What are adjustment factors and how are they applied?

Last Modified: 12/Jul/2024

If you are applying to university as a Year 12 student, you may be eligible for adjustment factors which are automatically added to your ATAR by SATAC to create your Selection Rank. There are two types of adjustment factors which can adjust your ATAR up to a maximum of nine points if you are eligible:

The Universities Equity Scheme

An additional five points may be applied in one of two ways, depending on your eligibility. A school-based adjustment may be applied if your school has been identified based on equity factors set out by SATAC and is applied automatically if you are applying from an identified school. If you are not from an identified school, you may be eligible to apply for an individual adjustment based on demonstrated individual disadvantage.

Universities Language, Literacy and Mathematics Scheme

Up to an additional four points may be applied for successfully completing (achieving an overall C- grade or better) a Language Other Than English (20 credits required), English, English Literary Studies, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics.

Further information on adjustment factors can be found on SATAC’s website.