For many high school students in Australia, the ATAR is more than just a number — it’s a key that can unlock university entry, scholarships, and even self-confidence. If you’re in Year 11 or 12, you’ve likely heard classmates talk about “getting a good ATAR” or asked yourself, “how hard is it to get a 90 ATAR?” But before we dive into high scores and cut-offs, let’s start at the beginning: what does ATAR stand for, and what is the average ATAR in Australia?
ATAR Meaning: What Does It Actually Stand For?
ATAR is short for the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not a score out of 100, but rather a percentile ranking that tells you how you performed relative to other students in your year group. For example, an ATAR of 80 means you performed better than 80% of the students who completed Year 12 and were eligible for an ATAR that year.
But here’s something many students don’t know: not all Year 12 students receive an ATAR. Only those who complete a tertiary-entrance eligible pathway, like the HSC in NSW or VCE in Victoria, are ranked.
So, when we ask “what is ATAR in Australia?”, we’re really talking about a nationwide system that helps universities decide who gets a place in competitive courses.
What Is the Average ATAR in Australia?
Now let’s get to the question that brings you here: what is the average ATAR? You might assume that it sits around 50, like an average test score. But here’s the twist — because ATAR is a rank and only given to those who qualify (usually the more academically inclined cohort), the average ATAR is closer to 70.
In Victoria, the average ATAR in recent years has hovered around 69–71, and in NSW, it’s very similar. This might come as a surprise to students who believed anything under 70 was underperforming — it’s not. In fact, an ATAR of 70 is right around the national average.
So if you’ve been stressing, thinking your 72 won’t get you anywhere, remember — you’re already performing above average!
What Is a Good ATAR Score?
This depends on your goals. Planning to study medicine or law? You might need a 96+ ATAR. Eyeing a teaching or arts degree? Some universities accept students with an ATAR as low as 60–70, and many offer bonus points or selection rank adjustments.
Generally speaking:
90+ ATAR = Top 10% of students in Australia.
80+ ATAR = Competitive for a range of courses.
70+ ATAR = Around average, with many options still available.
Below 70? Don’t stress — pathways like TAFE, bridging courses, or uni entry via selection rank can still get you where you want to go.
So if you’re wondering, “what’s a good ATAR?”, the answer is the one that gets you into your chosen course.
How Is the ATAR Calculated?
The ATAR is calculated using a mix of your best subject scores, scaling, and standardisation processes. In NSW, for example, your HSC marks are used, while in Victoria, it’s your VCE scores. Regardless of the state, here’s how it generally works:
- Your raw scores are scaled to account for subject difficulty.
- Your best four subjects (including English) are selected.
- Additional scores from your 5th and 6th subjects may contribute partially.
- Your aggregate score is converted into a percentile rank — your ATAR.
So if you’re asking, “how is your ATAR calculated?” or “how does ATAR work?”, it’s essentially a comparison system. It’s not just about how well you did — it’s about how well you did compared to everyone else.
How Hard Is It to Get a 90 ATAR?
Scoring a 90+ ATAR is an incredible achievement — and yes, it’s hard. Only about 10% of students reach that level each year. But it’s not impossible. In fact, thousands of students do it annually by:
- Choosing a mix of high-scaling subjects and subjects they excel in.
- Studying consistently from Year 11 onwards.
- Getting early feedback, using past papers, and staying organised.
If you’re asking “how to achieve a high ATAR?”, there’s no magic trick. But commitment, smart subject choices, and self-discipline go a long way.
When Do ATARs Come Out?
The countdown starts in early December every year. In NSW, the ATAR release date is usually around 15–18 December, just after HSC results come out. In Victoria, VCE results and ATARs are generally released on the same day.
You can track it online with the ATAR release countdown offered by various state education bodies and university admission centres.
Knowing when do ATARs come out is especially helpful if you want to change preferences or apply for early entry schemes.
What Is Selection Rank — and Why Does It Matter?
Universities don’t just look at your raw ATAR. They consider your selection rank, which is your ATAR plus any adjustment factors. These could be:
- Performance in specific subjects.
- Living in a regional or remote area.
- Educational disadvantage.
- Achievements in sport, music, or leadership.
So even if your ATAR is slightly below a course cut-off, your selection rank might push you over the line.
ATAR Cut-Offs and Entry into NSW Universities
Each year, universities publish ATAR cut-offs for various courses. These are the minimum selection ranks needed to gain entry — but they change slightly every year based on demand and supply.
For example:
- Medicine at the University of Sydney: Usually 99+.
- Engineering at UTS or UNSW: Around 85–93.
- Education or nursing at various NSW universities: Often 60–75.
Be sure to check the ATAR cut-offs NSW universities release through UAC (Universities Admissions Centre).
Final Thoughts: ATAR Isn’t Everything — But It Does Open Doors
If you’ve made it this far, here’s the takeaway: the ATAR is a powerful tool for university admission in Australia, but it’s not the end-all, be-all. Many students take alternative paths to their dream careers. And remember, the average ATAR isn’t 50 — it’s around 70, meaning that most students do better than they think.
So whether you’re anxiously checking the ATAR release countdown, curious about how ATAR is calculated, or aiming to crack the ATAR cut-offs for NSW universities, know this: success comes in many forms — and the ATAR is just one of them.
Want to Calculate Your Estimated ATAR?
Stay tuned — Here is our ATAR Calculator tools
