15 Jan 2026
Media releases
Most in-demand courses for 2026
With the majority of students now having received their university offers, the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) has released its list of the most in-demand courses for 2026.
This year’s results reflect consistent interest across a range of disciplines, with the top three courses unchanged from last year. The Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine at UNSW again attracted the highest number of first preferences.
Business and commerce programs continue to be a strong choice for students. The Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Sydney retained second position, followed by the Bachelor of Business at the University of Technology Sydney in third place. The Bachelor of Commerce at UNSW is a new entry into the top ten, while the combined Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws at the University of Sydney also remains within the top rankings, following its entry into the list last year.
Medical programs again feature prominently across 2026 preferences. The joint Bachelor of Medical Science/Doctor of Medicine offered by the University of Newcastle and the University of New England recorded one of the largest upward movements, rising to fourth place. Other highly sought-after medical programs include the Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine joint program at Western Sydney University and Charles Sturt University, which ranked ninth, and the Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine at the University of Sydney, which ranks eleventh.
Arts and law programs also continue to attract strong interest, with the University of Sydney’s Bachelor of Arts and the Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Laws maintaining their popularity. The Bachelor of Laws (double degree program) at UNSW, at number ten, similarly remains a preferred option for many applicants.
As the start of first semester approaches, universities are preparing for final offer rounds to fill remaining vacancies across a range of courses. The next UAC offer round will be released on Thursday 22 January with preferences closing on Thursday 15 January.
| Rank | Course | Institution | No of first preferences* | 2025 rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine, Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine | UNSW | 1,899 | 1 |
| 2 | Bachelor of Commerce | University of Sydney | 1,280 | 2 |
| 3 | Bachelor of Business | University of Technology Sydney | 961 | 3 |
| 4 | Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program) | University of Newcastle/University of New England | 915 | 9 |
| 5 | Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws | University of Sydney | 901 | 4 |
| 6 | Bachelor of Arts | University of Sydney | 847 | 7 |
| 7 | Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws | University of Sydney | 820 | 6 |
| 8 | Bachelor of Commerce | UNSW | 817 | 11 |
| 9 | Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine (MD) | Western Sydney University/Charles Sturt University | 794 | 5 |
| 10 | Bachelor of Laws (double degree program) | UNSW | 759 | 10 |
| 11 | Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine | University of Sydney | 756 | 8 |
| 12 | Bachelor of Paramedicine | Western Sydney University | 697 | 12 |
| 13 | Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) | University of Sydney | 682 | 15 |
| 14 | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Flexible First Year) | UNSW | 655 | 18 |
| 15 | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Aerospace/Mechanical and Manufacturing/Mechanical) | UNSW | 632 | 24 |
| 16 | Double Commerce with BA, BFA, BAdvSc(H), BAviMgt, B Media, B Des, BEco, BInfoSys, BSci, BSc(Comp Sci) | UNSW | 618 | 14 |
| 17 | Bachelor of Oral Health | University of Sydney | 578 | 17 |
| 18 | Bachelor of Nursing | University of Technology Sydney | 572 | 13 |
| 19 | Bachelor of Construction Project Management | University of Technology Sydney | 565 | 19 |
| 20 | B Actuarial Studies combined with B Com, B Econ, B Sc, B Sc (Adv Maths)(Hons), B Info Sys, B Sc (Comp Sc) | UNSW | 542 | 22 |
*Includes all domestic undergraduate applicants who applied through UAC by 11.59pm on 8 January 2026, January Round 1. Does not include international students.
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For further information (media only) email media@uac.edu.au or contact:
Diane Jardine, Communications Coordinator, UAC on 0436 459 603, or
Kim Paino, Chief Strategy and Engagement Officer, UAC on 0409 155 112.