University of Wollongong, Australia

Featured among the top 200 universities in the world in 2007 by thes, uow has acquired a formidable reputation for teaching, research and innovation

Established in 1951, the University of Wollongong (UoW) enjoys an enviable reputation for pioneering contemporary pedagogies and introducing innovative academic programmes in the sixth continent. Sited in the coastal city of Wollongong (pop. 400,000), a mere one hour’s drive from Sydney, the eponymous university was the first higher education institution to win three successive Australian University of the Year Awards (1999-2001); the first to introduce compulsory student evaluation of teaching; first to insist that new staff undertake teaching skills courses; first to make information technology skills compulsory for students and among the first to offer flexible double-degree programmes.

Proof of its formidable international reputation in teaching, research and innovation are the excellent ratings the university receives in international surveys. UoW was featured among the top 200 universities in the world in the Times Higher Education Supplement World University Rankings 2006-07. It has also received the maximum five-star rating in seven key categories of the Australian Good Universities Guide 2008.

UoW traces its origins to 1951 when a division of the New South Wales University of Technology was established in Wollongong. Ten years later the division became the Wollongong College of the University of New South Wales and, in 1975, the University of Wollongong was chartered by the New South Wales Parliament as an independent institution of higher learning.

Thus over the past half century this institution has grown from a provincial feeder college with 300 students to an international university with over 22,737 students and 801 faculty spread across three campuses and five access centres. Originally established as a provider of technical education to engineers and metallurgists required by the region’s steel industry, UoW now offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgrad programmes across nine faculties (see box).

Wollongong. Located 80 km south of Sydney in the Illawara region on a spectacular stretch of the southern New South Wales coast, Wollongong (‘sound of the sea’ in the local Aboriginal language) is the eighth largest city in Australia and well known for its history of farming, fishing, coal mining and steel industries. Wollon-gong’s natural environment includes some of the most pristine beaches in Oz, and the escarpment to the west offers a great network of walking trails and dazzling views of the coastline. A cosmopolitan city, it boasts over 70 nationalities, and the largest Buddhist temple in the southern hemisphere.

Popularly known as ‘the Gong’, its focal point is an entertainment centre that regularly hosts international concerts and sports events. The city also boasts several shopping malls featuring mainstream and boutique retail outlets, nightclubs, cinemas, bars and restaurants. Wollongong has a mild coastal climate with average temperatures varying from 17°C in winter to 26°C in summer tempered by sea breezes. Rainfall occurs mostly between January and June.

Campus facilities. The main campus of the university is spread across 82.4 hectares in the foothills of Mount Keira contiguous with tree-covered hills, botanical gardens and the azure waters of the Pacific Ocean. Less than 5 km from the Wollongong city centre, the campus combines a tranquil bushland setting with modern, state-of-the-art facilities and infrastructure. The university library has a comprehensive selection of print volumes and electronic information including electronic journals, index and abstracting services, links to subject-based resources, statistical information as well as an online catalogue.

The University Recreation and Aquatic Centre (URAC) provides world-class facilities including playing fields, all-weather outdoor playing surfaces, a 50-metre heated swimming pool and tennis courts. The recreation centre includes a fully equipped gymnasium, squash courts, basketball courts, sports store and café. Additionally, a new 3,000-seat multi-purpose sports centre, scheduled to be inaugurated this year, will enhance URAC’s existing facilities.

On campus the Unicentre offers a number of cafes, restaurants and a bar, as well as a variety of fast food eateries and outdoor dining areas, conference facilities, a bank, bookshops, retail outlets, a post office, medical services and travel agency. Moreover there are over 50 clubs and societies on campus.

Apart from the Wollongong campus, the university has a second campus, Shoalhaven, in west Nowra, a third in Sydney, four education centres in the Illawara region and an overseas campus in Dubai.

Admission. The minimum eligibility criterion for admission into Wollongong’s undergraduate study programmes is successful completion of Plus Two. Moreover international students must furnish proof of proficiency in the English language — a minimum IELTS score of 6 or TOEFL score of 550 is required. International students who don’t meet the admission requirements have the option of enrol-ling in a pre-university programme.

For most study programmes, applications can be submitted at any time during the year. Students can apply for any of the three academic sessions — autumn beginning February, spring beginning July and summer starting December. For further information contact UniAdvice, University of Wollongong, NSW 2522, Australia; e-mail: uniadvice@uow.edu.au; website: www.uow.edu.au

Accommodation. A wide range of housing options are available to international students enrolled with UoW. They include university managed residences and apartments, home stay with local families and private rental in shared houses and apartments. University managed residences such as Weerona College and International House offer fully catered accommo-dation while Campus East offers a flexi-catering option. On the other hand university managed apartments are self-catering and provide single study bedrooms, living and dining room furnishings with independent cooking facilities in each unit.

Degree programmes. UoW offers a wide range of undergrad and postgraduate programmes across nine faculties. Additionally it is home to eight research institutes.