Wollongong College Australia (WCA) builds the capacity of domestic and international students by offering a range of courses that provide alternative pathways into tertiary education at the University of Wollongong (UOW) and other institutions.
A division of ITC Education, WCA was initially established in 1988 as the English Language College for the University of Wollongong. WCA then expanded its course offering to include academic pathway courses, such as Foundation Studies and Diplomas for international and domestic students, providing opportunities for tertiary study not previously available to students in Wollongong.
WCA now also offers additional courses for domestic students with the introduction of the STEP to UOW pathway program and a short intensive university preparation course, Skills and Confidence for Tertiary Studies (SCTS). WCA is committed to helping students achieve their full potential by preparing them both academically and culturally for further studies in a global tertiary environment.
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Our Successes
WCA provides leading education services through a market responsive program offering. Recent successful initiatives have included:
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The introduction of new five-week English for Tertiary Studies and English for Business programs, introduced in response to market demand for shorter direct-entry English programs; |
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SCTS, a three-day intensive skills program for current and commencing tertiary students,a program aiming to bridge the gap between school and university study and prepare students for managing the expectations of university; |
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STEP to UOW, a program introduced to increase educational opportunities for young people in the Illawarra region who experienced a disadvantage in their secondary schooling; and
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Gaining status as a Higher Education Provider (HEP). This enables greater opportunities for domestic students with access to FEE-HELP for the WCA Diploma programs. As a HEP, WCA will be able to enhance the services it offers in the area of tertiary education, including those it offers to its parent, the UOW. |
Our Priorities
A review of the structure of the Australian network has resulted in the consolidation of operations at WCA Wollongong. As part of this priority:
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WCA aims to work with its global agent network to increase enrolments in academic pathway programs; |
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Additional articulation agreements are in negotiation with the intention to extend WCA’s appeal as a pathway provider; |
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Initiatives are underway to cultivate emerging markets for the General English Program. The introduction of an internship program will develop work skills and practical experience to enhance employment opportunities for WCA graduates; and |
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Diversifying tertiary program offerings.
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Attention to these priorities will maintain and enhance WCA’s position as a leading international provider of tertiary and English-language programs.
Operating countries
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Wollongong, Australia
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Shanghai, China |
Wollongong College Australia and East China University of Science and Technology (ECUST) have an Agreement of Collaboration to deliver the Associate Diploma in Business in Shanghai, China. The Associate Diploma in Business Program prepares students to enter Year One of an undergraduate degree program in the Faculty of Commerce at the University of Wollongong.
Students undertake five semesters of study in the Associate Diploma in Business Program and have three teaching visits conducted by Wollongong College Australia's teaching staff.
Key memberships and accreditations
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National ELICOS Accreditation Scheme (NEAS) |
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English Australia (EA) |
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Vocational Education and Training Accreditation Board (VETAB) |
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University English Centres Australia (UECA) |
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