Welcome and what this session covers

G'day, and welcome to the National Virtual Expo. I'm your host, Rob Malicki, coming to you today from Garigal land in Sydney. I'm very excited about this session on why study in Tasmania. To me, there are some iconic places in Australia that will summon the right person to go and study there, and Tasmania is just one of those places. If you love the outdoors, the clean air, and you're looking for a more chilled-out pace of life, but you still want a great university and an awesome community, then Tassie could be absolutely the right place for you to move to. In this session, we're going to be exploring that with Skye from the University of Tasmania.

If you've got questions as you go, you can ask them in the chat here on the Session Hub page, or if you're watching on social media, just drop them in the comments and we will answer every single question. If you're watching this on the replay, make sure you join the Choosing Uni Discord down below in the session description. And parents, we have a Facebook community just for you. All of those places are where you can go and ask your independent questions and get independent answers. Now, without further ado, let's get into this session with Skye on why study in Tasmania.

Welcome. I'm Skye from the Future Students team here at the University of Tasmania. It's wonderful to have you here with us for today's session, wherever you're joining us from. Thanks for taking the time to explore what studying at the University of Tasmania could look like. Whether you're a Year 12 student starting to think more seriously about your next steps, a parent supporting that decision, a career advisor at a school, or someone considering study later in life, today is really about helping you picture more than just a course. It's about the full experience: what it could feel like to live, learn, and grow here, whether that means staying close to home or moving away for university. This session is designed to give you a sense of what that journey could look like.

Before we begin, I'd like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands on which we meet today. I'm joining you from Hobart, and I acknowledge that the Palawa people are the traditional owners and custodians of this place. I also want to honour the Gadigal people of Sydney. I'm originally from the central west of New South Wales, from dairy country, and now live here in Hobart, so I feel very lucky to hold a connection to more than one place. We pay our respects to Elders past and present as the knowledge holders and sharers. We honour their culture, language, history, and continuing connection to Country. When we talk about studying here, we're talking about a place with deep meaning, enduring history, and a future that is stronger when Aboriginal perspectives are respected and centred.

Today, we'll explore why studying in Tasmania feels different, what life here can look like, the kinds of support available at the university, our campuses, accommodation options, and how to apply for an early university offer. So we're really moving from the big-picture experience of living in Tassie all the way through to practical next steps for starting your university journey here with us.

Why studying in Tasmania feels different

So let's start with the big question: why does studying in Tasmania feel different? For many students, it's because this place offers more than just a qualification. It gives you an environment that shapes the way study feels: more grounded, connected, and often more balanced. There's a real sense here that university becomes part of life, not something that sits separately from it. In Tassie, that really comes to life through the connection between study, lifestyle, and community. You can access big opportunities here, but in a smaller, more personalised setting. That means you're not just moving through a huge system anonymously. There's more space for you to find your feet, build confidence, and grow at your own pace.

Tasmania isn't just where you study, it's also how you live. And that sense of place really does shape the experience you have here. So let's hear from some of our students about why Tasmania and the University of Tasmania feel different to them.

"I see the people at the University of Tasmania as being very like myself, in that they're their own person and they're doing what they believe in. Turns out, funnily enough, that if you go into a course that you like, you end up meeting really cool, like-minded people. Going to the University of Tasmania is like going to a friend's house. Everyone makes eye contact here and everyone knows who everyone is, as opposed to just walking past each other. Here, everyone's really open. You can just talk to anyone. My previous experience at uni, I didn't really get that as much. It was a lot more refreshing to be in a tightly knit crew instead of one little speck in the sea of people. Every lecturer I've had has been really passionate about what they teach. It kind of makes you feel more passionate about it as well. They push you in a really nurturing way and they know how to get the best out of you. The freeing thing about it is that you're free to find your passion within your passion. You always regret something you haven't done, but you don't regret anything you've attempted or tried because you learn from it and you figure out who you are. It doesn't matter what age you are, you can go and get it. You can achieve it. While you're here, you're going to have the opportunity to find exactly what you were meant to be."

You can give your studies a new perspective. You're learning in a place that feels inspiring and grounding at the same time. There's a sense of possibility, but also a pace that helps you focus and be present. For students coming straight from school, that can make the transition into university feel much more manageable and less daunting. And for people returning to study, it can create breathing room to build confidence again.

Tasmania's natural environment as part of everyday student life

One of the most unique things about studying in Tasmania is that the whole island really starts to feel like an extension of your campus. Nature and the outdoors are not something far away to enjoy only on holidays. They become a part of everyday life. Tassie has 19 national parks, and more than half the island is protected by reserves and wilderness areas, so you are surrounded by incredible natural environments every step of the way. Places like kunanyi/Mount Wellington, Wineglass Bay, Freycinet, and Cradle Mountain National Park all start to feel much more accessible than you would ever expect.

