THE University of Newcastle has made nearly 11,000 early entry offers, as a record number of year 12 students apply for an early university admission across the nation.
More than 27,000 school leavers have applied for an early offer through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
It's about a 19 per cent increase on last year and the largest cohort yet applying for the Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS).
As of mid September, the University of Newcastle made 10,846 early entry offers to school leavers, with law, exercise and sport science, business, biomedical science and nursing among the top five subjects on offer.
University of Newcastle School of Education researcher Dr Sally Patfield released a conversation article recently, highlighting the benefits of early entry in reducing stress of final exams and addressing hardship and disadvantage from a student perspective.
She interviewed students from various different backgrounds including those from underrepresented equity backgrounds, regional remote areas, people who might have a physical and/or mental disability, Indigenous Australians and people from language backgrounds other than English.
"I found that for this group of students early entry places a different kind of value on other forms of success," she said.
"The ATAR has quite a narrow focus on academic ability that's really only assessed in senior secondary school. The students I interviewed commented that they liked how early entry could broaden the way their capabilities were assessed."
Early entry can be offered based on year 11 coursework or assessments, a recommendation from the school or principal, or based from a personal statement demonstrating community involvement and extra curricular activities.
Dr Patfield found in her research early entry offers could also help lessen the stress and anxiety associated with the ATAR and HSC.
"Students said early entry offers a more holistic focus on their well-being and a more positive recognition on mental health. They weren't as worried about their transition into higher education in their post-school future," she said.
Through her studies, Dr Patfield also interviewed a group of parents and carers associated with the students.
"Generally universities release their main round offers in January but I heard from families who said having the offer much earlier gave them a chance to think about their child financially and to better prepare them to go to university," she said.
Early bird deadline
Early bird applications through UAC close at 11.59pm on Monday, September 30.
Students thinking about studying at university next year are encouraged to apply before the processing charge increases.
Even those unsure about study plans are urged to apply to keep options open and costs down.
Many courses, including popular medical courses, have early closing dates, however once you've submitted your application you can change your preferences as many times as you like for free.
So far more than 42,000 year 12 students have applied through UAC to study in 2025.
The jump in applications could be due to a number of factors according to UAC spokesperson Kim Paino.
"UAC has made it easier for students to apply for SRS this year - after submitting their undergraduate application, they can apply for SRS in just a few simple clicks," she said.
Students need to finalise their course preferences for the first SRS offer round by 11.59pm on Friday, November 1. The first SRS offers will be released on Friday, November 8.
