Community & Business
14 October, 2025
Applications up as year 12 students look to the future
The Universities Admissions Centre is reporting a five per cent increase on the same time last year for university applications.
Tens of thousands of forward-looking year 12 students have taken a big step toward their futures by submitting university applications ahead of final exams starting next week, according to the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC).
As at September 30, more than 49,800 year 12 students have applied for tertiary studies commencing in 2026 – a five per cent increase on the same time last year. They’re not alone in planning ahead – nearly 18,800 non-year 12 applicants have also applied – an increase of 10 per cent. Overall, undergraduate applications are up 6.4 per cent year on year.
Many students are maximising their opportunities by applying both through UAC and directly to universities. UAC has processed another 107,200 additional applications on behalf of universities# for students across all categories, including postgraduate and non-year 12 applicants.
Acting Chief Strategy and Engagement Officer Peter Gangemi said, the early interest was encouraging: ‘It's exciting to see strong demand for study in 2026, especially so many year 12 students showing confidence in their future.’
