ATAR fundamentals

What is an ATAR?

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank is a position, not a percentage mark. It helps tertiary institutions compare applicants who completed different subjects and qualifications.

What the number means

An ATAR sits between 0.00 and 99.95. An ATAR of 80.00 means the student performed at or above 80 per cent of the relevant school-leaving age population used by the jurisdiction. It does not mean the student averaged 80 per cent across their subjects.

What universities use it for

Universities use the ATAR as one admission measure. Many courses work with a selection rank, which starts with the ATAR and adds eligible adjustments. Some courses also consider portfolios, auditions, interviews, questionnaires, tests or prior study.

What an ATAR does for students

• Provides a comparable rank for tertiary applications.
• Helps students assess whether a course appears realistic.
• Supports preference planning across ambitious, realistic and pathway choices.
• Provides one entry route into university, rather than defining a student’s ability or future.

Why the median is above 50

The comparison population extends beyond students who receive an ATAR. This pushes the median ATAR among ATAR recipients above 50. UAC states the NSW average usually sits around 70.

Official information

Always confirm final results and admission rules with the authority responsible for your jurisdiction and the institution offering your preferred course.

UAC ATAR information for NSW and ACT