Key Dates for HSC 2026:

How HSC ATAR is Calculated:

NSW/ACT ATAR is based on an aggregate of scaled marks in 10 units of HSC courses:

• Your best 2 units of English
• Your best 8 units from remaining subjects

Example Calculation:

If you study 12 units: English Advanced (2u), English Extension 1 (1u), Mathematics Advanced (2u), Mathematics Extension 1 (1u), Physics (2u), Chemistry (2u), Economics (2u).

Your ATAR aggregate uses: Best 2 units of English + best 8 from the remaining 10 units = 10 units total

Key Dates for VCE 2026:

How VCE ATAR is Calculated:

Victoria ATAR uses your aggregate of scaled study scores:

• Primary English contribution: 10% of one of English/EAL/Literature study score
• Best three subjects: Next three highest scaled study scores
• Fifth and sixth subjects: 10% of fifth and sixth highest scaled study scores

Formula:

Aggregate = (0.1 × English) + Subject 2 + Subject 3 + Subject 4 + (0.1 × Subject 5) + (0.1 × Subject 6)

Key Dates for WACE 2026:

How WA ATAR is Calculated:

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR 2026: WA has removed bonus points for Maths and Languages from 2026 onwards.

WA ATAR is derived from the Tertiary Entrance Aggregate (TEA):

• Best four scaled scores from ATAR courses
• No more than two mathematics scaled scores can be used
• LOTE & Maths bonuses REMOVED from 2026 (previously 10% bonus)

TEA Calculation (2026 onwards):

TEA = Sum of best four scaled scores
Maximum TEA = 400 (4 × 100)

Example: If your scaled scores are Physics (67.6), Italian (66.5), English (55.4), Modern History (41.5), then TEA = 67.6 + 66.5 + 55.4 + 41.5 = 231.0

Key Dates for QCE 2026:

External Assessment Period: October - November 2026

Queensland uses a continuous assessment model with external exams for General subjects only.

How Queensland ATAR is Calculated:

Queensland ATAR is based on an aggregate of scaled results from best five eligible inputs:

Three different schemes:

• Five General subjects (Units 3 & 4); OR
• Four General subjects + one Applied subject (Units 3 & 4); OR
• Four General subjects + one VET Certificate III or above

Scaling Process:

• Subject results are scaled
• Best five scaled results added to create Subject Aggregate
• Students ranked by aggregate
• ATAR bands assigned (approximately 30 students per band if 60,000 in cohort)

Key Information for SACE 2026:

External Exam Period: October - November 2026

Results Release: Mid-December 2026

SACE uses Stage 2 (Year 12) results for ATAR calculation. Students need 90 credits at Stage 2 including:

• Personal Learning Plan (10 credits)
• Research Project (10 credits)
• English or Maths (minimum 20 credits)
• ATAR subjects (for university entry)

Key Information for TCE 2026:

External Exam Period: October - November 2026

Results Release: December 2026

Tasmania uses the Tasmanian Qualifications Authority (TQA) system. ATAR calculated from best five scaled scores in Level 4 subjects.

Key Mathematics Content for ATAR

Mathematics is a crucial subject for ATAR, with various levels offered across states:

NSW Mathematics Subjects:

• Mathematics Standard 1 & 2: Practical applications
• Mathematics Advanced: Calculus, functions, trigonometry
• Differentiation: d/dx(x³) = 3x²
• Integration: ∫2x dx = x² + C
• Mathematics Extension 1: Advanced calculus, combinatorics
• Binomial theorem: (a + b)ⁿ = Σ(ⁿCᵣ)aⁿ⁻ʳbʳ
• Mathematics Extension 2: Complex numbers, mechanics, vectors
• Complex number: z = a + bi, where i² = -1

VIC Mathematics Subjects:

• General Mathematics / Further Mathematics: Statistics, matrices, networks
• Mathematical Methods: Functions, calculus, probability
• Derivative rules: d/dx(eˣ) = eˣ
• Product rule: d/dx(uv) = u(dv/dx) + v(du/dx)
• Specialist Mathematics: Advanced functions, mechanics, complex numbers
• Vector magnitude: |v| = √(x² + y² + z²)

WA Mathematics Subjects:

• Mathematics Applications: Practical mathematics
• Mathematics Methods: Calculus and functions
• Chain rule: dy/dx = (dy/du) × (du/dx)
• Mathematics Specialist: Complex numbers, vectors, mechanics
• Quadratic formula: x = (-b ± √(b² - 4ac)) / 2a

NSW & ACT

Victoria

Western Australia

Queensland

South Australia

Tasmania

What ATAR do I need for university?

It varies widely by course and university. Most courses require between 50-80 ATAR. Competitive courses (law, medicine, engineering at top universities) may require 90-99. Check specific university course requirements.

Can I get into university without an ATAR?

Yes! Pathways include: TAFE diplomas, foundation/bridging courses, mature-age entry (usually 21+), special entry schemes, portfolio/audition-based courses, and TAFE-to-university pathways.

Do all my subjects count toward my ATAR?

No. Only your best-performing subjects (10 units in NSW, aggregate of 6 in VIC, best 4 in WA, best 5 in QLD) count toward your ATAR calculation.

Can I retake exams to improve my ATAR?

Generally no for the same year. However, you can repeat Year 12 or specific subjects the following year. Some states allow accumulation of results over consecutive years.

What's a good ATAR?

Any ATAR is an achievement! "Good" depends on your goals: 70+ opens most courses, 80+ is competitive, 90+ is highly competitive. Remember that 50% of students score below 70.

Does my internal school rank affect my ATAR?

Yes (NSW mainly). School assessment marks are moderated based on your school's exam performance. In other states, internal assessment contributes differently but is still important.

When exactly are ATARs released?

Mid-December 2026 - typically Dec 10-18 depending on state. NSW: Dec 16, VIC: Dec 10, WA: Dec 15. Check your state's specific date.

Can I see my ATAR calculation breakdown?

Yes. Results statements show your scaled scores (where applicable) and how they contributed to your ATAR aggregate. Contact your state's tertiary admissions centre for detailed information.