5 things you need to know about SRS

The Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) is one way Year 12 students can receive an early offer to university. Through SRS, universities can make offers to students based on criteria other than the ATAR, including their Year 11 results and their school’s recommendation.

Not every university participates in SRS and not every course is eligible, so you will need to check each institution’s criteria.

Offers are made before ATARs are released but, in many cases, the offer will be conditional – you may still need to meet subject or ATAR requirements.

Here are five things you need to know about applying for SRS.

1. Who can apply for SRS?

To apply for SRS you must be a UAC undergraduate applicant (domestic or international) who is attempting one of the following:

• an Australian Year 12 qualification in 2026 (ie NSW HSC, ACT SCC, QCE, TCE, SACE/NTCET, WACE or VCE)
• an International Baccalaureate in Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea or Fiji in November 2026.

If you're an interstate student, wait until early August 2026 to complete your SRS application. By then, UAC will have access to your Year 12 student ID details.

2. When and how do I apply?

You can apply for SRS after you complete your UAC undergraduate application. Follow the link to the Entry schemes tab. Click on Apply for SRS then follow these easy steps to submit your SRS application.

You don’t need to nominate any courses in your SRS application because it is automatically linked to the course preferences in your UAC application for undergraduate admission. To be considered for an offer, make sure you list at least one SRS-eligible course in your UAC preferences.

Applications for SRS close 11.59pm 11 September 2026.

3. What does my school need to do for SRS?

When UAC receives your SRS application, your school principal will be emailed a link to access your details. They will then advise their nominated staff member to rate you according to your aptitude in different areas, such as independence, motivation and capacity for abstract thought.

While UAC invites all secondary schools in Australia with SRS applicants to submit ratings, participation is optional. UAC cannot guarantee that your school will provide ratings for your application.

4. When will I receive my SRS offer?

Conditional and unconditional SRS offers will be released on 12 November 2026, before ATARs come out. 

Domestic students can receive:

• one unconditional offer
• one or more conditional offers.

Your SRS application will also be considered in subsequent offer rounds before ATARs are released.

International students can receive one or more unconditional offers. Your SRS application will only be considered in the 12 November round of offers.

Keep in mind, SRS offers are only for eligible courses included in your UAC preferences at the time offers are made.

5. What are conditional offers?

Some SRS offers to domestic students are conditional, meaning you’ll still need to meet additional requirements – such as a minimum ATAR, submitting a portfolio or attending an audition. Others may be unconditional and guarantee you a place, as long as you complete your HSC and receive an ATAR. 

On 23 December and 8 January, conditional SRS offers to domestic applicants will be converted to unconditional offers for applicants who meet institution criteria.