⚠️ calcATAR is not affiliated with any Australian university or government body. ATAR cutoffs shown are based on publicly available 2025/2026 data and may change each year. Always verify with the university directly.
Every Year 12 student asks the same question: What ATAR do I need to get into my course? The answer depends on the university, the course, the year, and sometimes the state you live in. This guide compiles real ATAR cutoffs for the most popular undergraduate courses across Australian universities — from medicine and law to nursing and IT — so you can see exactly where you stand and what you need to aim for.
Use this page alongside the free ATAR calculator for your state (VCE, HSC, QCE, WACE, SACE, TCE, BSSS) to estimate your current ATAR and compare it against your target course.
📋 Table of Contents
- How ATAR Cutoffs Work
- Medicine ATAR Requirements
- Law ATAR Requirements
- Engineering ATAR Requirements
- Nursing ATAR Requirements
- Business & Commerce ATAR Requirements
- Arts & Humanities ATAR Requirements
- Teaching & Education ATAR Requirements
- IT & Computer Science ATAR Requirements
- Lowest ATAR to Get Into University
- Courses With No ATAR Requirement
- Bonus Points & Adjustment Factors
- Alternative Pathways
- Where to Check Cutoffs by State
- Tips for Meeting Your Target ATAR
- FAQs
How ATAR Cutoffs Work
An ATAR cutoff (also called a “selection rank” or “clearly-in ATAR”) is the minimum ATAR a university used to make offers for a particular course in the previous intake. It is not a fixed rule — it changes every year based on how many people apply and how many places are available.
There are three important terms you need to understand:
| Term | What It Means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Published Cutoff | The lowest ATAR (or selection rank) that received an offer in the previous year | UNSW Law: 97.7 |
| Clearly-In ATAR | The ATAR at which you are virtually guaranteed a place (typically 1–2 points above cutoff) | UNSW Law: ~99.0 |
| Selection Rank | Your ATAR plus any bonus/adjustment points — this is what the university actually compares | ATAR 92.00 + 5 bonus = 97.00 selection rank |
⚡ Cutoff ≠ guaranteed entry. Published cutoffs are backward-looking — they tell you the lowest ATAR that got in last year. If a course gets more competitive in your year, the cutoff rises. For courses that also require an interview, portfolio, or aptitude test (UCAT, GAMSAT), the ATAR is just one component of your selection rank.
💡 Selection rank vs raw ATAR. When a university says the cutoff is 90.00, they usually mean the selection rank, which includes bonus points. Your raw ATAR could be lower if you qualify for adjustment factors. A student with ATAR 85.00 and 5 bonus points has a selection rank of 90.00 and would meet that cutoff.
Medicine ATAR Requirements
Medicine is the most competitive undergraduate course in Australia. Most Group of Eight (Go8) universities offer medicine only as a postgraduate degree (requiring a bachelor’s degree + GAMSAT + interview). For Year 12 students, direct-entry medicine programs exist at select universities.
| University | Course | ATAR Cutoff | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monash University | Bachelor of Medical Science / Doctor of Medicine | 95.00–96.00 | UCAT + MMI interview |
| UNSW Sydney | Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine | 96.00 | UCAT + MMI interview |
| University of Adelaide | Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine | 95.00 | UCAT + structured interview |
| Western Sydney University | Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery | 95.50 | UCAT + MMI interview |
| University of Tasmania | Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery | 95.00 | UCAT + interview |
| Curtin University | Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery | 95.00 | Chemistry + UCAT + interview |
| James Cook University | Bachelor of Medicine / Bachelor of Surgery | 95.00 | Written application + interview (no UCAT) |
| Bond University | Bachelor of Medical Studies (14 trimesters) | 96.00 | Personal statement + structured interview (no UCAT) |
| University of Queensland | Provisional MD Entry | 99.00 | UCAT + MMI interview |
💡 Postgraduate-only medicine. The University of Melbourne, University of Sydney, and ANU do not offer direct Year 12 entry into medicine. You need a bachelor’s degree (any discipline), strong GAMSAT scores, and a successful interview. If you want medicine at these universities, complete an undergraduate degree first — your ATAR still matters because it determines which undergraduate program you enter.
