It comes after Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre data showed only one in four Victorian university courses published a clearly-in ATAR this year. 

A number of vice-chancellors across the state believe the measure is increasingly irrelevant for universities.

The Universities Admissions Centre calculates a student’s ATAR based on their overall academic achievement in year 12.

Federation University Wimmera head of campus Geoff Lord said ATARs would be an ongoing issue for discussion. 

“A false barrier imposed on entry to university study does not predict ability nor capability upon graduation from a university course,” he said. 

“Within my immediate family for example, we hold two undergraduate degrees, one honours degree, one master’s degree and one PhD. Neither one of us holds an ATAR, in fact neither one of us completed high school.

“Such is the power and flexibility of the extant Australian university system that people can choose to engage in lifelong learning, conduct family life and create benefit to the community without the need of an ATAR.”

Mr Lord said adult entry, direct entry and TAFE pathways were all valid entry points to the university system.

Federation University deputy vice-chancellor for learning and quality Marcia Devlin said ATARs were not always a good indication of a student’s potential.

“Unfortunately, we are surrounded by myth and misinformation about ATARs,” she said. 

“The majority of courses in Victoria don’t publish ATARs. Of the minority that do, two thirds of them make offers at lower ATARs than the published ones.

“Two thirds of university places offered will be to people without an ATAR.

“Direct entry to university is growing exponentially at some universities, with the ATAR bypassed altogether.

“Direct entry, mature age and international students – and students who come through VET pathways – make up the majority of the Australian university cohort and not one of these students are asked for an ATAR.”