Exams are done, and ATAR results for WA students land in December. For a lot of high school graduates, that wait is the hardest part.

Your ATAR matters, but it's one part of choosing where to study in 2027. The course, the place and the way you learn matter just as much, and there's more than one way into a degree.

Below are the key dates, a few things worth comparing between Perth tertiary courses, and some options if your results aren't what you hoped.

Key dates for WA students starting in 2027

These dates move slightly each year, so check TISC for the final times. There's usually only a day or so between getting your ATAR and the main round preference deadline, so it helps to do your thinking now rather than on results night.

It's also worth logging into your TISC account the week before results come out, just to check your password works.

What to look for when comparing Perth tertiary courses

Perth has more tertiary options than most students realise, such as public universities, private higher education providers, TAFE, and diploma programs that lead into degrees. Here's what's worth comparing beyond the entry score.

The course itself: Read the unit list offered within each course you’re interested in. Two business degrees can look identical on paper and feel completely different once you see what you'll actually study in first year.

Class sizes: Ask how many students sit in a typical first-year class. Some people thrive in a big lecture theatre. Others do better when their lecturer knows their name and notices when they're finding things hard.

Accreditation: If you're heading for a profession like accounting, check that the degree is accredited by the professional body, such as CPA Australia, Chartered Accountants ANZ., the Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) or the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA). It affects what you can do after you graduate.

Cost: Fees vary a lot between institutions and courses. Look at the total cost of the course, not just one year, and check whether FEE-HELP is available so you don't have to pay up front.

Getting there: You'll be making this trip several times a week for three years. A campus close to the train line makes a real difference, especially if you're working part-time.

Support: Find out what help is on offer with study skills, wellbeing and careers, and how easy it is to reach a real person.

If your ATAR isn't what you had hoped for

First, take a breath. There's more than one way into a degree in Perth.

Diplomas, TAFE qualifications and enabling programs can all lead into a degree, and many institutions give credit for what you've already studied, so the time isn't lost. Some also look at other evidence, like a Certificate IV or your results in particular subjects.

You can reorder or add preferences on TISC before the main round deadline, and again before the second round. And if you'd like a little time first, some Perth institutions offer a Semester 2 intake.

Whatever your result, there's a way forward. It often helps to talk it through with someone before you decide.

Studying at Sheridan in 2027

Sheridan Institute of Higher Education is a small, not-for-profit higher education provider in Perth's CBD. Our five-storey campus is located on Stirling Street, Perth, just a 10-minute walk from Perth Station.

Perth tertiary courses classes are small, so students are known by name and lecturers have time for questions. It's a close community, and a good fit if you'd rather not get lost in the crowd.

If you're not sure you're ready for a degree, Sheridan's one-year Diplomas of Business, Arts and Science are a gentle way in. Diploma of Business graduates receive full credit towards the Bachelor of Business in Perth, and the Accounting major is accredited by CPA Australia, IPA, CAANZ and ACCA.

From 2027, the full three-year Bachelor of Business costs $20,000 in total, with textbooks included and no hidden costs. Sheridan offers diplomas in business, arts and science, bachelor degrees in business and arts, and postgraduate study in business and education.

Frequently asked questions

When are WA ATAR results released in 2026? WA ATAR results are expected around Saturday 19 December 2026, through your TISC account. Check TISC for the confirmed date and time.

Can I change my TISC preferences after I get my ATAR? Yes. You can change your preferences after results come out, up to the main round deadline. You can change them again before the second round.

What can I do if my ATAR is lower than I expected? Look at pathway options. At Sheridan, a one-year diploma is a pathway into degree study, and Diploma of Business graduates receive full credit towards Sheridan's Bachelor of Business.

What tertiary courses can I study in Perth's CBD? Sheridan Institute of Higher Education, in Perth's CBD, offers diplomas, bachelor degrees and postgraduate courses across business, arts, education and science.

Is Sheridan a university? Sheridan is a higher education institute rather than a university. It's a small, not-for-profit provider registered with TEQSA (Provider ID PRV14012), offering accredited diplomas, bachelor degrees and postgraduate courses.

How much does a Bachelor of Business cost at Sheridan? From 2027, Sheridan's three-year Bachelor of Business costs $20,000 in total, with textbooks included and no hidden costs.

Talk it through with us

Here is a video of what our students say about us.

You don't need to have it all worked out before results day.

If you'd like to talk through your options for 2027, whatever your ATAR turns out to be, the Sheridan team is happy to help. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or call (08) 6222 4222.

TEQSA Provider ID: PRV14012
CRICOS Provider Number: 03391M
ABN: 22 506 508 071

South Wing Building
Suite 1, 10 Nash Street
Perth WA 6000

West Wing Building
Suite 18, 7 Aberdeen Street
Perth WA 6000