An ATAR does not have an official expiry date: it stays on your record and you can apply with it in later years. What changes is how universities treat you. After a gap year it is normally used as it is, but once you have been out of school for a few years, many universities assess you as a non-school leaver, using your ATAR alongside, or instead of, later study, work experience or a test such as the STAT.
ATAR expiry key facts
- An ATAR has no official expiry date.
- After a gap year it is normally used as it is; many courses also let you defer an offer.
- Later, universities may assess you as a non-school leaver, using newer study, work or the STAT.
- NSW results can be gathered over five years; Queensland uses results from the last five years; Tasmania counts any two years.
After a gap year
If you take a year off, you can usually apply the following year with the same ATAR. Many universities also let you accept an offer and defer it for a year, which locks in your place. Deferral rules differ by course and institution.
A few years later, or at 21 and over
- Non-school leaver categories: universities often assess applicants who finished Year 12 more than a set number of years ago differently. Your ATAR may still be used, or a newer qualification may take priority.
- Later study counts: a completed diploma, Certificate IV or part of a degree can give you a new selection rank, often more useful than an old ATAR.
- Tests: the STAT (Special Tertiary Admissions Test) is used by many institutions for applicants without a recent ATAR.
- Mature-age entry: many courses have separate entry for applicants over a set age.
The age and number of years differ by admissions centre and university, so check the course page or your admissions centre.
Is an ATAR only valid for a year?
No. It is a record of your Year 12 results in that year and does not lapse. Admissions centres can tell you how to provide it for later applications.
Can results be combined over several years?
In some states, yes. NSW results can be gathered over five years towards an ATAR, and Queensland's ATAR uses results from the last five years. Tasmania from 2025 uses results across any two years. This matters if you are repeating subjects: see repeating Year 12 for a better ATAR.
Need a different route?
If your ATAR is old or lower than a course needs, getting into uni with a lower ATAR lists the main options, and what ATAR do I need explains selection ranks.
Your options by time since Year 12
| Time since Year 12 | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Straight after school | Apply with your ATAR as a school leaver |
| After a gap year | Apply with the same ATAR, or take up a deferred offer |
| A few years later | Often assessed as a non-school leaver; your ATAR may be used alongside newer study or work |
| Older applicants | Mature-age entry, the STAT or completed study often matter more than an old ATAR |
The exact year limits and ages differ by admissions centre and university.
ATAR expiry myths
- "My ATAR disappears after a year." No. It stays on your record.
- "An old low ATAR blocks me forever." No. Newer study, such as a diploma, can give you a fresh selection rank.
- "I have to repeat Year 12 to try again." Rarely the best route. See repeating Year 12.
FAQ
Does the ATAR expire after a year?
No. You can use it in later years, though universities may assess older applicants in a different category.
Does the ATAR matter after 21?
Less. Many courses assess applicants a few years out of school on later study, work experience or the STAT rather than the ATAR alone.
How is an ATAR worked out for a 21-year-old uni student?
It is not recalculated. If you are already studying, your university results usually become the main basis for transferring or reapplying.
Can I use my ATAR from five years ago?
Usually yes, but many universities will assess you as a non-school leaver and may give more weight to later study or work. Check the course page.