Subject Selections

The Higher School Certificate (HSC) is a qualification issued by the New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA).

School students in New South Wales generally work towards the Higher School Certificate or HSC in years 11 and 12. It is the highest level of attainment you can reach at school.

Candidates for the HSC must undertake a program of study comprising at least:

• 12 units of Preliminary Courses; and, 
• 10 units of Higher School Certificate Courses

BOTH the Preliminary Course pattern and the HSC Course pattern MUST include:

• at least 6 units of Board Developed courses
• at least 2 units of compulsory English
• at least 3 courses of 2 unit value (or greater)
• at least 4 subjects (including English)

A maximum of 6 units of Science can contribute to the Year 11 pattern of study.

A maximum of 7 units of Science can contribute to the Year 12 pattern of study.

Steps to Uni for Year 10 Students (2023 edition)

Subject Compass: online HSC subject selection tool

Top Tips for Choosing HSC Courses

Year 10 Presentation