Scholarship Guaranteed: Application to Diploma in Engineering at the University of Western Australia (UWA)

Are you an international student dreaming of studying engineering in Australia? The Diploma in Engineering at The University of Western Australia (UWA)—delivered through UWA College in partnership with INTO Australia—offers a unique pathway into one of Australia’s top engineering programs. Even better, by applying through Good Friends Japan’s Agent Scholarship Office, you can secure a guaranteed scholarship for this program.

Apply Here for Agent Scholarship Office by Good Friends Japan Scholarships.

This comprehensive guide will explain what the Diploma in Engineering is, how it differs from direct university entry, and how it leads you straight into the second year of UWA’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) program. We’ll also highlight the benefits—from smaller class sizes and personalized support to lower entry requirements and a smoother academic transition—and walk you through the steps to apply with your scholarship.

What is a Diploma in Engineering Pathway (and How is it Different from Direct Entry)?

A Diploma in Engineering is a special pathway program that covers the same core content as the first year of a bachelor’s degree in engineering, but in a more supportive, college-style environment. Unlike direct entry into a university, where you dive straight into first-year classes with minimal guidance, a diploma pathway offers tailored academic and English language support while you study. In other words, you’ll be learning university-level engineering content in a personalized and supportive setting. The curriculum is designed in collaboration with UWA, ensuring it is equivalent to the first year of UWA’s engineering degree. This means Diploma students can still graduate in the standard number of years as direct-entry students, but benefit from additional help during their first year of studies.

Here’s how the Diploma pathway compares to a direct entry into UWA’s engineering program:

Entry Requirements: Direct entry to UWA’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) typically demands a high academic standing and strong English proficiency (e.g., IELTS 6.5 or equivalent). The Diploma in Engineering pathway has more accessible entry criteria—you only need to have finished high school (Year 12 or equivalent) and meet a lower English requirement (e.g., IELTS 5.5 overall). This opens doors for students who may not meet UWA’s direct entry cut-offs but show potential to succeed with additional support. If you don’t meet the Diploma’s entry requirements, UWA College also offers a Foundation Program leading to first-year entry.
Class Size and Learning Environment: In the diploma pathway, you’ll experience smaller class sizes and a more intimate learning environment, receiving personalized attention from instructors. This helps you feel supported as you transition to higher education. By contrast, direct-entry students often sit in large lecture halls in first year, making it easy to feel lost in the crowd.
Student Support: The Diploma in Engineering comes with a wrap-around support system designed for international students. You’ll have access to academic advisers, English language support, and tutoring throughout the program. UWA College provides ongoing and targeted support, including extra help with coursework and English language advice whenever needed. Direct-entry university students have support services too, but the level of hand-holding is far less—you’re expected to be independent. The pathway program gives you a guided transition from high school to the rigors of university academics.
Integration with University Life: As a Diploma student, you are based on UWA’s Perth campus from the start, so you get the full university experience—using the same facilities and immersing in campus life—but with the safety net of a smaller college community. You’ll even join UWA’s first-year engineering classes later in the program, so by the time you progress, you’re already comfortable with the university’s expectations.

In summary, the Diploma in Engineering is an ideal option for international students who want to study engineering in Australia but could benefit from a supportive start. You’ll cover the same material as first-year university students, receive extra support, and enjoy a personalized learning atmosphere—all while staying on track to finish your Bachelor of Engineering (Honours).

About the UWA College Diploma in Engineering (INTO UWA Pathway Program)

UWA College’s Diploma in Engineering—offered via INTO Australia—is your pathway to the second year of a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) at UWA. The program is typically 12–14 months long (three trimesters), though an accelerated option may be available for higher-qualified students. Here’s an overview of what this diploma program entails:

