07 Oct 2020
Media releases
Trending uni fields of study in 2021
HEALTH has once again taken the top spot as the favoured field of study among early bird applicants through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Society and Culture is also trending strongly. A breakdown of applicant first preferences by field of study is below.
Statistics based on the preferences of more than 69,000 early bird applicants show that 28 per cent listed Health as their first preference. Society and Culture – a mix of traditional humanities courses including law and psychology – received 21 per cent of first preferences. Although there’s been a slight increase in Health first preferences, this year’s data shows similar patterns to previous years.
A number of key statistical charts for this year, including gender, age and field of study analyses, can be found on UAC’s website. The table below shows fields of study selected by applicants as their first preference.
Field of study by first preference at 30 September – Early bird closing
| Field of study* | Percentage of first preferences |
|---|---|
| Health | 28% |
| Society and Culture | 22% |
| Management and Commerce | 11% |
| Natural and Physical Sciences | 10% |
| Engineering and Related Technologies | 8% |
| Creative Arts | 7% |
| Education | 6% |
| Architecture and Building | 4% |
| Information Technology | 3% |
| Agriculture, Environmental and Related Studies | 1% |
| Mixed Field Programs | <0.5% |
| Food, Hospitality & Personal Services | <0.5% |
*As determined by HEIMS
It’s important to note that these figures are as at 30 September 2020 only. Applications for university study in 2021 are still open and applicants can change their preferences at any time.
These figures do not include international applications or applicants applying directly to institutions. Percentages have been rounded.
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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
Nicole Swanson, Marketing and Digital Communications Manager, UAC on 0412 666 708