HSC early offer schemes: UAC SRS and university early entry (2026)
Early offer schemes let Year 12 students receive a university offer before ATARs are released, usually based on Year 11 results, a school's rating of your aptitudes and sometimes an EAS application. UAC's Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) covers 15 institutions in 2026: applications closed on 11 September, preferences lock at 11.59 pm on 5 November, and offers are released on 12 November 2026. Several universities, including UNSW and the University of Wollongong, run their own schemes with earlier dates.
UAC's Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS)
One SRS application through UAC counts for every participating institution. For 2026 these are the Academy of Music and Performing Arts, AIE Institute, Australian College of Physical Education, Charles Sturt University, International College of Management Sydney, Macquarie University, National Art School, SAE University College, Torrens University Australia, University of Canberra, University of New England, University of Newcastle, University of Notre Dame Australia, University of Technology Sydney and Western Sydney University.
How you're assessed: institutions may use your Year 11 studies, your school's rating of your aptitudes, your EAS application, and sometimes your ATAR or other requirements (such as a portfolio or interview). NSW HSC students don't need to upload Year 11 reports; interstate and IB students do.
| Date (2026) | What happens |
|---|---|
| Fri 11 Sep | SRS applications closed |
| Thu 5 Nov, 11.59 pm | SRS course preferences must be in your UAC application (some institutions set earlier dates) |
| Thu 12 Nov | SRS offers released, conditional and unconditional |
| Fri 18 Dec, 11.59 pm | Course must be in your preferences for a conditional offer to convert in December Round 2 |
| Wed 23 Dec | Conditional offers converted for domestic applicants who meet the conditions (also 8 January 2027) |
Conditional offers
A conditional offer usually requires a minimum ATAR or other condition. You can hold more than one, but only one can become unconditional in December Round 2, so put the one you most want at the top of your preferences by 18 December.
University-run early entry schemes
These have their own applications and earlier dates. Examples from UAC's 2026 list:
| Scheme | Key 2026 dates |
|---|---|
| UNSW Gateway Admission Pathway | Applications 27 Apr to 23 Jul; offers 3 Sep |
| University of Wollongong Early Admission | Applications 15 Jun to 7 Aug; offers 1 Sep |
| Macquarie Leaders and Achievers Early Entry Scheme | Round 1 closed 24 Jul; offers 1 Sep |
| ACU Guarantee | Applications 20 Jul to 14 Sep; offer rounds 3 and 24 Sep |
| University of Sydney Gadigal Program (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants) | Applications from April; conditional offers September |
Not every course is included, and eligibility rules differ. UAC's early offers page links to each scheme.
An early offer doesn't take you out of the main rounds. Keep your full list of preferences in your UAC application. UAC's rules on accepting an offer and staying in contention for other courses are in HSC results day and UAC offers.
Easing off after an early offer. Many early offers are conditional, and your ATAR still matters for other preferences, scholarships and future options.
For EAS and adjustment factors, see adjustment factors, EAS and early offers.
Sources & how we know this
- Early offer schemes for Year 12 students — Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) (2026)
- Schools Recommendation Scheme — Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) (2026)
- SRS offers — Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) (2026)
Last updated: 2026-09-23. Rules change. For the official source see NESA.