Media release

Uni offers - what next?

Here we'll explain what to do when you get an offer or miss out on an offer, including how to accept or defer.

I’ve been accepted into my first preference. What happens now?

Congratulations, all your hard work has paid off!

If you applied through a Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC), your offer will be made through QTAC, UAC or VTAC depending on which state or territory you live in. All applicants will receive written notice outlining the outcome of their applications. You will then have to follow the acceptance/response procedures for each TAC.

You will also receive an offer email from ACU, which includes information on how to enrol. Be sure to check your spam/junk folder if you are having difficulty finding the email. You will have 14 calendar days from receiving your offer to accept it by enrolling in your course. All you need to do is follow the links in your offer email.

If you applied directly to ACU, you will receive an offer email which also includes all the information you need to complete the enrolment process. An offer will always be in the form of written notice and should outline what course the offer is for and on which campus. Again, check your spam/junk folder if you can’t find the email in your inbox.

What if I want to defer?

If you have been made an offer for an undergraduate course, you can apply to defer starting your course for up to one year by completing the Application to Defer (DEF) form.

After applying for deferment, you will get an email response confirming that your application has been received. When your application has been processed another email will advise you of the outcome and the process for starting your studies at ACU a little further down the road.

I received an offer for a lower preference. Will I still get into my first choice?

The first thing to remember is that there are a number of rounds, so you may still be offered a higher preference even if you miss out initially. Check the cut-off score for the first round – if you are very close, it’s possible that you’ll be offered a place in the second round (however this is not guaranteed). Spots do open up in later rounds, usually when other students reject or defer their offers or because extra places have been made available.

I didn’t receive an offer. What’s my next step?

Don’t panic. There are many other applicants in the same boat. University entry is competitive, so you might need to wait until the second round of offers (or a subsequent round) before you are offered a place. If you want to change your course preferences, you have the opportunity to do so. Check your state or territory’s TAC website for specific information about the change of preference period.

All courses offer pathway options, whether this includes starting out with a lower-level qualification (such as a Certificate of Commerce before progressing into a Bachelor of Commerce). You can also think about entry into your course through mid-year entry for the July intake.

ACU has a range of exciting alternative entry schemes, programs, and pathways. Check them out here.

I still have questions. Is there someone I can speak to?

If you have any questions get in touch with us by visiting www.acu.edu.au/askacu

University Admissions Centres

Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC)

Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)

Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) – NSW and ACT