The Ultimate Guide: Studying After School (Year 12 HSC)

Minimum entry requirements
Completion of NSW HSC (or equivalent) with a minimum Band 2 in English Standard or English EAL/D and a Band 2 in any one of the following suggested equivalent subjects including Mathematics Standard 2, Business Studies, Economics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Legal Studies, Financial Services or Business Services.

ATAR
ICMS does not use ATAR selection ranks for admissions. Applicants are assessed on performance in individual HSC (or equivalent) subjects.

Bridging and enabling course entry
If you do not meet the admissions requirements, consider applying for a diploma or another pathway program. Aspire Institute offers the Australian Foundation Program for students who have completed Year 11 studies but do not meet the requirements for undergraduate courses.

Alternatively, students who want to continue studying after school and have completed four non-award undergraduate subjects at Aspire Institute (or at another recognised tertiary institution) may be considered for undergraduate courses.

Alternate entry pathways
We have several alternate entry pathways that give students the opportunity to receive a conditional offer to study at ICMS before sitting their final high school exams. These pathways are available at certain times of the year and include:

• Early Entry
• Leadership Entry Program
• Elite Athlete and Performer Program
• Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS)

Interstate Year 12 students (not from New South Wales)
Australian interstate applicants can achieve entry for ICMS bachelor’s degrees if they have achieved an equivalent of the NSW HSC with a minimum Band 2 in English Standard or English EAL/D and a Band 2 in any of the suggested equivalent subjects, including Mathematics Standard 2, Business Studies, Economics, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Legal Studies, Financial Services or Business Services.

You can read more about interstate application information and Year 12 qualifications on the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) website.

New Zealand students
New Zealand students should have successfully completed New Zealand Year 13 with a minimum of 42 course credits at Level 3 or above.

Learn more about the admission process for undergraduate students looking to continue studying after high school.

At ICMS, we believe that attitude and ambition are not always measurable by your ATAR. Our direct application option is based on your performance in individual HSC subjects (or equivalent) related to your degree, not your final ATAR results.

Required documents
To study at ICMS, you will need to provide the following documents:

• Academic transcripts (for example, school certificate [when available])
• Birth certificate or passport

We may also request any of the following;

• Resume
• Supporting references
• Statement of purpose

If you are applying for Advanced Standing (Recognition of Prior Learning), you will also need to provide descriptions of the subjects you have already completed.

Places at ICMS are limited so we recommend applying before the orientation date for your preferred starting month to avoid disappointment.

When can I apply?
You can make a direct application at any time to receive a conditional offer from ICMS. We will then ask you to send through some supporting documents. By accepting your conditional offer, we will reserve your place at ICMS.

Do I apply for an undergraduate or postgraduate degree?
As this will be your first degree after high school, you are considered an undergraduate student.

Postgraduate study is for students who have already graduated with a tertiary degree, or who have applicable experience. For example, a completed bachelor’s degree or equivalent. Read our postgraduate entry requirements.

Early Entry is one of our most popular alternate entry pathways. It’s designed for high-achieving HSC students who want to secure an offer to study at ICMS before their final exams.

Applications typically open in April for students looking to begin their tertiary studies the following February.

We’re here to help
Our Student Advisors are here to answer any questions you might have. Call them on (02) 9466 1240 or email [email protected]

ICMS understands the value of leadership – and we believe it should be rewarded. Our Leadership Entry Program offers students who have demonstrated significant leadership in their school and/or community a place at ICMS before they finish their high school studies.

We base this on academic achievements, leadership experience and aspirations, and a nomination from the school.

Applications typically open in April for students looking to begin their tertiary studies the following February.

Eligibility
Students must be currently completing Year 12 and be a School Captain/Vice-Captain, Prefect or Student Representative Council President/Vice President or member.

We also welcome applications from Year 12 students who have demonstrated leadership with a community organisation or club.

More options
If you don’t meet the criteria for our Leadership Entry Program, you may be eligible for Early Entry or the Elite Athlete and Performer Program. Alternatively, make a direct application to ICMS.

