Fewer WA Students Taking ATAR? Check Prerequisites Early

Fewer young people in WA are taking the ATAR pathway. A December 2025 report from Victoria University's Mitchell Institute found only 38% of WA Year 12 students received an ATAR in 2024, the lowest share in Australia and down 21 percentage points since 2019.

A non-ATAR pathway can be the right choice. My concern is students who drop ATAR subjects without realising some university courses still require them. Here's what I suggest:

• Check prerequisites before choosing subjects. For example, Curtin and ECU engineering degrees require Mathematics Methods ATAR plus a science such as Physics or Chemistry.

• Know the difference between required and recommended. Murdoch and Notre Dame list recommended rather than compulsory subjects, so the rules vary between universities.

• Ask about backup routes. UWA may still make an offer if a student completes bridging units in first year, and enabling courses, VET and portfolio entry are other genuine pathways.

• Keep doors open where you can. If your teen is unsure, one well-chosen ATAR maths or science subject can keep more courses on the table.

TISC's University Admission 2027 guide lists the prerequisites for every course.

If you'd like help matching subjects to your teen's strengths and goals, my Gold or Platinum sessions are a good place to start. Book a session online or get in touch with me.