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ATAR FAQ'S
ATAR FAQ'S
What is the ATAR?
What is the ATAR?
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a number between 0.00 and 99.95 that shows a student’s position relative to all other students in their age group.
It is used by universities to select students for courses.
Is the ATAR part of the HSC?
Is the ATAR part of the HSC?
No. The ATAR is separate from the HSC. The HSC is awarded by NESA, while the ATAR is calculated by UAC (Universities Admissions Centre).
Do I need an ATAR to get the HSC?
Do I need an ATAR to get the HSC?
No. You can complete the HSC with or without an ATAR pathway.
Do I need an ATAR to go to university?
Do I need an ATAR to go to university?
Not always.
Many universities offer:
Early entry
Portfolio entry
TAFE-to-university pathways
Diploma-to-degree pathways
Mature-age entry
However, the ATAR remains the most common entry method.
How is the ATAR calculated?
How is the ATAR calculated?
UAC calculates the ATAR using:
Your best 10 units of ATAR‑eligible HSC courses
Including 2 units of English (mandatory)
Marks are scaled to reflect the difficulty of each course before the ATAR is calculated.
Which subjects count toward the ATAR?
Which subjects count toward the ATAR?
Only ATAR‑eligible Board Developed Courses can count.
These include most academic subjects and some VET courses if the student sits the optional HSC exam.
Life Skills courses do not count toward an ATAR.
Do all my HSC subjects count toward the ATAR?
Do all my HSC subjects count toward the ATAR?
No.
Only your best 10 units are used, including:
2 units of English
Your next 8 highest‑scoring units
If you study more than 10 units, only your strongest results are included.
Does doing "harder" subjects give me a higher ATAR?
Does doing "harder" subjects give me a higher ATAR?
Not automatically.
Scaling adjusts marks based on how all students in the state perform in each course.
The best strategy is to choose subjects you:
Enjoy
Are good at
Will stay motivated in
Students usually perform best in subjects they genuinely like.
Can VET courses count toward the ATAR?
Can VET courses count toward the ATAR?
Yes — but only if the course has an HSC exam and the student sits it.
Examples include:
Business Services
Hospitality
Construction
Retail Services
If you don’t sit the exam, the course still counts toward your HSC but not your ATAR.
What if I don't want an ATAR?
What if I don't want an ATAR?
That’s completely fine.
You can still:
Complete the HSC
Go to TAFE
Start an apprenticeship or traineeship
Enter the workforce
Use alternative university entry pathways
Many students succeed without an ATAR.
Can I change my mind later and get an ATAR?
Can I change my mind later and get an ATAR?
If you want an ATAR, you must:
Study enough ATAR‑eligible courses
Include 2 units of English
Complete at least 10 units of eligible courses in Year 12
If your pattern of study meets these requirements, UAC will calculate an ATAR automatically.
Who can help me understand ATAR pathways?
Who can help me understand ATAR pathways?
Students can speak with:
The Careers Adviser
Their Year Adviser
Deputy Principal
Head Teachers
Classroom teachers
They can help you choose the right pathway for your goals.
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