If your ATAR sits below your target university's cutoff, you may still qualify for entry through adjustment factors. These are bonus points added to your ATAR for the purpose of admission only. They are not awarded automatically; some require an application.
What are adjustment factors?
Adjustment factors are extra points (typically 0 to 15) added to your raw ATAR when calculating your selection rank for university entry. Your underlying ATAR does not change; the adjustment is for admission purposes only.
Example: if your ATAR is 80 and you qualify for 5 adjustment points, your selection rank for that university becomes 85. If the course cutoff is 82, you would receive an offer.
Who qualifies?
Adjustment factors are typically awarded for one or more of:
- School-based: attendance at a low-SES school, regional or remote school, or specified equity-priority school.
- Subject-based: completion of specific Year 12 subjects relevant to the chosen course.
- Equity-based: financial hardship, refugee or asylum seeker status, indigenous Australian identification, recognised disability.
- Performance-based: notable achievement in music, sport, debating, leadership, community service.
UWA adjustment schemes
| Scheme | Bonus | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Access (subject-based) | +5 ATAR points per relevant subject (max 10) | Top 30% in specified Year 12 subjects relevant to your course |
| Aspire UWA (school-based) | +10 ATAR points | Attendance at an Aspire partner school |
| Equity scholars | +10 ATAR points | Financial hardship, refugee status, regional/remote attendance |
| Indigenous Tertiary Aspirations | Variable / direct entry | Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander identification |
Aspire UWA partner schools include many public schools in the Bentley/Cannington/Canning Vale catchment. Check uwa.edu.au/study/aspire for the current partner list.
Curtin adjustment schemes
| Scheme | Bonus | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Curtin Equity Scholarships | +5 to +10 ATAR points | Various financial hardship and equity backgrounds |
| Indigenous Australian Bridging Course | Direct entry pathway | Indigenous identification |
| Performance Adjustment Scheme | +5 ATAR points | Demonstrated excellence in sport, music, leadership |
| Subject-related adjustment | Variable | Strong performance in subjects relevant to the chosen course |
Murdoch adjustment schemes
Murdoch's UniPath program offers a non-ATAR pathway alongside standard adjustment factors. Most Murdoch courses also accept:
- Educational Access scheme (school-based, similar to UWA Aspire).
- Equity adjustment for financial or background-related disadvantage.
- Indigenous direct entry pathways.
ECU adjustment schemes
Edith Cowan University offers similar schemes:
- UniPrep (alternative pre-bachelor pathway).
- Equity-based ATAR adjustment.
- Indigenous Pathways and Yarn-Up program.
How do I apply?
Most adjustment schemes auto-apply if you tick the right boxes during your TISC application or direct university application:
- School-based: TISC checks your school against the partner list automatically.
- Subject-based: TISC checks your subject results against the course's relevant subjects automatically.
- Equity-based: requires an application with supporting documentation (financial statements, school letters, refugee documentation).
- Performance-based: separate application with letters of recommendation and portfolios.
Equity and performance applications usually have an earlier deadline than the standard TISC deadline. Check each scheme's specific timeline.
How much can adjustment factors lift my ATAR?
Most students who qualify for adjustment factors receive between 5 and 15 bonus points. Combinations are typically capped (you cannot stack every adjustment scheme). Specific maximums vary by university.
For UWA: maximum aggregate adjustment is typically 15 ATAR points. Curtin and Murdoch are similar.
Common mistakes
- Not knowing adjustment factors exist. The most common one. Many students who would qualify never claim.
- Missing the deadline. Equity and performance applications often have earlier deadlines than the TISC standard deadline.
- Confusing adjustment factors with scholarships. Adjustment factors lift your ATAR for entry. Scholarships pay for your study. Different schemes, different applications.
- Underestimating the impact. 10 adjustment points can be the difference between a backup degree and your dream degree.
What to actually do this week
- List the universities you might apply to. Visit each university's adjustment factor page (usually at /study/admission/adjustment-factors).
- Tick which schemes you might qualify for. Note the deadlines.
- If equity adjustment applies, gather supporting documentation now (school letters, financial statements).
- If you are in Year 11 or 12 and want help mapping out adjustment options, book a free trial at our centres.