Many Australian universities offer adjustment factors — commonly known as bonus points — that can increase your selection rank above your actual ATAR. Understanding how these work can make a real difference to your chances of getting into your preferred course.
What Are Adjustment Factors?
Adjustment factors are additional points added to your ATAR to produce a higher selection rank for the purposes of university admission. Your actual ATAR does not change — it remains the same on your official record. However, the selection rank used to assess your application can be boosted, sometimes significantly.
These adjustments are designed to recognise circumstances, achievements, or attributes that an ATAR alone does not capture.
Types of Adjustment Factors
Equity and Access Schemes: Universities offer bonus points to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. This may include students from low-income families, those who are first in their family to attend university, students with a disability, or those who have experienced educational disruption. These schemes aim to level the playing field for students who faced obstacles during their schooling.
Regional and Rural Bonuses: Students from regional, rural, or remote areas often receive additional points. Universities recognise that students outside major cities may have had fewer educational resources and opportunities, and these bonuses help address that gap.
Subject Bonuses: Some universities award bonus points for completing specific subjects that are relevant to the degree you are applying for. For example, studying higher-level mathematics might earn you extra points when applying for an engineering or science degree.
Other Factors: Depending on the university, you may also receive adjustments for community involvement, leadership activities, or performance in particular assessments.
How They Differ by University and State
There is no national standard for adjustment factors. Each university sets its own schemes, with different criteria, point values, and caps on the maximum adjustment. What earns you bonus points at one university may not apply at another, and the schemes can change from year to year.
This means you need to check the admissions pages of each university you are interested in. Look for terms like “adjustment factors,” “bonus points,” “access schemes,” or “selection rank adjustments.”
Making the Most of Adjustment Factors
Apply for every scheme you are eligible for. Many require a separate application or registration, so do not assume you will be considered automatically. Check deadlines carefully — some schemes close well before the main application period. A few extra points on your selection rank could be the difference between receiving an offer and missing out.