We’re here to help
Our Student Advisors are here to answer any questions you might have. Call them on (02) 9466 1240 or email [email protected]

Are you an elite athlete or performer? ICMS understands that for students wanting to continue studying after school, it is often difficult to juggle these commitments. That’s why we’ve created a pathway for students whose sport or performing arts commitments may have impacted their Year 11 and Year 12 studies.

Applications typically open in April for students looking to begin their tertiary studies the following February.

Eligibility
To be considered an elite athlete, you must have represented your school or state at national level competitions during Year 11 and/or Year 12.

To be considered an elite performer, you must have performed in extended or significant productions during Year 11 and/or Year 12.

More options
If you don’t meet the criteria for our Elite Athlete and Performer Program, you may be eligible for Early Entry or the Leadership Entry Program. Alternatively, make a direct application to ICMS.

We’re here to help
Our Student Advisors are here to answer any questions you might have. Call them on (02) 9466 1240 or email [email protected]

The Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) is another way to receive an early offer to study at ICMS before the release of your HSC subject results and ATAR. For SRS, you apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

Your application is assessed on your Year 11 academic record and how your school rates your learning and aptitude.

SRS can be used in conjunction with an existing ICMS application or alternative entry pathway, such as Early Entry. Information collected by UAC is provided to ICMS and used to supplement any existing applications.

ICMS provides many scholarship opportunities for students committed to continuing their studies after high school.

See all available scholarships.

ICMS Professional Scholarships are awarded to successful applicants each February. Some scholarships are endorsed by a corporate partner which is of enormous value to a recipient’s future career. Half scholarships, other partial scholarships and accommodation scholarships may also be awarded at the discretion of the Scholarship Board.

ICMS Professional Scholarships are available for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Business
• Bachelor of Business (Entrepreneurship and Innovation)
• Bachelor of Business (International Tourism)
• Bachelor of Business (Marketing)
• Bachelor of Business (Sports Management)
• Bachelor of Business Management (Accounting)
• Bachelor of Business (Fashion and Global Brand Management)
• Bachelor of Event Management
• Bachelor of Hospitality Management
• Bachelor of Property (Development, Investment and Valuation)
• Bachelor of Information Technology
• Bachelor of Information Technology (Big Data and Analytics)
• Bachelor of Information Technology (Cyber Security)

The Student Representative Council (SRC) strives to improve the quality of student life for all students studying at ICMS. Elected by their peers, they advocate for the student body, acting as the voice of the people.

The SRC works closely with the Student Experience team to plan and organise a range of social and cultural activities, including major events such as our college Icebreaker Party and themed events like talent shows, karaoke, cocktail and movie nights.

A general sense of wellbeing and good mental health is essential to a student’s learning and development, and critical to academic success.

ICMS is committed to the personal wellbeing of its students physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. We recognise that personal wellbeing is important for students to progress academically with a positive approach to their education and campus experience.

There is an extensive range of support networks in place at ICMS. There is also access to professional counselling, when required.

LEARN ABOUT WELLNESS AND SUPPORT AT ICMS

DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION POLICY

The Pollard Resource Centre is a physical and digital space, located at our Northern Beaches Campus in Manly, as well as online.

What Does the Library Offer?

• Huge collection of hardcopy textbooks
• Access to an extensive online journal and eBook collection
• 4 computers, plus desks and study areas
• 5 syndicate rooms available for group study and meetings
• Colour printer and scanner
• Research assistance
• Friendly and welcoming place to visit

Our Student Success Centre offers specialist English language assistance for students who want to improve their written, spoken and comprehension skills.

New students who need or would like additional English language proficiency before starting their  studies might like to start their ICMS journey with an English program through the Aspire Institute.

The Student Success Centre runs a Peer Assisted Learning Service (PALS).

This is a student-driven program where high-performing students volunteer to assist others in specific areas of their studies. Be it helping a student to grasp a key concept or steering them in the right academic direction, PALS mentors support students to succeed at ICMS.