What Is ATAR in Australia? Meaning, Ranking and How It Works
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is one of the most important results for Australian students planning to enter university. However, many students misunderstand what their ATAR represents, how it is calculated and how universities use it.
An ATAR is not an exam mark or an overall percentage. It is a ranking that indicates your academic position relative to the relevant Year 12 age group.
This guide explains what ATAR means, how subject results contribute to your ranking, how the system differs across Australian states and territories, and what your ATAR means for university admission.
Quick Answer: ATAR stands for Australian Tertiary Admission Rank. It is a rank reported in increments of 0.05, with 99.95 being the highest possible ATAR. For example, an ATAR of 80.00 indicates that your overall academic achievement is approximately equal to or better than 80% of the relevant Year 12 age group. It does not mean you received 80% in your examinations.
You can use our ATAR Calculator to explore an estimated ranking based on your subject results.
What Does ATAR Stand For?
ATAR stands for Australian Tertiary Admission Rank.
It is a nationally comparable ranking used by Australian universities and tertiary admission centres to assess applicants for undergraduate courses.
Although the ATAR follows a common national ranking framework, each state and territory has its own senior secondary assessment system and rules for calculating the results used to determine an ATAR.
The ATAR helps universities compare applicants who have completed different subjects, attended different schools or studied in different Australian education systems.
An important distinction is that an ATAR is a ranking, not a qualification. Students generally receive their senior secondary certificate separately from their ATAR.
Is ATAR a Percentage or a Rank?
ATAR is a rank, not a percentage of examination marks.
For example:
- ATAR 99.00: Approximately the top 1% of the relevant age group.
- ATAR 95.00: Approximately the top 5%.
- ATAR 90.00: Approximately the top 10%.
- ATAR 80.00: Approximately the top 20%.
- ATAR 70.00: Approximately the top 30%.
- ATAR 60.00: Approximately the top 40%.
These comparisons refer to the relevant age group, not simply the students who received an ATAR.
A student who achieves an ATAR of 85.00 has not necessarily averaged 85% across their subjects. Their examination results, school assessments and scaled subject results are processed according to the rules of their state or territory.
This distinction is important when interpreting ATAR results or comparing students from different education systems.
How Is ATAR Calculated in Australia?
ATAR calculations differ between Australian states and territories. However, most systems follow a similar process involving assessment, scaling, aggregation and ranking.
1. Complete Eligible Year 12 Subjects
Students complete senior secondary subjects that contribute to their eligibility for an ATAR.
Each jurisdiction has requirements covering subject combinations, minimum study loads and, in some cases, English.
2. Determine Final Subject Results
Final subject results are calculated using the relevant assessment system.
Depending on the state, these results may incorporate school-based assessments, external examinations, moderation and other assessment processes.
3. Apply Subject Scaling
Subject scaling is used to make results from different subjects more comparable.
Scaling does not simply reward subjects considered difficult or penalise subjects considered easy. It uses statistical methods that account for differences in the academic achievement of students taking different subjects.
A subject may scale upward or downward depending on the jurisdiction’s methodology and the performance characteristics of its student cohort.
4. Calculate the ATAR Aggregate
Eligible scaled results are combined according to the rules of the relevant tertiary admissions centre.
For example, some systems use a student’s best eligible subjects, while others apply specific English requirements or allow additional contributions from eligible subjects.
5. Convert the Aggregate Into an ATAR
The aggregate is converted into a rank using the relevant age-group distribution.
The resulting ATAR is reported on a nationally comparable scale, allowing universities to assess applicants from different Australian jurisdictions.
For a more detailed explanation, read our How to Calculate ATAR Step by Step guide.
How Is ATAR Calculated in Each Australian State?
All Australian states and territories use the ATAR framework, but the senior secondary certificates and calculation methods differ.
New South Wales — HSC
Students in New South Wales complete the Higher School Certificate (HSC).
The Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) calculates the ATAR using eligible scaled HSC results. The calculation generally includes the best two units of English and the best eight units from other eligible courses, subject to eligibility requirements.
Use our HSC ATAR Calculator to explore estimated NSW results.
Victoria — VCE
Victorian students complete the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).
The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) calculates the ATAR using an aggregate that includes the primary four eligible scaled study scores, including an English-group study, plus permitted increments from additional studies.
The primary four generally contribute their full scaled study scores, while eligible fifth and sixth studies contribute increments of 10%.
Explore estimated results using our VCE ATAR Calculator.
Queensland — QCE
Queensland students generally complete the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE).
QTAC calculates the ATAR using eligible combinations of General subjects and, where permitted, Applied subjects or completed VET qualifications.
The calculation uses scaled results and specific subject eligibility rules.
Explore your estimated ranking using our QCE ATAR Calculator.
Western Australia — WACE
Western Australian students complete the Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE).
The Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) calculates the ATAR using a Tertiary Entrance Aggregate (TEA), generally based on the best four eligible scaled scores, together with applicable bonuses.
Use our WACE ATAR Calculator to explore estimated results.
South Australia — SACE
Students in South Australia complete the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).
SATAC determines ATAR eligibility and calculates the university aggregate using eligible scaled results under its applicable rules.
Explore estimated results using our SACE ATAR Calculator.
Tasmania — TCE
Tasmanian students complete senior secondary studies under the Tasmanian education system, including the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE).
ATAR calculations use eligible senior secondary results according to the requirements administered through Tasmania’s tertiary admissions arrangements.
Explore estimated results using our TCE ATAR Calculator.
Australian Capital Territory — BSSS
Students in the ACT complete senior secondary studies under the ACT Board of Senior Secondary Studies (BSSS).
Eligible tertiary course scores and the ACT scaling and ranking process contribute to the ATAR.