⚡ Published cutoffs are misleading for medicine. While published minimums sit around 95.00, the median ATAR of students who actually receive offers is typically 98.00–99.00+. A competitive UCAT score (above the 90th percentile) is equally important — many students with 99+ ATARs miss out because of low UCAT performance.
Law ATAR Requirements
Law remains one of the highest-demand undergraduate courses in Australia. At Go8 universities, combined law degrees (e.g. Arts/Law, Commerce/Law) typically require ATARs between 95 and 99.5. More accessible options exist at mid-tier and regional universities.
| University | Course | ATAR Cutoff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Sydney | Combined LLB (e.g. Arts/Law) | 99.50 | Highest law cutoff in Australia |
| University of Melbourne | Juris Doctor (postgrad only) | 99.00+ | No undergraduate law — JD after bachelor’s degree |
| University of Queensland | LLB (Honours) | 98.00 | Standalone or combined |
| UNSW Sydney | Combined LLB (e.g. Commerce/Law) | 97.70 | Combined programs only |
| Monash University | LLB (Honours) | 97.10 | Standalone or combined |
| ANU | LLB (Honours) | 97.00 | Single or combined |
| UWA | Juris Doctor (direct entry) | 95.00 | Undergraduate JD pathway |
| Macquarie University | Combined LLB | 92.00 | Good mid-tier option |
| UTS | Combined LLB | 91.50 | Strong practical focus |
| Curtin University | LLB | 80.00–85.00 | Most accessible Go8-adjacent option |
| Charles Sturt University | LLB (online available) | ~75.00 | Regional / distance option |
| University of Southern Queensland | LLB | ~68.00 | Lowest Go8-accredited law option |
✅ Law tip. Many students aim for Sydney or Melbourne law, but the qualification is the same nationally — an LLB is an LLB regardless of university. If your target is legal practice (not a Supreme Court clerkship), a law degree from UTS, Macquarie, or QUT will land you in the same firms as a Sydney grad after your first few years of practice.
Engineering ATAR Requirements
Engineering cutoffs vary significantly by discipline. Software and biomedical engineering sit at the top (90–96), while civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering are more accessible (75–92). Most programs require completion of HSC Mathematics Advanced or equivalent.
| University | Discipline | ATAR Cutoff | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| UNSW Sydney | Software Engineering | 96.00 | Maths Adv + Physics recommended |
| University of Sydney | Biomedical Engineering | 95.00 | Maths Adv + Physics or Chemistry |
| UNSW Sydney | Mechanical / Civil / Electrical | 92.00 | Maths Adv + Physics recommended |
| University of Sydney | Civil / Electrical | 92.00 | Maths Adv |
| UQ | Biomedical / Software | 92.00 | Maths B + senior science |
| Monash University | Software / Computer Systems | 92.00 | Maths Methods + one of Physics/Chem |
| University of Melbourne | Via B.Science → Masters | 88.00 | Maths Methods (Melb model) |
| Monash University | Civil / Mechanical / Electrical | 85.00 | Maths Methods |
| University of Adelaide | All disciplines | 80.00 | Maths Methods or Specialist |
| Curtin University | Mechanical Engineering | 78.00 | Maths Methods + Physics |
| RMIT | Chemical / Electrical | 75.00 | Maths Methods |
| UTS | All engineering disciplines | 69.00 | Maths Adv (lowest Go8-tier eng) |
| Western Sydney | Engineering (portfolio entry) | 70.00 | Portfolio considered |
✅ Engineering tip. If your ATAR is between 70 and 85, look at UTS, RMIT, Curtin, and Adelaide — all produce excellent engineers and have strong industry connections. The Engineering Australia accreditation means every BE(Hons) graduate meets the same professional standard regardless of university.
