What is UC’s Early Offer Scheme?

The Early Offer Scheme is an alternative entry pathway that allows Year 12 students studying in ACT and NSW to apply for undergraduate courses and receive potential offers prior to receiving their final ATAR (or equivalent end of year results).

Are international students able to apply for the Early Offer Scheme?

Only international students already studying Year 12 in Australia (or an equivalent, such as the International Baccalaureate) at a school located in the ACT or NSW are able to apply for the Early Offer Scheme.

When uploading the relevant application documents, international students must also upload scanned copies of their passport and current Australian visa.

Why should I consider applying for the Early Offer Scheme?

Typically, school leavers begin applying to universities in the second half of the year, with ATAR-based offers coming through in mid-later December, once official ATARs have been released. The Early Offer Scheme sends out offers in early-September, taking much of the pressure off those final months of Year 12.

Receiving an early offer also gives students extra time to plan ahead – whether that’s organising accommodation, exploring part-time work opportunities or budgeting for student life.

There’s also no real downside to applying. Even if you don’t receive an early offer, your application can still be considered through other pathways later in the year, meaning you haven’t lost any opportunities by applying early.

How do I apply for the Early Offer Scheme?

The process is relatively simple:

• Choose your course – applicants can select from a wide range of courses offered through the scheme (note, not all UC undergraduate programs are included)
• Submit a copy of your official Year 11 BSSS (ACT) or NESA (NSW) results - these results form the academic basis of your application, with different courses requiring different achievement levels.
• Write and submit a personal statement – this needs to be approximately 300 words long and address why you would like to be considered for an early offer to the course you are applying to.

Applicants can only apply for one course at a time, however change of mind can be considered. If this happens, you can email the Admissions Office at admissions@canberra.edu.au (and include your application ID).

Key dates for the Early Offer Scheme

Applications for 2027 opened in March and will close on August 9 2026. Offers will be released on September 7 2026.

What happens if I receive an offer?

Congratulations! If you receive an offer you are still required to complete Year 12 (or equivalent), however your place in the course is not affected by your ATAR. Depending on course availability, you are able to defer your place for either 6 or 12 months, if you desire.

What happens if I don’t receive an offer?

If you don’t receive an offer through the Early Offer Scheme, you may still be considered for the Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS). The SRS allows schools to recommend students for an early offer based on their current academic capabilities. To apply for SRS, you will need to apply via Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) which will be a paid application.SRS offers will be sent out in early November. If you are not successful in receiving an early offer, your application will still be considered based on your ATAR results once released.

Where can I go for help?

The friendly Future Students team at UC will be able to answer any questions you have!