What Is An Atar? Everything You Need To Know About ATAR (2024 Updated)

ATAR is a score or mark and a ranking system that compares and evaluates students' academic achievements. But, what is an ATAR in Australian universities, why is ATAR so important, and what are the differences between ATAR and HSC? Stay tuned for the article.

What Is An ATAR?

The acronym ATAR stands for Australian Tertiary Admission Rank. It is a tool to transparently evaluate and compare students' academic performance within a state for tertiary selection. It ranges from 0 to 99.95, where 99.55 is the highest rank that a student could possibly achieve.

According to the VTAC, Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre, the average ATAR for 16 to 20 year olds is usually around 70.00. However, most universities also use additional criteria when choosing students for their courses, such as a personal statement, an entry essay, an interview or assessment, or relevant experience. 

See more: What is tertiary qualification in Australia?

Why Is the ATAR Score Important?

There are many reasons why the ATAR score is so important.

1. ATAR Determines Your Enrolling Eligibility

As mentioned above, ATAR is used to determine a student's eligibility for enrolling in a university, and the score will be calculated based on students' performances. 

So, if your goal is to go to university, then the ATAR score is a minimum requirement to be admitted to that course. And also, the higher your ATAR results, the better your chances of getting into university. And vice versa, if you are unsure you want to attend college, ATAR will bring you a few benefits.

2. ATAR Benefits Your Education Pathway

One of the good things about ATAR is that it could bring significant learning effects. 

• Help students achieve their goals: As students already know their goals, they'll learn how to achieve them in a planned way. For example, they can focus on primary subjects and offload anxiety on unnecessary subjects. 

• Develop time management and study skills: The ATAR serves as a definitive objective for students to strive towards, encouraging them to develop better study habits, time management skills, and gain a sense of purpose in their studies.

• Motivate students to study harder: It's obvious that a high ATAR can give students a competitive advantage when applying for university programs or jobs. So, this can motivate students to study harder and engage more deeply in their studies. 

See more:

- What ATAR Do You Need To Be A Nurse?

- How Is ATAR Calculated?

3. ATAR Secures Students' Acceptance Slot  

According to the Centre for Independent Studies's report, there is a relevance between ATAR scores and university completion rates. Students with an ATAR score below 60 are three times more likely to drop out than those with an ATAR score of 80 or higher.

A higher ATAR can provide a competitive advantage in highly competitive fields or popular courses with limited vacancies. Universities may give preference to applicants with higher ATARs when allocating limited spots. Therefore, achieving a strong ATAR opens up more opportunities for students to secure a place in competitive courses or prestigious institutions.

Source: Australia Government Department of Education, Higher Education Statistics

Who Is Eligible For ATAR?

To qualify for an ATAR, you must complete at least 10 units of ATAR courses. Such courses must include the following:

• 8 units from Category A courses

• 2 units of English

• 3 Board Developed courses, each of which must be of at least 2 units

• 4 subject areas

Your ATAR is calculated based on the following criteria.

• Best 2 units of English

• Best 8 units from the remaining courses you have taken

• However, it is essential to note that you can have up to 2 units of Category B courses.

Note: The calculation of the ATAR score will depend on each state. So, make sure you’ll read the detailed requirements to avoid missing anything.

See more: What is the best university in Australia?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What does ATAR mean in Australia?

ATAR stands for Australian Tertiary Admission Rank. It’s a transparent tool to evaluate and compare the academic results of students in Australia who want to enroll in university.

2. What does 75 ATAR mean?

VTAC reports that if you have an ATAR of 75.00, you are 25 percent from the top of your age group. 

3. What is the highest ATAR score you can get?

According to VTAC, the highest ATAR score you can get is 99.95

We hope that the article “What is an ATAR?” has given you essential information about ATAR. ATAR is crucial for Australia's students and international students who want to apply to their favorite universities in Australia. If you are looking for an organization working in the field of education in Australia to help you achieve your dream, SW Education is an ideal choice.

SW Education is the leading Australian education consultancy. Our team of skilled consultants possesses vast knowledge and expertise in international higher education and the necessary qualifications for providing effective educational counseling. We strive to offer the highest quality services to our students. Please feel free to contact us for any further assistance you may require.