This year has revealed itself to be a promising one for Year 12 students hoping to pursue higher education, with over 15,000 students receiving early offers to universities in the first round of the early entry scheme.  

In what has been one of the most challenging years for graduating high school students, the increase in applications for early entry to universities is a welcome sign that students remain motivated to seek out degrees. 

The number of early offers saw a 25 per cent increase from this year, and a 7.26 per cent increase on the applications made last year.  

The early entry scheme is seemingly low risk and high return, and could be crucial to boosting university admission numbers across the Western Plains. 

In the scheme's Cobar/Bourke/Coonamble region (which also includes Waglett, Warren and Brewarrina), 37 students’ applications returned offers for university, with the second round of offers yet to be announced. Gilgandra student offers contribute to the Dubbo region's significant 148 offers.

The University Admissions Centre (UAC) spokesperson Kim Paino said that the increase in applications for early entry is likely a result of uncertainty around how Covid-19 may affect students ATARs.  

“These offers aren’t based on your final ATAR, but on your Year 11 results. For a lot of students staring down the barrel of a very disruptive Year 12, this is a really attractive option when they’re not sure how their final results will go,” said Ms Paino. 

It’s not as simple as being an easy out with exam pressure however, with most courses in high demand not offering an early entry option. Early offers also require that students achieve certain mark requirements in the HSC, albeit being lower than the ATAR needed for traditional entry.   

Despite fatigue from learning from home this year could threaten student motivation, however, Ms Paino says that the early offers will provide some good news for students in exams.  

“It’s been such a challenging year for them, but they’re almost there and having an early offer could give them some extra momentum as they finish year 12 and look forward to their future after school,” Ms Paino said.  

In 2021 university enrolments, the number of deferrals for universities dropped significantly despite the changing study conditions where most students spent this year and last studying from home.    

Researchers believe the growth in commencing students is the result of an unstable job market for unskilled workers during the pandemic. 

While some changes from the pandemic may be permanent, such as more flexible options to study university courses online, Ms Paino believes that universities are eager to see a return to campuses. 

“Particularly for certain cohorts, such as the first two years, being on campus is really critical to orientating yourself to university and becoming a part of the university community,” Ms Paino said.  

According to UAC, the growing trend of applications for early offers was already starting, but the pandemic made it increasingly pronounced. 

“Universities are keen to do whatever they can to provide multiple pathways for domestic students…it’s a comfort given the uncertainty.”  

The next round of early entry offers from UAC will be announced this week on November 25.