5 things you need to know about SRS

The Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) is one way Year 12 students can receive an early offer to university. Through SRS, universities can make offers to students based on criteria other than the ATAR, including their Year 11 results and their school’s recommendation.

Not every university participates in the SRS and not every course is eligible, so you will need to check each institution’s criteria.

Offers are made before ATARs are released, but in many cases, the offer will be conditional – you may still need to meet subject or ATAR requirements.

Here are five things you need to know about applying for SRS.

1. Who can apply for SRS?

To be eligible for the SRS, you must be:

• a Year 12 student completing the HSC or an International Baccalaureate in Australia in 2025
• applying for undergraduate admission through UAC for study in 2026
• an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or humanitarian visa holder.

Interstate and IB students should wait until early August 2025 to complete their SRS applications, when UAC will have access to your Year 12 student ID details.

2. When and how do I apply?

You can apply for SRS after you complete your UAC undergraduate application. At the end of the application, you’ll see a link to apply for SRS. Click on the link then follow these easy steps to submit your SRS application.

You don’t need to nominate any courses in your SRS application because it is automatically linked to your course preferences in your UAC application for undergraduate admission. To be considered for an offer, make sure you list at least one SRS-eligible course in your UAC preferences.

Applications for SRS close 11.59pm 5 September 2025.

3. What does my school need to do for SRS?

When UAC receives your SRS application, your school principal will be emailed a link to access your details. They will then advise their nominated staff member to rate you according to your aptitude in different areas, such as independence, motivation and academic potential.

While UAC invites all secondary schools in Australia with SRS applicants to submit ratings, participation is optional. UAC cannot guarantee that your school will provide ratings for your application.

4. When will I receive my SRS offer?

Conditional and unconditional SRS offers will be released in on 13 November 2025, before ATARs come out. Keep in mind, SRS offers are only for eligible courses included in your UAC preferences at the time offers are made.

5. What are conditional offers?

Some SRS offers are conditional, meaning you’ll still need to meet additional requirements – such as a minimum ATAR, submitting a portfolio or attending an audition. Others may be unconditional and guarantee you a place, as long as you complete your HSC and receive an ATAR.

On 23 December and 8 January, conditional SRS offers will be converted to unconditional offers for applicants who meet institution criteria.