SACE ATAR lower than expected? Your pathways into uni, TAFE and work (2027 entry)

Step 1: preferences and later offer rounds

You can reorder preferences in mySATAC until the Wednesday 6 January 2027 change-of-preference deadline, ahead of the Thursday 14 January 2027 round, the first to include 2026 Year 12 results. Rounds continue through January, February and March. The full timeline and a checklist are on SACE results day, SATAC offers and changing preferences.

SATAC says it automatically accepts most undergraduate offers for you, and that if you receive a lower preference you'll still be considered for higher preferences in later rounds.

Step 2: check your selection rank, not just your ATAR

SATAC adds adjustment points to your university aggregate to create a selection rank. Your ATAR itself doesn't change, and not every course accepts adjustments. Maximum 9 points:

• Universities Equity Scheme (5 points). Automatic if your school qualifies (as long as you allowed information sharing in Students Online). Otherwise you can apply as part of your SATAC application if, in your ATAR year, you or your parents received a Commonwealth means-tested income support payment, you or a parent/guardian held a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card, you were eligible for a School Card, or (for study from 2027) you were an NDIS participant with an approved plan.
• Universities Language, Literacy and Mathematics Scheme (2 or 4 points). 2 points for one and 4 for two or more of: 20 credits of a language other than English (not Language and Culture), English or English Literary Studies, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, each with a C- or better. A few courses are excluded, including Medical Studies and Veterinary Bioscience at Adelaide University and two Bachelor of Clinical Sciences/Doctor of Medicine programs, one of them the Northern Territory program with Flinders University.

Step 3: official pathway programs

SATAC says a foundation, bridging or enabling program can be used to apply if the institution recognises it and it lasts at least six months; check each course in Course Search. These are the ones we verified directly with each provider:

Browse the degrees these lead to at Flinders, Adelaide University, Charles Darwin University and Torrens, or search everything in the uni finder.

Step 4: the STAT

The Skills for Tertiary Admission Test (STAT) is a two-hour online multiple-choice test that you book through ACER. SATAC's partner institutions use it for people whose results may not be competitive enough. Eligibility depends on your age and previous study, so check the course in SATAC's course search and ask SATAC before you book.

Is TAFE a real route into uni?

Yes, and for some careers it's the main one. TAFE SA Dual Offers give you a TAFE SA qualification plus guaranteed entry to a nominated degree once you complete it, and you don't reapply through SATAC. TAFE SA lists pathways such as the Diploma of Nursing to a Bachelor of Nursing, and early childhood diplomas to early childhood education degrees. They are for Australian and NZ citizens and permanent visa holders. TAFE SA also has credit transfer arrangements with Adelaide University and Flinders University, which can shorten a degree after you're offered a place.

Start with our TAFE guide, then look at the Diploma of Nursing, Diploma of Early Childhood or Diploma of IT. If a trade appeals, see trades, for example electrician.

Mid-year entry and transferring

• Semester 2 entry. SATAC keeps making offers through 2027, with the final Semester 2 round on Thursday 19 August 2027. Your SATAC fee covers the whole cycle, including semester 2.
• Transferring after first year. Once you've completed the equivalent of one full-time semester (0.5 FTE) or more of higher education, SATAC can use your Grade Point Average for courses that consider it. Strong results in a related degree can get you into the one you wanted.

Should I take a gap year instead?

It can be a good call if you have a plan. Most undergraduate courses can be deferred through mySATAC (the course entry says if not), so you can accept, defer and hold the place. Read gap year or uni straight after? and deferring your uni offer. If you'll work instead, start with life after school, the resume guide for school leavers and careers.

Parents helping out may find if the ATAR is lower than hoped useful too.