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 for uni offer rounds.
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 University Admissions Centre (UAC) offer rounds.
What are uni offer rounds?
Getting accepted into uni can look different for everyone. Some people might get an offer before exams and some after. This process is called uni offer rounds.
Uni offer rounds are scheduled releases of admission offers from universities. Major rounds occur in December and January for Year 12s, and there are various rounds throughout the year for non-school leavers and international students.
You can receive one offer per round. Your top preference will be prioritised, so make sure to order them based on where you want to go most to least. First rounds have more availability, therefore a higher chance of receiving an offer. Later rounds will have less availability as some courses fill early and have limited spots remaining.
Uni offer rounds: at a glance
We know it can seem confusing and difficult to know what the difference is between the rounds, and what they mean for you. We’re here to help!
| Offer round | What it means and when it happens |
| December round 2 offers | The earliest round for Year 12 students; released before Christmas |
| January round 1 offers | Main offer rounds after ATARs are released; most students receive their offer here |
| General offer rounds (throughout the year) | Additional rounds where universities may issue offers if places remain |
| International offers | Assessed on a rolling basis throughout the year for international applicants |
Main uni offer rounds
There are uni offer rounds throughout the year when you apply through UAC 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 16 December 2026.
For VIC Year 12 students, your ATAR will be released on 10 December 2026.
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 provide documents for the Education Access Scheme (EAS) by 11.59pm on Thursday 19 November 2026 |
| Apply, pay and upload PDF documents by 11.59pm on Thursday 26 November 2026 |
| Change preferences by 11.59pm on Friday 18 December 2026 |
| Offers released at 7.30am on Wednesday 23 December 2026 |
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.
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:
| Upload PDF documents by 11.59pm on Monday 21 December 2026 |
| Apply and provide documents for EAS by 11.59pm on Friday 25 December 2026 |
| Change preferences by 11.59pm on Tuesday 29 December 2026 |
| Offers released at 7.30am on Friday 8 January 2027 |
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.
To simplify this for you, you can
- Accept the offer you have received
- Apply for the next round of offers to have another go at getting your top preference
- Check the cut-off and change your preferences if you didn’t quite meet the ATAR requirements.
If you need more support, you can contact our support team or have a look at UACs flowchart.
Alternative pathways
Now, here’s some exciting news – you can receive an offer to study with Charles Sturt before you sit your final exams! You can apply for early offers and go into your exams with confidence knowing you’ve already been accepted into your preferred uni course.
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 your ATAR, such as an interview or audition.
What is the Charles Sturt Advantage 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 Chares Sturt and offer exclusive support and events. The benefits of our program include:
- Early access to apply for accommodation, giving you a guaranteed spot on campus
- Getting to know your lecturers before you begin classes
- Exclusive online events about grants, accommodation, orientation and more
- Invitation to the CSA overnight Retreat in December, which gives you the opportunity to make friends and get to know our campuses before you start
- Access to exclusive merch.
Be recognised and accepted into uni for more than just your grades. Find out how you can get the Advantage.
International student offers
For international students applying is a little different, but don’t stress because we can help!
As an international student there are a few things you need to have organised before you start your application with us.
- Understand your entry requirements – you will need to meet minimum academic and English language requirements
- Check if you are eligible for credit – we recognise a range of overseas qualifications and have arrangements with institutions in various countries
- Prepare supporting documents – if you need official documentation for you application you need to have these arranged and verified
- Understand your responsibilities and expectations – you have requirements you must meet as an international student with us, such as paying fee on time, maintaining a full-time load.
If you need more support or want to start your application now, you can explore our International Application page which explains the process in further detail.
How can we help you?
We understand it can be confusing and scary to start thinking about uni and how you’re going to get there. While you’re enjoying Year 12, uni offer rounds can come around fast! So it’s best to understand them and be ready!
We’re here to help. You can contact our support team about application processes, uni offer rounds or any other uni-related questions.
FAQs
When do offer rounds take place?
The main uni offer rounds are December Round 2 and January Round 1. Make sure you check on the UAC website for the keys dates to make sure you don’t miss out!
Do I need to accept my offer straight away?
No, you don’t need to accept an offer straight away. But don’t wait too long because it will lapse after a certain time!
You can accept an offer and still receive offers from other unis. For example, if you receive an offer from your lower preference, accept it. And rearrange your preferences to aim for a better offer in the next round.
Can I change my preferences after an offer round?
Yes! It is good to do this if you receive an offer or if you miss out in the first round. For example, if you receive an offer from one of your top preferences, move it down so it doesn’t block you from receiving more offers in the next round.
What if I miss an offer round?
That’s why there’s multiple rounds! If you miss a round, don’t stress! Check your application, maybe rearrange your preferences for the next round and check out alternative pathways.
Can I still get into Charles Sturt if I don’t get an offer?
Yes. If you do not get early entry or entry through the December or January offer rounds, you can still attend Charles Sturt. It might look a little different to what you were expecting, but you could complete admission pathway programs to help you get into your course.
Contact us to chat about your options, and we’ll help you find the right course.
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