But they also say they want universities to reduce entrance requirements for regional students after facing hurdles due to the coronavirus.

Melbourne's Swinburne University will ask schools to write a letter of recommendation for students who meet English requirements to admit them into many popular courses next year.

Federal Education Minister Dan Tehan said it was a trend likely to continue with universities deciding admissions using the ATAR alongside other qualifications.

"What we will continue to see is flexibility in how they admit students especially given the disruption we have seen this year from the coronavirus," Mr Tehan said.

But students at Warrnambool's Emmanuel College say the ATAR, while not perfect, gives them a goal to work towards.

"It's what we have been working towards since year 11. I do like the idea with some unis guaranteeing early entry based off year 11 results, or just reducing the ATAR requirement," year 12 student Jacob Gome said.

"It's good having the ATAR there to mark yourself at, without it you might lose track of a goal.

"I think for regional students it will be tougher if the ATAR requirements stay the same, for city kids there is that advantage because there's more resources and competition to keep you motivated.

"It would be good to reduce ATARs across the board or just for regional students."

Year 12 student Sophie Woolstencroft, who wants to study psychology, supported a merit-based system to admit students to uni, but said she was unsure ATAR was "equal and fair".

She suggested an interview could contribute to admissions.

"Something like psychology if you're not a people's person but really book smart you can get the ATAR to get in," Sophie said.

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