ICMS High Academic Places (HAP)

An initiative for High ATAR Students

At ICMS, we award a number of High Academic Places (HAPs) each February/March intake to domestic students who show a strong performance in the NSW Higher School Certificate (HSC) exams, or equivalent.

The ATAR cut off to receive a HAP varies each year. Historically, it has been set between a 70 and 80 ATAR.

What is a HAP?

A HAP is awarded in the form of reduced tuition fees. HAPs are announced alongside Universities Admission Centre (UAC) offers, after ATAR results are released.

From 1 January 2026, students pay the full tuition fees for the first 15 subjects of their undergraduate course (note, the requirement is 16 subjects for the Bachelor of Property [Development, Investment and Valuation]). Once successfully completed with a pass grade or higher, the remaining subjects are free.

In 2025, a HAP was valued at approximately one third of the cost of each subject – around a 37% reduction in total fees.

FEE-HELP, the government loan similar to HECS-HELP, can be used alongside a HAP.

Who is eligible for a HAP?

You are eligible for a HAP if you:

• are a domestic student (Australian citizen or permanent resident of Australia)
• completed secondary education within the last four years
• achieve the minimum ATAR specified by ICMS

How do I apply for a HAP?

HAP recipients are automatically selected based on ATAR results, or equivalent.

All you need to do is apply to study an undergraduate course at ICMS in one of two ways:

• through the University Admissions Centre (UAC) in the year you undertake the NSW ATAR, or equivalent, and put ICMS as your first preference
• directly to ICMS if you completed secondary education within the last four years.

HAP offers are distinct from academic offers. If you don’t achieve an ATAR result required for a HAP, you may still be eligible for an offer to study at ICMS.

HAP Terms and Conditions

• HAP places are limited and are subject to admissions approval.
• HAP places are subject to final ATAR ranking
• The number of HAPs offered each intake varies depending on the number and quality of applicants.
• HAPs cannot be deferred – students must commence their course in the February/March intake.
• HAPs are not exchangeable, non-transferable and are not redeemable for cash.

Read the full HAP Terms and Conditions

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