Your guide to UAC preferences
Get the most out of your UAC preference with our step-by-step guide.
Taking the time to understand the University Admissions Centre (UAC) application process can help ease any concerns you have about the steps you need to take to get into university.
UAC allows you to apply with five course preferences from multiple universities in one easy undergraduate application. The order that you preference your courses will influence which degree offer you could get per offer round. We’re here support your transition from high school to uni, and this guide will cover the steps you need to take to get the most out of your UAC preferences when applying to UNSW.
Step 1
Preference your dream degree as 1
Step 2
Order your next choices from 2-5
Step 3
Revisit or change your preferences any time
- Step 1
- Step 2
- Step 3
Step 1: Select your dream degree
A great place to start when refining your options is to think about your interests, passions and the careers you might want. UNSW’s Degree Finder will help you find information about each degree and all the details you'll need for your application, such as selection ranks, adjustment factors, eligibility, prerequisites, UAC course codes and additional selection criteria.
Think of your preferences as your wish list. List your degrees in order of preference, and don’t be afraid to think big. Once you've done your research and decided on your dream degree, make sure your preferred course is your highest preference in your UAC application.
It's also essential to be on top of any additional entry requirements. Degrees such as Law, Medicine, Aviation and Music have additional selection criteria that you’ll need to meet to be considered for an offer.
Step 2: Order your preferences
Repeat step 1 to select the rest of your preference list from one to five.
Each preference is considered in the order you've listed them, with offers made based on your highest eligible preference. If you don't receive the ATAR for your first preference, your second preference is then considered and so on.
Don't jeopardise your chance of getting an offer by thinking you won't achieve the mark. You won't be penalised for putting a preference that you don't get into. You'll be matched to your highest eligible offer no matter the preference.
Although you don't need to select five options, it's highly recommended because it'll increase your opportunities to receive an offer.
Step 3: Revisit and repeat
The reason this step is key is simple: You'll only receive one offer per UAC offer round, so make it count!
You can update your preferences as often as you like* before the closing date by logging in to the UAC website, with no extra cost. Keep an eye on the offer round change of preference dates to make sure your five preferences are in the best shape to receive an offer to the course you want.
After you've submitted your preferences and wait for UAC offer rounds, it's a great time to apply for scholarships, adjustment factor schemes, such as the Educational Access Scheme (EAS), register for Open Days and take advantage of other opportunities that'll prepare you for university life.
*Preferences can be changed at any time up until the UAC close of preference date for each offer round. Refer to UAC Key Dates 2025-26, opens in a new window for more information.
By taking these steps, you'll be confident that you're in the running for your dream degree and on your path towards following your passion at UNSW.
What if I don't receive an offer for my dream degree?
If you didn't receive an offer to your dream degree, make sure you keep it as your highest eligible preference – you could still receive an offer in later rounds! Find the latest key dates for each offer round on the UAC Undergraduate Fact Sheet.
If you receive an offer, even if it's not for your first preference, it's important to accept your place in case you don't receive other offers. You can still receive an offer in later rounds even if you accept an offer in earlier rounds.
If you accept an offer and still want to be considered in later rounds, remove your successful degree (after you’ve accepted it) from your preferences or move it below other preferences. This way, you could still receive additional offers.
Don't forget – You're not what you study!
You're never locked 100% into what you choose now. Follow your passion and the field of interest that drives you. Once you're admitted to UNSW, there are options to transfer through our Internal Program Transfer.
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