Guide to Year 11

Whether it's figuring out exactly how to achieve your dream career or simply deciding whether you want to go to uni, Year 11 is the perfect time to start exploring your options without the pressure to make decisions yet. Here’s what you can do now to set yourself up for success.

What to do right now

Build healthy habits in Year 11

Set yourself up for study success

Your senior years are a marathon, not a sprint. Pacing yourself in Year 11 and Year 12 helps you stay confident and prepared. Year 11 is the perfect time to test out new study tips and set yourself up for success by establishing a realistic study routine that works for you.

Need some inspiration? We've collated our top 10 study tips for exam prep. Start testing and implementing your study routine in Year 11, so it'll be a habit by the time your HSC or final exams roll around.

Build your support system

Just as it’s a great time to hone your study skills, Year 11 is also your chance to take a step back and think about the bigger picture. Take the time to look after your mental health, maintain your relationships with friends and family, and stick with any hobbies, passions or extracurriculars that you enjoy. Your support system and healthy habits will help you handle the challenges of Year 12.

Your extracurriculars may also help boost your chances of admission to uni; many universities consider factors beyond your ATAR and look at you holistically.

How to apply

Where to go

The uni events for Year 11 students

Uni events are great places to start exploring your pathway to uni. Here are a few worth keeping on your radar:

Y11 Experience Days: Get a taste of life as a UNSW student. Join us on campus for hands-on workshops in specific areas of study, connect with current students and inspiring speakers, and explore our campus.
Open Day: Held each September, Open Day is our biggest and brightest event of the year. It’s your chance to explore UNSW and get your questions answered – it's not just for Year 12 students.
Faculty Info Evenings: Have a specific degree or UNSW faculty that you’re interested in? Info Evenings are a chance to get detailed insight into everything you need to know about that pathway.
Career expos: Explore whether UNSW is the right fit for you. Whether you have questions about admissions, degrees, career opportunities or student life, a career expo is the perfect opportunity to weigh up your options.

Sign up to our mailing list to stay up to date on all upcoming UNSW events including dates, details and how to register.

Explore our events

What to know

Do your research in Year 11

Get the scoop now, so you have one less thing on your plate in Year 12.

Understanding UAC: preferencing, offers and the dates to keep in your calendar.

Start familiarising yourself with the UAC preferencing process. Even if you’re not sure what degrees you’d like to preference, understanding the process will help ease any extra concerns you might have when it comes time to make your decision.
Don't get caught out. Learn the common misconceptions about UAC preferencing and offers.
Check out UAC’s key dates, including key deadlines for applications and offer rounds. UNSW’s main offer rounds are December Round 2 and January Round 1.

Admission pathways

There's more than one way to get to uni – and you can start preparing right now.

Demonstrate your passion and talent alongside your ATAR for the opportunity to gain an early conditional offer or a significantly lower ATAR entry requirement for a range of degrees with Portfolio Entry.

Start preparing your portfolio in Year 11 to showcase your passion, creativity and potential to succeed in your degree area.

Learn more
You could unlock your access to UNSW through the Gateway Admission Pathway. Gain early entry or a significantly lower ATAR entry requirement for a range of degrees.

If applicable, the Year 11 Gateway Program is a great way to get the support you need on your journey to UNSW. See our full eligibility criteria below

Check your eligibility

Explore degrees

Year 11 is a great time to explore your interests and discover what you might want to study at uni, without the pressure of having to decide right now. Ask yourself:

What am I passionate about?
How do I like to spend my time?
What am I good at?
What progress would I like to drive in the world?

Ready to take the next step in your journey to uni?

Explore degrees

Frequently asked questions about Year 11

Year 11 results don’t count towards your ATAR, but the subjects build the foundation for Year 12. Understanding the core concepts now will help set you up for success later.
You must complete 12 units worth of subjects (including two units of English) in Year 11 to meet HSC requirements. Most subjects equal two units. Once you start Year 12, you can continue with all 12 units, or you may consider dropping up to two units to prioritise your other subjects.
Yes, Year 11 exams matter. What you learn now helps you understand more advanced content in Year 12, and some topics may appear again in future exams.
To get ready for Year 11, take some time to understand your subjects, set a regular study routine, explore your interests and build a strong support network.