UNSW ACTivate
Learn how you can accelerate your academic journey
Get a head start by experiencing university while you’re still in school with UNSW ACTivate at UNSW Canberra
UNSW ACTivate's H Courses offers Year 11 and 12 students in the ACT the opportunity to engage in university level studies while completing their senior secondary education. The program offers students the unique opportunity to experience studying at UNSW’s new Canberra City precinct, explore advanced future-focused subjects and gain credit towards their future degree.
Why choose UNSW ACTivate?
- Get a head start: Experience university learning and explore subjects that align with your passions and future study plans.
- Earn university credit: Successful completion will count towards a related UNSW undergraduate degree.
- Contribute to your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR): UNSW ACTivate's H Courses are accredited by the Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS) and can contribute to your ATAR.
- Study in the heart of Canberra: Attend weekly classes at UNSW Canberra City.
UNSW ACTivate's H Courses
Cyber Security
This course introduces students to the foundational principles of cyber security. The program explores key topics such as digital threats, data protection, ethical hacking, cryptography and network security. Students will develop practical skills in identifying vulnerabilities, managing risk and understanding how cyber security applies across government, defence and industry contexts. The course prepares students for future studies and careers in one of the world’s fastest growing and most critical technology fields.
Key details about UNSW ACTivate
Who can apply?
To be eligible, students must:
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- Be in year 11 undertaking an appropriate co-requisite course in an ACT college in 2026*
- Receive an endorsement from their school
- Commit to attending weekly face-to-face classes at UNSW Canberra City
*The Cyber Security course requires students to be undertaking studies in an Information Technology course to be eligible to be enrolled.
- Explore your suitability for the course: Review UNSW ACTivate's H Course in cyber security and see if it aligns with your interests and academic goals. Also consider the two-year commitment to the program, including its demands of transport, study load and co-requisites throughout the course.
- Nominate respresentatives: Have a discussion with your parents, teachers and school careers adviser about your application. You will need to nominate representatives from your school to support your suitability for the program both in terms of career interest and course-readiness.
- Submit application: Complete the online application form by the specified deadline.
- Selection process: Applications are reviewed based on suitability, course needs and a selection panel from both UNSW and ACT Government.
- Sit tight: Successful applicants will be notified via email and provided with enrolment details.
When and where will these classes be run?
UNSW Canberra City is located at the old CIT Reid on the corner of Coranderrk Street and Constitution Avenue. Applications will be online, but enrolment and orientation will take place at The Heart, previously CIT Reid’s Library. Drop off and pick up can be easily organised from the Heart, as well as a waiting and parking area just across the street on Constitution Avenue. The R3 bus stops just in front of the Heart on Constitution Avenue, and there is a direct walking path across Coranderrk Street into the city for several more easily accessible public transport options.
Student Handbook Information
Students will find most of their support needs met by the H course teaching staff, the Pathways and Access Program Coordinator and the UNSW Canberra support provided at the Heart by Student Services and the Library. Course outlines, assessment outlines, due dates, marks and grades will all be on ACS Profiles Online. Course readings, lesson outlines, assessment details and special consideration applications will be on the student's course moodle page. Below are links to relevant UNSW, BSSS and ACT Government policies and procedures relating to H course study at UNSW:
- ACT Government Child Wellbeing Framework
- Anti-Racism and Anti-religious Vilification Policy
- BSSS Assessment Policy
- BSSS Equity and Special Consideration
- BSSS Policies and Procedures
- BSSS Reviews and Appeals
- Child Protection Policy
- Code of Conduct
- Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Policy
- Plagiarism Policy
- Preventing and Responding to Gender-based Violence at UNSW policy
- Sexual Misconduct Prevention and Response Policy
- Smoke-free Environment Policy
Frequently asked questions
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A H Course is a classification given to a year 11 and 12 course which is designed and accredited by an Australian higher education provider and the ACT BSSS. Successful completion of the course can be recognised towards an undergraduate degree.
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UNSW ACTivate's H Courses are open to Australian domestic students or permanent residents. Students need a confirmed Year 11 enrolment at an ACT college (government or non-government) in 2026 to apply.
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Students will be selected by a panel made up of UNSW, ACT Education Directorate and school sector representatives. Applications are reviewed based on your response to the learner’s statement and application.
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UNSW ACTivate's H Courses are accredited by the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS). Successful completion of a H Course can be used to meet the requirements for an ACT Senior Secondary Certificate and Tertiary Entrance Statement. The course scores you achieve in the program may contribute towards your ATAR calculation.
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Participation in a UNSW ACTivate H Course is free to students.
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Interested students are encouraged to apply for the course/s that interest them. All courses are scheduled to be delivered at the same time and day, meaning you can only enrol in one course. Students will be able to list their preferred course during the application process.
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UNSW Canberra currently offers one H Course: Cyber Security. Additional H Courses and Bachelor programs are expected to be added to the UNSW Canberra portfolio of education offerings in due course.
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The current UNSW ACTivate H Courses on offer will grant students 6 units of credit (6 UOC) into the Bachelor of Cyber Security at UNSW Canberra. Additional H Courses and Bachelor programs are expected to be added to the UNSW Canberra portfolio of education offerings in due course.
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H Courses are only relevant to students undertaking the Senior Secondary Certificate in the ACT. Units of credit associated with undertaking the H Courses are aligned directly to the corresponding units in UNSW Canberra’s Bachelor of Cyber Security. Additional H Courses and Bachelor programs are expected to be added to the UNSW Canberra portfolio of education offerings in due course.
