HSC results day, UAC offers and changing preferences (2026 to 2027)
The 2026 HSC written exams run from 13 October to 5 November. HSC results and ATARs are both released on Wednesday 16 December 2026 (NESA and UAC; ATARs at 9 am). You then have until 11.59 pm Friday 18 December to change your UAC preferences before the main offer round at 7.30 am Wednesday 23 December. Further rounds follow on 8 and 21 January 2027.
Before results
- Apply to UAC by 11.59 pm Thursday 26 November 2026 to be eligible for December Round 2, the main round for Year 12s.
- Upload any documents by 10 December.
- If your studies were affected by disadvantage, get your EAS application in by 19 November for December Round 2 (see adjustment factors, EAS and early offers).
Results day: 16 December 2026
- NESA releases HSC results through Students Online, and emails and texts students.
- UAC releases ATARs at 9 am. Before 9 am, UAC sends an SMS or email with a direct link to the login page.
- NESA's results services for 2026 HSC students run from 17 December 2026 to 7 May 2027.
The change-of-preference window
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| Fri 18 Dec 2026, 11.59 pm | Last chance to change preferences for December Round 2; preferences then lock until offers are released |
| Wed 23 Dec 2026, 7.30 am | December Round 2 offers: UAC's main offer round for semester 1. SRS conditional offers are also converted for applicants who meet the conditions |
| Tue 29 Dec 2026, 11.59 pm | Change preferences for January Round 1 |
| Fri 8 Jan 2027, 7.30 am | January Round 1 offers |
| Thu 14 Jan 2027, 11.59 pm | Change preferences for January Round 2 |
| Thu 21 Jan 2027, 7.30 am | January Round 2 offers |
How to use it
- Compare selection ranks, not just ATARs. Your selection rank for each course can include adjustment factors from that institution.
- Order by genuine preference. Put the course you most want first, then realistic options below it.
- Keep a safety net. Include at least one course you're confident of getting.
- Check prerequisites and assumed knowledge for anything you add.
After an offer
UAC's rules on later rounds:
- If you receive an offer to a lower preference, you are automatically considered for higher preferences in the next round.
- To be considered for courses you listed below an offer you've received, accept the offer first, then move it to the bottom of your list or remove it. Once accepted, removing it from your list doesn't affect your place.
- If a later offer comes through, you choose whether to take it and withdraw from the first course.
Letting an offer lapse while you wait for something better. Accepting an offer keeps it safe and, with your preferences rearranged, you can still be considered for other courses in later rounds.
For how the ATAR is calculated, see how the HSC ATAR is calculated. For early offers before results, see HSC early offer schemes.
Sources & how we know this
- HSC key dates — NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) (2026)
- Key dates — Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) (2026)
- Changing preferences after you receive an offer — Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) (2026)
- Results services for students — NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) (2026)
Last updated: 2026-09-23. Rules change. For the official source see NESA.