The Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC) processes university applications for UWA, Curtin and Murdoch. Notre Dame applications are made directly through the university. ECU also has a direct route plus TISC. Most school leavers in WA submit one TISC application that covers all relevant courses.
TISC is intimidating the first time. It is not actually complicated. Here is the walkthrough.
Key dates for 2026 entry
| Date | What happens |
|---|---|
| April 2026 | TISC application portal opens |
| June-September 2026 | Standard application window |
| Late September 2026 | Standard application deadline (without late fee) |
| Early November 2026 | Final late application deadline (with late fee) |
| Mid-December 2026 | WACE results released; ATAR calculated |
| Late December 2026 | Round 1 offers issued |
| Mid-January 2027 | Round 2 offers issued |
The deadline matters. Apply by the standard deadline if at all possible to avoid the late fee.
Step 1: Set up your TISC account
- Go to tisc.edu.au and click "Apply" in the school leaver section.
- Create an account using your school email plus a personal email (some schools deactivate emails after Year 12).
- Save your TISC application number. You will need it throughout the year.
Step 2: Add courses to your preference list
You can list up to 6 course preferences in priority order. TISC works through them in your stated order. If you do not get into your first preference, they check your second, then third, and so on.
Strategy:
- Preference 1: your dream course at the university you want most. Even if it is competitive, list it first.
- Preference 2: same course at a less competitive university. If UWA is your dream, list Curtin or Murdoch as backup.
- Preference 3: a related course at your top university. e.g., if your dream is UWA Engineering and your ATAR might fall short, preference UWA Science as a related entry.
- Preference 4-6: backup options at universities with lower ATAR cutoffs.
Order matters. You will get an offer to your highest-listed course you qualify for, not all courses you qualify for.
Step 3: Apply for adjustment factors
UWA, Curtin and Murdoch all offer adjustment factors for various equity groups. Adjustment factors are bonus points added to your ATAR for the purpose of admission. You may qualify for:
- School-based adjustment (low-SES schools, regional schools).
- Subject-based adjustment (UWA's Educational Access scheme for relevant Year 12 subjects).
- Equity-based adjustment (financial hardship, refugee status, indigenous identification).
- Performance adjustment (notable achievement in music, sport, leadership).
Most adjustment schemes auto-apply if you tick the right boxes during the TISC application. Read the eligibility criteria carefully on each university's adjustment factor page.
Read more in our adjustment factors explained guide.
Step 4: Submit supporting documents
Most school leavers do not need to submit documents beyond the application. Exceptions:
- Notre Dame applications: separate direct application with personal statement and references.
- UWA Music or Visual Arts: portfolio submission required.
- Medicine programs: UCAT scores submitted separately to UCAT ANZ; CASper for some.
- Equity adjustment applications: supporting documentation (school letter, financial assessment).
Check the requirements for each course you preference. TISC tells you what is needed when you select the course.
Step 5: Pay the application fee
The TISC application fee is around $50. Late applications incur an additional fee. If you cannot afford the fee, equity options exist; ask your school career counsellor.
Step 6: Wait for offers
You will receive your ATAR mid-December. TISC then runs offers in two rounds:
- Round 1: late December. Most school leavers receive their offer here.
- Round 2: mid-January. For courses with available places after Round 1 acceptances.
You can accept, reject, or defer your offer. Most courses allow deferment for one year.
What if I get an offer to a lower-preference course?
If TISC offers you preference 4 (a backup), you can:
- Accept it. Lock in the offer; reject any future offers.
- Wait for Round 2. Sometimes Round 2 has spots open at higher preferences. You can still accept Round 2 offers.
- Reject all offers and re-apply next year. Some students take a gap year and re-apply with adjusted preferences.
What if I miss the cutoff entirely?
Three pathways:
- UniReady at Curtin or Murdoch UniPath: free pre-bachelor programs that bridge into a related undergraduate degree.
- Bachelor of Arts/Science as gateway: enrol in a BA or BSc and apply to transfer to your target degree after first year.
- Re-apply next year: take a gap year, work, complete a bridging course, or improve your portfolio for re-application.
What about Notre Dame?
Notre Dame applications are not processed through TISC. You apply directly through the Notre Dame admissions office at notredame.edu.au. Notre Dame admissions are interview-based for most courses; ATAR is one factor among several.
What to actually do this week
- If you are in Year 12, mark the TISC application deadline in your calendar (late September 2026).
- Identify 4 to 6 courses you might preference. Visit each university's course pages to confirm prerequisites.
- Read the adjustment factor schemes at each university you might apply to. Most are auto-applied during TISC submission.
- If you have specific questions about course selection or backup strategy, book a free trial at our centres.