With Year 12 exams in full swing across the country, more than 160,000 applications have already been submitted for tertiary study in 2026.

The Australasian Conference of Tertiary Admissions Centres (ACTAC), which brings together all Australian tertiary admissions centres, says early figures show strong interest from school leavers and those looking to upskill or change careers.

ACTAC Chair, Teresa Tjia said the high application numbers reflect confidence in the value of further education. 

“It’s great to see so many students planning ahead and backing themselves for the next step,” Ms Tjia said. “Students are showing real optimism about their futures.”

Applications for Semester 1, 2026 are open until February 2026, but prospective students are encouraged to apply sooner rather than later, as some courses have special entry requirements or early closing dates.

* Year 12 numbers include interstate and International Baccalaureate students.
† VTAC timely applications as of 1 October 2025

For media queries, contact the tertiary admissions centre in your state.

• NSW/ACT – Peter Gangemi, UAC, peter.gangemi@uac.edu.au
• QLD – Chris Jack, QTAC, media@qtac.edu.au
• SA/NT – Madi Kelsey, SATAC, comms_media@satac.edu.au
• TAS – Dayna King, University of Tasmania, dayna.king@utas.edu.au
• VIC – Marlena Mende, marlena.mende@vtac.edu.au
• WA – Edwina Byrne, TISC, edwinab@tisc.edu.au