Because that kind of landscape is part of everyday life here, weekends really do feel like an escape. Study breaks become adventures. It might be a hike, a beach day, a road trip, or just discovering somewhere new close to home. Summer is perfect for long days outdoors, while the cooler months bring a completely different kind of beauty: crisp walks, mountain views, and that cosy change of pace Tasmania does so well. That balance between study and experience can be such a powerful part of student life here.

Culture, food, and lifestyle in Tasmania

Tasmania also has a really strong creative and cultural side. Across the state you'll find festivals, galleries, museums, live music, and major art experiences that bring a lot of energy into everyday life. Events like Dark Mofo and Mona Foma, along with places like Mona and the Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery (TMAG), help create a place that feels vibrant, curious, and full of ideas. Whether it's spaces you visit, events happening around you, or the broader arts community, there's a strong sense of expression and experimentation here. So whether you're studying in a creative field or not, you'll still be surrounded by that energy, and that becomes a part of the experience of living and learning here.

And then there's the food side of life here, which honestly deserves its own moment. Tasmania is known for its quality produce, and that shapes everyday life in really tangible ways: from award-winning restaurants to local cafes, through to markets like Salamanca and Farmgate, through to wineries, distilleries, and breweries galore. It all adds another layer to what makes everyday life here so enjoyable. When good food, local markets, social spaces, and a slower pace become a part of your everyday routine, life feels more balanced. It might sound like a small thing, but it makes a real difference to how life feels week to week and to how you experience your time at university.

When you bring all of that together, Tassie offers something more than just a place to study. It offers a way of living that feels balanced, memorable, and distinctly its own. And that's often what stays with students most: not just the degree they've earned, but the life they've also built around it. That sense of place is a big part of what makes the University of Tasmania experience so distinctive.

The University of Tasmania: study areas and academic community

Studying here is more than just earning a degree. It's about building skills, confidence, and connection to place, shaped by creativity, opportunity, and new ideas. As a smaller university with around 30,000 students, it can feel more personal, with dedicated teaching staff, supportive learning environments, and the chance to explore your interests as you go. With study areas spanning health, science, business, law, creative arts, maritime, engineering, and more, there are many different directions your journey can take you. That is what makes studying here feel connected: not just to a course, but to the broader Tasmanian experience. At the University of Tasmania, you'll find people who share your passion and sharpen your curiosity. Between a supportive, innovative community and Tasmania's natural beauty, you won't study anywhere else quite like this. Our whole island is your campus.

Student support, flexibility, and scholarships

One of the biggest questions our students have is how they'll be supported here at the university. We understand that starting university can feel like a really big step, and support matters. At the University of Tasmania, that's built into the experience from the very beginning, with access to student advisors, learning support, wellbeing services, and dedicated teams to help you navigate everything from your first week all the way through to graduation.

Part of that support is flexibility. We know that study doesn't look the same for everyone. For some people, it's full-time study straight after Year 12. For others, it might mean balancing work, family, or coming back to study after time away. There are flexible options available for everyone, including full-time and part-time study, online and on-campus learning, and support to help you manage your study load, stay on track, and build your study skills along the way, so you're able to shape your life around study, not the other way around.

Alongside flexibility, there is also practical support to help make study more accessible. We offer lots of scholarships across areas like academic achievement, equity support, and relocation, as well as a Support to Study scholarship package, which can include financial, accommodation, and relocation support depending on your situation. For students who need it, there's also help available through financial hardship support and free financial counselling, and eligible Australian students can access HECS-HELP so that fees don't have to be paid upfront. Be sure to explore what is available, because there's always more support than you'll expect. For students who are moving to study, that financial support via a scholarship could make the world of difference.

Next, we're going to hear from a student who relocated to Hobart from elsewhere in Tasmania with the Support to Study scholarship and what that experience has been like for them.

"I'm from Devonport, so very much a north-west coast person. I did a bit of research for one of my classes at school and came across medicine. We had a really great representative from the University of Tasmania. I remember being guided through the UTAS portal, and I applied for a whole heap of scholarships, and I think I got the Support to Study package. They gave me the scholarships I would need to be able to relocate, and they made sure that I had my apartment ready to go. It's pretty cool."

I also want to mention that support at the University of Tasmania goes beyond study options and finances. It's also about wellbeing, confidence, and connection. Students can access free and confidential counselling, academic support, learning advisors, study workshops, mentoring, and student networks, all designed to help them feel supported throughout their journey here with us.

Campuses across Tasmania and Sydney

Where you study shapes your experience too. At the University of Tasmania, we have campuses across the whole state: Hobart in the south, Launceston in the north, Burnie on the north-west coast, and a specialised nursing and medicine campus in Sydney. Each campus is shaped by the strengths of its region, which means your learning experience is connected to place, community, and industry. What is quite unique is that you're not just choosing a campus, you're choosing a lifestyle and environment that will shape your experience from day one.

