• C = 3 points
• D = 2 points
• E = 1 point

Over the course of two years, students in the UTS Cambridge Accelerator Program can choose to undertake four UTS College diploma (first year university) subjects. This provides 24 credit points towards a UTS College diploma in Business, Science, Engineering or IT. Successfully completed diploma subjects will appear on a student’s testamur, and may confer credit to a university degree, depending on the university and degree chosen.

The program is structured as a two-year package that builds and develops students’ capabilities and skills each year, across a range of academic, leadership, communication, career and personal development areas. Students will need to undertake course counselling if they wish to amend their study plan.

In the unlikely event that a student does not achieve the points needed for articulation to their UTS degree, the student may wish to consider UTS Foundation Studies or a diploma as an alternative pathway to UTS.

UTS Cambridge Accelerator students will need to achieve at least 3 points (e.g. one D and one E in A Level) to articulate to a UTS College diploma or 8 points (e.g. four Ds in AS Level [year 11 equivalent]) to articulate to either UTS Foundation Studies or a diploma.

Our assessments are well designed and include assessment activities to help students excel in the Cambridge public exams. Our Academic English assessments support the development of four key English language skills: reading, writing, listening and speaking.

The design of our diploma assessments aligns with UTS first year subject assessments. Students will be assessed in group work and projects, preparing them for university assessment.

All UTS College assessment results for UTS Cambridge Accelerator students will be recorded in our student systems as per our current processes. Public Cambridge International exam results will be sent by Cambridge and stored in our student record system at UTS College.

Students will receive two sets of transcripts on completion - one from Cambridge and one from UTS College. Students will sit for public Cambridge Exams in October/November, at UTS College, supervised by our exam team members. Results will be released in January.

Admission (entry) requirements are as follows:

Cambridge Advanced (AS Level) admission (all of the following):
• completed Year 10 or equivalent
• good grades in academic subjects and English
• must provide the last three school reports (in English).

English proficiency requirements (at least one):
• AEAS: Score 57 or above (equiv. to IELTS 5.5). AEAS Report
• Evidence of studying for a minimum of two years at a school where all subjects, except languages, were taught in English
• IELTS (Academic/Online): 5.5 Overall, min 5.0 all skills
• TOEFL - iBT: 58, 16 in writing
• UTS College English AE3: Pass grade
• Pearson PTE: Overall 46, min 38 all skills
• C1 Advanced/C2 Proficiency: Overall 162, min 154 all skills.

NB: VEPT is accepted for entry into an Academic English course to ensure students are placed correctly according to their current level of English. VEPT results are not accepted for direct entry into academic programs, including the UTS Cambridge Accelerator.

Students must be at least 16 years old at time of enrolment in the intake year. Applications can be submitted earlier for students who are not yet 16.

Yes. Students who require additional English to meet entry requirements will be able to undertake an English program specially designed for UTS Cambridge Accelerator students, at UTS College in Sydney from November to January prior to the January 2025 AS Level intake. More information will be provided on this option soon. Please note that students must be 16 years of age prior to commencing any program at UTS College. 

Yes. Even if students are above an AE3 level of English, they will still benefit from Academic English at UTS College. Our English courses teach students academic reading and writing skills including essay writing, researching, university referencing and presentation skills, as well as focusing on the development of critical thinking, communication and collaboration skills - all skills that are needed for success at university. 

To recognise these students' excellent English skills, they will be invited to become in-class peer helpers to assist other students. Their contributions will be recognised by the Duke of Edinburgh's International Awards under the categories of Services and Skills. 

The UTS Cambridge Accelerator Program AS Level will commence at UTS College in January 2025 and A Level will commence in January 2026 for the first cohort.

Academic English for the UTS Cambridge Accelerator Program will be undertaken in Semester 1 and 2 of each year, while UTS College diploma subjects, if chosen, will be undertaken in Semester 3 of each year, along with Cambridge International exam preparation.

This is a two-year course. Students undertake AS Level in year one and A Level in year two. Students also undertake AE4 and AE5 Academic English and may choose two diploma subjects each year.

Yes. Students’ three most recent school reports will be assessed. If Year 11 or 12 reports are the most recent, they are acceptable. Regardless of how many years of secondary school students have completed, students will still need to complete the full two-year UTS Cambridge Accelerator program.

Not at this stage. We are currently not offering A Level as a standalone course. The UTS Cambridge Accelerator must be undertaken as a two-year program, which includes AS Level.

There is one intake per year in January.

Applications for the program are open early March 2024.

The process is the same as applying for all other UTS College academic programs. Applications must be submitted through Studylink, and will open early March 2024. UTS Cambridge Accelerator applications will be prioritised and a response provided as soon as possible.

Enrolment for students will be the same process as for UTS Foundation Studies students. Students will be guided through the process of enrolling online and will also need to re-enrol each semester.

Yes. As part of our TEQSA accreditation and CRICOS registration, we cannot enrol students younger than 16 years old at UTS College. Our program is registered as a post-secondary course, where students must be 16 years or older, and have completed Year 10.  

In 2024, for study in 2025, the cost per student per year is $39,000. This can be paid in three installments each year. Students will receive an invoice for summer and semester 1 prior to commencing, followed by an invoice for semesters 2 and 3 before each semester. Find out more about fee payment options on our website.

Our fee structure is comparable to Australian private school HSC programs. However, in addition to the academic program (Cambridge International AS and A Levels, four first-year university (diploma) subjects, and Academic English AE4 and AE5 levels), we offer:

• Face-to-face teaching hours: AS and A Levels: at least 30 hours per week.
• Pastoral care: Enhanced for students under 18 years.
• Student welfare: Comprehensive academic, career and personal wellbeing assistance, tailored for younger students’ developmental needs.
• Embedded programs: AE4 and AE5 English programs and diploma subjects at no extra cost.
• Cambridge examination costs.
• ActivateUTS membership and scheduled excursions.
• Duke of Edinburgh‘s International Award registration and expedition costs.
• Career development resources, workshops and counselling.

Yes. Scholarships are available for the UTS Cambridge Accelerator. Ask your education agent for details.