Applying to University through the Early Offer Scheme: Insights from the GENERATION study

Abstract

Many Australian universities offer secondary school students a place in a higher education course before they have completed their senior secondary studies. This Early Offers Scheme enables eligible Year 12 students to receive conditional acceptance into an undergraduate course from September, before completing their final Year 12 exams. This report presents quantitative and qualitative findings from Year 12 students in 2024, using data from the GENERATION Study, a longitudinal survey of the education and aspirations of young people in Australia. Almost half (46 per cent) of Year 12 students planned to or had already applied for an early offer place when surveyed in May-July of 2024. Early offer applications were most common amongst students from New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory. Additionally, females, students from Independent schools, and students from non-English-speaking backgrounds had higher rates of planning to apply for an early offer. Qualitative findings suggest that common reasons for applying for an early offer include securing an early place at university, relieving the stress and pressure of Year 12, or having a fall-back option.