What Counts Towards Your ATAR
Not all Year 12 subjects count equally. Here’s what each state’s ATAR calculation actually uses — and what it leaves out.
Every state runs a “top-N” rule for ATAR: only your best subjects count, some get reduced weight, and some specific subjects are required for eligibility (almost always English, or an English-equivalent). Knowing which rules apply to your state helps you pick subjects that maximise your scaled aggregate — and avoids the mistake of studying a subject that can’t count. This page is the quick-reference version: VCE’s top 4 + 2 increments model, HSC’s 10-units-with-English rule, QCE’s top 5, and the 4-subject rules used by WACE, SACE, TCE and ACT. For the full calculation walkthrough see the companion page on how ATAR is calculated.
How It Works
English is almost always required
VCE: English/EAL/EL/Literature must be in your top 4. HSC: 2 units of English. QCE: satisfactory completion of English. WACE: English ATAR or EAL/D. SACE: Stage 2 English subject. No English = no ATAR.
Top-N subjects count, extras are reduced
VCE: 4 primaries at 100% + 2 at 10%. HSC: best 10 units. QCE: best 5 scaled inputs. WACE: best 4 + language/maths bonuses. SACE: 90-credit flexible aggregate. TCE: TE Score from best 3.75 FTE. ACT: 3 majors + 0.6 of next. Anything beyond these caps either doesn’t count or is heavily discounted.
VET can count — with limits
Most states allow one VET subject to contribute to ATAR. QCE caps this at one. WACE caps VET industry-specific courses as unscaled substitutes. VCE allows VET with scored assessment as a primary or increment subject.
Bonus points are separate from ATAR
Equity adjustment factors, subject-specific bonuses (e.g. Monash Engineering) and SEAS bonuses sit on top of your ATAR at application time — they don’t change the ATAR itself.
Benefits
VCE: English + best 4 + 2 increments
English (or EAL, EL, Literature) must be one of your top 4 primary scores. Increment subjects contribute 10% of their scaled study score each.
HSC: best 10 units, 2 English required
Subjects are usually 2 units each (extensions are 1 unit). UAC picks your best 10-unit combination including 2 English units.
QCE: best 5 scaled inputs, English C required
QTAC takes the best 5 eligible scaled inputs from QCAA General, Applied (max 1) and VET (max 1). Literacy and numeracy requirements apply, typically met by a C or better in English — but the English result itself doesn’t need to be in your top 5.
WACE: best 4 + bonuses
TISC uses your best 4 ATAR course scaled scores to build the TEA. Language bonuses (10% of a qualifying LOTE scaled score) and a Mathematics Specialist bonus can add to the TEA. English ATAR, EAL/D or Literature is required.
SACE: 90-credit flexible aggregate
SATAC requires 90 credits of Stage 2 study for ATAR. The university aggregate is typically 60 credits of full-year Stage 2 subjects plus 30 flexible credits from additional subjects, Modified subjects or the Research Project. A Stage 2 English subject is required.
TCE: TE Score from best 3.75 FTE
TASC calculates a TE Score from your best 3.75 FTE of Level 3/4 course scaled scores across up to two senior-secondary years. The TE Score maps to an ATAR via percentile.
ACT SSC: 3 majors + 0.6 of next
BSSS calculates the ACT ATAR from your best 3 major course scaled scores at full weight plus 0.6 of your next best major or minor. The AST (ACT Scaling Test) moderates school-based grades.
What doesn’t count towards ATAR
Sport courses without scaled assessment, most additional VET subjects (beyond state caps), Stage 1 SACE subjects, and anything beyond your state’s aggregate cap. Scaling and subject selection matter more than raw effort.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does English always count towards ATAR?
Yes. Every Australian state requires an English subject for ATAR eligibility — VCE (top-4 primary), HSC (2 units), QCE (satisfactory completion), WACE (English ATAR or EAL/D), SACE (Stage 2), TCE and ACT. Without one, you won’t receive an ATAR.
How many subjects count towards my ATAR?
Depends on your state. VCE: 4 primary + up to 2 increments (at 10%). HSC: best 10 units. QCE: best 5 scaled inputs. WACE: best 4 + bonuses. SACE: 90-credit flexible aggregate. TCE: TE Score from best 3.75 FTE. ACT: 3 majors + 0.6 of next. Anything above these caps either doesn’t count or has heavily reduced weight.
Do bonus points count towards ATAR?
No. Bonus points, equity adjustments and subject-specific bonuses (like Monash Engineering bonuses) sit on top of your ATAR at the university admissions step — they change your selection rank, not your ATAR itself.
Does VET count towards ATAR?
Often, but with limits. Most states cap VET at one contribution. QCE explicitly limits ATAR input to one VET subject. WACE uses VET industry-specific courses as unscaled substitutes. VCE allows VET with scored assessment as a primary or increment.
Can I get an ATAR without an English subject?
No. Every Australian ATAR pathway requires an English subject (or approved equivalent). If you don’t have one, your state tertiary admissions centre will not calculate an ATAR — you’ll receive your HSC/VCE/etc. results but no rank.
Last updated: March 2026