For some of you, this isn’t your first HSC rodeo. For others, it might be your very first experience navigating not just Year 12, but the entire education system here in Australia. Either way - we see you, and we’re here to help.

This space is designed especially for you. Each month, we’ll offer quick insight to help you feel informed and confident in the role you play: not as a careers adviser or ATAR expert, but as a steady and supportive guide at the dinner table, in the car, or during those late-night “I don’t know what to do with my life” moments.

This month, we’re introducing UAC (the university application hub for NSW and ACT) and exploring the different study pathways available after the HSC - from uni and TAFE to cadetships, gap years, and beyond.

We know it might feel early to be talking about applications if your child is still trying to find direction, but this is a great time to start or continue the conversation. Have a read through the pathway summaries above and see what sparks your child’s interest. You might be surprised what stands out to them.

Next month, we’ll dive deeper into industries and how they are changing, so you can feel even more confident supporting their decisions (and their dreams).

For those of you with children who have already popped their destination into sat nav, over the coming months, we will continue working through The Year 12 Careers Checklist and demytifying everything from early entry programs to medicine applications, scholarships and deferring courses to take a gap year.

Let’s be real for a moment - “Just go to uni and get a degree” doesn’t quite cut it anymore. There’s a lot more nuance in choosing what (and where) to study after the HSC. Here’s a quick guide to help make sense of it all.

Types of University Degrees: What’s the Difference?

When students apply to university, they’re choosing between types of degrees - not just courses. The structure of the degree can shape how broad, practical, or specialised their study is.

Liberal Degrees:

These are broad, flexible degrees that allow students to explore different subjects before narrowing their focus. Great for students who have direction, but not a set destination, and are still trying to figure out where their strongest interests lie. Common examples include a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Commerce.

Students can major in areas like psychology (through arts & science), politics, biology, economics, philosophy, marketing and more. These degrees also allow students to select electives from different faculties throughout the university and may spark an entirely new interest and passion (and course change). Liberal degrees encourage critical thinking, research skills and adaptability. These degrees are perfect for curious minds, deep thinkers, and students who want options, or might go onto more specialised post-graduate study (law, teaching etc..).

Professional Degrees:

These are job-focused degrees designed to lead straight into a particular profession. They often include placements, accreditations, and strict subject sequences. Common examples include: Education, Engineering, Nursing, Law, Social Work. These degrees are ideal for students who already have a clear career path in mind. That being said, you are not locked in for life. Many a Caringbah student have completely changed direction successful from a professional degree in the past. Professional degrees also come with practical experiences (e.g. prac teaching and hospital placements). This is where students really decide whether they are in the right place or not.

Specialist Degrees

These are highly focused degrees tailored to a specific skillset or industry. They tend to be intensive and less flexible, but deeply immersive. Common examples include Fine Arts, Music, Aviation, Architecture, Design.

Specialist degrees often include auditions, portfolios or additional selection criteria. These are ideal for students with strong interestsin niche or creative fields.

Students choose their university for a variety of reasons - and it’s not always about prestige or ATAR cut-offs. Here’s what influences that choice:

• Distance from home / relocation options

• Friends or siblings going to the same uni

• Specific campus vibe or culture - ALWAYS head to the Open Days

• Strong reputation in a chosen field (e.g. UTS for design, ANU for politics and UNSW for engineering)

• Scholarships or support programs

• Family legacy or familiarity - yes, perhaps just because you went there!

• Perception of status or reputation (UNSW and USYD are often popular because they’re established, high ranking, and seen as “top tier”) …… but here’s the truth:

A “top” university doesn’t automatically guarantee a top career.

Employers are increasingly looking for:

• Diverse thinking

• Living experience

• Real world skills

• Initiative and adapability

• Unique combinations of study and story

So whether your child studies at Sydney, Western Sydney, Newcastle, UNE, or somewhere overseas, what they DO with their degree, and who they become along the way - is what really stands out.