There are two types of Higher School Certificate courses students can study:
- Board developed courses
These courses are set and externally examined by the Board of Studies, and may contribute to the calculation of a Universities Admission Index (UAI).
These include courses in English, mathematics, science, technology, creative arts, personal development, health and physical education, human society and its environment, languages and Vocational Education and Training (VET) curriculum frameworks.
Read a list of the subjects available and a description of each course on the Board of Studies website.
- Board endorsed courses
These courses are developed by schools, TAFE institutes or universities. They count towards the HSC but do not count towards the calculation of the UAI.
Vocational education and training courses
Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses are either Board developed courses, which may contribute to the calculation of a UAI, or Board endorsed courses.
VET courses give students work-related skills in a variety of industry areas and can count towards the HSC if students sit the HSC exam. Students will receive a nationally recognised qualification when they successfully complete their course.
Some VET courses are studied at school while others can be studied at TAFE institutes and other training providers. VET courses involve work placement.
Board developed VET courses are available in a number of industry curriculum frameworks, such as hospitality and information technology.
