What is ATAR?

ATAR refers to The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank. It is a number between 0 and 99.95 that is a ranking of your Year 12 results, compared to all other final year students across Australia.

The ATAR is a rank, NOT a mark. So an ATAR of 80.00 means that you performed better than 80% of your age group. i.e. you're in the top 20% of your age group.

Universities use the ATAR to help select students for admission to most tertiary courses based on your selection rank (your ATAR + any applicable adjustments).

Some universities also use other criteria when selecting students into specific courses such as a personal statement, portfolio of work, audition, interview or additional test. More information can be found here.

How does the ATAR work?

It is very likely that you have heard of the ‘ATAR.’ You might have already received yours or perhaps you are keenly waiting for its release. Regardless, it is important to know what exactly the ATAR is and how it works so you can understand how you performed in your final year of high school.

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Why do courses have an ATAR cut-off?

ATAR cut-offs or minimum ATARs, are set by universities to manage the number of students admitted into a course. They act as a filter to ensure the university doesn't overfill places.

A high cut-off ATAR does not mean that a course is 'better', only that the course is popular. As places are capped in most courses, universities have to raise the cut-off to ensure that they don't accept more students than they can accommodate.

Some courses accept applications for mid-year entry. The entry standards for mid-year entry may be different than for entry in semester one. So it’s worth checking the specific university’s website for the ATAR cut-off of the course you’re interested in applying for, both for semester 1 and mid-year entry!

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Can I still get into the course with an ATAR lower than the cut off?

This is one of the most frequent questions from students and the answer is yes! It’s possible to get into a university course with an ATAR below the published cut-off, especially with adjustments and bonus points (more on this is discussed later in the article).

There are also options for alternative pathways and transfers.

For example, you can start in a related course with a lower ATAR and transfer after a year of achieving good grades or enrol in a diploma or foundation program that leads into the degree. Another option is to complete a year at TAFE or another uni, then apply for credit transfer.

Special entry scheme programs listed below can also provide early offers or lower entry thresholds based on your circumstances:

Schools Recommendation Schemes (SRS)
Educational Access Schemes (EAS)
Indigenous Access Programs

A lower ATAR definitely doesn’t shut the door to your desired course — it just means you might need to take a different route to get in. And the reality is many students take alternative paths and still end up right where they want to be!

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How do ATAR bonus points or adjustment factors work?

If you are eligible for ATAR bonus points or adjustment factors, it increases your selection rank, making you more competitive for a course.

It’s worth noting that adjustment factors don’t actually change your overall ATAR. It just increases your selection rank, helping boost your chances of getting into a specific program at that institution.

Common Types of Adjustment Factors:

Subject Performance Bonuses
- High marks in key subjects like Maths, Science, or English.
- E.g. scoring well in Physics might earn you extra points when applying for Engineering.
Location-Based
- Living in or attending a school in a regional or low-SES area.
Educational Disadvantage or Hardship
- Illness, financial hardship, family issues, etc. via Educational Access Schemes (EAS).
Elite Athlete & Performer Schemes
- Recognition for managing elite-level extracurriculars alongside study.
School Recommendation Schemes
- Your school recommends you based on your overall performance, not just ATAR.

However it’s important to know that different institutions have different policies around adjustment factors.

So some steps you can take to give yourself the edge when applying for your desired course.

Check the university’s website for adjustment factor details
Use the university’s selection rank calculators if available
Apply for relevant schemes (like EAS or SRS) early
Reach out to the admissions office if you are unsure about what you’re eligible for

Check out more of our study guides to help you navigate ATAR and university applications

FAQs

Do ATAR cut-offs change every year?

Yes — ATAR cut-offs depend on course demand, student performance, and the number of available places, so they can fluctuate annually.

What are my options if I don’t get the ATAR I hoped for?

Check out our blog Didn't get the ATAR you wanted? Here's what to do next to help with practical steps if you don’t get the ATAR you hope for.

Didn’t get the ATAR you wanted? Here’s what to do next.

When ATARs come out its a mix of excitement and stress. Sometimes it’s better than you expect and sometimes it is worse. As with most things in life, it is difficult to predict. So what happens when your ATAR isn’t what you wanted? Here are our expert top tips for figuring out a plan B.

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Is my ATAR the only thing universities look at?

No! Your ATAR does NOT define you. In addition to ATAR, universities may also consider personal statements, portfolios (for creative courses), interviews, and special entry schemes depending on the course and institution.

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