Nursing ATAR Requirements
Nursing is one of the most accessible health degrees in Australia, with cutoffs ranging from 60 to 85 depending on the university. Combined Nursing/Midwifery programs sit higher. All nursing graduates must register with AHPRA to practise.
| University | Course | ATAR Cutoff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Sydney | Bachelor of Nursing | 82.00 | Competitive metro campus |
| UTS | Bachelor of Nursing | 80.00 | Strong clinical placements |
| University of the Sunshine Coast | Bachelor of Nursing | 80.00–83.00 | Selection rank incl. adjustments |
| La Trobe University (Melbourne) | Bachelor of Nursing | 70.00 | Multiple campuses |
| La Trobe University (Melbourne) | Bachelor of Nursing / Midwifery | 81.00 | Combined program — higher cutoff |
| Deakin University | Bachelor of Nursing | 70.00 | Access scheme: as low as 51.35 |
| Australian Catholic University | Bachelor of Nursing | 62.00–70.00 | Varies by campus |
| Griffith University | Bachelor of Nursing | 68.00 | Gold Coast and Logan campuses |
| Western Sydney University | Bachelor of Nursing | 65.00 | Largest nursing cohort in Australia |
| La Trobe University (Mildura) | Bachelor of Nursing | 63.00 | Regional campus — lower cutoff |
| Charles Sturt University | Bachelor of Nursing | 60.00 | Regional / online options |
💡 Nursing/Midwifery combined. If you want to be a midwife, aim for the combined Bachelor of Nursing/Bachelor of Midwifery degree. These are significantly more competitive (typically 10–15 points higher than nursing alone) because midwifery placements are limited.
Business & Commerce ATAR Requirements
Business and commerce degrees have a wide spread — from 65 at regional universities to 95+ at Go8 institutions. These are among the most popular degrees in Australia, which keeps cutoffs competitive at top universities.
| University | Course | ATAR Cutoff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Sydney | Bachelor of Commerce | 95.00 | Specialisations incl. Finance, Accounting |
| University of Melbourne | Bachelor of Commerce | 93.00 | Melbourne Model — broad first year |
| UNSW Sydney | Bachelor of Commerce | 93.00 | Strong finance and accounting reputation |
| UQ | Bachelor of Commerce | 87.00 | Competitive for a Go8 |
| ANU | Bachelor of Commerce | 85.00 | Small cohort, personalised |
| UTS | Bachelor of Business | 85.00 | Industry internship focus |
| Monash University | Bachelor of Commerce | 75.00 | Most accessible Go8 commerce |
| Macquarie University | Bachelor of Commerce | 75.00 | Strong accounting program |
| QUT | Bachelor of Business | 79.00 | Real-world business focus |
| RMIT | Bachelor of Business | 70.00 | Practical, industry-linked |
| Western Sydney University | Bachelor of Business | 65.00 | Accessible metro option |
Arts & Humanities ATAR Requirements
Arts degrees consistently have the widest ATAR range of any course category — from 60 at regional universities to 88 at the University of Melbourne. If you have a strong ATAR, arts at a Go8 gives you access to elite research opportunities and exchange programs. If your ATAR is modest, you can still study the same disciplines at a mid-tier or regional university.
| University | Course | ATAR Cutoff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Melbourne | Bachelor of Arts | 88.00 | Highest arts cutoff in Australia |
| University of Sydney | Bachelor of Arts | 80.00 | Wide major selection |
| UNSW Sydney | Bachelor of Arts | 80.00 | Includes social sciences |
| ANU | Bachelor of Arts | 80.00 | Strong international relations, politics |
| UWA | Bachelor of Arts | 80.00 | Broad first-year structure |
| UQ | Bachelor of Arts | 75.00 | Strong humanities research |
| Macquarie University | Bachelor of Arts | 75.00 | Linguistics and media strength |
| RMIT | Bachelor of Arts | 75.00 | Creative industries focus |
| Monash University | Bachelor of Arts | 70.00 | Most accessible Go8 arts |
| Griffith University | Bachelor of Arts | 65.00 | Flexible program |
| Charles Sturt University | Bachelor of Arts | 60.00 | Regional / online |
Teaching & Education ATAR Requirements
Teaching degrees typically require ATARs between 60 and 80. Several state governments have set policy minimums (around 70 in Victoria and WA), though actual offers can dip below those thresholds through access schemes. Early childhood education programs generally have the lowest cutoffs, while secondary education and combined programs sit higher.
