About Aidan
From gap year to Uni Ready
After completing VCE unscored, Aidan spotted µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø's Fee Free Uni Ready course — a six-month path into a degree, no ATAR needed.
Straight into the degree
Aidan moved seamlessly into the Bachelor of ICT (and later Computer Science), with no learning curve after six months on campus, systems and classes.
The support that stood out
The best part, Aidan says, was the teachers — always approachable, mentoring beyond the course work and breaking down the "unspoken rules" of uni.
A new direction
Throughout high school, Aidan knew he didn’t want to go on to university study and opted to complete his VCE unscored. With his mind set on becoming a computer programmer, Aidan thought his best path was to work his way up in a tech company that could support his creativity and natural ability.
Aidan sought out short online courses to support his self-taught skills. Initially opting for a gap year, he soon realised employment would be hard to secure without formal qualifications. A family friend then got in touch who directed him to µÚÒ»³Ô¹ÏÍø’s new Fee Free Uni Ready course.
As the friend explained, in six months Aidan would have the skills to enter straight into a degree course, without the requirement for an ATAR or the burden of additional course fees.
Seamless transition
Aidan says the Uni Ready course set him up for success from day one of university – getting familiar with the layout of campus, the systems such as CANVAS, as well as class timetables.
When it came time to the transition into the Bachelor of Information Communication and Technology (ICT), Aidan says it was seamless. The Uni Ready course included an incursion where Aidan was able to attend a class and a lecture from the Bachelor of ICT which showed him exactly what it would be like in the degree.
‘There was no learning curve at all, and no orientation needed as we had already been doing it for six months.’
Bridging the gap
Since completing the first semester of ICT, Aidan has now transferred into the Bachelor of Computer Science. Aidan says the course was excellent, with the ability for him to take electives in computer science in readiness for the transfer.
The best part about the Uni Ready course, Aidan says, was the support that came along with it. From student HQ, teaching staff and the support staff – everyone was approachable. The teaching staff in particular provided mentoring and assistance above and beyond what’s required of the course.
Aidan’s message to others considering the Fee Free Uni Ready track is that it’s definitely worth it. By allowing you a productive pathway without the pressure of ATARs and exams, it also bridges the gap for those who completed VCE unscored and provides a quicker and more streamlined avenue into a degree course.
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"The teachers really go the extra step. They break down the whole system to help you succeed. It’s not just the course work itself, it’s the unspoken rules as well. Being available for questions really made the whole experience."
Aidan , Fee Free Uni Ready Program
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