Application to UNSW is based on your Selection Rank, which is your raw ATAR plus any additional Adjustment Factors you may be eligible for.
Our adjustment factor schemes are designed to recognise the range of backgrounds and circumstances of our students and take these into consideration when assessing your application. They also help us recognise your unique skills and talents. There are adjustment factor schemes based on your performance in the subjects you studied, your achievements outside the classroom and your personal circumstances.
It's important to note some adjustment factors will be applied automatically while others require you to apply directly to UNSW or the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). You can gain up to 12 points across our range of adjustment factors schemes to use towards your UNSW admission.
HSC PLUS
HSC Plus awards you with up to five adjustment factors for performing well in HSC subjects relevant to the UNSW degrees in your UAC preferences. The HSC Plus Calculator allows you to calculate what points you may be eligible for and the amount of points you will receive will depend on the band you achieve. HSC Plus points are calculated and awarded automatically – there’s no need to apply.
Interstate students can see which subjects are equivalent to these HSC subjects on the UAC website.
Our adjustment factor schemes are designed to recognise the range of backgrounds and circumstances of our students and take these into consideration when assessing your application. They also help us recognise your unique skills and talents. There are adjustment factor schemes based on your performance in the subjects you studied, your achievements outside the classroom and your personal circumstances.
It's important to note some adjustment factors will be applied automatically while others require you to apply directly to UNSW or the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). You can gain up to 12 points across our range of adjustment factors schemes to use towards your UNSW admission.
HSC PLUS
HSC Plus awards you with up to five adjustment factors for performing well in HSC subjects relevant to the UNSW degrees in your UAC preferences. The HSC Plus Calculator allows you to calculate what points you may be eligible for and the amount of points you will receive will depend on the band you achieve. HSC Plus points are calculated and awarded automatically – there’s no need to apply.
Interstate students can see which subjects are equivalent to these HSC subjects on the UAC website.
It is important to note that not all degrees allow the use of adjustment factors for admission, please view the Degree Exceptions here.
ACCESS SCHEME (Educational Access Scheme - EAS)
The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) aims to provide special consideration to students whose education has been negatively impacted by long-term disadvantage(s) during the Year 11 and/or Year 12. The number of EAS points you are awarded will be dependent on the number and severity of your disadvantage(s). Your EAS application, EAS eligibility and the number of points awarded will remain strictly confidential. You can read more about the application process on the EAS website.
Please explore the EAS categories of disadvantage and required documents which is updated with the latest information. Applications are made to the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
If your disadvantage(s) were less than six months in duration, you can submit an Illness and Misadventure application through the NSW Board of Studies.
ACCESS SCHEME (Educational Access Scheme - EAS)
The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) aims to provide special consideration to students whose education has been negatively impacted by long-term disadvantage(s) during the Year 11 and/or Year 12. The number of EAS points you are awarded will be dependent on the number and severity of your disadvantage(s). Your EAS application, EAS eligibility and the number of points awarded will remain strictly confidential. You can read more about the application process on the EAS website.
Please explore the EAS categories of disadvantage and required documents which is updated with the latest information. Applications are made to the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
If your disadvantage(s) were less than six months in duration, you can submit an Illness and Misadventure application through the NSW Board of Studies.
It is important to note that not all degrees allow the use of adjustment factors for admission, please view the Degree Exceptions here.
ELITE ATHLETES, PERFORMERS AND LEADERS (EAPL)
The Elite Athletes, Performer and Leaders (EAPL) program awards up to five adjustment factors to high school leavers who have excelled in areas of sport, academia, leadership and/or music at an elite level. Activities and commitments must have been undertaken in Year 11 and/or 12.
Take a look at our 2025 EAPL Guide to see what achievements are eligible. The scope of eligible achievements is extremely broad, so if you don't see anything relevant to you, the best thing to do is to simply apply.
The Duke of Edinburgh Board release three documents to successful graduates – a congratulatory letter, a congratulatory email and the official gold certificate. Any of these documents will be accepted and should be attached to your EAPL application.
It is important to note that not all degrees allow the use of adjustment factors for admission, please view the Degree Exceptions here.
ELITE ATHLETES, PERFORMERS AND LEADERS (EAPL)
The Elite Athletes, Performer and Leaders (EAPL) program awards up to five adjustment factors to high school leavers who have excelled in areas of sport, academia, leadership and/or music at an elite level. Activities and commitments must have been undertaken in Year 11 and/or 12.
Take a look at our 2025 EAPL Guide to see what achievements are eligible. The scope of eligible achievements is extremely broad, so if you don't see anything relevant to you, the best thing to do is to simply apply.
The Duke of Edinburgh Board release three documents to successful graduates – a congratulatory letter, a congratulatory email and the official gold certificate. Any of these documents will be accepted and should be attached to your EAPL application.
It is important to note that not all degrees allow the use of adjustment factors for admission, please view the Degree Exceptions here.