Student thinking about changing preferences

Change of preference

We support you in applying through the Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) across Australia including UAC, VTAC, QTAC and SATAC. If you have applied for university through a Tertiary Admission Centre, you may be able to change your course preferences.
Speak to a Future Student Advisor

What is a change of preference?

The change of preference is the process of updating the courses listed in your TAC application.

You can change your preferences after:

  • Submitting your application
  • Receiving your ATAR
  • Receiving an offer
  • Reconsidering your course or career direction

How do preferences work?

When you apply through a Tertiary Admission Centre, you list courses in order of preference. Your first preference should be the course you want to study.

TAC assesses your eligibility for each course in order, and during the offer round, you are made an offer to the highest preference for which you meet the entry requirements.

Preferences may be assessed using:

  • ATAR or selection rank
  • Subject prerequisites
  • Adjustment factors
  • Portfolio, interview or additional entry requirements
  • Course availability

Change of preference dates


State/Territory ATAR release date Change of preference deadline (main offer round)
Victoria (VTAC) Thursday 10 December 2026 Saturday 12 December 2026 (12:00 PM for December round offers on 23 December 2026)
NSW (UAC) Wednesday 16 December 2026 Friday 18 December 2026 (11:59 PM for December Round 2 offers on 23 December 2026)
Queensland (QTAC) Friday 18 December 2026 Monday 21 December 2026 (12:00 PM for 23 December 2026 offer round)
South Australia (SATAC) TBC (2026 date not yet published by SATAC/SACE) TBC for 2027 intake
Northern Territory TBC (2026 date not yet published by SATAC/SACE) TBC for 2027 intake
Western Australia Saturday 19 December 2026 (TBC by TISC) TBC for 2027 intake
Tasmania TBC (2026 date not yet published) TBC for 2027 intake

How to change your preferences

Step 1: Log in to your admissions centre account

Visit the website for your state's admissions centre and log in using your applicant ID and PIN or password.

  • NSW (UAC)
  • VIC (VTAC)
  • QLD (QTAC)
  • SA/NT (SATAC)

Step 2: Open your course preference list

Once logged in, navigate to your course application or preference list. This is where all the courses you've applied for are listed in your current order.

Step 3: Add, remove or reorder your preferences

Think of your preference list as a wishlist. Put the course you want most at the top. You can add new courses, remove ones you're no longer interested in, or simply drag and reorder. There is no charge to change your preferences, provided you've already paid your application processing fee.

Tips on changing your preferences

Tick Icon | Torrens University Get your results and relax. You did it! The stress of high school is behind you. Congratulate yourself on a year of hard work and remember: you are more than your ATAR.

Tick Icon | Torrens University If you receive an offer, congratulations! Accept any offer that you receive. You should then move the successful course to the bottom of your preferences list to prevent it from blocking offers to lower preferences in future rounds.

Tick Icon | Torrens University Don't leave preferences blank. Every preference is an opportunity. Students who list only one or two courses significantly reduce their chances of receiving an offer. Fill all available preferences with courses you'd genuinely be happy studying, even if you consider them a backup.

Tick Icon | Torrens University Consult university student advisors. Most universities, including Torrens, hold live sessions in December to help you work through your options. Talking to a Future Student Advisor can give you clarity before you lock in your final list.

Changing of preferences tips
No ATAR? You still have options
No ATAR entry pathways
Speak with Future student advisor

How to order your preferences

When ordering your preferences, it's important to think carefully about each position and what it represents. Your preference list should reflect the course you're most passionate about, all the way through to a reliable fallback that still aligns with your goals. Even if your admissions centre allow for fewer preferences, apply the same structure by prioritising your dream options through to the safe options.

Preference 1

Dream course (Reach option)

Your ideal course. This should always be your true first choice.

Preference 2

Second dream course

A close alternative to your top choice.

Preference 3

Realistic stretch option

A course you’re competitive for but not guaranteed.

Preference 4

Strong realistic option

A course you are likely to be eligible for.

Preference 5

Solid backup option

A reliable option in your preferred area.

Preference 6

Flexible pathway option

An alternative way into your preferred degree.

Preference 7

Open alternative option

A broader backup.

Preference 8

Safety option

Your most secure option.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I change preferences after the release of my ATAR?
    Yes, most Tertiary Admission Centres allow you to change preferences after ATAR results are released and prior to the offer round deadline.
  • Do I need to apply through a Tertiary Admission Centre?
    It is dependent on your course, state, and applicant type. You can apply through UAC, VTAC, QTAC or SATAC, but you may be eligible to apply directly. Speak to our Future Student Advisors to see if you are eligible.
  • Can I apply directly to Torrens University?
    Yes, for most courses and applicant types, direct application is available. Check out our Early Entry program for more information.
  • What if I miss a change of preference deadline?
    You may need to wait for a later offer round or check whether other application options are available.
  • Is there a fee for changing preferences?
    Changing your preferences is free through UAC, VTAC and SATAC. Through QTAC, your first three saves are free — after that, a change of preference fee applies, so make sure your changes are finalised before hitting save.
  • Can I change my preferences if I've already received an offer?
    Yes. Receiving an offer doesn't lock you in. You can continue to reorder, add or remove preferences for higher-ranked courses in later offer rounds. If you can't delete an offered course from your list, you can move it lower and add new preferences above it. If you receive a better offer in a later round, you can accept it and the previous offer is withdrawn.
  • Does the order of my preferences matter?
    Yes, the order matters significantly. Your admissions centre assesses your eligibility starting from your first preference and works down the list. You will only receive one offer per round, and it will always be for the highest preference on your list for which you are eligible. Always put the course you most want to study at the top, regardless of how competitive you think it is.