| University | Course | ATAR Cutoff | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Queensland | Bachelor of Education (Primary) | 75.00 | Competitive for education |
| University of Newcastle | Bachelor of Education (Secondary) | 72.00 | Strong practical placement |
| Australian Catholic University | Bachelor of Education | 70.00 | Multiple campuses nationwide |
| Deakin University | Bachelor of Education (Primary) | 67.00–70.00 | Access scheme available |
| University of Southern Queensland | Bachelor of Education (Secondary) | 66.00 | Regional / online delivery |
| La Trobe University | Bachelor of Education | 65.00 | Multiple campuses |
| Charles Sturt University | Bachelor of Education | 60.00 | Online + regional campuses |
| Victoria University | Bachelor of Education (P-12) | 59.00–72.00 | Range depends on access schemes |
| Federation University | Bachelor of Education (Early Childhood) | 50.00–70.00 | Lowest threshold nationally |
⚡ Literacy and numeracy test. All teaching graduates in Australia must pass the Literacy and Numeracy Test for Initial Teacher Education (LANTITE) before they can register as a teacher. This applies regardless of your ATAR or university.
IT & Computer Science ATAR Requirements
Computer science and IT cutoffs range from 60 at regional universities to 95 at the University of Sydney. Demand for IT graduates has kept cutoffs stable, and many universities offer generous bonus points for students with strong maths backgrounds.
| University | Course | ATAR Cutoff | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Sydney | B Advanced Computing (Honours) | 95.00 | Maths Adv |
| UNSW Sydney | B Science (Computer Science) | 93.00 | Maths Adv |
| Monash University | B Computer Science (Advanced) | 88.00 | Maths Methods |
| University of Melbourne | B Science (Computing & Software) | 85.00 | Maths Methods |
| UQ | B Computer Science | 85.00 | Maths B |
| ANU | B IT / B Software Engineering | 85.00 | Maths Methods |
| UTS | B Science in IT | 82.00 | None specified |
| University of Adelaide | B Computer Science | 80.00 | Maths Methods |
| QUT | B Computer Science | 78.00 | Maths B |
| RMIT | B Computer Science | 75.00 | None specified |
| Griffith University | B Computer Science | 75.00 | None specified |
| Macquarie University | B IT | 75.00 | None specified |
| Western Sydney | B Computer Science | 72.00 | None specified |
| La Trobe University | B Information Technology | 65.00 | None specified |
| Deakin University | B Information Technology | 62.00 | None specified |
| Swinburne | B Information Technology | 60.00 | None specified |
| Charles Sturt University | B Information Technology | 60.00 | None specified |
✅ IT career tip. In the tech industry, your portfolio and skills matter more than your university name. A graduate from Swinburne or RMIT with strong GitHub projects and internship experience will out-compete a Go8 graduate with nothing but a transcript. Choose the university you can afford and that offers the best industry placements.
Lowest ATAR to Get Into University
You do not need an ATAR of 90 to go to university. Many legitimate, accredited universities accept students with ATARs in the 50s and 60s — particularly for arts, education, IT, and general science programs at regional campuses.
| ATAR Range | Typical Courses Available | Example Universities |
|---|---|---|
| 50–60 | Arts, Education (Early Childhood), IT, Social Work | Federation, CSU, Victoria University, CQUniversity |
| 60–70 | Nursing, Business, Science, Teaching, Criminal Justice | ACU, WSU, Griffith, UniSQ, SCU |
| 70–80 | Commerce, Engineering (mid-tier), Physiotherapy, Psychology | RMIT, QUT, Deakin, UTS, Macquarie |
| 80–90 | Engineering (Go8), Science (Go8), Architecture, Pharmacy | Monash, Adelaide, UQ, ANU, Melbourne |
| 90+ | Medicine, Law, Dentistry, Veterinary, Combined degrees | Sydney, UNSW, Melbourne, Monash, UQ |
✅ The honest truth. An ATAR of 55 does not mean you are not smart enough for university. It means the ATAR system ranked you in the middle of all Year 12-aged people. Regional and mid-tier universities offer the same nationally accredited degrees as Go8 institutions. Nursing from ACU is nursing. Teaching from CSU is teaching. The degree is the same qualification.
