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Rural Students Entry Scheme

Students who completed an Australian Year 12 examination in either 2012 or 2013, have no tertiary record, and have completed at least the last four years of secondary education at a rural school, may be eligible for admission under the Faculty of Pharmacy Rural Students Entry Scheme for study in the Bachelor of Pharmacy.

Under this scheme, a limited number of places will be available to applicants whose ATAR is not more than five points below the Main Round ATAR cut-off. This scheme does not apply to any other program offered by the Faculty. In addition to submitting an application with UAC, you must complete an application form for the Faculty of Pharmacy Rural Students Entry Scheme and submit it to the Administration Office, Faculty of Pharmacy (Building A15) at The University of Sydney by Friday 3rd January 2014. Applications for the scheme received after this date will not be considered.

Criteria for admission to the Bachelor of Pharmacy under the Faculty of Pharmacy Rural Students Entry Scheme

Current NSW HSC or interstate equivalent applicants may be offered a place under the Faculty of Pharmacy Rural Students Entry Scheme if they meet all the criteria set out below:

  • The applicant’s ATAR (or equivalent) is not more than five points below the UAC main round cut off mark for the year of entry.
  • Applicants must have completed at least the last four years of secondary education at a rural school (the definition of “rural” is detailed below).
  • Applicants must have had a permanent home address in a rural area for a significant period (at least four years) at any time prior to their application (the definition of “rural” is detailed below).
  • Applicants must be able to demonstrate a commitment to a career in a rural health setting. (This may include an exceptional record of involvement and achievement in community affairs at school or local community level in a rural environment).
  • Applicants are not eligible for a place under this Scheme if they have completed one full-time year (or part-time equivalent) of tertiary study. (Tertiary study refers to Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Bachelors Degree or higher qualification recognised by The University of Sydney).
  • Applicants are not eligible for a place under this Scheme if they accept an offer under any other Access and Equity Program offered by the University.

Definition of “Rural”

The basis for the definition of “rural” will be the area encompassing the rural NSW Area Health Service regions, as announced by the NSW Department of Health on 16 March 1966, or the equivalent definition of rural applicable to other States. Basically, all of New South Wales is considered rural with the exception of Sydney, Central Coast, Newcastle, Wollongong, the Blue Mountains and their surrounding areas. In other states, similar definitions will apply.