My ATAR is low: What do I do now

This quick read explains what a ‘low’ ATAR really means, how the ATAR is calculated, and clear next steps so you can still study what you want.

Understanding your ATAR score

First, what is a low ATAR score? ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) is a percentile rank from 0.00 to 99.95 that shows your position in your age group, not a percentage mark. A 60.00 ATAR means you placed ahead of 60% of your cohort.

Universities then create a selection rank by adding any eligible adjustment factors to your ATAR. Entry thresholds change each year with supply and demand.

How is the ATAR calculated? In NSW, for example, your ATAR is based on an aggregate of scaled marks from 10 units, including your best 2 units of English plus your best 8 other units. Scaling makes different subject combinations comparable. Each state has its own process, but the principle is similar.

How do you check your ATAR? Use your state or territory admissions centre:

• University Admissions Centre for NSW and ACT. UAC issues your ATAR to your CredFolio wallet on release day so you can view it in the app or web portal.
• Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre for Queensland. QTAC calculates and issues ATARs for eligible Year 12 students.
• South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre for South Australia and the Northern Territory. SATAC calculates the ATAR for SACE and NTCET students.
• Victoria Tertiary Admissions Centre for Victoria. Your VCE results and ATAR are available through the Results and ATAR Service and app.

What to do if your ATAR is low

If you’re a Year 12 student frantically Googling “What to do if your ATAR is low”, “How can I get into uni without an ATAR?” and “How to get into uni with a bad ATAR?”, pause for a moment and take a breath.

There are plenty of options open to you, so read on for some practical steps you can take.

Seek advice from other people

If your result feels too low, remember that you’re not alone. Talk it through with family and friends who know your strengths. Book time with school career advisers or university future student advisers to map options and deadlines.

Independent sources like UAC and the Good Universities Guide can also provide practical steps. A short conversation can save you weeks of uncertainty. Remember that these services will be busy at this time of year.

When you contact universities, bring specific questions: Can I still get into university with a low ATAR if I add adjustment factors? What diploma pathways lead to my preferred degree? Are there university courses with low ATAR requirements this year that will get me where I want to go?

Staff can point you to pathway courses, early entry schemes and realistic preference order strategies.

Alternative pathways into university with a low ATAR

Diplomas are a proven path. Many universities offer nested qualifications where a one-year diploma covers core first-year subjects, then pathways into the second year of a related bachelor’s degree, subject to academic progress.

If you are weighing up how to get into uni with a lower than expected ATAR, a diploma can be the fastest start because it gives you focused study, academic support and a defined bridge into the degree.

How can I get into uni without an ATAR:

• Add pathway courses to your preferences, such as a diploma in your chosen field
• Start in a related degree with a lower selection rank, then apply to transfer after strong first-year results.
• Use VET qualifications at Certificate III or higher to gain a selection rank that unis can assess.

Consider smaller universities

If you received a lower ATAR than expected, broaden your search to include smaller or non-traditional universities like us.

The benefits can be real: more flexible timetables, smaller classes, closer contact with lecturers and a strong focus on employability through industry projects and internships. For many students who have found themselves asking, Can I still get into uni with a low ATAR?, this style of learning will provide the fit and support they need to thrive.

We teach in smaller groups and offer frequent start dates, online and on-campus options and practical subjects taught by industry specialists.

Plus, none of our undergraduate courses require an ATAR (except for the Bachelor of Nursing, which has specific entry requirements). There’s strong evidence that an ATAR score isn’t the only indicator of your ability to succeed, so we take into account the experience, skills and drive that got you this far.

If you are a high school student weighing offers, our advisers can help you compare pathway options that lead into the bachelor’s degree you want.

Still unsure how to get into uni with a low ATAR? Reach out to us for a chat. The path might look different to what you expected last week, but with the right plan you can still get where you want to go.