Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)
The ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) is a rank from 0.00 to 99.95 that shows how you performed compared with others in your age group, not a percentage mark. Universities often use your ATAR plus adjustments (equity schemes, subject bonuses) to form a selection rank, and offers are made round-by-round through admissions centres like UAC, VTAC, QTAC and SATAC. If your estimated ATAR is short, many no ATAR courses and pathway options still lead to a university.
💡 PickMyUni take: The best way to use an ATAR is as a starting point — it helps you sort courses, then you look closer at prerequisites, selection rank boosts, and pathways.
What "Australian Tertiary Admission Rank" or "ATAR" Means
📖 Quick Glossary
- The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a number between 0.00 and 99.95.
- It tells your position compared with your age cohort (commonly described as 16–20 year-olds), so an ATAR of 80.00 means you're around the top 20% of that cohort.
- It's a rank, not a mark.
Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) Calculator
How ATAR is Calculated and Why ATAR Scaling Exists
ATAR is built from a combined score (often called an aggregate) created from your senior subjects, then converted into a rank. The exact rules differ by state, but the theme is the same: your results are scaled so different subjects can be compared fairly.
Examples from official admissions centres:
UAC explains the ATAR uses an aggregate of 10 units, including 2 units of English and the best remaining units.
VTAC describes forming an aggregate from the "primary four" plus increments from up to two more studies (rules apply).
SATAC explains scaled scores are created by converting results to numeric equivalents, then making them comparable.
TISC explains you need at least four scaled scores and the ATAR is calculated from the TEA (Tertiary Entrance Aggregate).
ATAR Scaling
Scaling doesn't "punish" you for choosing a subject. It's used to make results across different subjects comparable, based on how students performed in those subjects overall.
💡 PickMyUni tip: Choose subjects you can perform well in. Scaling matters, but a strong result in a subject you're good at usually beats a mediocre result in a "high-scaling" subject.
ATAR Results
When you'll get them, what you'll receive, what to do next
ATAR results are typically released in December (timing varies by state), and then offers roll out in rounds through admissions centres.
📅 State-by-State Results Calendar
Offer rounds extend into March for Semester 1 processing
Check VTAC key dates for specific timelines
QTAC maintains a key dates hub for offers and ATAR timelines
See SATAC key dates page for offer rounds
ATAR calculated from the TEA (Tertiary Entrance Aggregate)
What to do the day your ATAR results arrive
Check your ATAR statement / admissions portal for your result
Compare course requirements to your selection rank rules
Update preferences before the next offer round (most centres have a change-of-preference window)
If you missed a target: shortlist no ATAR courses, pathway programs, or a related course that can transfer later
IB to ATAR Conversion
IB applicants typically receive an ATAR-equivalent rank (often called a Combined Rank or Notional ATAR) using tables agreed across tertiary admissions centres and updated over time.
- VTAC publishes an IB Diploma Score to Notional ATAR table for specific periods (its "IB Students 2025–26" guide includes a conversion table).
- Universities describe this as an annually updated conversion approach agreed via ACTAC.
- For some regions, admissions centres explain the IB Admissions Score (IBAS) and how it's used before conversion.
💡 PickMyUni tip: If you're applying with IB, always check the conversion table that matches your session/year. Tables can change by year and admissions cycle.
No ATAR Universities Options
Universities publish alternative entry routes such as:
- Admissions pathways not based on ATAR (UTS describes options using other criteria).
- Portfolio entry based on work/life experience (Curtin outlines portfolio entry as a non-ATAR option).
- Unscored Year 12 / vocational pathways (RMIT outlines options for unscored VCE/VM students).
Aim for your preferred course, plus one "nearby" course with a lower entry score that still shares first-year subjects. That gives you a clean path to transfer later.
Want a Personalised ATAR Plan (or a Backup Plan)?
At PickMyUni, we help students:
- compare courses and entry options quickly
- pick preferences that protect offer outcomes
- map "no ATAR uni" pathways and transfer routes
- choose smarter backup courses that still lead to the same degree
If you've got an ATAR estimate, your state, and 1–3 target degrees, share them and we'll suggest a shortlist you can act on.
Get Your Personalised PlanFAQs on Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)
Still have questions?
Don't hesitate to reach out. Our experts are ready to provide you with the detailed answers and guidance you need for your journey.