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ATAR Cut-Offs for Next University Round: What Australian Students Need to Know in 2025

For thousands of Year 12 students across Australia, the wait for university offers is one of the most nerve-wracking periods of their academic lives. With the first round of university admissions now behind us, attention is swiftly turning to the next university offer round—and with it, the all-important ATAR cut-off scores. These thresholds determine who gets a spot in competitive courses like medicine, law, engineering, and education, making them a focal point for students, parents, and educators alike.

In 2025, the landscape of university admissions remains as dynamic as ever. While official ATAR cut-offs for the upcoming round haven’t been formally released by all institutions, verified reports from major Australian news outlets confirm that first-round offers have already been distributed, and students are now assessing their options—or preparing to reapply in the next round.

This article breaks down everything you need to know about ATAR cut-offs for the next university round, based on verified news coverage, historical trends, and expert insights tailored for Australian students and families.

Recent Updates: First-Round Offers Are In—What’s Next?

According to verified reports from The Advertiser, The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Age, tens of thousands of students across Victoria and New South Wales have already received their first-round university offers for 2025. These offers are based on ATAR results, prerequisite subjects, and, in some cases, additional assessments like portfolios or interviews.

For example, The Advertiser reported that “tens of thousands of Victorian students celebrate as first-round university offers land,” highlighting the emotional relief many felt upon receiving confirmation of their place in desired programs. Similarly, The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age have launched interactive databases allowing students to search entry scores by course and institution—a crucial tool for those planning their next move.

While these reports confirm the completion of the first offer round, they also signal the start of a critical phase: the second round of offers, which typically occurs in January or February, depending on the state and university.

Universities use this next round to fill remaining spots, often adjusting their ATAR cut-offs based on demand, vacancy rates, and student preferences. This means that even if a student missed out in the first round, there’s still a strong chance of securing a place—especially if they’re flexible with course or institution choices.

“The second round is where things get interesting,” says Dr. Emily Tran, a higher education policy analyst based in Melbourne. “Universities often lower their cut-offs slightly to fill quotas, particularly in less competitive programs. Students who are strategic can really benefit.”

Understanding ATAR Cut-Offs: How They Work in Australia

Before diving into predictions for the next round, it’s important to understand how ATAR cut-offs function across the Australian higher education system.

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a score between 0.00 and 99.95 that reflects a student’s relative position compared to all other Year 12 students in their state. Universities use this score, along with subject prerequisites and other criteria, to determine eligibility for courses.

Each course at each university sets a minimum ATAR requirement, commonly referred to as the “cut-off.” However, it’s crucial to note that the published cut-off is often the lowest ATAR that received an offer—not a guaranteed entry point. In highly competitive courses like Medicine at the University of Melbourne or Law at UNSW, the actual ATAR of successful applicants is often significantly higher than the published minimum.

For the next university round, cut-offs can fluctuate based on several factors:

• Number of applicants in the first round
• Acceptance rates (how many students took up their first-round offers)
• Course capacity and quotas
• Demand shifts due to changing career trends (e.g., rising interest in AI, sustainability, and health sciences)

Historically, second-round cut-offs tend to be slightly lower than first-round thresholds, especially for courses that didn’t fill all spots. However, for elite programs, the cut-off may remain unchanged—or even increase—if late applicants are exceptionally strong.

Contextual Background: A Look at Recent Trends

Over the past five years, ATAR cut-offs have shown both stability and volatility, influenced by broader societal and economic forces.

In 2020 and 2021, the pandemic led to unusual fluctuations. With disrupted learning and scaled-back assessments, some universities adopted more flexible entry criteria, and cut-offs for certain courses dipped slightly. However, by 2023 and 2024, the system had largely rebounded, with cut-offs returning to pre-pandemic levels—or exceeding them in high-demand fields.

One notable trend is the rising competitiveness of health and technology-related courses. Medicine, Nursing, Computer Science, and Data Science have seen steady increases in ATAR requirements across major universities. For example, the University of Sydney’s Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) program had a first-round cut-off of 99.50 in 2024—unchanged from 2023—but anecdotal reports suggest many successful applicants had ATARs above 99.70.

Conversely, some humanities and arts programs have seen slight declines in cut-offs, reflecting shifting student priorities and perceptions of job market outcomes.

Another key development is the growth of alternative entry pathways. Universities are increasingly offering places based on portfolios, interviews, work experience, or bridging programs—especially for creative industries, education, and Indigenous student admissions. While these pathways don’t rely solely on ATAR, they complement the traditional system and provide hope for students who may not meet the numerical threshold.

“The ATAR is important, but it’s not the only measure of capability,” says Professor Alan Reid, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Southern Queensland. “We’re seeing a more holistic approach to admissions, which benefits a wider range of students.”

Immediate Effects: What This Means for Students Right Now

With first-round offers distributed and the next round approaching, the immediate impact on students is both psychological and practical.

For those who received offers, the focus is now on accepting their place and preparing for university life. However, many students are holding off on accepting if they’re waiting to see if they get into a more preferred course in the next round.

For those who missed out, the next few weeks are critical. Here’s what students should do:

1. Check the university databases – As highlighted by The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age, several universities now offer searchable databases where students can view first-round cut-offs by course. This helps set realistic expectations for the next round.

2. Consider alternative courses or campuses – Sometimes, a similar program at a different campus or university may have a lower cut-off. For example, a Bachelor of Education at a regional university might require an ATAR of 75, compared to 85 at a metropolitan institution.

3. Explore pathway programs – Many universities offer diploma or foundation programs that lead into degree courses. These often have lower entry requirements and can be a strategic stepping stone.

4. Stay in touch with schools and career advisors – School counselors often have insider knowledge about which courses are likely to drop their cut-offs in the next round.

There’s also a growing awareness of mental health and stress management during this period. The pressure to achieve a high ATAR and secure a university place can take a toll, especially when outcomes are uncertain.

“We encourage students to remember that their worth isn’t defined by a single number,” says Sarah Lim, a high school career counselor in Brisbane. “There are many paths to success, and the next round is just one opportunity among many.”

Future Outlook: What to Expect in the Next University Round

Looking ahead, several factors will shape the ATAR cut-offs in the next university offer round:

1. Increased Transparency

Thanks to initiatives like the databases launched by The Age and The Sydney Morning Herald, students now have better access to real-time data. This trend is likely to continue, with more universities publishing detailed admission statistics, including median ATARs and offer rates.

2. Greater Flexibility in Admissions

As universities respond to workforce demands and student diversity, we can expect more institutions to adopt contextual admissions—considering a student’s background, school performance, and personal circumstances alongside their ATAR.

3. Rising Interest in Emerging Fields

Courses in artificial intelligence, renewable energy, and public health are gaining traction. As demand grows, so too will the competitiveness—and likely the ATAR cut-offs—for these programs.