SA ATAR cutoffs change by course and by year. Most degrees sit between 70 and 85. Competitive courses need 90 or more. Medicine is the toughest, usually 95 and above, with extra steps like the UCAT test and an interview. A cutoff is the lowest ATAR that got an offer last year. Treat it as a guide, and confirm the current number with the university.
Key takeaways
- A cutoff is the lowest ATAR that received an offer last year, not a fixed pass mark.
- Most SA courses sit between 70 and 85.
- Competitive courses need 90+. Medicine usually needs 95+ plus extra steps.
- Cutoffs change every year with demand, so last year’s number is a guide only.
- Bonus points can lift your selection rank above your raw ATAR.
- SA’s main universities are now Adelaide University and Flinders University.
How SA ATAR cutoffs work
A cutoff is not a pass mark set in advance. It is the lowest ATAR, or selection rank, that still received an offer last year.
Demand sets the cutoff. If lots of strong students apply for a course, the cutoff rises. If fewer apply, it can fall. So the number moves each year.
This means the cutoff you see is a snapshot from last year. It is a good guide, but it is not a promise. Always check the current figure on the university course page.
What a cutoff really means
Students often mix up two numbers. The cutoff is the lowest offer. The median is the middle score of students who got in.
The median is usually higher than the cutoff. So if a course lists a cutoff of 80, many students who enrolled had higher ATARs than that.
The safe plan is to aim above the cutoff, not just to match it. That gives you a buffer if the cutoff rises this year.
Typical ATAR ranges by course
Here is a rough guide across SA universities. These are broad ranges, not exact cutoffs, so use them to sanity-check your goal:
- Arts, education, business and general science: about 70–80.
- Engineering, health science and nursing: often 80–90.
- Law and competitive commerce: commonly 90+.
- Medicine and dentistry: usually 95–99+, plus a test and interview.
Adelaide University tends to sit at the higher end for popular courses, as a Group of Eight university. Flinders offers a wide range, and is well known for health and medicine. Confirm the current number for your exact course before you rely on it.
A closer look at SA universities
SA’s university landscape changed in 2026. Knowing the current setup helps you set a realistic target.
- Adelaide University is the large new Group of Eight university, formed from the merger of the University of Adelaide and UniSA. It is the most competitive overall.
- Flinders University stayed independent. It is strong in health, medicine, nursing and education, with a wide range of entry levels.
If you see the old names, the University of Adelaide and UniSA, they now sit inside Adelaide University. So compare current course pages, not old cutoff lists, before you lock in your preferences.
Medicine and dentistry in SA
Medicine is the most competitive path in SA. Both Adelaide University and Flinders offer medical pathways, and Flinders is especially known for medicine.
For all of them, a high ATAR is only the first hurdle. You usually also sit the UCAT test and attend an interview. A strong ATAR gets you considered, not guaranteed.
If medicine is your goal, plan early. Aim for top scaled scores in your best subjects, prepare for the UCAT, and read each pathway’s exact entry steps, because they differ.
Getting in with a lower ATAR
A lower ATAR does not close the door. SA universities offer several pathways in.
Options include foundation and enabling programs, starting in a related degree and transferring, or using a diploma that leads into a degree.
- Foundation and enabling programs prepare you for a degree, then lead into it.
- Transfer pathways let you move up after a strong first year.
- Adjustment factors can lift your selection rank for eligible students.
So if your ATAR falls short of a dream course, ask the university about pathways. Many students reach the same degree by a slightly longer route.
Adjustment and bonus points
SA universities add adjustment points for some students. These lift your selection rank above your raw ATAR.
You might earn them for subjects you studied, for where you live, or for other eligible reasons. So a cutoff of 85 can still be within reach with an ATAR a little below it.
Check what you qualify for early. Our selection rank calculator shows how these points change your chances.
Why cutoffs change every year
Cutoffs shift for simple reasons. The number of applicants changes. The number of places changes. A course that trends one year can jump the next.
This is why you should never treat a single past cutoff as fixed. Look at the last few years if you can, and aim above the range to stay safe.
How to use cutoffs to plan
Start with the course you want, not the ATAR you expect. Find its recent cutoff. Then work backwards to the scaled scores you need.
Next, estimate your own ATAR with our SA ATAR calculator. Compare it to the cutoff. If there is a gap, you still have time to close it, and our guide to improving your SA ATAR shows how.
Common questions
What ATAR do I need for university in SA?
It depends on the course. Most SA courses sit between 70 and 85. Competitive courses need 90 or more, and medicine usually needs 95 plus a test and interview. Check the current cutoff on the university's course page.
What ATAR do you need for Adelaide University?
It varies by course. As a Group of Eight university, Adelaide University's popular courses often need 85 or more, and its most competitive ones need 95 and above. Many other courses sit in the 70s.
What ATAR do you need for medicine in SA?
Medicine in SA usually needs an ATAR of 95 or above, plus the UCAT test and an interview. Both Adelaide University and Flinders offer medical pathways, and Flinders is especially known for medicine.
Do SA universities give bonus points?
Yes. SA universities add adjustment points for factors like subjects studied and location. These lift your selection rank above your raw ATAR. So a course can be within reach, even if your ATAR sits a little below its cutoff.
Is the cutoff the same as the average ATAR?
No. A cutoff is the lowest ATAR that received an offer. The average ATAR of students in a course is usually higher. Aim above the cutoff to be safe.
Did the SA universities merge?
Yes. In 2026, the University of Adelaide and UniSA merged to form Adelaide University, a Group of Eight university. Flinders University stayed independent. So SA now has two main public universities.
Can I get in with an ATAR below the cutoff?
Sometimes. Bonus points can lift your selection rank above your ATAR. SA universities also offer foundation and transfer pathways that lead into a degree by a different route.
Where can I find the current cutoff?
On the university's own course page, or through SATAC. Cutoffs change each year, so the official site is always more reliable than an old figure you find elsewhere.