NSW and ACT preference growth 2024-25
(Data as at 30 Nov 23 and 30 Nov 24 respectively)
A resurgence of demand for the often unattainable is mixed with dire consequences for failing to spell out a value proposition, in the UAC preferences released this week.
While Sandstone institutions enjoyed a resurgence in popularity, particularly with first preferences, smaller regional institutions that were able to articulate their points of difference to local audiences were the standout performers, with Charles Sturt locking in a 25.7% rise in total preferences and a 22.2% growth in first preferences and UNE also achieving an impressive 16.9% growth in first preferences, benefitting from a new story to tell under VC Chris Moran.
While both ACT universities are tangling with financial woes, ANU enjoys strong growth with a 21.8% increase in total preferences, while the University of Canberra sat at the other end of the table, with a 26.9% drop in first preferences and a 22.4% preference drop overall. The University of Newcastle, was also well down, with a 24.7% slump in first preferences.
Preference growth over a single year is interesting in terms of how this year’s offer rounds will play out, and how university domestic enrolments are trending, but are not a useful indicator for overall performance. The University of Sydney led the field with 52,525 preferences, but only a fraction will get in – while lower status unis may get more second, third and fourth preferences than first, as students make backup plans.
Demand decline over the past 12 months may also indicate that some universities are simply coming back to their natural place in the course market after some stellar years of performance – many other factors need to be considered before any pronouncements are made about enrolment performance.
In a year of regulated decline in international enrolments, there will be far greater focus on filling domestic enrolment places wherever possible, however – making this year’s preference movements particularly significant.
