University Places, ATARs and the Class of 2026: What We Know Right Now
Over the past few weeks, there has been considerable discussion about government changes to university funding and what this may mean for students applying for university in 2027.
Yesterday I attended the Selective Schools Careers Advisers Meeting hosted by the University of Sydney, where representatives from UAC, UNSW, the University of Sydney, UTS, Macquarie University and the University of Wollongong provided updates and answered questions from careers advisers working with high-achieving students across NSW.
The first thing I want families to know is this:
The universities themselves are still waiting for confirmation regarding exactly how many Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) they will receive under the new Managed Growth funding model.
In other words, there are still details that have not yet been finalised.
What was reassuring, however, was that every university delivered a remarkably consistent message.
Yes, these changes are likely to impact the Class of 2026, but students should continue to focus on the things they can control.
Work hard. Apply for Early Entry opportunities. Research courses carefully. Build a well-considered preference list. Keep multiple pathways open.
As students approach the final months of school, these remain the most important strategies for navigating an evolving admissions landscape.
What Is Actually Changing?
The Federal Government is introducing a new higher education funding model known as Managed Growth.
In simple terms, universities will move away from a system where they could continue increasing domestic student numbers and funding over time. Instead, universities will be allocated a negotiated number of Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs) that align with government priorities and workforce needs.
The policy is designed to address national skills shortages and increase participation in higher education among students from underrepresented groups, including those from regional, remote and lower socioeconomic backgrounds.
What remains unclear at this stage is exactly how many funded places individual universities will receive and how those allocations may impact specific courses and institutions.
This is the area universities are continuing to monitor closely and the reason there is still some uncertainty around future admissions settings.
What Does This Mean for the Class of 2026?
While there are still unanswered questions around future student allocations, several practical implications emerged from discussions throughout the day.
The first is the importance of planning ahead.
Universities indicated that many of the courses traditionally popular with Caringbah students, particularly at institutions such as UNSW and the University of Sydney, are likely to fill during Main Round offers.
Students will receive their HSC results and ATAR on the 16th December, with Main Round preferences closing shortly afterwards on the 18th December.
This leaves very little time for major changes or last-minute decision making.
As a result, students should spend time over the coming months researching courses, understanding entry requirements and carefully considering how they will structure their UAC preferences.
The students who are most prepared heading into December will be those who have already explored their options, attended Open Days, investigated Early Entry pathways and built a well-considered preference list long before results are released.
The Importance of a Well-Planned Preference List
One of the strongest messages from both universities and UAC was the importance of carefully selecting your five UAC preferences.
The advice has not changed.
Your first preference should still be your dream course.
If there is a course you are genuinely passionate about and have worked towards, it belongs at the top of your list.
However, students should ensure that their fifth preference is a course they would genuinely be happy to study and one where previous admissions data suggests they are comfortably above the required entry threshold.
Again, this is not new advice. It is simply becoming more important as students navigate a changing admissions landscape.
Guaranteed Entry Is Changing
Another important change is the gradual removal of some guaranteed entry pathways.
The University of Sydney has already removed its guaranteed entry scheme.
Macquarie University has also moved away from guaranteed entry pathways and already increased some ATAR entry requirements for popular courses.
This means students can no longer simply identify a published ATAR and assume admission is guaranteed.
Instead, students should continue to use previous admissions data as a guide and aim to be comfortably above historical cut-offs wherever possible.
Early Entry Should Be Part of Every Student's Plan
If there was one area that universities consistently highlighted, it was the value of Early Entry programs.
UTS has removed its Early Entry Program.
However, several excellent opportunities remain available, including:
• University of Wollongong Early Admission (opens 15th June)
• Western Sydney University HSC True Reward (open for applications)
• ACU Guarantee - Early Entry Program (opens 20th July)
• Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Program (open for applications)
Some commentators have referred to students applying for multiple Early Entry programs as "offer shopping".
Personally, I see it differently.
I see it as sensible planning.
An unconditional Early Entry offer provides certainty, creates options and significantly reduces stress during the HSC period.
Importantly, these offers are generally not dependent on achieving a specific ATAR. Students simply need to successfully complete their HSC.
Many Early Entry programs also look beyond marks alone.
For example, UOW asks students to respond to questions focused on:
• Academic readiness
• Motivation and passion
• Communication and collaboration
• Planning and persistence
These are exactly the kinds of qualities universities are increasingly looking for.
Adjustment Factor Schemes Are Also Evolving
Another area currently undergoing significant review is adjustment factor schemes.
We have already seen:
• Macquarie University remove its catchment adjustment factors
• The University of Sydney announce that adjustment factors will no longer stack, with only the highest category being applied
• UNSW indicate that HSC Plus may undergo changes for future admissions cycles
Nothing has been confirmed for future years, but universities are actively reviewing these schemes as they adapt to the new funding environment.
The key message remains unchanged:
Work hard.
Focus on building the strongest academic foundation possible.
A New Scheme Worth Watching
Macquarie University also discussed their new Subject Advantage Scheme.
Rather than awarding specific adjustment factor points, students whose subject performance demonstrates strong preparation for a particular degree may receive special consideration if they fall close to the required ATAR.
Think of it as universities recognising that a student who performs strongly in relevant subjects may be particularly well prepared for a course, even if their overall ATAR sits slightly below the published requirement.
It is another example of universities looking beyond a single number when making admissions decisions.
The Bigger Picture
One of the most interesting discussions of the day focused on the future of work and the impact of artificial intelligence.
Students often ask whether degrees such as Business, Law, Engineering, Computer Science and Software Engineering will still be relevant in an AI-driven world.
The reality is that every industry is evolving.
What stood out from discussions with universities was that the demand for adaptable, capable graduates remains incredibly strong.
Technical knowledge will always matter, but the graduates who thrive will also be able to:
• Communicate effectively
• Collaborate with others
• Solve complex problems
• Learn continuously
• Adapt to new technologies
These are the skills that will continue to create opportunities regardless of how industries change.
My Advice to Students
If you are in Year 12, my advice remains exactly the same as it was six months ago.
Work hard.
Focus on your HSC.
Apply for Early Entry opportunities.
Research your options.
Build a well considered preference list.
Keep a strong Plan B.
Continue investing in your extracurricular activities, leadership opportunities, employment and community involvement. These experiences not only support scholarship and application opportunities, but also help students develop confidence, resilience, time management and perspective throughout Year 12.
The university landscape is evolving, but students who stay informed, remain flexible and continue putting in consistent effort will continue to have excellent opportunities available to them.
As always, we will continue sharing updates as universities provide further information in the months ahead.
Kate Poppett
Careers Adviser
Caringbah High School