SATAC, the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre, works out ATARs for both South Australia and the Northern Territory. The NT’s certificate, the NTCET, runs on the SACE framework, so the method is the same. SATAC scales your Stage 2 scores. It adds your best three plus a flexible option into an aggregate out of 90, then ranks that into an ATAR. It also manages your university applications.
Key takeaways
- SATAC works out ATARs for both the NT and South Australia.
- The NTCET runs on the SACE framework, so the method matches SA.
- SATAC scales your scores and builds your aggregate out of 90.
- It ranks your aggregate into an ATAR from 0.00 to 99.95.
- SATAC also manages your university applications.
What SATAC is, and why it covers the NT
SATAC stands for the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre. It works out ATARs and manages university admissions for South Australia and the Northern Territory.
The NT uses SATAC because its certificate, the NTCET, runs on the SACE framework, the same system as SA. So it made sense for one centre to handle both.
For NT students, this means your path runs through SATAC. It takes your results, turns them into a rank, and passes on your application. For the full SATAC picture, see our main SATAC guide.
What SATAC does for NT students
SATAC has two main jobs for NT students. The first is working out your ATAR. The second is managing your university application.
- It scales your NTCET Stage 2 subject scores.
- It adds your best three plus a flexible option into an aggregate.
- It ranks that aggregate into an ATAR between 0.00 and 99.95.
- It processes applications and sends offers on behalf of universities.
So SATAC does not teach you or set your assessments. It takes your results and does the ranking and admissions work that follows.
The same method as South Australia
Because the NTCET runs on the SACE framework, the way your ATAR is worked out is the same as in South Australia.
SATAC scales your Stage 2 scores. It takes your best three scaled scores. It adds a flexible option. And it forms an aggregate out of 90, which maps to an ATAR.
So if you read our South Australian guides, the method carries straight over to the NT. Only the certificate name changes.
How SATAC scales your scores
SATAC scales each subject so that no subject is unfairly easier or harder for your ATAR. Scaling adjusts for how strong each subject’s group was.
A subject full of high achievers tends to scale up. A subject with a weaker group can scale down. This keeps things fair across very different subjects.
It is about the group, not just you. You can read more in our best scaling subjects guide.
How you apply through SATAC
You apply through SATAC for the courses you want, listing your preferences in order. SATAC then considers your ATAR and any prerequisites.
Because SATAC covers both the NT and South Australia, you can list Charles Darwin University and SA universities in the same application. Many NT students apply both locally and interstate.
Key dates with SATAC
There are a few key moments. Applications open mid-year, well before results. SATAC releases your ATAR in mid-to-late December. University offers follow in rounds.
Missing a preference deadline can cost you, so note the dates early. Our NT release date guide has the timing, and you should confirm the exact dates on the SATAC website.
Common questions
Does SATAC work out NT ATARs?
Yes. SATAC works out ATARs for both South Australia and the Northern Territory. The NT's certificate, the NTCET, runs on the SACE framework, so SATAC uses the same method it uses for SA.
Why does the NT use SATAC?
The NT uses SATAC because its certificate, the NTCET, runs on the SACE framework, the same system as South Australia. So one centre handles both, using the same method.
How does SATAC calculate the NT ATAR?
SATAC scales your NTCET Stage 2 scores, then adds your best three plus a flexible option into an aggregate out of 90. It ranks that into an ATAR between 0.00 and 99.95, where 90 maps to 99.95.
Is the NT method the same as South Australia?
Yes. Because the NTCET runs on the SACE framework, your ATAR is worked out the same way as in South Australia. Only the certificate name changes, so SA guides apply to the NT too.
Do I apply to university through SATAC in the NT?
Yes. You apply through SATAC and list your course preferences. Because SATAC covers the NT and SA, you can list Charles Darwin University and SA universities in the same application.
Does SATAC set my assessments?
No. Your school runs your assessments within the SACE framework. SATAC takes your results and does the scaling, ranking and admissions work that follows.
When does SATAC release NT ATARs?
SATAC releases NT ATARs in mid-to-late December each year, through your application account. University offers then follow in rounds from December into January.