| Q: How do I apply to Women’s College?
A: Complete the online application form and have your supporting documentation ready to upload to your application. Your application is not complete until we have received all your documents. Documents required are:
- birth certificate
- latest school report (for school leavers)/university academic transcript (if at university)
- referee form (this is online as part of the application form to be sent to your referee)
- ATAR Advice Notice or equivalent (if applicable, when available)
- University Offer from the University, not from a Tertiary Admissions Centre (when available)
Q When should I apply to Women’s?
A: Demand for places can be high and we recommend applying as soon as possible after applications open in March each year. You do not need to wait to receive an offer from University to apply to Women’s.
Q: When do applications close?
A: Undergraduate residency applications remain open to provide prospective students with the best opportunity to seek a place at Women’s College. However, as places are limited each year it is recommended that students submit an application as early as possible. Applications for main round offers close on 1 September 2026 for 2027 entry. The College is normally fully booked by October, but then some last minute places may arise in Jan/Feb. Waiting lists are established for late placement opportunities.
Q: Which universities does Women’s College accept students from?
A: Students studying at the following universities are eligible to apply:
- The University of Sydney
- UTS
- UNSW
- The University of Notre Dame (Sydney campus)
- ACU
- Macquarie University
Q: Are there opportunities to meet students from other residential colleges?
A: Definitely. The Women’s College participates in the intercollegiate cultural program called the Palladian Cup and the sporting competition called the Rosebowl. These events are a fun and fiercely contested part of the College calendar. There are also several social competitions, dinners and other activities.
Q: Do you accept international students or students on student visas?
A: Yes, each year about 30% of the College’s new student cohort comprise students who come from international locations. Some are students who intend to study at university under a student study visa. Others are students of expatriate families who hold Australian passports but wish to study in Sydney and live in the College community.
Q: What if I have done IB, OP, or A levels?
A: The Principal and Registrar are experienced in understanding and reviewing different national and international school results for the purposes of assessing an applicant’s academic performance. Some of these alternatives can be converted to an ATAR score as part of the final enrolment process, prior to a University offer.
Q: What qualities does Women’s College seek in applicants?
A: A student is selected on the basis of various criteria, which include but are not limited to academic merit, personal and leadership qualities and the capacity to contribute positively to College life, co-curricular activities and the inter-college program. Referee reports and the interview with the Principal and Vice Principal are also contributing factors. Places are offered at The Women’s College at the discretion of the Principal.
Q: What if I don’t receive an offer from University?
A: A student of the Women’s College must be enrolled in full time study at university.
Q: What if I don’t want to live at College, but would like to be part of Women’s as a student?
A: Women’s offers an Affiliate Program for non-resident students. The application process is the same as for a resident, and many of the benefits of College life are also the same. More information is available on the website.
Q: Is everyone offered an interview?
A: No. Only shortlisted applicants are offered an interview.
Q: When are Women’s College offers made?
A: An offer is made in writing from the Principal to the applicant in one of three offer rounds:
- Main Offers: end of September
- Late Offers: January (if places are still available)
All offers (residency and affiliation) are conditional on the applicant receiving a full time offer in a course of study at a university within Sydney.
If a student is not accepted into any full-time course at a university within Sydney by the second round of university offers, then the applicant is refunded their security and key deposit.
Q: What is the cost?
A: College fees are separate from your university course or HECS-HELP fee. The fee covers the cost of full board (accommodation and all meals) for the 40-week academic year (or 17 week semester for Affiliates), plus access to the College’s tutorial program and academic assistance, pastoral support and guidance, internet, as well as a student access card and Sydney University Sport and Fitness Membership card for student participation in the intercollegiate sporting and cultural program. The cost of weekly residency for 2026 is approx $925.
Q: Can I defer my place at Women’s College?
A: No. Offers are only valid for the year for which the application is submitted.
Q: If I am applying for a postgraduate place do I need to submit further documentation?
A: Tertiary transcripts are required for previous university study along with birth certificate. Details of a referee will need to be entered into your application.
Q: Does Women’s College offer scholarships?
A: Yes, scholarships are available at all levels of study for students of merit. Most scholarships also have a requirement of financial need. Specific scholarships for government school students, music performance students, USYD elite athletes, MySydney students, indigenous students and affiliate students are available. Students interested in scholarships are advised to look at the College website for information, application requirements and closing dates.
Applications for the 2027 Scholarship Program are open and will close at 5pm on 1 October 2026.
Q: Who do I contact to take a tour of the College or ask further questions about applying to Women’s?
A: The Registrar is responsible for student recruitment and the admissions process at Women’s. Contact details are:
- Anne-Maree McCarthy
- T: 61 2 9517 5018
E: registrar@thewomenscollege.edu.au
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