22 Jan 2026
News
Top 20 uni courses in 2026
UAC has released its list of the most in-demand courses in 2026.
The top three preferred courses among UAC applicants – Medicine, Commerce and Business – remain unchanged from last year, with strong interest also across a range of disciplines including arts, law and health.
Congratulations to the thousands of applicants who are now on their way to undergraduate study!
| Rank | Course | Institution | No. of first preferences* | 2025 rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine, Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Medical Studies/Doctor of Medicine | UNSW | 1,899 | 1 |
| 2 | Bachelor of Commerce | University of Sydney | 1,280 | 2 |
| 3 | Bachelor of Business | University of Technology Sydney | 961 | 3 |
| 4 | Bachelor of Medical Science and Doctor of Medicine (Joint Medical Program) | University of Newcastle/University of New England | 915 | 9 |
| 5 | Bachelor of Commerce and Bachelor of Laws | University of Sydney | 901 | 4 |
| 6 | Bachelor of Arts | University of Sydney | 847 | 7 |
| 7 | Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Laws | University of Sydney | 820 | 6 |
| 8 | Bachelor of Commerce | UNSW | 817 | 11 |
| 9 | Bachelor of Clinical Science (Medicine)/Doctor of Medicine (MD) | Western Sydney University/Charles Sturt University | 794 | 5 |
| 10 | Bachelor of Laws (double degree program) | UNSW | 759 | 10 |
| 11 | Bachelor of Science and Doctor of Medicine | University of Sydney | 756 | 8 |
| 12 | Bachelor of Paramedicine | Western Sydney University | 697 | 12 |
| 13 | Bachelor of Applied Science (Diagnostic Radiography) | University of Sydney | 682 | 15 |
| 14 | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Flexible First Year) | UNSW | 655 | 18 |
| 15 | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Aerospace/Mechanical and Manufacturing/Mechanical) | UNSW | 632 | 24 |
| 16 | Double Commerce with BA, BFA, BAdvSc(H), BAviMgt, B Media, B Des, BEco, BInfoSys, BSci, BSc(Comp Sci) | UNSW | 618 | 14 |
| 17 | Bachelor of Oral Health | University of Sydney | 578 | 17 |
| 18 | Bachelor of Nursing | University of Technology Sydney | 572 | 13 |
| 19 | Bachelor of Construction Project Management | University of Technology Sydney | 565 | 19 |
| 20 | B Actuarial Studies combined with B Com, B Econ, B Sc, B Sc (Adv Maths)(Hons), B Info Sys, B Sc (Comp Sc) | UNSW | 542 | 22 |
*Includes all domestic undergraduate applicants who applied through UAC by 11.59pm on 8 January 2026 (January Round 1). Does not include international students.
Applying for study in 2026
It’s not too late to apply for university through UAC, but not all courses starting in semester 1, 2026 will still have vacancies. Check with the relevant institutions to make sure there will still be places in the courses that interest you.
Applications open on 8 April for the second half of 2026 and semester 1, 2027.
Have a question? Call our Customer Service Team on (+61 2) 9752 0200.