- Resources -

Selecting the Right Courses for You

Overview

This page provides various resources to help students navigate the best pathways for them, and includes:

- Subject Compass
- NESA HSC Packaging Rules
- ATAR Rules - if you want to go to university
- Subject Selection Worksheets
- UAC's Year 10 Booklet for 2026 HSC Graduates

Subject Compass

In Year 10, students will select the courses that they will study for the next two years. It's important to lay a strong foundation for their future plans by choosing the HSC subjects that are right for them. Compass

But with so many HSC subjects, where do you start? Subject Compass can help.

How it works

Enter interests, skills, chosen career path or tertiary study plans to create profile.

2. View a list of HSC subjects that best match your profile.

3. Select your preferred subjects from the list or add new subjects.

4. Check whether your chosen subjects will make you eligible for an ATAR.

5. Share your Subject Compass results with you careers adviser and parents/guardian.

Chop and change your profile or subject selection as many times as you like. Each year, NSW HSC students complete around 127,000 different patterns of study!

Link to access Compass: https://www.uac.edu.au/subject-compass/#/

HSC Packaging Rules - NESA Rules

When you choose your subjects, it's important to understand the rules about completing the HSC. All VET courses are separate subject areas

You must satisfactorily complete:

- a preliminary (Year 11) pattern of study that includes at least 12 units
- an HSC (Year 12) pattern of study that includes at least 10 units.

In both years you must include at least:

- 2 units of a Board Developed course in English
- at least 4 more units of Board Developed courses
- three courses of 2 or more units (either Board Developed or Board Endorsed Courses)
- at least four subjects.

ATAR Rules

The ATAR rules are slightly different to the HSC rules. This is to make sure that students who intend to go on to uni are well prepared for the demands of tertiary study. Industry Curriculum Frameworks

To be eligible for an ATAR in NSW in 2023 and 2024, you must satisfactorily complete at least 10 units of HSC courses. These courses must include at least:

- 10 units of Board Developed courses
- 2 units of English
- three Board Developed courses of 2 units or greater
- four subject areas.

Find out everything you need to know about the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank.

Year 10 Subject Selection Worksheet

The following worksheets may also assist you in exploring subject areas that match your interests (download the PDF):

Year 10 Booklet for 2027 HSC Graduates

This Year 10 Booklet has been prepared by UAC to assist Year 10 students to know about any prerequisites for their potential university course, etc:

UAC Guide 2023

Students may also like to consider what courses are available when they leave school if they are pursuing a university pathway after school, and perhaps if there is a VET course that can assist along this pathway.

The UAC Guide is published annually for HSC students. The one below is for 2023 graduates, however, it may provide some inspiration.