Your guide to the midyear uni intake in 2023
If you want to start studying now rather than next year, you’re in luck, because some universities allow you to enrol in midyear courses until August. Here’s everything you need to know about midyear entry in 2023.
What is midyear entry?
Midyear entry is the second biggest university enrolment period of the year. Universities allow you to apply for online or on-campus courses at all levels during this time. You can then start studying in the middle of the year.
Who’s eligible for midyear entry?
Everyone can apply for midyear study, including recent high school graduates and mature-age workers who want to further their education.
Is midyear entry right for you?
Starting a uni course in the middle of the year can be a smart move if you:
- weren’t ready in February
- want to transfer into course that’s a better fit for you
- don’t want to put your study plans on hold until 2024
We find a lot of school leavers who took a break after Year 12 like to enrol at midyear because they feel refreshed enough to take on study now. We also get a lot of applications from professionals who’ve had a light bulb moment in their careers and want to change direction before the year is out.
While it’s important to know that not all courses will be available at midyear, it is an option worth investigating if you don’t want to wait until next year to study.
When do midyear uni applications open and close?
Universities typically start accepting midyear course applications in May or June, for a July or August start date.
But you get a bit of extra time if you apply for midyear study through Open Universities Australia. We have agreements in place with our partner universities that allow you to enrol in some midyear degrees, subjects and short courses until mid-August.
Closing dates do vary from university to university, so it’s best to check our list of key application dates carefully to avoid missing a deadline.
How do you apply for midyear entry?
Many on-campus midyear courses require students to enrol through their state or territory’s universities admissions centre. However, this application option has closed for 2023.
The easiest way to apply for an online course at this point in the year is to apply directly with the institution, or through Open Universities Australia.
To apply through us, search for your course, hit the ‘apply’ button, and follow our simplified enrolment steps. We’ll get in touch with the university on your behalf.
Before you get started, we recommend you follow the below advice.
Read the course entry requirements carefully
All courses have different entry requirements listed. You’ll want to make sure you meet these criteria before you apply, or the university won’t accept your application.
If you don’t quite meet the requirements (for example you don’t have the right ATAR or you haven’t completed the prerequisite subjects), we can still help you enrol. Please give us a call. We have a unique open-door policy in place that makes it possible to get into university degrees through pathway subjects.
Get your supporting documents ready
There are some key pieces of information you’ll need to provide with your application, such as:
- Proof of identity documents (a birth certificate, passport or citizenship certificate)
- Your Unique Student Identifier (USI)
- Your tax file number
- Proof of prior study (if relevant), like an academic transcript from TAFE or another uni
- Proof of work experience (if relevant), like a letter from a current employer on a company letterhead
We’ll let you know what you need to submit as you enrol, but it’s a good idea to have the essentials listed above saved in a PDF format so you don’t have to delay your application
Get your questions answered by a student advisor
If you’re confused about anything, including entry requirements, course fees or enrolment documentation, you can reach out to an Open Universities Australia student advisor for help.
They can even sit with you on the phone and walk you through your enrolment step-by-step.
What happens once your application is submitted?
We’ll lodge the application with your chosen university for you, along with all your supporting documents. If you’re only taking a short course, your enrolment should be accepted instantly.
If you’re applying for a degree, the uni will respond to you via email to let you know if you’ve been accepted into the course.
Once you’re enrolled, you’ll be an online student with that university, and you’ll access all your lectures and assessments through their learning portal. We’ll be here in the background to help you enrol in new subjects at the start of each study term or adjust the flexibility of your studies.
Can you transfer to a new university midyear?
Yes, you can! In fact, many students decide to transfer to an online course at midyear when they realise that on-campus study isn’t flexible enough for their needs. We can help you transfer into an online place with your current university, or with a different university altogether.
If you're moving into a course within the same study area, you may even be able to apply for recognition of prior learning to gain credit for the material you’ve already covered.
To avoid any confusion, we recommend giving us a call to chat more about transferring into an online course.
What midyear courses are available online?
You can explore hundreds of midyear courses right here on Open Universities Australia.
You’ll find undergraduate, postgraduate and short courses available across study areas including architecture, business, education, health, IT and science.
Why wait until next year when you can work on your goals now?
Explore midyear courses that are open for enrolments now.
