Everything You Need to Know About Uni Applications in ACT: 2025/26 Key Dates

Australian Capital Territory houses some of Australia's best universities. It can be difficult keeping track of all the dates, so we have consolidated some of the important dates for the 5 most popular courses and in the more popular universities in ACT.

1. Australian National University

Australian National University (ANU) is the highest-ranked (#30 on QS World University Ranking 2025) and most prestigious university in Canberra and the ACT. Students can either apply directly to the university, or through UAC.

🎨 Bachelor of Arts

These are the things you should note for this course:

• ATAR of at least 80.0
• English language proficiency is required

Key dates for applying through UAC:

🧪 Bachelor of Science

These are the things you should note for this course:

• ATAR of at least 80.0
• Chemistry: ACT major in Chemistry, or successful completion of a bridging course in chemistry, or multi-strand science in NSW, or equivalent, is required. Chemistry is essential for all later-year courses in chemistry.
• Math: ACT Mathematical Methods (major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/Specialist Methods or NSW HSC Mathematics Advanced or equivalent
• Physics: There is no formal physics prerequisite but preparation is assumed and recommended. Recommended preparation is:
  • NSW: a high standard in 2 unit physics or a multi-strand science
  • ACT: a high standard in physics (major)

Key dates for applying through UAC:

⚖ Bachelor of Laws (Honours)

These are the things you should note for this course:

• ATAR of at least 97.0
• English language proficiency is required

Key dates for applying through UAC:

📊 Bachelor of Commerce

These are the things you should note for this course:

• ATAR of at least 80.0
• Assumed knowledge:
  • ACT Mathematical Methods (Major)/Further Mathematics/Specialist Mathematics (major)/ Specialist Methods or;
  • NSW: HSC Mathematics Advanced or equivalent
  • More information about interstate subject equivalencies can be found here.

Key dates for applying through UAC:

💂‍♀️ Bachelor of International Security Studies

These are the pre-requisites for this course:

• ATAR of at least 85.0

Key dates for applying through UAC:

2. University of Canberra

University of Canberra (UC) (#405 based on QS World University Ranking 2025) is a university for the professions, dedicated to providing immersive student experiences focussed on employability outcomes. As of November 2024, more than 18,000 students (11,800+ in undergraduate) from across Australia and 100 countries study in their vibrant campus.

🏩 Bachelor of Nursing

These are the things you should note for this course:

• Lowest selection rank was 65.0 for 2025 admission
• Assumed knowledge:
  • Mathematics - general (minimum - required)
  • English (required)
  • Biological Science (preferred)
  • Chemistry (preferred)
  • Psychology (recommended)
• Additional admission requirements:
  • Immunisations
  • TB Screening
  • National Police Check
  • NSW Health forms
  • Working With Vulnerable People
  • First Aid/CPR

Key dates for applying through UAC:

💳 Bachelor of Business (Management)

These are the things you should note for this course:

• Lowest selection rank was 60.0 for 2025 admission
• No assumed knowledge

Key dates for applying through UAC:

💊 Bachelor of Pharmacy

These are the things you should note for this course:

• Lowest selection rank was 75.0 for 2025 admission
• Assumed knowledge:
  • ACT: Mathematical Methods major and either Biology or Human Movement major(s); and Chemistry or Physics major(s).
  • NSW: Mathematics and either Biology or Human Movement, and Physics or Chemistry.
• All students in the Bachelor of Pharmacy course are required to complete clinical practice placement in blocks of time, often outside of teaching time. Prior to commencing clinical practice, all students need to present a complete immunisation schedule as a requirement of the ACT and NSW health departments. All students are required to undergo an Australian Federal Police Record check prior to undertaking clinical placement in the ACT, and a NSW Police check before undertaking placement in NSW.

Key dates for applying through UAC:

👧 Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

These are the things you should note for this course:

• Lowest selection rank was 60.0 for 2025 admission
• No assumed knowledge
• There is a pathway into this course for applicants who have completed an ACECQA-approved Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care. Find out more here.

Key dates for applying through UAC:

🛠 Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)

These are the things you should note for this course:

• Lowest selection rank was 60.0 for 2025 admission
• Admission requirement: Year 12 Mathematical Methods (T) or equivalent
• Assumed knowledge:
  • Basic knowledge and skills in ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
  • Basic numeracy and literacy skills

Key dates for applying through UAC:

2. UNSW Canberra at ADFA

UNSW Canberra—also known as UNSW Canberra at ADFA (Australian Defence Force Academy)—is a campus of the UNSW Sydney (#19 QS World University Ranking 2025). UNSW Canberra's undergraduate entry to the Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) is only open to Australian residents who are members of the Australian Defence Force and selected members of overseas Armed Forces.

🛫 Bachelor of Aeronautical Engineering (Honours)

These are the things you should note for this course:

• Lowest selection rank was 85.0 for 2025 admission
• Assumed knowledge in Mathematics and Physics

Key dates for applying through UAC:

🛳 Bachelor of Naval Architecture Engineering (Honours)

These are the things you should note for this course:

• Lowest selection rank was 85.0 for 2025 admission

Key dates for applying through UAC:

💻 Bachelor of Computing and Cyber Security

These are the things you should note for this course:

• Lowest selection rank was 80.0 for 2025 admission
• Assumed knowledge in Mathematics

Key dates for applying through UAC:

🧪 Bachelor of Science

These are the things you should note for this course:

• Lowest selection rank was 75.0 for 2025 admission
• Assumed knowledge in Mathematics Advanced and Physics

Key dates for applying through UAC:

💳 Bachelor of Business

These are the things you should note for this course:

• Lowest selection rank was 80.0 for 2025 admission
• Assumed knowledge in English

Key dates for applying through UAC:

Conclusion

These are all information taken from each university’s websites, though it must be noted that these dates may be subject to change. Best to keep tabs on the universities and courses you are most interested in, so as not to miss any important deadlines!

Studying for the finals to get into your dream University course can be difficult, so if you need any extra help, a tutor does wonders! Check out our amazing tutors at KIS Academics.

FAQs

How to choose the right university?

There are many things to consider when choosing the 'right' university. Factors like location, friends, student life, courses offered etc. The best thing you can do is do proper research, and attend University Open Days where you can ask current students and staff about their university experience!

What if I didn't get a good ATAR?

There are alternative pathways to University if you did not get the ATAR you dreamed of. Find out more here.

What is the best University for International Students?

While “best” depends on your course and preferences, universities like University of Melbourne, UNSW and University of Sydney are popular among international students for their reputation, support services and city-based campuses. Don’t forget to check student visa requirements and scholarships too. 

Looking for some extra help to guide you through Year 12? Look no further, KIS Academics has many brilliant tutors that can help you achieve your academic goals.