Settle your score by checking to see if you’re eligible for one or more adjustment factors. Available to domestic students only, adjustment factors can add extra momentum to your application, boosting your rank to get you into your desired course with flying colours.

What are adjustment factors?

Previously known as bonus points, adjustment factors can boost your Year 12 selection rank when you apply to study with us. 

Several adjustment factor categories are available, depending on circumstances such as your personal background, how well you did in your favourite subject, or if you attended a regional secondary school.

Please note: Adjustment factors are only available to domestic applicants or international students completing Year 12 schooling. 

How adjustment factors work

If you’re eligible for one or more adjustment factor categories, your ATAR / OP / selection rank can be adjusted upward to give you a new, higher entry score. This score is then used to assess your eligibility for entry into our courses.

Normally, a maximum of 12 adjustment points can be applied to your base score from the different adjustment factor categories.

Many adjustment factors are automatically added to your entry score as part of the application process. However, some entry programs that require a separate application also have an adjustment factor component for successful applicants.

Find out if you’re eligible for any adjustment factors by viewing the list of categories on this page.

Adjustment factor categories

ACU Subject Program

This program recognises the link between performance in a Year 12 subject and the chances of success in higher education.

Who is it for?

You’re eligible for this program if you’re based in Australia, currently finishing Year 12 or the International Baccalaureate (IB), and have outstanding achievement in subjects relevant to the university course you want to apply for. 

How many adjustment points will I get?

You will receive up to five points. 

How do I apply?

These points will be automatically applied through the relevant Tertiary Admissions Centre if you list an ACU course as a preference. There’s no need to apply separately.

Is my favourite subject part of the program?

You can check if your favourite school subject is part of the program by downloading a list of courses and subject bonuses, organised by state:

Elite Athlete and Performers Program (EAPP)

The Elite Athlete and Performers Program (EAPP) aims to support students who have demonstrated an elite level of sporting or performance achievement. 

If your application is successful, you’ll be automatically awarded adjustment points at the point of admission.

Find out more about the EAPP

Schools Relationship Program

This program aims to improve access to ACU for Australian Year 12 students.

Who is it for?

You’re eligible for this program if you’re based in Australia, are currently completing Year 12 or the IB, and attend a school that has a strong relationship with us.

These schools may be geographically close to one of our campuses and/or they may be linked to our social and equity pathways.

How many adjustment points will I get?

You will receive up to five points. 

Please note: You can receive a maximum of five adjustment points across the Schools Relationship, Campus and Regional Schools programs.

How do I apply?

These points will be automatically applied through the relevant Tertiary Admissions Centre if you list one of our courses as a preference. There’s no need to apply separately.

Is my school part of the program?

Find out if your school is part of the program by using the search box below:

 

Campus Program

This program aims to build relationships with students who live in areas that are important to one of our campuses.

Who is it for?

You’re eligible for this program if you’re based in Australia, are currently completing Year 12 or the IB, and live in an area deemed important to one of our campuses.

How many adjustment points will I get?

You will receive up to five points. 

Please note: You can receive a maximum of five adjustment points across the Schools Relationship, Campus and Regional Schools programs.

How do I apply?

These points will be automatically applied through the relevant Tertiary Admissions Centre if you list an ACU course as a preference. There’s no need to apply separately.

Is my home suburb part of the program?

Find out if your postcode or suburb is part of the program by using the search box below:

 

Regional Schools Program

This program aims to improve access to higher education for Australian Year 12 students who are attending a regional school.

Who is it for?

You’re eligible for this program if you’re based in Australia, are currently completing Year 12 or the IB, and attend a school identified as a regional school by the ASGC postcode classification system.

How many adjustment points will I get?

You will receive up to five points.

If you are also eligible for the Schools Relationship, Campus or Regional Schools programs, you will get a maximum of five adjustment points across the combination of programs.

How do I apply?

These points will be automatically applied through the relevant Tertiary Admissions Centre. There’s no need to apply separately. 

State access and equity schemes

State access and equity programs are aimed at people who have been unable to reach their full academic potential, or who might have had access to their dream course restricted due to their life experiences.

These programs are available through the state Tertiary Admission Centres (TACs) and generally include categories such as:

  • financial hardship
  • home environment and responsibilities
  • personal illness and disability
  • education disruption
  • English language difficulties.

The severity of disadvantage is assessed against the various hardship categories identified by each TAC.

Educational Access Scheme (EAS)

This program is available through both the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) and the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC), which covers New South Wales and Australian Capital Territory. 

Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS)

This program is available through the Victoria Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). 

How do I apply?

If you want to apply for one of these programs, you should go directly to the relevant TAC. 

You can find further information about eligibility and how to apply on the relevant TAC website:

Need help? Contact us

You can reach out to us at AskACU or student support if you have any questions about adjustment factors or your undergraduate entry requirements.

Email AskACU

Search our FAQ knowledge database

Call us on 1300 275 228.

 

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