When you’re preparing for uni, it can seem like there’s much to plan. From navigating the application process to applying for accommodation – and everything in between. There is plenty to keep you busy, so amidst it all, you’ll need to keep across key dates. Uni offer rounds are an important part of the uni application process. If you’re wondering what uni offer rounds are and how they work, that’s okay. Because we’re about to take you through everything you need to know about UAC’s offer rounds.

Main uni offer rounds

There are uni offer rounds throughout the year when you apply through UAC (Universities Admission Centre) and the other Tertiary Admission Centres (TACs). As a Year 12 student, you’ll find that most offers are available to you once ATARs have been released in December. So, the main UAC offer rounds you’ll want to add to your diary are December Round 2 and January Round 1.

• This year, ATARs for NSW HSC students will be released on 14 December 2023.
• For Victorian Year 12 students, your ATAR will be released on 11 December 2023.

December Round 2 offers

If you want to receive a study offer via UAC shortly after getting your ATAR, then apply as soon as possible for December Round 2. Not only will you have more certainty and less stress over the Christmas holidays, but some of our more competitive courses may fill quickly. So, give yourself the best chance at getting into your top preference by applying for UAC’s December Round 2 offer round.

Important dates for UAC December Round 2 offers

• Apply and pay by 11.59pm on Thursday 9 November 2023
• Upload PDF documents by 11.59pm on Thursday 16 November 2023
• Change preferences by 11.59pm on Friday 15 December 2023
• Offers released at 7.30am on Thursday 21 December 2023

January Round 1 offers

If you miss out on applying for December Round 2 offers, there’s no need to stress. Because January Round 1 offers, UAC’s other main round for Year 12 students, is just around the corner! This is your next opportunity to get into a course. Remember, you can preference up to five courses with UAC. So if you don’t receive an offer for your first preference, we’ll look at your ATAR and make an offer based on your next preferenced courses.

Another thing to remember is that some students who were made offers in December Round 2 may have chosen to decline or defer their places. This means that places in popular courses could become available. Great news if your preferred course that had previously filled becomes available!

Important dates for UAC January Round 1 offers

• Apply and pay by 11.59pm on Thursday 23 November 2023
• Upload PDF documents by 11.59pm on Thursday 28 December 2023
• Change preferences by 11.59pm on Thursday 4 January 2024
• Offers released at 7.30am on Thursday 11 January 2024

Accepting an offer

Now, you’ll only receive one offer for each round you apply for. Importantly, if you don’t receive an offer or you receive an offer that’s not your first preference in an earlier round, then you still have options. For instance, you might receive an offer for your second or third preference. You can choose to accept this offer as the course may provide a pathway to the course you really want. Or, you might decide to apply for the next round of offers to see if your top preference has placed. Just remember to make sure that you take a look at the ATAR cut-off for the course you really want to see if you’re eligible for entry to that course.

Early offers

Now, here’s some exciting news – you can receive an offer to study with Charles Sturt before you sit your final exams! Early offers for a range of our undergraduate courses are offered through:

• Charles Sturt Advantage (our early offer program)
• Schools Recommendation Scheme (via UAC)
• in some cases, criteria other than their ATAR, such as an interview or audition.

Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program

At Charles Sturt we recognise that there is much more to you than academic achievement alone. That’s why our Charles Sturt Advantage early offer program considers your diverse skills and capabilities. We look at your Year 11 results in combination with your soft skills – things like communication, motivation, empathy and resilience – to assess your potential to succeed at uni. This program is unique to Charles Sturt and offers exclusive support and events.

Find out how you can get the Advantage.

Have questions about uni offer rounds or going to uni?

If you have any further questions about anything else uni-related, we’re here to help. Reach out to us whenever and however suits you best.