University preference trends for 2026

THE Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) has released a snapshot of applicants’ preferences for university study in 2026.

The accompanying table provides an overview of applicants’ preferences for applications made to NSW and ACT institutions through UAC. However, it’s important to note that multiple application channels are available and even within UAC applications preference choices are revised frequently, meaning these figures are subject to change daily.

While first preferences offer some insight into demand, caution is advised when using these numbers to gauge interest in a specific institution or to compare perceived quality among universities.

Year 12 applicants tend to list the maximum of five preferences. In many cases the courses they include as their first and second preferences reflect aspirational goals – courses they would really like to receive an offer for, but which have a higher cut-off than the rank they expect to achieve.

Non-Year 12 applicants tend to list fewer preferences, often only two or three preferences, demonstrating a more focused approach. Factors such as work, family and time commitments often play a significant role in their decision-making process.

All applicants can change their preferences at any time but preference changes peak following the release of the ATAR. This year, NSW HSC students will receive their ATARs at 9am on Thursday 18 December. Historically, UAC expects about 20,000 students to change their preferences after receiving their ATAR, aligning their choices more realistically with the courses for which they may qualify.

When comparing preference statistics across universities, it’s important to consider institutional size. Larger metropolitan universities attract a greater number of applications compared to smaller regional universities.

So far this year, more than 74,100* applicants have applied for undergraduate study to all institutions through UAC, including 50,400 Year 12 students. Many have also applied directly to individual universities for study next year to maximise their chances of receiving an offer. UAC has processed another 112,000^ of these applications on behalf of individual universities^# and these preferences are not included in this data.

For a detailed breakdown, download the preference statistics for 2026 admissions.*

For further information, call the institutions on the numbers listed below.

*Applicant numbers are as of midnight 30 November 2025. These figures do not include international applications. 

^Applicants may apply directly to several universities, so this figure is not the count of unique applicants, but the number of applications processed.

^#UAC processes direct applications on behalf of Australian Catholic University, Australian College of Physical Education, Australian National University, CQUniversity Australia, Macquarie University, University of New England, University of Newcastle, University of Tasmania, University of Technology Sydney, University of Wollongong, UNSW Sydney and Western Sydney University.

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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.