Explore estimated results using our BSSS ATAR Calculator.
Northern Territory — NTCET
Northern Territory students generally complete the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET).
The system is closely aligned with South Australia’s senior secondary framework, and ATAR calculations are administered through the relevant tertiary admissions arrangements.
Students should check the current SATAC requirements for ATAR eligibility.
What Is the Highest ATAR You Can Get?
The highest possible ATAR is 99.95.
ATARs are generally reported in increments of 0.05, such as 85.00, 85.05 and 85.10.
An ATAR of 99.95 represents achievement at the very top of the relevant ranking distribution.
Multiple students can receive an ATAR of 99.95. The ATAR is not a competition in which only one student can achieve the highest reported rank.
ATARs below 30.00 are generally reported as “less than 30” rather than as individual numerical ranks.
What Is a Good ATAR in Australia?
A good ATAR depends on your preferred university, course, campus and admission pathway.
There is no single ATAR that guarantees admission to every university course.
Some undergraduate degrees have relatively accessible entry requirements, while highly competitive programs may require much higher selection ranks and additional assessments.
Universities may also consider:
- Subject prerequisites and assumed knowledge.
- Selection rank adjustments.
- Interviews, portfolios or aptitude tests.
- Equity and access schemes.
- Early offer programs.
- Previous tertiary study or alternative qualifications.
A student with an ATAR of 75.00 may qualify for their preferred course, while another student with an ATAR of 95.00 may still need to meet additional requirements for a competitive program.
The most useful approach is to compare your expected ATAR with the published entry requirements for the courses you want to study.
You can also read our Minimum ATAR for Universities in Australia guide.
Does Subject Scaling Affect Your ATAR?
Yes. Subject scaling can affect the contribution that each subject makes to your ATAR aggregate.
Scaling is designed to support fair comparisons between students studying different subjects.
However, a common misconception is that selecting a subject with a reputation for scaling upward will automatically produce a higher ATAR.
This is not necessarily true.
Your performance in a subject remains important. Choosing subjects that match your academic strengths, interests and university prerequisites is generally more useful than selecting subjects solely because of historical scaling patterns.
Scaling outcomes can also change between years.
ATAR vs Study Score vs Scaled Score
These terms describe different aspects of senior secondary assessment.
ATAR
Your ATAR is your overall tertiary admission ranking. It is used in university selection processes.
Study Score
In Victoria, a VCE study score describes a student’s relative performance in an individual study. Study scores are reported on a scale from 0 to 50.
Study scores are not the same as examination percentages.
Scaled Score
A scaled score is an adjusted subject result used in the ATAR calculation process.
Different states apply different scaling methods, and not every jurisdiction uses the term “study score”.
To understand these differences, read our ATAR vs Study Score vs Rank guide.
When Are ATAR Results Released?
ATAR results are generally released in December after final Year 12 assessments and examinations have been completed.
The exact release date varies between Australian states and territories and may change from year to year.
Students should check their relevant tertiary admissions centre or education authority for confirmed dates and access instructions.
ATAR results are commonly available through official student results portals.
After receiving their ATAR, students can review university preferences, confirm eligibility requirements and prepare for the relevant offer rounds.
For more information, see When Are ATAR Results Released?.
Can You Get Into University Without an ATAR?
Yes. An ATAR is an important admission pathway, but it is not the only way to enter university in Australia.
Alternative pathways may include:
- University enabling and preparation programs.
- TAFE and vocational qualifications.
- Diploma-to-degree pathways.
- Mature-age admission.
- Previous university study.
- Institution-specific admission schemes.
Requirements vary by university and course.
Students who do not receive their expected ATAR should investigate alternative pathways rather than assuming university is no longer an option.
Frequently Asked Questions About ATAR
What does ATAR mean?
ATAR stands for Australian Tertiary Admission Rank. It represents a student’s relative academic ranking within the relevant Year 12 age group and is commonly used for university admission.
Is an ATAR of 80 good?
An ATAR of 80.00 represents approximately the top 20% of the relevant age group. Whether it is sufficient for admission depends on the course, institution and applicable selection criteria.
Is an ATAR of 90 the same as 90%?
No. An ATAR of 90.00 is a ranking, not an examination percentage. It indicates achievement approximately equal to or better than 90% of the relevant age group.
Can you get an ATAR of 100?
No. The highest reported ATAR is 99.95.
Does every Australian state use ATAR?
Yes. Australian states and territories use the nationally comparable ATAR framework, although their senior secondary qualifications and calculation methods differ.
Can scaling lower your ATAR?
Scaling can increase or decrease a subject’s contribution to your aggregate. The effect on your final ATAR depends on your complete set of eligible results and the applicable calculation rules.
Do universities only look at ATAR?
No. Universities may also consider prerequisites, selection rank adjustments, interviews, portfolios, aptitude tests and alternative admission pathways.
Can I calculate my ATAR before official results?
You can estimate your ATAR using predicted subject results and historical scaling information. However, an estimated ATAR cannot guarantee your final official rank.
Use the ATAR Calculator Australia to explore possible outcomes.
Final Thoughts
The ATAR is a nationally comparable ranking that helps Australian universities assess students for tertiary admission.
Understanding the difference between raw marks, scaled results, aggregates and ATAR rankings can help students interpret their results more accurately.
Your ATAR is important, but it does not define your academic potential or determine every future opportunity. University entry requirements, alternative pathways and individual course preferences all play a role.
For the most reliable information, check the official requirements published by your state or territory’s tertiary admissions centre and your preferred universities.
Important: ATAR calculation methods, subject eligibility rules and university admission requirements can change. The information above is general educational guidance, and online calculator results should be treated as estimates rather than official ATAR predictions.
