1. Overview
The High Academic Place (HAP) is a tuition fee subsidy for high performing domestic students with recent secondary education to undertake an undergraduate course of study at the Institution. The number of places awarded varies each study period as determined by the Institution.
2. Eligibility
2.1 HAPs are awarded to domestic students who completed secondary education within the last four years with a strong performance in the NSW Higher School Certificate Examination (or equivalent) who:
a. are Australian citizens or permanent residents of Australia;
b. apply for an undergraduate course of study through the University Admissions Centre (UAC) in the year they undertake the NSW ATAR (or equivalent) or apply for an undergraduate course of study direct to the Institution;
c. achieve the minimum ATAR set by the Institution at the time of offer of the HAP, noting that the ATAR varies each year depending on the number of HAPs available (i.e. normally set between 70-80 ATAR as determined by the President);
d. where a student holds a Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) account, select the Institution’s course of study as a first preference, and maintain this preference position until the time of enrolment.
e. are not in receipt of a scholarship from the Institution;
2.2 Prospective students are required to enrol in their course by the due date outlined in their letter of offer otherwise the offer of the HAP will be cancelled.
3. Selection criteria
3.1 The following criteria is applicable to all students:
a. no application is required. HAP recipients are automatically selected based on ATAR results (or equivalent);
b. The Institution reserves the right to interview potential HAP recipients;
c. HAPs are awarded by the Vice President (Domestic and International Development) based on the number of HAP places that have been approved by the President.
d. HAP offers are applicable to enrolment in specified study periods only and cannot be deferred to a subsequent study period. In exceptional circumstances, a request for deferral may be considered and approved at the discretion of the Institution.
e. In exceptional circumstances, the President may approve the offer of a HAP to a prospective student who does not meet the selection criteria.
4. Value and benefits
All HAPs
a. A HAP is awarded in the form of reduced tuition fees only and is not redeemable for cash.
b. A HAP is transferrable to another undergraduate course of study at the Institution upon approval. Applications to transfer must be made in accordance with the Change of Course Procedures.
c. HAPs apply to subjects at the first attempt only. If a HAP recipient fails a subject, they are required to pay the full tuition fee for that subject upon re-enrolment.
HAPs awarded for intakes prior to 31 December 2025
d. A HAP is valued at approximately one third of the cost of each subject. The exact subsidy percentage may vary each year and is determined by the Institution.
HAPs awarded for intakes from 1 January 2026 – all undergraduate degrees except for the Bachelor of Property (Development, Investment and Valuation)
e. students are required to pay the full tuition fees for normally the first 15 subjects of their course, each of which must be successfully completed with a pass grade or higher. Upon meeting this requirement, normally the remaining nine subjects are provided at a 100% tuition discount provided the student successfully completes each of these subjects with a pass grade or higher.
f. The Institution reserves the right to amend the number of subjects offered at a 100% tuition discount.
HAPs awarded for intakes from 1 January 2026 – Bachelor of Property (Development, Investment and Valuation) only
g. students are required to pay the full tuition fees for normally the first 16 subjects of their course, each of which must be successfully completed with a pass grade or higher. Upon meeting this requirement, normally the remaining 10 subjects are provided at a 100% tuition discount provided the student successfully completes each of these subjects with a pass grade or higher.
h. The Institution reserves the right to amend the number of subjects offered at a 100% tuition discount.
5. Ongoing eligibility
a. HAP recipients are encouraged to maintain full-time enrolment during the tenure of their HAP.
b. A student may apply to suspend their HAP under extenuating circumstances e.g. approved leave of absence. Approval for suspension is on a case-by-case basis upon application to the Student Services for approval by the Group Finance Manager.
6. Termination
a. A HAP is terminated by the Institution if the recipient:
i. withdraws from an eligible course or fails to enrol;
ii. commences study at another institution of higher education prior to accepting the HAP;
iii. is determined by the Institution to have breached the Student Code of Conduct or Academic Integrity Policy (for intentional breaches);
iv. does not resume study at the end of a period of approved leave, or
v. any other provision as indicated in these terms that would lead to termination.
b. If a HAP has been terminated in accordance with clauses 6a(i) and 6a(ii), it may be reinstated at the discretion of the Institution.
c. If a HAP has been terminated in accordance with clause 6a(iii), it will only be reinstated if it is due to an error on the Institution’s part or the student has successfully challenged the decision through the Institution’s complaints and appeals process. The student will be issued with a notification informing them of the intention to terminate the HAP. The student will have the right to challenge the decision as outlined in the Complaints and Appeal Policy.
d. If a HAP has been terminated in accordance with clauses 6a(iii) to 6a(v), it will not be reinstated unless due to an error on the Institution’s part.
| Summary of changes | Date approved | Approved by |
| Created | 29 November 2021 | Executive Management Group |
| New HAP values and benefits for students commencing 1 Jan 2026 & other minor changes as a result of comprehensive review | 9 October 2025 (out of session) | Executive Management Group |