An ATAR is the score out of 100 that many students in Australia receive when they complete Year 12. It is your ticket to university.
The ATAR starts to gain value when it goes above 50 by giving you automatic access to some uni courses. It increases in value steadily. The highest ATAR of 99.95 essentially lets you do any bachelor degree at any university in the country.
ATAR Results Explained
Let's explore what constitutes a good ATAR score. Whatever your individual rank, I'll explain what you can do with your ATAR in terms of your future education and career.
Under 30 (No ATAR)
If your ATAR falls below 30, you won’t receive an official ranking. This would be a major setback if you were planning to go to university. Alternative pathways do exist. You can opt for bridging courses, TAFE diplomas, or special entry programs that offer another route to higher education. However, you may be setting up yourself to fail again because you have not done well academically at all.
30 to 49 (Oh Dear)
An ATAR between 30 and 49 is a bad score. This can feel discouraging, but it’s not necessarily the end of the road. You may not qualify for many uni courses right away, but vocational training or TAFE programs are alternatives. Completing a diploma can often lead to credit towards a university degree.
Related: How to Get Into Uni Without an ATAR
50 to 59 (Something)
Once you hit the 50s, the door to university opens, albeit to a limited number of courses. Some unis accept students in this range for specific degrees, often in fields with lower demand. You may still need to complete a foundation year, but it’s a starting point.
60 to 69 (You Qualify)
With an ATAR in the 60s, you qualify for a broader range of undergraduate programs. Entry-level degrees at regional universities or less competitive fields at larger institutions become available. While these options might not include the top-tier programs, they still offer pathways into your chosen career.
70 to 79 (Interesting Options)
An ATAR of 70+ opens up more interesting options. Many mid-level courses at universities across Australia become accessible, including popular fields like business, arts, and science. You’ll also have a better chance of getting into larger universities, especially in non-competitive degrees.
80 to 89 (Elite Unis)
An ATAR in the 80s unlocks opportunities at some of Australia’s more prestigious universities. You may qualify for competitive courses in areas like law, engineering, or health sciences. It’s a great result that sets you up for a range of career paths, especially in well-respected institutions.
90 to 94 (Have Your Pick)
With an ATAR in the 90s, you’re in a strong position. You can apply for a wide variety of courses at nearly any university, including competitive fields. You’ll likely have access to scholarships or advanced entry options, making this a very desirable range to be in.
95 to 99.95 (Should I Do Medicine?)
In this elite range, you’ve got access to the vast majority or all of the courses in the country, including medicine or law. If you’re considering a career in healthcare or another highly competitive field, this is your chance to get into the best programs. Take the time to think carefully about your options.
What is a Good ATAR Score?
A good ATAR score starts at around 70. With this score, you should normally be able to pursue the career you want. Many university options are available to you.
An ATAR of 80 or higher is considered very good. You will not only have more course choices but can also enrol in most degrees at almost any university in Australia. Whether you're eyeing competitive fields or just want flexibility, this range opens many doors.
What is the Average ATAR Score?
The average ATAR score is around 70 for students who complete Year 12 and attempt the ATAR. This score reflects the rank of students still in the system and aiming for uni entry. It provides a realistic picture of where most students land in terms of academic performance compared to peers.
However, if you consider all students from your year group, including those who didn’t finish Year 12, the average academic achievement is 50. This technical average represents the entire cohort, not just those seeking university entry.
At university, the average ATAR tends to be higher, at around 80. Remember that almost all courses require a score above 50 for entry, and only students in higher education are included. The average ATAR among uni students has to be above 75 therefore.
Is an ATAR of 70 Bad?
No, an ATAR of 70 is quite good. It gives you options to go to university and achieve a professional career. While it’s not at the top of the scale, it’s a solid score that allows you to access a variety of courses.
That said, a score of 70 is not something to boast about. Many students (at least 30% of Year 12 graduates and the majority going to uni) will have done better. Some competitive degrees may also be out of reach for you. Stay humble, work hard, and make the most of the opportunities.
Why 60 is a Respectable ATAR
An ATAR of 60 may not sound impressive, but it gives you a start. With this score, you can apply to almost half the universities in Australia. While your options may not include the most competitive courses, you still have opportunities to get a degree and build a successful career.
Many universities accept students with an ATAR of 60. Each one offers a variety of programs that can set you on the path to a professional life. Here’s a list of universities that will often accept an ATAR of at least 60:
- CQUniversity (QLD)
- Flinders University (SA)
- Southern Cross University (NSW)
- Swinburne University (VIC)
- Torrens University Australia (multiple states)
- University of Canberra (ACT)
- Australian Catholic University (multiple states)
- University of Southern Queensland (UniSQ) (QLD)
- Charles Sturt University (NSW)
- La Trobe University (VIC)
- University of the Sunshine Coast (QLD)
- James Cook University (QLD)
- Charles Darwin University (NT)
- Federation University Australia (VIC)
- University of Tasmania (TAS)
- Victoria University (VIC)
Source: Australian Universities, ATAR Scores for Uni Courses
While an ATAR of 60 doesn’t put you at the top of the applicant pool, it’s enough to access a solid education. By choosing the right course and working hard, you can capitalise on your result and move forward in your chosen field.