Launched on Tuesday, UOWx is a formal academic record showing essential workplace skills that students have obtained from about 50 recognised activities, including mentoring and leadership roles, and volunteering.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Eeva Leinonen said students could gain valuable organisational, teamwork, leadership and cultural awareness skills through extracurricular activities.

"When employers have a look at their resume and their transcript they will find that UOWx award ... and we know that about 80 per cent of the jobs out there are not specific to any degree so employers are really looking for [soft skills]," Prof Leinonen said. "We know that the employment market is really tough, so it just enables [students] to stand above the rest."

In developing the framework, the university liaised with employers from the Illawarra and further afield through alumni to devise a list of officially recognised roles, although there is plenty of scope to add more.

"We have set criteria - not all activities are recognised. [Students] will have to have had 20 hours of engagement ... and a training element."

Aaron Lovell, 23, is one of more than 700 students who have registered to apply for the UOWx from volunteer work undertaken with World Vision, studies abroad in China, and being a Peer2Peer Mentor.

After completing his Bachelor of International Studies, Mr Lovell hopes the boost to his academic record will help him land a job working in the public service or in the field of international relations.

"When students graduate, everyone's got a degree, and this is something that helps students who have done extra stuff really stand out," Mr Lovell said.