University Course Completion and ATAR Scores: Is there a Connection?

In the context of proposed changes to university funding introduced by the federal government, including ‘uncapping’ of university places for undergraduate courses, universities are examining the potential impact that these changes may have on their enrollment patterns, university budgets and resources. Federal government policy requires universities to ensure that twenty per cent of undergraduate university places be provided to students from a low socio-economic background. This paper reports results of some research that challenges current perceptions about student entry scores, course progression and course completion rates.