So, the ATAR you received wasn’t what you hoped for.
Maybe you were aiming for a specific course, a dream university, or simply a number that reflected all the hard work you put in. Seeing a lower score can feel like a punch in the gut and be very confusing and frustrating.
But here’s what you need to hear right now: You are not alone, and this is not the end of your university journey.
Thousands of students every year don’t get the ATAR they expected and still go on to achieve amazing things. The truth is, there are many ways to get to university, and often the most successful students are the ones who took a different path to begin with.
Here are some next steps for you to consider
Take a deep breath and look forward
It’s okay to feel disappointed. You’ve worked hard, and it’s natural to have strong emotions around results. Give yourself a moment to process it.
But then, take the most important step: shift your focus to what’s next. There are more options than you probably realise and many of them can still lead you to the degree and career you’re aiming for.
Explore pathway programs through UNSW College
If you didn’t get the ATAR needed for direct university entry, a pathway program is one of the smartest alternatives and UNSW College offers some of the most respected in Australia.
UNSW College provides Diploma programs that help you transition into UNSW Sydney, one of Australia’s top universities, ranked 20th in the world (QS World University Rankings 2026).
These programs are:
- A 12-month program for students to progress into second year at UNSW Sydney, with no time lost
- Taught on the UNSW Sydney campus, so you get used to university life early
- Delivered in smaller class sizes with more personalised support
A direct pathway to UNSW Sydney degrees in business, science, engineering, design, media and many more.
“I felt confident in my choice to study at UNSW College because it gave me a second chance. I appreciated the support, the opportunities, and the experience. It was a stepping stone, not a setback.”
— Chantelle, Diploma in Business graduate, now studying at UNSW Sydney
Consider your strengths and explore new fields
Sometimes not getting into your original course can be the start of something better. A Diploma at UNSW College gives you the chance to explore different areas within your chosen discipline which then helps you discover what truly interests you before committing to a major.
You’ll have the time, guidance and academic credit to figure it out as you go. You’re not starting over; you’re gaining clarity and confidence as you move towards your degree.
“Having smaller classes has been a game changer. I can focus better, understand the content more clearly, and have real conversations with my teachers.”
— Alex, Diploma in Science
Use this time to grow, not give up
One of the hardest parts about a disappointing result is that it can shake your confidence. But learning doesn’t stop because of one number. In fact, it’s often the students who face setbacks early on who develop the grit and resilience to thrive later. Studying here gives you time to improve your academic skills, adjust to university expectations, and build better study habits.
You’ll be learning alongside others in the same position as you, with access to mentors, academic workshops, and wellbeing support to help you stay on track.
How you finish matters more than how you start
Your ATAR doesn’t define you. It’s just one step in a much longer journey.
The reality is many students who enter university through pathway programs end up performing just as well — or even better — than those who went straight in. What matters most is your willingness to keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in your potential.
Your future is still wide open
There’s more than one way to move forward, and different pathways can lead to the same goal. UNSW College offers flexible programs you can complete in 12 months, designed to support your transition to a world top 20 university.
With start dates in January, May or August*, you’ll gain the skills and knowledge to take the next step in your studies.
For full details on intakes, please view Key dates.
UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™.
Diploma & Foundation Studies
UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™ currently delivers Diplomas and Foundation Studies on behalf of UNSW Sydney - CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).
From 26 August 2024, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Diplomas under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
From 13 January 2025, UNSW College™ will commence delivery of Foundation Studies under its own CRICOS Provider Code - 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
Pre-Masters Program & Academic English
UNSW College™ delivers the Pre-Masters Program and Academic English programs under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K and TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
See https://unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information. © 2025 UNSW Global Pty Limited.
UNSW Global Pty Limited ABN 62 086 418 582 trading as UNSW College™.
Foundation Studies, Academic English and Pre-Masters Program
UNSW College delivers its Foundation Studies, Academic English, and Pre-Masters Program under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K; TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education).
Diplomas
UNSW College delivers its UNSW College Diplomas under CRICOS Provider Code 01020K; TEQSA Provider ID: PRV13020 (Institute of Higher Education). UNSW College delivers UNSW Diplomas on behalf of UNSW Sydney under CRICOS Provider Code 00098G; UNSW Sydney TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12055 (Australian University).
See https://unswcollege.edu.au/esos for more information. © 2025 UNSW Global Pty Limited.