ATAR Exam Countdown 2026
Exam dates and study countdowns for every Australian state. HSC, VCE, QCE, WACE, SACE, TCE, and ACT SSC — all in one place.
State-by-State Exam Dates
HSC NSW
TBCExams begin: Mid-October 2026
Source: NESA
VCE VIC
ConfirmedExams begin: Tuesday 16 June 2026
Source: VCAA
QCE QLD
TBCExams begin: Late October 2026
Source: QCAA
WACE WA
TBCExams begin: Early November 2026
Source: SCSA
SACE SA
TBCExams begin: Late October 2026
Source: SACE Board
TCE TAS
TBCExams begin: Late October 2026
Source: TASC
ACT ACT
TBCExams begin: September 2026 (Est.)
Source: ACT BSSS
Frequently Asked Questions
When do ATAR exams start in 2026?
ATAR exam timing varies by state. Most states hold written exams from October to November 2026. VCE (Victoria) has confirmed dates starting 26 October. Other states will confirm dates mid-year. The ACT does not have a single exam block.
How is the ATAR calculated?
ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) is calculated differently in each state but is nationally comparable. It considers your best subject results (typically 4–5 subjects) and ranks you against all Year 12 students nationally.
Which state has the earliest exams?
VCE (Victoria) performance and oral exams begin in early October, with written exams starting late October. HSC (NSW) and QCE (Queensland) typically start around mid-to-late October. WACE (WA) exams usually run throughout November.
Does the ACT have ATAR exams?
The ACT does not have a traditional end-of-year exam block. Instead, the ACT uses school-based assessment throughout the year, plus the AST (ACT Scaling Test) in September for ATAR calculation.
When are ATAR results released?
ATAR results are typically released in mid-December across all states, usually within a few days of each other. Check your state's specific timetable page for the exact date.
Last updated: March 2026