If you are in Year 12, you have probably asked yourself this question more than once: what is a good ATAR? The honest answer is that a “good” ATAR is simply the one that gets you into the course and university you want. But that does not stop the numbers from feeling mysterious, so this guide breaks down exactly what ATAR scores mean, what different courses require, and what to do if your estimate falls short.
What Is a Good ATAR? The Short Answer
Most Australian university courses accept ATARs between 55 and 95. As a rough guide: 90+ puts you in the top 10% of students and opens almost every door; 80+ (top 20%) qualifies you for the majority of degrees; 70+ (top 30%) still gives you hundreds of course options, especially with adjustment factors; and below 70, pathway programs like diplomas and TAFE can still get you where you want to go. The “right” ATAR is the one that clears the cut-off for your chosen course.
ATAR Percentiles Explained
First, an important fact: your ATAR is a rank, not a score out of 100. An ATAR of 80.00 does not mean you scored 80% — it means you performed better than 80% of your age group.
| ATAR | What it means | Roughly |
|---|---|---|
| 99.95 | Top 0.05% of students | The highest possible rank |
| 99.00 | Top 1% | Elite: medicine, top law |
| 95.00 | Top 5% | Dentistry, top engineering |
| 90.00 | Top 10% | Most competitive courses |
| 80.00 | Top 20% | Majority of degrees |
| 70.00 | Top 30% | Hundreds of courses |
| 60.00 | Top 40% | Many courses + pathways |
| 50.00 | Median | Middle of the cohort |
Because it is a ranking against your cohort, the same raw marks can produce a slightly different ATAR from year to year.
What ATAR Do You Need for Popular Courses?
Cut-offs shift every year with demand, so treat these as indicative ranges for 2026 entry (always check the official UAC, VTAC or QTAC course guides):
| Course | Typical ATAR range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medicine | 99.00–99.95 | Plus UCAT and interview at most unis |
| Dentistry | 95.00–99.20 | Plus UCAT at most unis |
| Law (Group of Eight) | 95.00–99.00 | Lower at other universities |
| Engineering (Honours) | 85.00–95.00 | Maths prerequisite usually required |
| Commerce / Business | 85.00–95.00 | Varies widely by university |
| Computer Science | 80.00–93.00 | Growing demand |
| Nursing | 65.00–85.00 | Very achievable range |
| Teaching / Education | 70.00–85.00 | Literacy/numeracy standards apply |
| Arts / Humanities | 60.00–80.00 | Flexible entry |
Notice how many excellent careers sit well below the 90s. The obsession with 99+ ATARs comes from a handful of ultra-competitive courses. Most students do not need one.
Is 70 a Good ATAR?
Yes, for most goals. A 70 ATAR puts you ahead of 70% of your cohort and clears the bar for hundreds of courses, including nursing, teaching, business and IT at many universities. With adjustment factors (see below), a 70 can become a selection rank in the high 70s or 80s.
Is 80 a Good ATAR?
An 80 ATAR is a strong result. You are in the top 20% of students, and the majority of Australian bachelor degrees are within reach, including engineering and commerce at many universities.
Is 90 a Good ATAR?
A 90 ATAR is an excellent result: top 10% of the state. It opens the door to almost every course except the most competitive (medicine, dentistry, and top-tier law), and it often comes with scholarship eligibility.
ATAR vs Selection Rank: Your Real Number May Be Higher
Here is something many students miss: universities do not always admit you on your raw ATAR. They use your selection rank, which is your ATAR plus adjustment factors (formerly called bonus points). These are awarded for things like attending a disadvantaged school, living regionally, performing well in relevant subjects, or applying through access schemes like SEAS (VIC) or EAS (NSW).
Adjustment factors of 5–10 points are common, and they stack. So an ATAR of 78 with 7 adjustment points becomes a selection rank of 85, which is what actually gets you the offer. Always check which schemes you are eligible for; thousands of students miss out simply because they never apply. Learn how your ATAR is estimated
What If Your ATAR Is Not Enough? 5 Pathways That Work
A lower-than-hoped ATAR is not the end of the story. These pathways are used by tens of thousands of students every year:
- Diploma-to-degree pathways: complete a one-year diploma and transfer into the second year of a bachelor with credit.
- TAFE and vocational courses: many lead directly into university degrees or strong careers on their own.
- Alternative entry schemes: portfolios, interviews, and STAT tests can bypass ATAR requirements at many institutions.
- Start at a different university and transfer: cut-offs vary enormously between institutions for the same degree.
- Take a gap year and reapply: cut-offs change yearly, and a stronger application can change everything.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a 60 ATAR good?
A 60 ATAR still gives you real options: many courses accept 60+, and diploma and TAFE pathways can take you further. It is below the median, but it is far from a dead end.
What is the average ATAR in Australia?
The median ATAR is 50.00 by definition, but among students who apply for university the median is higher, roughly 70 in most states. That context makes it easier to answer what is a good ATAR for your own goals: for many courses, a rank in the 70s or 80s is already a strong result.
Does a higher ATAR guarantee a better career?
No. Once you are in your course, employers care about your degree, skills and experience, nobody asks about your ATAR after first year.
Can I improve my ATAR after Year 12?
Your ATAR itself is final, but your selection rank can be boosted with adjustment factors, and pathway programs let you reach the same degree by a different route.
How can I estimate my ATAR before results day?
Use our free ATAR calculator to enter your expected subject scores and get an instant estimate based on the latest scaling data for your state: VCE, HSC, QCE, WACE or SACE.