Courses With No ATAR Requirement
Some courses do not use the ATAR at all for selection. Instead, they assess you on talent, experience, or aptitude:
| Course Type | Selection Method | Example Universities |
|---|---|---|
| Fine Arts / Visual Arts | Portfolio review | VCA (Melbourne), UNSW Art & Design, ANU School of Art |
| Music / Performing Arts | Audition + interview | Sydney Conservatorium, Melbourne Conservatorium, WAAPA |
| Film & Screen Production | Portfolio + interview | AFTRS, VCA, Griffith Film School |
| Design (Fashion, Industrial) | Portfolio review | RMIT, UTS, QUT |
| Elite Athlete Pathways | Sporting achievement + interview | AIS-linked programs at multiple universities |
| Foundation / Pathway Programs | Academic record or mature age | Most universities offer these |
Bonus Points & Adjustment Factors
Bonus points (also called “adjustment factors” or “equity access schemes”) can add between 1 and 10 points to your selection rank. Most students qualify for at least one scheme. These points do not change your ATAR — they increase your selection rank, which is what universities compare.
Types of Adjustment Factors
| Type | Points Available | Who Qualifies | How It Works |
|---|---|---|---|
| Subject Adjustments | 1–5 points | Students who studied specific subjects relevant to the course | E.g., doing HSC Chemistry adds points for a Pharmacy degree at some universities |
| Equity / Access Schemes | 1–10 points | First-in-family, low SES, Indigenous, disability, financial hardship | Apply through your state admissions centre — often requires a supporting statement |
| Regional / Rural Bonus | 2–5 points | Students from regional, rural, or remote areas | Based on your home postcode — applied automatically in most states |
| School Performance | 1–3 points | High-performing students relative to their school context | E.g., VTAC’s SEAS “schools context” considers the socio-educational profile of your school |
| University-Specific Programs | Varies | Students who attend open days, complete bridging modules, or have specific achievements | E.g., Monash Guarantee, UNSW Gateway, UQ Headstart |
✅ Bonus points tip. Always apply for every adjustment scheme you are eligible for — there is no downside. Even if you think your ATAR will be high enough, bonus points act as insurance against unexpected cutoff rises. Check your state admissions centre website (see the table below) for all available schemes.
Alternative Pathways If Your ATAR Falls Short
If your ATAR does not meet the cutoff for your dream course, you are not locked out. More than 30% of Australian university students enter through alternative pathways. Here are the most common options:
| Pathway | How It Works | Time to University Entry | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| TAFE Diploma → University | Complete a Diploma at TAFE, then transfer with credit into 2nd year of a bachelor’s | 1 year (Diploma) + 2 years (degree) | Students who want practical learning first |
| University Foundation Program | A 6–12 month preparatory program run by the university itself | 6–12 months + 3 years (degree) | Students just below the cutoff |
| Diploma-to-Degree Pathway | Complete a university-run diploma (not TAFE), then enter 2nd year | 1 year + 2 years | Students who want to stay at the target university |
| STAT Test | Sit the Special Tertiary Admissions Test — your score replaces or supplements your ATAR | Immediate (if accepted) | Mature-age students or those with no ATAR |
| Internal Transfer | Enrol in a lower-cutoff course at the same university, then transfer after strong 1st-year results | 1 year + remaining degree | Students who want a specific Go8 university |
| Mature Age Entry | Apply as a mature-age student (21+) using work experience and/or STAT test | Immediate (if accepted) | Gap-year students, career changers |
| Portfolio / Interview Entry | Submit a portfolio of work or attend an interview in lieu of ATAR | Immediate (if accepted) | Creative arts, design, music students |
| Second-Round Offers | Apply for courses that still have vacancies after the first round — cutoffs often drop 2–5 points | Immediate | Students just below the cutoff |
💡 Internal transfer is underrated. If you want medicine or law at a Go8 university, consider enrolling in a science or arts degree at the same university first. Smash your first-year subjects (aim for a Distinction average), then apply for an internal transfer. Many students who “missed” the cutoff by 2–3 points successfully transfer after Year 1.
