The University of Sydney will for the first time publish its minimum ATARs for entry into most courses, in a bid to provide more certainty for students and ensure entry is based on academic standards rather than demand.

From Monday, students will know the ATARs they will need to receive an offer for the majority of the university's undergraduate courses, in what deputy vice-chancellor Professor Tyrone Carlin said represents "a major change" from previous years.

From Monday, students will know the ATARs they will need to receive an offer for the majority of the University of Sydney's undergraduate courses. Credit:Rob Homer

Until now, Sydney University, like most institutions, has provided estimated "ATAR cut-offs" based on the the previous year's intake.

"The fixed ATAR will be based on an academic judgment," Professor Carlin said. "You set a level of academic preparedness that you'd expect a candidate to have [for each program]."