Year 12 Subject Spotlight

We believe that your ATAR doesn’t define who you are – it is your unique passions, abilities and ambitions that matter.

Our Year 12 Subject Spotlight program rewards you with an offer for your hard work and strong results in English (Standard or Advanced) plus at least one HSC subject related to your degree. There is no separate applications for this program – simply apply via UAC and we will do the rest.

What subject marks do I need?

from the drop-down menu below to see what subject marks you’ll need (in addition to English) to receive an offer.

*Applicants for Combined Laws programs must achieve a Band 6 in English or English Advanced to be eligible.

Relevant HSC Subjects Minimum Band
B3B4B5B6E1E2E3
Earth and Environmental Science   B5    
English Extension 1      E2  
English Extension 2      E2  
English Extension 1       E3
English Extension 2       E3
Chemistry  B4      
Chemistry   B5    
Physics B3      
Physics  B4      
Physics   B5     
Mathematics Advanced B3      
Mathematics Advanced  B4      
Mathematics Advanced   B5     
Mathematics Standard 2 B4      
Mathematics Standard 2  B5     
Mathematics Extension 1     E1  
Mathematics Extension 1      E2  
Mathematics Extension 2     E1  
Mathematics Extension 2      E2  
Business Studies  B4      
Economics  B4      
Design and Technology  B4      
Engineering Studies B3       
Engineering Studies  B4      
Food Technology  B4      
Industrial Technology  B4      
Information Processes and Technology  B4      
Construction (VET BOSTES)  B4      
Dance  B4      
Drama  B4      
Music 1  B4      
Music 2  B4      
Music Extension      E2 
Music 2 and Music Extension  B4      
Visual Arts  B4      
Textiles and Design  B4      
Society and Culture  B4      
Software Design and Development  B4      
Geography  B4      
Agriculture  B4      
Agriculture   B5     
Biology  B4      
Biology   B5     
Earth and Environmental Science  B4      
Aboriginal Studies  B4      
Ancient History  B4      
French Advanced  B4      
French Beginners  B4      
French Continuers  B4      
Modern History  B4     
Science (Extension)      E2 

This scheme is currently shown based on 2023 admission.


Really important information

This opportunity is open to all NSW high school students completing Year 12 in 2023. It is also open to NSW students who completed Year 12 in 2022, provided they have not undertaken any further study since completing their Year 12 studies.

Year 12 students in other Australian states and territories, or those sitting the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, will also be eligible where the subjects have been mapped by the University Admissions Centre (UAC) as being comparable to the NSW HSC subject.

To be eligible for admission, you’ll need to achieve a Band 4* in English or English Advanced AND appropriate marks in any one other approved HSC subject.

There is no separate application for the program – simply apply through UAC and have the University of Newcastle listed as your first preference by 15 December to qualify.

Offers for Year 12 Subject Spotlight are released on 21 December 2023.