FUTURE STUDENTS
HSC Plus
 |
 |
What is HSC Plus?
HSC Plus is a program of rewarding by means of a bonus points system, performance in Australian Senior Secondary Certificate [Year 12] courses relevant to UNSW undergraduate programs.
Why has UNSW introduced HSC Plus?
There is a strong correlation between Year 12 course performance and preparation for and success in first year university studies. Students who have undertaken and done well in relevant Year 12 courses are generally well prepared for the demands of university study. A successful first year of university study lays the foundation for a successful and rewarding UNSW experience. By employing strategies that enhance the academic achievement of UNSW students we also improve their employability and increase the range of career options for our graduates.
Am I eligible for bonus points under HSC Plus?
If you complete an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate (Year 12) in the year prior to admission* to UNSW, and you complete relevant year 12 courses as part of that qualification, you may be eligible for bonus points under HSC Plus for admission in Semester 1. To be considered you must be eligible to receive a ATAR or equivalent.
If you complete the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Australia in the year prior to admission* you may also be eligible. To be considered you must be eligible for the award of the IB Diploma.
*Applicants who completed the above qualifications in 2008 and took a gap year in 2009 are also eligible for HSC Plus for admission in Semester 1 2010.
How many bonus points might I be awarded and for which Year 12 courses?
Applicants will be awarded a maximum of 5 bonus points for each UNSW preference. The number of bonus points awarded and the Year 12 courses considered are specific to individual undergraduate programs. This means that if you apply for a range of programs at UNSW you may have a different selection rank for each preference depending on the Year 12 courses you have completed.
For detailed information on HSC Plus bonus points visit this website:
Calculate how many bonus points you may be eligible for (up to a maximum of 5) on this website: HSC Plus Performance Bands and Points
Are all UNSW undergraduate programs included in HSC Plus?
The following programs are NOT included in HSC Plus:
Combined Law
Commerce (International)
Medicine/Surgery
Psychology
ADFA Chief of Defence Force Special Programs (CDFSP)
All other UNSW undergraduate programs are included.
How do I apply for HSC Plus?
No separate application is required. For admission to undergraduate programs at UNSW all applicants completing an Australian Senior Secondary Certificate [Year 12] - either in Australia or off-shore - must lodge an application via the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC). Applicants completing the International Baccalaureate in Australia also apply via UAC.
If you have a preference for a program included in HSC Plus at the close of change of preferences AND your performance in a Year 12 course or courses is in a specified band, bonus points will be automatically added to your ATAR or equivalent to increase your selection rank for that preference.
The following examples illustrate how HSC Plus works:
The applicants below complete the NSW Higher School Certificate. For each applicant you can see the HSC courses undertaken, the performance band achieved in each and the applicant's overall performance as measured by the ATAR.
Also listed is each applicant's list of UNSW preferences, HSC Plus bonus points awarded for each preference and the applicant's increased selection ranks.
Example 1
Najah receives an ATAR of 75.85 in 2009.
| Najah's HSC Courses | Najah's Performance Bands |
| English Advanced | Band 3 |
| Biology | Band 4 |
| Chemistry | Band 3 |
| Mathematics | Band 6 |
| Mathematics Ext 1 | Band E2 |
| Physics | Band 4 |
Najah's UAC preferences for UNSW
|
UAC Code
|
Program
|
HSC Plus
Bonus Points
|
Najah's
Selection Rank
|
| 425005 | Environmental Engineering |
2
|
77.85
|
| 429008 | Environmental Science |
5
|
80.85
|
| 429000 | Science |
5
|
80.85
|
| 422000 | Arts |
0
|
75.85
|
Example 2
Sally receives an ATAR of 81.70 in 2009.
| Sally's HSC Courses | Sally's Performance Bands |
| English Advanced | Band 5 |
| Mathematics | Band 3 |
| Modern History | Band 5 |
| Design & Technology | Band 4 |
| History Extension | Band E3 |
| Visual Arts | Band 6 |
Sally's UAC preferences for UNSW
|
UAC Code
|
Program
|
HSC Plus
Bonus Points
|
Sally's
Selection Rank
|
| 421002 | Design |
4
|
85.70
|
| 423003 | Interior Architecture |
3
|
84.70
|
| 421001 | Art Education |
5
|
86.70
|
| 422002 | Arts/Education |
5
|
86.70
|
| 421000 | Fine Arts |
3
|
84.70
|
Example 3
Michael has an ATAR equivalent of 90.30 from his 2008 HSC. In January/February 2009 Michael received a total of 3 offers of admission for Semester 1 2009 from three different universities. He wasn't sure what he wanted to study so deferred his offers and decided to work and travel during 2009.
After much reflection, Michael has now decided that he wants to apply for a different course for 2010 admission and has lodged an application via UAC. If Michael lists UNSW preferences in his application for admission in Semester 1 2010 he will receive HSC Plus bonus points as outlined below:
| Michael's HSC Courses | Michael's Performance Bands |
| English Advanced | Band 6 |
| English Extension 1 | Band E4 |
| English Extension 2 | Band E3 |
| HSC Mathematics | Band 4 |
| Ancient History | Band 5 |
| Modern History | Band 5 |
Michael's UAC preferences for UNSW
|
UAC Code
|
Program
|
HSC Plus
Bonus Points
|
Michael's
Selection Rank
|
| 426000 | Combined Law |
0
|
90.30
|
| 422009 | International Studies |
5
|
95.30
|
| 424010 | Commerce (International) |
0
|
90.30
|
| 424000 | Commerce |
5
|
95.30
|
| 422000 | Arts |
5
|
95.30
|