Adjustment Factors

Give your application to Western Sydney University a boost.

See if you’re eligible for adjustment factors (formerly bonus points) or special consideration when applying through UAC.

Up to ten adjustment factors, or points added to your ATAR, may be available if you meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • You live in the Western Sydney region*
  • You achieve outstanding results in relevant HSC or IB subjects*
  • You are an elite athlete or performer
  • You have experienced disadvantage in your studies
  • Your school gives you a recommendation based on your performance in Year 11
  • You are an Australian Defence Force current, reserve or previous serving member
*Only these adjustment factor schemes are applicable to international students.

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

HSC True Reward provides school leavers much needed peace of mind, with an early offer into most university degrees based on Year 11* or Year 12 results.

Learn more about early entry for 2025, including eligibility requirements, key dates and answers to frequently asked questions.

*Those that apply using their Year 11 results will need to successfully complete the HSC.

I live in Western Sydney

If you live in Western Sydney, we’ll automatically add five Regional adjustment factors to your application. 

Some Western programs are not available for adjustment factors. Regional adjustment factors are available to both international and domestic students.

Check if your postcode qualifies at our Regional Adjustment Factors page.

I did well in my HSC or IB subjects

If you achieve great results in HSC or International Baccalaureate (IB) subjects that are relevant to the program you want to study at Western, we’ll automatically add up to 10 adjustment factors to your application.

For most programs you need a band 5 or 6 result, but for a small number of programs, band 4 is enough. Some Western programs are not available for adjustment factors. Subject adjustment factors are available to both international and domestic students.

To find out what adjustment factors are available, check our Subject Adjustment Factors page.

I am an elite athlete or performer

We recognise that performing at an elite level, as an athlete, musician or other performer, can take time away from your year 12 studies.

To ensure you are not disadvantaged by your performance and training commitments, you can apply and if successful receive five adjustment factors on your application to Western. This scheme is not applicable to international students.

For more information, check our Elite Athletes or Performers Scheme page.

I have experienced disadvantage in my studies

Sometimes circumstances beyond your control affect your school results. That doesn’t mean you won’t perform well at university.

If you can demonstrate that you’ve experienced serious disadvantage, you can apply for our Educational Access Scheme (EAS) and we’ll take it into consideration when assessing your application to Western.

This scheme is not applicable to international students.

My school supports me

Worried you won’t have the ATAR to get you into your dream program?

If you’re a Year 12 student completing your HSC or IB, and you’re applying through UAC, the Schools Recommendation Scheme (SRS) gives you a chance to receive an early offer based on your performance in Year 11 and your school’s recommendation.

This scheme is not applicable to international students.

I’m a Veteran or ADF personnel

We recognise that ADF members have unique skills and may have differences in study, experience, and degrees.

To ensure you are recognised for your service, you can receive five adjustment factors on your application. This scheme is not applicable to international students.

For more information, see our Australian Defence Force Scheme.

What happens if you qualify for more than one Adjustment Factor scheme?

If you qualify for Subject Adjustment Factors, Regional Adjustment Factors, the Elite Athletes or Performers Scheme, Educational Access Scheme and the Australian Defence Force Scheme, the maximum number of adjustment factors you can receive is 10.

Got questions?

Contact our Course Information Team on 1300 897 669 or Live Chat.