In NSW and Victoria, no: an English result must be part of your ATAR. In Queensland you need a C or better in an English subject to be eligible, but English does not have to be one of the five results counted. In South Australia and Western Australia English is not forced into the aggregate, though you need to meet SACE literacy requirements or university English competence rules.
English and the ATAR, key facts
- NSW and Victoria: English must count. Queensland: a C or better in English is needed to be eligible.
- SA and WA: English is not forced into the aggregate.
- Victoria 2025: English Language at 30 gave the same ATAR estimate as English at 35 (87.60) in a worked example.
- NSW 2025: English Standard and English Advanced at the same HSC mark gave almost the same estimate.
English rules by state
| State | Rule |
|---|---|
| NSW | Your best 2 units of English must count among your 10 units |
| Victoria | Your best scaled English study (English, EAL, English Language or Literature) must count in the primary four |
| Queensland | A C or better in a QCAA English subject is needed for ATAR eligibility; your TEA uses your best 5 results with or without English |
| South Australia and NT | English is not required in the university aggregate; completing the SACE needs literacy at C- or better |
| Western Australia | English is not required in your best four; universities require competence in English, met in 2025 by a scaled score of 50 in English, Literature or EAL/D, or other routes |
What this means for your ATAR
- NSW and Victoria: a weak English result still counts, even if your other subjects are stronger. Your English choice matters. In Victoria in 2025, a 35 in English scaled to 33, while 35 in English Language scaled to 38 and in Literature to 36.
- Queensland: pass English with at least a C, then your best five results count.
- SA and WA: English can drop out of your aggregate if other subjects are stronger, but university English requirements still apply.
Can I study EAL instead?
Yes, if you are eligible. EAL in Victoria and English EAL/D in NSW count as English for the ATAR. Eligibility usually depends on how long you have lived in Australia and studied in English. Check with your school.
See how English fits into each state's calculation in how many subjects count, or try it in the HSC, VCE or QCE calculator.
Does your choice of English change your ATAR?
Victoria
Same student, same other studies (Methods 35, Chemistry 35, Biology 30, Psychology 30, Legal Studies 30), changing only the English study. Calculator results on VTAC's 2025 tables:
| English study | Study score 30 | Study score 35 |
|---|---|---|
| English | 85.05 | 87.60 |
| English as an Additional Language | 84.60 | 87.60 |
| Literature | 86.60 | 88.85 |
| English Language | 87.60 | 89.75 |
English Language and Literature scaled higher in 2025, so the same study score was worth more. That only helps if you would score as well in them: a 35 in English beats a 30 in Literature.
NSW
Same student, same other courses (Mathematics Advanced 85, Chemistry 82, Physics 80, Economics 83, Extension 1 40/50), changing only the English course:
| HSC mark in English | English Standard | English Advanced |
|---|---|---|
| 75 | 85.20 | 86.45 |
| 80 | 88.10 | 87.80 |
| 84 | 89.50 | 89.55 |
| 90 | 91.35 | 91.40 |
At the same mark the two courses gave almost the same estimate on 2025 data. The course where you will earn the higher mark is usually the better choice. UAC notes that the same HSC mark can lead to a range of scaled marks, so treat these as estimates.
Common English mistakes
- Dropping English effort because it scales down. In NSW and Victoria it always counts, so every mark matters.
- Switching English course only for scaling. The numbers above show the mark you earn matters more than the course.
- Forgetting university English requirements in SA and WA. English can drop out of the aggregate but still be needed for entry.
FAQ
Does English have to count in my VCE ATAR?
Yes. VTAC always includes your highest scaled English study in the primary four.
Do I need English for a QCE ATAR?
You need a C or better in an English subject to be eligible, but it does not have to be one of your best five.
Does English count in the WACE ATAR?
Only if it is in your best four scaled scores. It is not compulsory in the TEA, but you need to meet university English competence.
Is English Standard bad for my ATAR?
Not on 2025 data. In our NSW example, an HSC mark of 80 gave 88.10 in English Standard and 87.80 in English Advanced, with everything else the same.