Building Academic Skills: In the first one or two trimesters, you will focus on strengthening your fundamentals. Expect courses in advanced mathematics, physics, and other engineering science essentials, along with units like Academic Conduct Essentials and Indigenous Studies Essentials that prepare you for success at UWA. You’ll also get dedicated classes to hone your English and study skills, ensuring you’re fully prepared to tackle university coursework.
Integrated Learning Experience: In your final trimester, you will join UWA’s first-year engineering students for select subjects. This means you’ll study the same university courses alongside degree students as part of a “truly integrated pathway experience.” By spending part of your diploma in actual UWA classes, you gain confidence and firsthand experience of the university’s expectations. It’s not an isolated college program; it’s a blend of supportive teaching and real university exposure. In as little as one trimester (about five months) from starting the program, you could be sitting in lectures and labs with UWA students—all while still receiving guidance from UWA College.
Course Content and Quality: The Diploma in Engineering curriculum is equivalent to UWA’s first-year engineering curriculum. All the diploma units are based on existing UWA Level 1 units, so you are learning the exact content you need for your degree. The big difference is you’ll learn it in smaller classes with instructors who can provide extra help. The program was developed in collaboration with UWA’s faculty, ensuring academic rigor and relevance. You will cover core topics across engineering disciplines, preparing you to choose a specialization later on.
World-Class Facilities: As a Diploma student on UWA’s campus, you have access to the same cutting-edge facilities as any UWA engineering student. UWA’s renowned EZONE engineering precinct, for example, is a state-of-the-art hub for collaborative learning, innovation, and industry interaction. This complex features high-tech engineering labs, workshops, computer suites, and social learning spaces—and you’ll get to use them during your studies.
Ranking and Reputation: UWA itself is a prestigious institution, ranked among the world’s top 100 universities (QS World University Rankings 2025). Its engineering faculty is highly respected globally. In fact, UWA is ranked in the world’s top 15 for Mineral and Mining Engineering and top 100 for Civil and Structural Engineering. By taking the Diploma in Engineering pathway, you’re positioning yourself to earn a degree from a university that excels in these fields. Moreover, UWA is a member of Australia’s elite Group of Eight universities, ensuring you receive a quality education that is recognized worldwide.
Student Support and Experience: Throughout the diploma, students receive extensive support from UWA College staff. There are academic tutors for difficult subjects, dedicated support for improving English (especially useful if English isn’t your first language), and personal advisors to help with any challenges (academic or personal) you might face. The wrap-around support approach means help is available at every step. By studying on the Perth campus, you’ll also get the full UWA student experience in a supportive setting—from clubs to social events—making you feel at home from the start.

Progression to Second Year of UWA’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

One of the greatest advantages of UWA’s Diploma in Engineering pathway is the guaranteed progression to second year of the UWA Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), provided you meet the progression requirements. Upon passing all your diploma units and maintaining the required grades (currently a 50% average or higher), you are awarded the Diploma in Engineering with 48 transferable credits to UWA. These 48 credits equal one full year of study. In practical terms, this means you enter UWA as a sophomore (second-year student) in the Bachelor’s program after completing the diploma.

Here’s how the progression pathway works:

Complete the Diploma Program: Finish your UWA College Diploma in Engineering (three trimesters, approximately 14 months).
Meet Progression Criteria: Ensure you meet the academic requirements for progression—currently at least a 50% grade average in the diploma. The English language requirement is satisfied by completing the diploma, so no need for another IELTS/TOEFL for UWA entry.
Choose Your Engineering Major: When you join the second year of the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours), you’ll typically enter a specific engineering discipline (major). UWA offers nine engineering majors, such as Mechanical, Civil, Electrical & Electronic, Chemical, Environmental, Mining, Software, Biomedical, and Automation & Robotics. Your diploma will have given you a taste of various fields, so you can choose the one that best matches your career goals. The diploma satisfies the first-year requirements for all these majors, giving you flexibility to decide later.
Continue to Degree Completion: After progression, you will study alongside all UWA students in your chosen major for years 2, 3, and 4 of the degree. You’ll complete the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in the same amount of time as those who started via direct entry. In the end, you graduate with an internationally recognized UWA degree. You also hold the additional Diploma qualification, which enhances your credentials.

This pathway lets you graduate as an industry-ready engineer in as few as four years—from the day you start the diploma to the day you finish your UWA bachelor’s. You don’t lose any time by taking the pathway; instead, you gain support and a smoother start. UWA College and INTO Australia have structured the program so that you seamlessly transition into second year. No additional exams—your place in second year is reserved from the moment you enroll in the diploma (provided you meet the minimum results).

Benefits of the INTO UWA Pathway: Smaller Classes, Support & Smooth Transition

Choosing the Diploma in Engineering pathway via INTO UWA College comes with a host of benefits that set you up for success. Let’s recap and highlight the key advantages:

Smaller Class Sizes & Personalized Attention: You’ll learn in an environment with small class sizes, meaning you won’t be just a face in a huge lecture theater. In the diploma program, instructors know your name, understand your strengths and weaknesses, and can give you personalized guidance. This level of individual attention is nearly impossible to get in a typical first-year university course. The student-focused approach at UWA College ensures you get feedback and help whenever you need it, building your confidence.
Tailored Academic and English Support: The pathway is built for international student success. Expect extra support classes, tutorials, and English language workshops targeting the areas students often struggle with. Whether it’s a difficult engineering concept or academic essay writing, support staff are there to help you master it. UWA College’s wrap-around support system provides ongoing academic support and English language advice, even when you start attending first-year UWA classes. This means if you encounter challenges in integrated UWA courses, you have someone to turn to—a safety net that direct-entry students don’t have.
Lower Entry Requirements (Accessible Opportunity): The Diploma in Engineering pathway has lower entry barriers compared to direct university admission. For many international students, meeting the direct entry criteria of a top university can be tough. The diploma’s requirement of Year 12 completion and IELTS 5.5 is very achievable for students who narrowly miss direct entry. Likewise, the academic entry (equivalent to a modest high school score) makes this a viable option if your grades aren’t top-tier but you’re willing to work hard. Essentially, this pathway gives you a second chance to enter a world-class engineering program.
Smoother Transition to University Life: Adapting to a new country, language, and academic system can be challenging. The diploma acts as a bridge between high school and university. You’ll gradually adjust to the teaching style, get used to university-level coursework, and learn about Australian culture and academic expectations along the way. By the time you move into second year, you’ll feel at home at UWA. Many students report that this pathway significantly reduced their culture shock and helped them make friends and connections early. Plus, being on campus from the start means you can join student clubs, use libraries and labs, and engage in all aspects of campus life while still having the guidance of the college.
Guaranteed Progression & Confidence: There’s great peace of mind in knowing that your place in the degree is secure as long as you meet the program requirements. This guaranteed pathway removes the anxiety of competitive university admissions. You can be confident that you are working directly toward your UWA bachelor’s from day one. Every assignment and exam in your diploma is essentially preparing you for your degree. And since the content mirrors first year, you won’t have any gaps in knowledge. By successfully finishing the diploma, you prove to yourself and to UWA that you’re ready—and that confidence will carry into your further studies.
Career-Ready Skills and Networking: Beyond academics, the pathway emphasizes career development skills. Thanks to smaller classes, you’ll engage more in presentations, group projects, and hands-on labs—all of which build soft skills like teamwork, communication, and problem-solving. UWA College often integrates employability workshops, and since you’re on campus, you can access UWA’s career events too. By the time you’re in the later years of your degree, you’ll have had practice in these areas. UWA’s engineering program includes substantial industry engagement (including 450+ hours of professional practice built into the degree), and as a well-prepared pathway student, you’ll be ready to seize those opportunities. Being in Perth, a hub for mining, energy, and emerging tech, you’ll have chances to network with companies right on your doorstep—something you can start doing even during your diploma study.

In short, the INTO UWA Diploma in Engineering pathway is designed to set you up for both academic and career success. You get all the benefits of UWA’s excellent resources and reputation, with the added advantages of a nurturing college environment. It’s an investment in a strong foundation that pays off throughout your degree and beyond.

Secure Your Guaranteed Scholarship—Apply with Agent Scholarship Office

The University of Western Australia’s Diploma in Engineering via INTO is an incredible opportunity—and it’s made even better by the guaranteed scholarship available when you apply through Agent Scholarship Office by Good Friends Japan. Good Friends Japan is a trusted education agency that specializes in supporting international students since 2016. In partnership with INTO Australia, Good Friends Japan is helping students like you enroll in the UWA Diploma in Engineering with a special scholarship offer that you won’t get by applying directly. This means more financial support and guidance as you start your study-abroad journey.

How to apply and get your scholarship: It’s simple—do not apply through UWA or the standard online portal. Instead, you must apply via the Good Friends Japan Agent Scholarship Office to secure this offer. Just fill out the scholarship application form: Apply Here for Good Friends Japan Scholarships. Once you submit the form, the Good Friends Japan team (experts in the UWA College admissions process) will contact you to guide you through the next steps. They’ll assist with your application paperwork, answer any questions about the program or studying in Australia, and ensure you meet all requirements for the scholarship.

Don’t miss this opportunity: If you’re serious about an engineering career and want to study engineering in Australia at a premier institution, the Diploma in Engineering at UWA College is your stepping stone. Thanks to the scholarship through Good Friends Japan, this pathway is now more accessible financially. Remember, the scholarship is only guaranteed when you apply via the official agent (Good Friends Japan), so use the provided form and reach out to them. Seats in the program can be limited and intake deadlines apply (the next start date, for example, might be in October 2025 for the 14-month program), so it’s wise to get your application in early.

Start Your Australian Engineering Journey Today

Embarking on UWA’s Diploma in Engineering pathway could be the best decision to kick-start your engineering future. You’ll benefit from a supportive introduction to university-level studies, enjoy world-class facilities at a top 100 university, and secure your spot in the esteemed Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) program—all while receiving a scholarship to ease your financial burden. By choosing this INTO UWA pathway, you set yourself up for academic success and an exciting career in engineering, with UWA’s strong industry connections and reputation backing you.

Ready to take the next step? Complete the scholarship application form via Good Friends Japan, and their friendly advisors will help you through the rest. With a guaranteed scholarship and a clear path to a UWA engineering degree, your dream to study engineering in Australia is within reach. Don’t wait—the sooner you apply, the sooner you can secure your place and start planning for your move to beautiful Perth, Australia.