Perth has four main universities (UWA, Curtin, Murdoch, Notre Dame), and each publishes ATAR cut-offs annually via TISC. The data is public but spread across multiple sources. Here's the consolidated picture.
All numbers below refer to the ATAR you'd need at the standard entry round. Most courses also accept students through alternative pathways (ATAR + portfolio, postgraduate entry, bridging programs). Bonus points and adjustment factors can lift your effective ATAR by 5-10 points in many cases.
How to read ATAR cut-offs
The "minimum ATAR" published by TISC is the lowest ATAR that gained entry to a course in the most recent intake. It's not a guarantee, courses with limited spots fill from highest ATAR down, and a 0.05 ATAR point in either direction can be the difference between offer and no offer.
For competitive courses (Medicine, Engineering, certain double degrees) the actual median entry ATAR is typically 5-10 points higher than the published minimum.
University of Western Australia (UWA)
WA's research-intensive Group of Eight university. Courses span Arts, Science, Engineering, Commerce, Law, Medicine. Located in Crawley.
Standard undergraduate degrees typically require ATAR 80+ for guaranteed entry to most Bachelor of Arts, Science and Commerce streams.
Higher-cut-off courses at UWA include:
- Doctor of Medicine (via undergraduate pathway). Entry is via Bachelor of Biomedical Science or related, with assured-pathway entry to MD requiring ATAR 96+ plus UCAT and interview. Direct ATAR-only thresholds shift each year.
- Bachelor of Philosophy (Hons), Honours degree, broad disciplines. ATAR typically 98+ plus interview. One of WA's most competitive entry programs.
- Engineering (Hons) double degrees. Combined Engineering + Commerce or Science doubles typically require ATAR 90-95+.
- Law (Juris Doctor pathway via undergraduate). Most students enter via a Bachelor's then JD; competitive direct-entry ATARs are typically 95+.
UWA offers Subject Bonuses (additional ATAR points for taking specified subjects relevant to your course), and equity adjustment factors. Check UWA's "ATAR adjustments" page for current bonuses, which can lift your effective ATAR by up to 10 points.
Curtin University
WA's largest university by student numbers. Strong reputation in Engineering, Health Sciences, Mining, Architecture and Computing. Located in Bentley.
Standard undergraduate degrees at Curtin generally require ATAR 70-80 for guaranteed entry. Curtin's commitment to access pathways means many courses have lower published cut-offs than peer institutions.
Higher-cut-off courses at Curtin include:
- Bachelor of Pharmacy. ATAR typically 90+.
- Bachelor of Vision Science → Master of Optometry pathway. ATAR typically 95+ plus prerequisite subjects.
- Engineering (specific specialisations). Most engineering streams require ATAR 80+; petroleum, mining and mechatronics tend toward the higher end.
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy. ATAR typically 92+.
- Bachelor of Occupational Therapy. ATAR typically 87+.
Curtin offers Engineering and Science Pathways (lower-ATAR entry to associated foundation courses, then transfer to the main degree), making it a strong option if your ATAR is just below cut-off.
Murdoch University
Located in Murdoch (south of the river). Strong in Veterinary Science, Environmental Science, Psychology and Law. Generally has more accessible ATAR cut-offs than UWA or Curtin.
Standard undergraduate degrees at Murdoch typically require ATAR 70+.
Higher-cut-off courses at Murdoch include:
- Bachelor of Veterinary Medical Science → Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. ATAR typically 95+ plus prerequisites, the most competitive course at Murdoch and one of only a few Veterinary programs in Australia.
- Bachelor of Laws (LLB). ATAR typically 80-85+.
- Bachelor of Psychology (Hons). ATAR typically 80+.
University of Notre Dame Australia (Fremantle campus)
Catholic university located in Fremantle. Smaller and more intimate than the public unis. Strong in Health Sciences, Education, Arts and Law.
Notre Dame uses a portfolio-based entry process for most courses, meaning your ATAR is one of several factors (alongside an interview, written submission and references). Pure ATAR cut-offs are typically lower than equivalent UWA/Curtin courses, but the portfolio assessment can be more involved.
Notable Notre Dame courses include:
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS), Doctor of Medicine pathway. Limited spots, ATAR 90+ plus competitive interview.
- Bachelor of Education (Primary, Secondary). ATAR 70+ depending on stream.
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy. ATAR typically 92+.
- Bachelor of Laws. ATAR typically 80+.
Other pathways
Don't forget that ATAR isn't the only path:
- UniReady (Curtin), UWAccess (UWA), OnTrack (Murdoch), Foundation Year (Notre Dame): bridging programs that admit students with ATARs below standard cut-offs, with successful completion guaranteeing entry.
- TAFE pathways: Diplomas and Cert IVs in many fields offer credit-transfer into university programs.
- Mature-age entry: Most Perth universities accept students 21+ via STAT testing, regardless of high school results.
- Postgraduate entry to professional programs: Medicine (most Australian Medical Schools accept GAMSAT-based postgrad entry), Law (JD pathway), Veterinary, Pharmacy.
Subject prerequisites
ATAR is one filter; subject prerequisites are the other. Many courses require specific WACE subjects regardless of your ATAR:
- Engineering: Methods (often Specialist) plus Physics or Chemistry.
- Medicine, Pharmacy, Vet: Chemistry; Methods often required.
- Physiotherapy, OT: Chemistry or Human Biology, plus Methods or Apps.
- Architecture, Design: Methods and often portfolio.
If you're missing a prerequisite, most universities offer prerequisite courses you can complete in your first semester or a gap year.
Where to verify cut-offs for the year you're applying
The single source of truth is the TISC website at tisc.edu.au. TISC publishes annually:
- Course Information Booklet, every undergraduate course in WA with prerequisites and cut-offs.
- Selection rank distributions, historical ATAR ranges per course.
- Bonus point details, Subject Bonuses, equity bonuses, regional bonuses by university.
Also worth checking: each university's "course finder" or "applying" pages, which sometimes have additional information not on TISC.
The bottom line
If you're targeting a specific course at a specific Perth uni, look up the most recent published cut-off and add 5 points as your real target. The 5-point margin protects you against year-on-year variation and gives you flexibility to ride out a bad exam.
Most Perth families have realistic options across all four universities once you account for bonus points and pathway programs. The "I won't get in anywhere" worry is usually unfounded.
For our take on which schools tend to produce the highest ATARs in WA, see top WA ATAR schools 2025. For how scaling actually works, see how WA scaling works.