Hobart offers a really unique study environment. You've got a capital city that feels creative and connected, with a harbour on one side and kunanyi/Mount Wellington on the other, so it's not unusual to go from a lecture to a waterfront walk or a hike with a view. It's also home to places like Salamanca, Battery Point, and the waterfront, with markets, cafes, and galleries to make everyday life vibrant and social. In Hobart you can study across a number of different locations. We have The Forest, a new central hub for teaching, learning, and student life right in the city. Then there's the Hedberg and Hunter Street Centre for the Arts, bringing together theatre, music, and creative arts, while the Medical Science precinct and Domain support health research and outdoor education. Sandy Bay is home to psychology, pharmacy, science, law, and student services. And last but not least, there's Salamanca and Taroona, connecting our students to world-leading marine and Antarctic research through the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies (IMAS). Students can also move between locations with the free Uni Hobart bus service, which helps the city feel connected and easy to navigate.

Launceston offers a slightly different experience. It's Tasmania's second largest city, but it has a really strong sense of community, culture, and local identity. It feels vibrant but also very personal. You've got access to weekend markets, great local dining, and places like Cataract Gorge right on the edge of the city. Launceston is home to both our Inveresk and Newnham campuses. Inveresk is a creative, modern campus right by the kanamaluka/River Tamar, with spaces like the library, River's Edge, the Workshop, and the Shed all within walking distance of the city and Cataract Gorge. It also sits within a cultural precinct alongside the Queen Victoria Museum and Art Gallery and major event spaces. Newnham offers a more hands-on learning environment and is home to the Australian Maritime College (AMC), a global leader in maritime education, along with strengths in agriculture, architecture, and forest industries.

On the Cradle Coast in Burnie, the experience becomes more close-knit and community-focused. It's a coastal town with a really relaxed pace of life, a strong community feel, and easy access to beaches, walking tracks, and local cafes. Our North West campus sits right on the Burnie waterfront, with world-class facilities in an incredible coastal setting. Students can see little penguins along the coastline, and at certain times of year, even whales from campus. Students are part of a really strong local community and learning often feels more personal and connected. Our Cradle Coast campus is also linked to key regional strengths like the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture, the Rural Clinical School, and the Makers Technology and Innovation Hub. And outside of study, you're surrounded by coastline, rainforests, and World Heritage areas.

And then there's Sydney: a specialised campus focused on nursing and medicine. Here you're based in one of Australia's largest and most dynamic cities, with access to major hospitals, transport networks, and a fast-paced urban environment. One of the biggest strengths of our Sydney campus is our connection to industry. We have partnerships with NSW Health, St Vincent's Hospital, NSW Ambulance, and private providers, which means students gain valuable real-life placement experience through their degrees. From early on, you're building practical skills and connections that link directly to your future career.

Accommodation options for students moving to university

Accommodation is one of the biggest practical considerations for many of our students, especially when you're thinking about moving for uni. It can really shape how quickly you feel settled, connected, and supported in the first few weeks. At the University of Tasmania, we have residential colleges on campuses across the state, with options ranging from self-contained apartments to shared living. For students who are moving to uni, this can be a really great way to settle in: you're living alongside other students, close to campus, and part of a built-in community from day one. And for those who are staying local, it's still an option if you're looking for a more independent or social experience. There are options in Hobart CBD, Sandy Bay, Burnie, Newnham, and Inveresk. Overall, on-campus living is designed to offer convenience, connection, and support as you transition into university life.

Early university offers and how to apply for 2027

If you're starting to think about studying in 2027, this is where things begin to feel a little more real. For Year 12 students, early university offers are a really helpful option to know about. They can bring a sense of certainty and take some of the pressure off your final year of school, especially knowing that you may already have a place secured before exams are even finished.

You can apply for an early university offer through our Schools Recommendation Program. It's a programme designed to help you step into university with confidence, using your school's recommendation alongside your application. By applying through this programme, you may receive an early university offer before finishing Year 12, giving you more space to focus on your exams and finish the year strong. The process is fairly simple: you explore your course options and submit your application from late June, and your school provides a short recommendation based on your performance and readiness to study. Once that is received, you may receive an early offer.

It's worth knowing that our applications for 2027 open on 25 June 2026 and are made directly through the University of Tasmania website. While the Schools Recommendation Program closes earlier, on 5 October 2026, our other general applications remain open beyond that, and for many courses continue into early 2027. So if you're not applying through an early offer pathway, or you're not quite ready to apply straightaway, there is still time and there are still options available. I just want to highlight that there is more than one opportunity to apply and to find a pathway that is right for you.

How to get in touch and next steps

Thank you so much for joining me today. I hope this session has helped you imagine what studying at the University of Tasmania could look like: not just academically, but as a broader lifestyle and experience. If you'd like to explore your options further, you can contact our friendly UniConnect team on 1800 827, or email future.students@utas.edu.au, or visit the University of Tasmania website at utas.edu.au for more information. We'll move to questions shortly. If we don't get to everything today, we'll follow up as soon as possible. Thank you again for being here. Bye for now.