So, what are early offers to university?

The ANU early offer scheme assesses you for admission using your Year 11 results instead of waiting for the release of your tertiary rank and the standard university admissions process. If you qualify, we’ll send you an offer months before most students, giving you more time to plan your next steps.

Early offers help you set yourself up for success at university while keeping your options open.

Why choose an early offer?

Most students see early offers as just securing a uni spot, but it’s more than that – it gives you options and reduces stress.

Here’s what early offers actually provide:

• More certainty, less worry – Securing your place at ANU lets you focus on your final year of school without the stress of uni applications hanging over you.
• More time to plan – You can sort out admission, accommodation, scholarships early in Year 12 instead of having to do it all at the last minute. The ANU early offer application form covers all three with the bonus of an accommodation guarantee.
• Flexible options – Accepting an early offer doesn’t lock you in. You can still explore other pathways and change your mind on what you want to study by adjusting your degree preferences later in the application process.
• A head start on uni life – Once you have your offer, you can start saving some money and thinking about life at ANU, including what you’ll do when you arrive on our beautiful campus: join student clubs, explore your majors and electives, and the many other ways you would like to make the most of all of it.

Instead of waiting until the end of Year 12 to plan your next steps, consider applying for an early offer and getting a head start.

How it all works

Who can apply?

You can apply for an early offer if you:

• Hold Australian or New Zealand citizenship or permanent residency (including humanitarian visas).
• Completed Australian Year 11 studies or the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Year 11.
• Plan to complete Year 12 and receive an ATAR or IB Diploma in 2026.

The application process

ANU early offer applications re-open again in early March 2026 for admission in 2027. Applying is simple:

1. Register – Create an account on the ANU application portal.
2. Enter your details – Fill in your personal information and Year 11 results.
3. Choose your degrees – Select up to five ANU programs (aka degrees) you’d love to study.
4. Check adjustment factors – See if you qualify for extra points that could boost your selection rank (more on this below).
5. Accommodation & scholarships – Let us know if you want to live on campus or be considered for scholarships.
6. Submit your application – Double-check everything, then send it off before the deadline in mid-May 2026.

Need a step-by-step guide? We’ve got you covered.

How we assess your application

Your application is assessed using your Year 11 results, and if you meet the required selection rank for your chosen program, you’ll receive an offer. Simple!

Your selection rank is calculated using a combination of your Year 11 results, academic qualifications and any adjustment factors that are relevant. After that, we will compare your rank, assess the number of degree places for you and either send you an offer or place you on our waiting list.

Your offer will be conditional, meaning you need to complete Year 12 and receive an ATAR (or equivalent) to confirm your place. Your place stays secure as long as you finish Year 12 – the offer doesn’t depend on your final result (or equivalent).

What about accommodation and scholarships?

Submitting an early offer application makes sorting out your other uni logistics easier.

• Accommodation – If you accept an early offer, we guarantee you first-year accommodation at one of our on-campus student residences. No last-minute scrambling for a place to live!
• Scholarships – The early offer application process includes scholarship considerations, so you won’t need to apply separately for most of them. We’ll do the work for you.

Adjustment factors, too!

ANU considers several factors when reviewing applications, including if you’re eligible for some equity and access points. These are called for adjustment factors and if you’re a domestic student planning to study an undergraduate degree, you may qualify for them —the bonus points can boost your selection rank.

We award adjustment factors for:

• High achievement in certain subjects – Some programs add points if you’ve excelled in relevant Year 11 subjects.
• Elite athletes – If you compete at a high level in sport, you may receive extra consideration.
• Educational access schemes – If you’ve faced personal challenges or disadvantage, you may be eligible for adjustments.

Can you change your mind after applying?

Absolutely, you have the freedom to decide. If you change your mind about what you want to study after receiving an early offer, you can adjust your program preferences for the September and December/January offer rounds. If you qualify for a higher preference after ATARS and Year 12 results are released, we’ll update your early offer accordingly.

The only catch? Changing your preferences might affect your scholarship eligibility as will deferring admission, so be sure to consider these before doing this. Read more on how to change your preferences.

Now it’s time to go back to getting the most out of high school! Early offer submitted? Tick!