It depends on your state: usually four to six subjects. NSW counts your best 10 units (about five subjects), Victoria up to six studies (four in full and two at 10%), Queensland your best five, South Australia 90 credits (about four and a half subjects) and Western Australia your best four plus a 10% bonus for some courses.
Subjects that count, key facts
- NSW: best 10 units including 2 units of English. Victoria: best English + next 3, plus 10% of the 5th and 6th.
- Queensland: best 5 scaled results. SA and NT: 90 credits. WA: best 4 plus a 10% bonus for some courses.
- In a 2025 Victorian example, dropping the sixth study cost 1.45 ATAR points and dropping the fifth too cost 3.05.
- In WA, a language outside the best four still added about 1.1 ATAR points through the bonus.
Subjects that count, by state
| State | What counts | Must include |
|---|---|---|
| NSW (HSC) | Best 10 units: 2 units of English + best 8 other units | 2 units of English |
| Victoria (VCE) | Best English + next 3 in full, plus 10% of 5th and 6th | One English study |
| Queensland (QCE) | Best 5 scaled results (at least 4 General) | C or better in an English subject to be eligible |
| SA and NT (SACE) | Best three 20-credit subjects + 30-credit flexible option | At least 60 credits from 20-credit subjects or pairs |
| WA (WACE) | Best 4 scaled scores + 10% of Methods, Specialist and best language | Four ATAR courses |
| ACT | Best three majors + 0.6 of a fourth major or a minor, after AST moderation | Tertiary package rules |
| Tasmania (TCE) | Best 5 Level 3 or 4 results across any two years | Eligible pre-tertiary courses |
Do I need six subjects?
- Victoria: no. Four studies including English give you an ATAR. A fifth and sixth add 10% each, a few points of aggregate at most.
- NSW: you must complete at least 10 units of ATAR courses, including three courses of 2 units or more and four subjects. Many students take 11 or 12 units so a weaker one can drop out.
- Queensland: five results count. A sixth General subject gives a backup if one result is weaker.
- WA: four count. Extra courses help only if they beat one of your best four or earn the 10% bonus.
How a fifth subject affects a Victorian ATAR
Only 10% of its scaled score is added. A fifth study with a scaled score of 30 adds 3 points to the aggregate. In 2025 that could lift an ATAR by about one to two points in the middle of the range. It is worth doing well, but not at the cost of your primary four. Try it in the VCE ATAR calculator.
Can VET or Applied subjects count?
- NSW: VET courses with an HSC exam can count. The old two-unit limit on Category B courses was removed in 2025.
- Victoria: VCE VET studies with a study score count like other studies.
- Queensland: one Applied subject or one VET qualification at Certificate III or higher can be your fifth result.
Full rules for each state are in how the ATAR is calculated. English rules are covered in can you get an ATAR without English.
What an extra subject is worth (2025 examples)
| State | Change | ATAR estimate |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Six studies (worked example) | 85.05 |
| Victoria | Drop the sixth study (Legal Studies 30) | 83.60 |
| Victoria | Only four studies | 82.00 |
| NSW | 11 units including Extension 1 (worked example) | 89.55 |
| NSW | Drop Extension 1 (10 units) | 88.80 |
| WA | Best four plus French bonus (worked example) | 93.75 |
| WA | Drop French | 92.65 |
The worked examples are on each state's calculator page. In each case the extra subject helped, but less than one more point in a subject that counts in full.
Picking how many subjects to take
- Take enough to have a backup. In NSW, Queensland and Victoria, an extra subject lets a weaker result drop out.
- Do not spread yourself thin. A sixth Victorian study at 10% is worth less than lifting your primary four.
- Check prerequisites first. A subject that does not count for your ATAR may still be required for a course.
FAQ
How many ATAR subjects do you need in Queensland?
Five results, with at least four General subjects. The fifth can be General, one Applied subject or one VET Certificate III or higher.
How many units do you need for the HSC ATAR?
At least 10 units of ATAR courses, including 2 units of English. Your best 10 units count.
Do all my subjects count towards the ATAR?
No. Only your best results under your state's rules count. The rest are ignored for the ATAR, though they may still matter for prerequisites.
Does year 11 count towards the ATAR?
In most states, no: Year 12 (Units 3 and 4, Stage 2) results count. Some Year 11 students take Year 12 subjects early, and those results can count. See do trials and Year 11 count.
Is a sixth VCE subject worth it?
In the 2025 worked example, the sixth study added about 1.45 ATAR points. It is worth taking if it does not cost you marks in your primary four.