The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) is the online system and process students in NSW and ACT use to apply for university within NSW or ACT. Instead of applying to each uni separately, one UAC application covers them all. You simply rank your course preferences, and UAC does the rest.
If you're an NSW or ACT Year 12 student looking to study at Collarts Sydney, this guide walks you through the whole process, from setting up your account to accepting your offer.
Already completed Year 12? You can apply directly through the Collarts website. No UAC account needed.
The UAC application process has a clear sequence of steps. From registering your account through to enrolling with your chosen institution. Each stage has its own UAC deadline, so it pays to understand the full picture before you begin. Here's a breakdown of what to expect at each step.
Your UAC journey begins with creating an account at Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) . NSW HSC and ACT Year 12 applicants receive a UAC PIN via email from NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), which you'll use to get started.
During registration, you'll enter your personal details, confirm your Year 12 student information, and set up your Unique Student Identifier (USI), a government-issued reference number you'll need to enrol and access HECS-HELP or FEE-HELP.
Applications for the next February/March intake opened each April, so the sooner you register, the more time you have to explore your options without pressure.
Once registered, you can select up to five UAC preferences and rank them from most to least preferred.
Your preference order matters: during the UAC university place offers, you will receive the highest-ranked course on your list that you are eligible for.
It's worth thinking carefully about your order. You want your most-wanted institution sitting at number one. You can update your UAC preferences as often as you like throughout the application period, so don't stress if you're not sure yet. Just lock them in before the UAC deadline.
Alongside your university preferences, you can select up to five course preferences and rank them from 1 (most preferred) to 5 (least preferred).
At Collarts, we don't use ATAR for entry; instead, we assess you on your passion and creative potential and pre-selection requirements.
When an offer round opens, UAC will notify you by email if you've received an offer. The Collarts team will follow up with a call to congratulate you and walk you through next steps.
Log in to your UAC account on the published offer date to view your offer. If you're happy with it, accept it and complete your enrolment form online the same day. Have your USI and Tax File Number (TFN) handy to finalise everything smoothly.
If life gets in the way or you'd simply like to take some time before starting your studies, many courses allow you to defer your offer. If you're considering this option, it's important to check the deferral conditions for your specific course, as these can vary.
Reach out to the Collarts Admissions team as early as possible if you're thinking about deferring; they can walk you through the process and make sure your place is secured for the following intake, or Collarts could see if there is a part-time or online option for you to get started
Once you've accepted your offer, the next step is enrolment, and the exact process will differ depending on your institution.
At Collarts, your Future Student Advisor will guide you through completing your enrolment forms, submitting any required documents, and getting set up ahead of your first day. The process is designed to be straightforward, but don't hesitate to get in touch with the Collarts team if you have questions at any stage.
Here's what you need to know specifically when submitting a UAC application for Collarts:
Current NSW and ACT Year 12 students must apply to Collarts Sydney campus through UAC. You cannot apply directly if you are a current Year 12 student.
Register at UAC using your HSC or ACT Year 12 student PIN (emailed to you by NESA from 8 April 2026).
Search for Collarts courses using UAC's Course Search and add your preferred Collarts course(s) to your UAC preferences.
Pay your UAC processing fee before the relevant UAC deadline to ensure your application is complete and eligible for the upcoming offer round.
Monitor your UAC account and email during offer rounds. Collarts will also call and email you directly if you receive an offer.
Accept your offer promptly on the published offer date and complete your enrolment form with your USI and Tax File Number ready.
The following Collarts undergraduate courses are available to NSW and ACT Year 12 students through UAC. Search for each course directly on UAC's Course Search to view entry requirements and add them to your UAC preferences.
Bachelor of 2D Animation
Bachelor of Design (Fashion & Sustainability)
Bachelor of Digital & Social Media
Bachelor of Graphic & Digital Design
Bachelor of Fashion Marketing (Branding & Communication)
Bachelor of Interior Design
Bachelor of Performing Arts (Acting)
Bachelor of Performing Arts (Stage Management)
Bachelor of Performing Arts (Writing & Directing)
Bachelor of Screen and Media
UAC runs on a strict calendar, with key deadlines and offer rounds spread across the year. The earlier you get your application in, the better. Not just to stay ahead of deadlines, but to lock in the lower early bird fee before 30 September 2026.
Stage | Key Dates | Details |
UAC Applications Open | From 8 April 2026 | Applications for UAC’s 2026–2027 domestic undergraduate admissions open on 8 April 2026 at 9:00 am (Sydney time). |
Early Bird Applications | 30 September 2026 | Submit and pay for your UAC application by this date to avoid the higher standard processing charge. |
Preference Changes | April - December 2026 | UAC sets separate preference-change deadlines before each offer round, so the exact date depends on the round you want to be considered in |
UAC Applications Close | October - December 2026 | Timely applications usually close in early October, with late and very late application deadlines extending into late October and early December. |
Trimester 1 offers | December 2026 to January 2027 | The first major offer round typically follows the release of HSC results and ATARs in late December and early January. Log in to your UAC account on the published offer date to view your offer. |
Visit the UAC Key Dates page.