Where to Check Cutoffs by State
Each state has its own Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) that publishes official ATAR cutoffs. Bookmark these — they are updated annually after each offer round:
| State / Territory | Admissions Body | Website | When Cutoffs Update |
|---|---|---|---|
| NSW & ACT | UAC (Universities Admissions Centre) | uac.edu.au | January (after Round 1 offers) |
| Victoria | VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre) | vtac.edu.au | January (after Round 1 offers) |
| Queensland | QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre) | qtac.edu.au | January–February |
| Western Australia | TISC (Tertiary Institutions Service Centre) | tisc.edu.au | January |
| South Australia & NT | SATAC (SA Tertiary Admissions Centre) | satac.edu.au | January |
| Tasmania | UTAS (direct application) | utas.edu.au | December–January |
✅ Pro tip. Check the cutoff data from two years, not just last year. A single competitive year can spike cutoffs temporarily. Comparing two years of data gives you a more realistic target. Use our Scaling Comparison Tool to see how your subjects are likely to scale.
Tips for Meeting Your Target ATAR
1. Know Your Target Number Early
Look up the cutoff for your dream course and add 2–3 points as a buffer. This is your working target. Estimate your current position with the 30-Second ATAR Predictor.
2. Understand How Scaling Affects Your ATAR
Some subjects scale up (e.g., Specialist Maths, Physics, Chemistry) and others scale down. Check ATAR Scaling Explained to understand how your subject combination will be scaled — it can make a 5–10 point difference.
3. Maximise Your Best 10 Units (or Equivalent)
Your ATAR is calculated from your best-performing subjects (typically your top 10 units in NSW or 4 subjects + 10% of 5th and 6th in VCE). Focus your energy on the subjects where you can score highest, not equally across everything.
4. Apply for Every Bonus Scheme You Qualify For
Check your state admissions centre for equity schemes, regional bonuses, and subject adjustments. These can add 1–10 points to your selection rank. There is zero downside to applying — do it even if you think your ATAR will be high enough.
5. Have a Backup Course at the Same University
If your ATAR lands 2–3 points below your target, a backup course at the same university keeps the internal transfer pathway open. Choose a backup with shared first-year subjects.
6. Do Not Ignore Second-Round Offers
After the first round of offers (mid-January), many courses still have vacancies and cutoffs often drop by 2–5 points. Keep your preferences updated and watch for second-round dates.
7. Consider Regional Campuses for Lower Cutoffs
The same university often has lower cutoffs at regional campuses compared to metro campuses. A nursing degree from La Trobe Mildura (63) is the same accredited qualification as La Trobe Melbourne (70).
8. Use Past Exams as Your Primary Study Tool
Past exam papers reveal exactly what examiners are looking for. Complete every available past paper under timed conditions. This single strategy will improve your marks more than any amount of passive note-reviewing.
9. Get Your Internal Assessments Right
In most states, internal assessments (SACs, SATs, school assessments) contribute 30–50% of your final subject score. A strong internal assessment base gives you a safety net going into exams. Do not treat them as practice.
Frequently Asked Questions
For direct-entry medicine programs, you need an ATAR of at least 95.00 plus a competitive UCAT score and successful interview. However, the median ATAR of students who actually receive offers is typically 98.00–99.00+. Universities like Melbourne, Sydney, and ANU only offer medicine as a postgraduate degree (bachelor’s + GAMSAT + interview).
