Useful Information for Employers
The Higher School Certificate (HSC)
HSC and beyond (including UAI)
- What is meant by HSC "Pathways"?
-
The HSC can be accumulated over a period of five years from the completion of the first HSC course. This allows for flexible study arrangements and is often referred to by the term "Pathways". Pathways provisions also include: being able to repeat one or more HSC courses; acceleration, which allows more able students to progress through their study requirements at a faster rate; recognition of prior learning, whereby you may be granted credit transfer towards your HSC, or advanced standing in a course; and even part-time traineeships.
- What is the UAI?
-
The HSC results are used by the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) to calculate a rank order of students known as the Universities Admission Index (UAI).
The UAI is not a mark, nor is it a summary of the HSC. It is a ranking system used to allocate university placements.
Calculation of a UAI is optional. Students undertaking the HSC may indicate that they wish to have a UAI calculated. Many students who do not wish to gain entry to university do not request calculation of a UAI. To be eligible for a UAI, students must satisfactorily complete at least 10 units of eligible Board Developed Courses for which formal examinations are conducted by the Board of Studies.
- Further information on the UAI is available on the UAC website.
- What follows the HSC?
-
Approximately 30% of students go straight to university after completing the HSC, 30% go to TAFE and 30% go into the workforce.
Many HSC courses give students credit towards TAFE credentials. Credit can be gained from general courses, such as Geography and Visual Arts, as well as from courses that include vocational units of competency.
More information on TAFE credit transfer is available at the HSC/TAFE Credit Transfer website.
Students may also undertake TAFE study prior to enrolling in university. The Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (AVCC) has developed, with participating universities, national credit transfer arrangements for holders of TAFE qualifications in 13 broad fields of study.
- How does the HSC compare to interstate qualifications?
-
Information on Year 12 credentials in each state is available on the Australasian Curriculum, Assessment and Certification Authorities (ACACA) - Leaving School sub-site.