Table of Content:

• What is ATAR?
• Why do courses have an ATAR cut-off?
• Can I still get into the course with an ATAR lower than the cut off?
• How do ATAR bonus points or adjustment factors work?
• FAQs

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.

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 does not accept more students that they have the capacity for.

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!

Not confident that you'll meet the cut-off ATAR for your dream course? A private tutor from KIS Academics can help!

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 is 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. 

Transfer to your Preferred Course afterwards

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 university, then apply for credit transfer.

Special Entry Scheme

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 does not 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!

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 do not actually change your overall ATAR. It just increases your selection rank, which boosts 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 is 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 are to:

• 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

Conclusion

There are different ways you can get into University in Australia; do not be disheartened if you do not meet the ATAR cut-offs for your dream course. If you wish to avoid the stress or extra time though, it is prudent to work hard and get an ATAR that provides you with that security! A private tutor from KIS Academics can help you work towards your goal:

For more resources, check out these KIS Academics articles:

FAQs 

Written by KIS Academics Tutor for VCE Mathematical Methods and Specialist Maths, Margery Zhang. Margery is currently pursuing a Doctor of Medicine at Melbourne University and has received stellar reviews from her past KIS Academics students. You can view Margery’s profile here and request her as a tutor.

Want personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor from KIS Academics can make the biggest difference!