University preference statistics for 2023

THE Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) has released a snapshot of applicants’ preferences for study at university in 2023.

The following table shows applicants’ first preferences as at 30 November 2022, however, applicants can change their preferences as often as they wish – and often do – so these numbers change daily.

It is important to note that first preference statistics should be used with caution as an indicator of demand for a particular institution or perceived variations in the quality of institutions.

Year 12 applicants tend to include more preferences than other undergraduate applicants, with many listing the maximum five preferences. In many cases the courses they include as their first and second preferences are ‘wishes’ – courses they would really like to receive an offer for but which, in previous years, had a cut-off higher than the rank they expect to achieve.

Non-Year 12 applicants tend to list fewer than five preferences, often including only two or three preferences in their application. They appear to have more focus, most likely because they have other factors to take into account when selecting their courses – work, family and/or time commitments.

All applicants can change their preferences at any time but most preference changes happen after the release of the ATAR. This year, 9,000 students changed their preferences after receiving their ATAR with a realistic appraisal of courses to which they may qualify for admission.

Download preference statistics for 2023 admissions*

For further information about these statistics, call individual institutions on the numbers given below.

* Preference statistics only include UAC participating universities with their main campus in NSW and the ACT. Private higher education providers are not included.