Understanding the Shift: UTS Announces End to Early Entry Program

The University of Technology Sydney (UTS), one of Australia's leading technology-focused institutions, has made headlines by deciding to retire its Early Entry Program (EEP) effective from the Autumn 2027 intake. This means current Year 11 students, who will graduate in 2027, and future cohorts will no longer have access to this popular pathway for securing conditional undergraduate offers before receiving their final Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). Introduced during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the scheme provided reassurance to Year 12 students facing unprecedented disruptions to their schooling. Now, as educational stability returns, UTS is pivoting toward a more standardized admissions process centered on final ATAR results submitted through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).

This change reflects broader conversations in Australian higher education about the role of conditional early offers in promoting equity, transparency, and merit-based selection. While some students and advocates lament the loss of early certainty, university leaders argue it levels the playing field and allows resources to be redirected to support underrepresented groups.

Background: The Origins of UTS's Early Entry Scheme

The UTS Early Entry Program launched in 2020 at the behest of the New South Wales (NSW) government, responding directly to the chaos wrought by COVID-19 lockdowns, remote learning, and disrupted assessments. Year 12 students, many of whom had incomplete or unreliable predicted ATARs, could apply based on Year 11 results, school reports, and other evidence of academic potential. Successful applicants received conditional offers for undergraduate degrees, provided they met a minimum ATAR threshold upon HSC completion.

At its peak, early entry schemes like UTS's were a lifeline. Nationally, over 43,000 such offers were made in 2022 alone, a sharp rise from pre-pandemic levels. For UTS, the program evolved beyond its crisis origins, becoming a staple for thousands of school leavers seeking early peace of mind amid the high-stakes HSC environment. However, usage has declined as pandemic effects waned, prompting a reevaluation.

Official Reasons for Discontinuation

UTS Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic) Professor Kylie Readman explained that the EEP "no longer meets its original purpose" in a post-pandemic world. With school routines normalized, the university seeks a "clearer, fairer, and more sustainable" admissions model. Key factors include:

• Declining participation rates, signaling reduced need.
• Sector-wide momentum for reviewing early offers, driven by schools and government calls for greater transparency.
• Opportunity to bolster non-ATAR pathways targeting equity groups, such as low-SES or Indigenous students.

Readman emphasized that the shift "evens the competitive playing field for all students" and frees resources for programs like the new UniReady Enabling Program. For more details, visit the UTS Early Entry page.

Reactions from Students, Schools, and Experts

News of the retirement sparked mixed responses. UTS student Dylan Chesher, editor of student publication Vertigo, called it "a massive step backwards," arguing it strips away reassurance for vulnerable Year 12s still recovering from COVID impacts. Social media buzzed with Year 11 anxiety, with TikTok and Instagram posts lamenting the loss of a "safety net."

Conversely, critics of early offers, including the Centre for Independent Studies (CIS), applaud the move. A 2023 CIS report highlighted how non-ATAR pathways admitted 25% of 2023 high school leavers—up from 15% in 2016—often without sufficient academic preparation, leading to higher attrition. Schools welcome the standardization, reducing administrative burdens from varying schemes.

Alternative Pathways at UTS Post-2027

UTS assures applicants that opportunities abound via UAC. Key alternatives include:

• Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS): For select courses like nursing, IT, and business; based on school assessments (applications open April 2026).
• Year 12 Subject Scheme: Up to 5 adjustment points for Band 6 results in relevant HSC subjects, if ATAR ≥69.
• inpUTS and U@Uni: Enabling programs for underrepresented students.
• UniReady Enabling Program: New non-ATAR bridge to degrees.

These ensure UTS remains accessible, prioritizing holistic support over early guarantees.

Early Entry Schemes Across Australian Universities

UTS is the first major NSW university to axe its scheme, but others persist. In 2026, programs like Western Sydney University's Aspire (no ATAR required) and Macquarie's suite continue. Nationally, 33 institutions offered early entry in 2024, up from 17 in 2019. Victoria and SA saw lower uptake (37% and 25%), favoring ATAR primacy.

A 2025 Conversation analysis notes early offers doubled since 2022, but acceptance fell to 14.2% by 2026, amid equity debates.

Pros and Cons: Early Offers Versus Pure ATAR Admissions

Early conditional offers provide anxiety relief and access for disadvantaged students—postcode, low-income, or Indigenous youth—who might otherwise falter under ATAR pressure. Research shows early entrants often outperform ATAR-only peers in first-year marks.

However, detractors argue they undermine meritocracy, admitting underprepared students (higher dropout risks) and creating opacity. Universities Australia counters that most are ATAR-conditional, preserving standards. UTS's decision tips toward the latter, prioritizing transparency.

Implications for Equity and University Access

Critics fear reduced options for regional or disrupted students, but UTS counters by enhancing targeted pathways. Nationally, non-ATAR admissions rose to 14%, aiding diversification but sparking 'backdoor entry' concerns. A balanced view: Early schemes boosted participation (e.g., 25% more high school-to-uni transitions), yet ATAR ensures readiness.

For UTS, with its tech/vocational focus, this aligns with industry demands for competent graduates. Read the full Honi Soit coverage for student perspectives.

What Year 11 and 12 Students Should Do Next

Current Year 12s (2026 intake) can still apply to EEP. Year 11s: Focus on consistent HSC performance, explore UAC schemes early (April 2026 deadlines), and consider enabling programs. Careers advisers recommend diversifying applications across unis.

• Strengthen Year 11/12 subjects for SRS/subject bonuses.
• Build portfolios for creative/tech courses.
• Seek UTS info sessions for pathway advice.

The Future of Admissions in Australian Higher Education

UTS's move signals a post-COVID reset. Government and school pushes for ATAR-centric models may lead others to follow, emphasizing preparation over prediction. Yet, equity demands persist—expect hybrid systems blending merit with support. For tech-savvy UTS, this could sharpen its edge in producing job-ready grads amid AI and skills shortages.

Prospective students: Stay informed via UAC and uni sites. With 46% enrollment growth projected, competition intensifies—excel in finals.

Photo by Umair Dingmar on Unsplash