Law cutoffs at Go8 universities range from 95.00 to 99.50. The University of Sydney has the highest at 99.50 for combined law degrees. More accessible options include UTS (91.50), Macquarie (92.00), Curtin (80–85), and University of Southern Queensland (~68).
Engineering cutoffs range from 69 to 96 depending on the university and discipline. Software and biomedical engineering are the highest (90–96 at Go8), while civil and mechanical engineering are more accessible (75–88). UTS has one of the lowest engineering cutoffs at 69. Most programs require HSC Mathematics Advanced or equivalent.
Nursing cutoffs range from 60 to 83. Charles Sturt and ACU offer some of the lowest cutoffs (60–62), while University of Sydney and UTS sit around 80–82. Combined Nursing/Midwifery programs are significantly higher (around 81). All nursing graduates must register with AHPRA regardless of university.
Some regional universities accept ATARs as low as 50–55 for courses like arts, early childhood education, and information technology. Federation University, CQUniversity, Victoria University, and Charles Sturt are among those with the lowest published cutoffs. An ATAR of 50 effectively means no minimum requirement.
Your ATAR is your raw percentile rank. Your selection rank is your ATAR plus any bonus points or adjustment factors. When universities publish a cutoff of 90.00, they typically mean the selection rank, not the raw ATAR. A student with an ATAR of 85.00 and 5 bonus points has a selection rank of 90.00 and would meet that cutoff.
No. Bonus points do not change your ATAR. They are added to create a higher selection rank, which is what the university compares against the cutoff. Your ATAR certificate and official record remain unchanged. Bonus points typically range from 1 to 10 and come from equity schemes, regional bonuses, or subject adjustments.
Yes. More than 30% of Australian university students enter through alternative pathways including TAFE diploma transfers, foundation programs, the STAT test, mature-age entry (21+), portfolio/audition entry, and bridging courses. Every Go8 university offers at least one alternative pathway.
Not always. Published cutoffs are backward-looking — they show the lowest selection rank that received an offer last year. If a course becomes more competitive, the cutoff rises. For courses requiring interviews, portfolios, or aptitude tests, meeting the ATAR cutoff is only one component of selection.
Computer science cutoffs range from 60 to 95. The University of Sydney’s Advanced Computing (Honours) requires 95.00, while Swinburne and Charles Sturt accept 60.00 for Bachelor of IT programs. Most Go8 programs sit between 85 and 93. Mathematics is a prerequisite at most universities.
Teaching cutoffs typically range from 60 to 75. UQ has one of the highest at 75.00, while Federation University offers early childhood education from 50.00. Several states set policy minimums around 70, but access schemes can lower the actual entry ATAR. All teaching graduates must pass the LANTITE literacy and numeracy test.
Check your state’s Tertiary Admissions Centre: UAC (NSW/ACT) at uac.edu.au, VTAC (Victoria) at vtac.edu.au, QTAC (Queensland) at qtac.edu.au, TISC (WA) at tisc.edu.au, SATAC (SA/NT) at satac.edu.au, or UTAS (Tasmania) at utas.edu.au. Cutoffs are updated annually after the first round of offers in January.
Yes. ATAR cutoffs change every year based on the number of applicants, available places, and the strength of the cohort. A course with a cutoff of 85 one year could be 88 the next if more high-performing students apply. Always check the most recent published cutoffs and compare at least two years of data.
Final Thoughts
ATAR cutoffs are a guide, not a wall. They shift every year, they vary between campuses, and they can be lowered by bonus points you might not even know you qualify for. The students who get into their target course are the ones who research early, apply for every scheme available, have a realistic backup plan, and do not assume a published cutoff is a fixed rule.
I really suggest you estimate your ATAR right now with the calculator for your state, compare it against the cutoffs in this guide, and identify the gap. If the gap is small, bonus points and second-round offers might close it. If the gap is large, alternative pathways exist — and the degree you earn at the end is the same nationally accredited qualification.
Good luck. You have more options than you think.
— Daniel Mitchell, calcATAR
