Every December, one question dominates Year 12 group chats across Australia: when do ATARs come out? ATARs are released state by state across the middle of December, each by a different admissions centre. Here are the 2026 key dates, what happens after results day, and exactly what to do when your number lands. Updated October 2026: 2026 release dates now confirmed for VIC, NSW/ACT and QLD.
ATAR Release Dates 2026: All States
| State / System | Who releases your ATAR | 2026 release date |
| VIC (VCE) | VTAC | Thursday 10 December, from 7:00am |
| NSW and ACT (HSC) | UAC | Wednesday 16 December, 9:00am |
| QLD (QCE) | QTAC | Friday 18 December |
| WA (WACE) | TISC | Saturday 19 December (TBC)* |
| SA and NT (SACE) | SATAC | Mid-December (TBC)* |
| TAS (TCE) | UTAS | December (TBC)* |
*VIC, NSW/ACT and QLD dates confirmed for 2026. WA (expected 19 December), SA/NT (mid-December) and TAS (December) dates are to be confirmed, so check your TAC’s website closer to the time.
State-by-State Details
Victoria (VCE): VTAC releases VCE results and ATARs on Thursday 10 December 2026 from 7:00am. You will need your VTAC ID and PIN to log in: have them ready the night before.
New South Wales and ACT (HSC): UAC releases ATARs on Wednesday 16 December 2026 at 9:00am. Your HSC results from NESA arrive around the same period.
Queensland (QCE): QTAC issues your ATAR Result Notice online on Friday 18 December 2026. Your QCE results come from the QCAA just before.
Western Australia (WACE): TISC releases ATARs and scaled scores in mid to late December (expected Saturday 19 December 2026, to be confirmed), communicated via the Universities Admission Advice Letter.
South Australia and Northern Territory (SACE): SATAC releases results in mid-December 2026 (to be confirmed).
Tasmania (TCE): UTAS releases results in December 2026 (to be confirmed).
University Offer Rounds: What Happens Next
Once you know when do atars come out for your state, results day is only half the story. After ATARs are released:
- Change of preference window: most TACs let you reorder your course preferences for several days after results. This is your chance to adjust based on your actual ATAR.
- January main round offers: the biggest round of university offers lands in early to mid January. This is when most Year 12 students receive their offer.
- Later rounds: further offer rounds run through late January and February for courses with remaining places.
- Enrolment: accept your offer and enrol. Deadlines are strict, so act fast.
Estimate your ATAR before results day with our free calculator
What to Do on ATAR Release Day: Checklist
- Have your login ready the night before (VTAC ID and PIN, UAC application number, QTAC username, and so on).
- Check your ATAR on your TAC’s portal, not just your raw subject results.
- Compare it against indicative cut-offs for your preferred courses: remember these shift yearly.
- Reorder your preferences before the change-of-preference deadline if your ATAR changes your strategy.
- Apply for access schemes (SEAS, EAS) if you are eligible and have not already: bonus points can lift your selection rank.
- Have a Plan B: pathway courses, diplomas, and alternative entry options are all still on the table whatever your number.
Frequently Asked Questions
What time do ATARs come out?
In Victoria, VTAC releases from 7:00am. Other states typically release during the morning of their published date: check your TAC for the exact time.
When do ATARs come out in 2026?
In 2026, confirmed dates are: Victoria first (Thursday 10 December), then NSW and ACT (Wednesday 16 December), then Queensland (Friday 18 December). WA (expected 19 December), SA and NT (mid-December) and Tasmania (December) are yet to be confirmed. See the table above for details.
When do university offers come out?
The main round of offers is released in early to mid January, with further rounds through late January and February.
What if I cannot access my ATAR on release day?
Portals get heavy traffic in the first hour: wait and try again. If you still cannot log in, contact your TAC directly; do not panic, your results are not going anywhere.
Is the ATAR release date the same every year?
Not exactly: each TAC confirms its dates around November. But the pattern is very stable: mid-December, in the same state order, year after year.