Higher School Certificate (HSC) in Singapore

Why Study the Higher School Certificate (HSC) in Singapore?

The Higher School Certificate (HSC) is the premier Australian senior secondary qualification, offered at AIS as an alternative pathway to the IB Diploma for students in Years 11 and 12. AIS is the only school in Singapore offering the HSC, providing a direct pathway to Australian universities through the ATAR system.

The ATAR is also accepted for entry at top universities globally such as Columbia, UCL and NUS. For families seeking additional pathway options, AIS also offers the IB Diploma Programme as an alternative senior secondary pathway. To see how the HSC works in practice, book a personal school tour.

Why Choose the HSC at AIS Singapore?

AIS students consistently outperform the NSW state average, demonstrating the quality of HSC teaching in Singapore:

  • 85 ATAR cohort average (vs 70.75 NSW state average)
  • 40% of cohort achieved ATAR above 90
  • 9 students on NSW State Merit List (2025)
  • 100% university placement rate

The HSC is administered by NESA (New South Wales Education Standards Authority), ensuring the same rigorous standards as schools in Australia. Families based overseas can schedule an online consultation to discuss the HSC pathway with our admissions team.

The Australian Expat Advantage

For Australian families in Singapore, the HSC offers unique advantages that no other curriculum can match:

  • Seamless transition for families relocating to or from Australia
  • Direct ATAR pathway to all Australian universities
  • Southern Hemisphere school calendar alignment (unique to AIS)
  • AIS is an official NESA examination centre in Singapore
  • Same curriculum and assessment as students in NSW, ACT, and international schools in Australia

Whether your family is from New South Wales, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, or South Australia, the HSC provides curriculum continuity. The ATAR is recognised across all Australian states and is directly comparable to state-based ranks like VCE (ATAR), QCE (ATAR), and WACE (ATAR).

Not sure which pathway suits your child? Read our IB vs HSC comparison guide. You can also book a tour to meet our HSC teaching team and see our senior secondary facilities.

HSC: Your Pathway to Australian Universities

For international families considering Australian universities, the HSC offers a direct pathway to the country’s top institutions:

  • Direct ATAR entry to Group of Eight (Go8) universities: Melbourne, Sydney, ANU, UNSW, Monash, Queensland, Adelaide, Western Australia
  • Geographic proximity: Singapore to Sydney in 8 hours
  • Post-study work visa: 2-4 years’ work rights after graduation
  • Lower tuition fees compared to UK and US universities
  • Strong graduate employment outcomes in Asia-Pacific region

Over 3,000 Singaporean students study at Australian universities each year, reflecting the strong education ties between Singapore and Australia.

The Higher School Certificate (HSC) Programme

What is the High School Certificate (HSC)?

The Higher School Certificate (HSC) is Australia’s most established senior secondary qualification, awarded to students who successfully complete Years 11 and 12. The HSC offers students the flexibility to pursue a broad range of subjects or specialise in areas aligned with their university and career goals. The curriculum fosters critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills, preparing students for success at university and beyond.

Recognition and International Acceptance of Higher School Certificate (HSC)

The Higher School Certificate is recognised by universities in over 50 countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, and Asia-Pacific. Leading international universities, including Cambridge, Edinburgh, and UCL, accept HSC results and ATAR scores for direct entry.

University Country HSC/ATAR Requirement
Cambridge University UK ATAR 98.50-99.50
University of Edinburgh UK ATAR 92+
UCL UK ATAR 90+
University of Toronto Canada HSC Band 5-6
NUS Singapore ATAR 85+

Year 11 (Preliminary HSC)

To progress to Year 12 and successfully complete the HSC, students at the Australian International School in Singapore must fulfil specific requirements. This includes satisfactorily completing at least 12 units, including mandatory units in English.

What is Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)?

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a percentile rank (0-99.95) that compares your HSC performance against all Year 12 students in NSW. Universities use the ATAR as a primary criterion for course entry. To receive an ATAR, students must complete at least 10 units of Board Developed courses, including at least 2 units of English. 

The ATAR is not a score but a rank, indicating the percentage of students you performed better than or equal to. An ATAR of 90 means you performed better than 90% of the Year 12 cohort. 

Vocational Education & Training at AIS (VET)

The Australian International School in Singapore offers Vocational Education and Training (VET) subjects that play a vital role in preparing students for further education, training, employment, and lifelong learning. These subjects contribute towards the ATAR and provide students with industry-recognized skills and competencies.

Benefits of Studying VET Subjects

Studying VET subjects at the Australian International School in Singapore offers several advantages, including exposure to real-world workplaces, insights into employer expectations, and opportunities for career planning. These subjects develop industry-specific skills, and employability skills, and provide recognition from both industry and NESA.

Higher School Certificate (HSC) Marking Process

The HSC marking process involves a programme of assessment tasks set and marked by schools. NESA moderates the assessment marks to ensure fairness and consistency across different schools. The final HSC mark is determined by the moderated school assessment mark, and the examination result.

Australian International School Singapore (AIS) HSC Results Exam Scores

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HSC Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Higher School Certificate (HSC)?

The Higher School Certificate (HSC) is Australia’s most established senior secondary qualification, awarded to students who successfully complete Years 11 and 12. Developed by NESA (New South Wales Education Standards Authority), the HSC is the standard qualification in NSW, ACT, and Australian international schools. Your HSC results are used to calculate your ATAR, which universities use for course entry.

Why study the Australian HSC in Singapore?

AIS is the only school in Singapore offering the HSC, providing a unique advantage for families planning Australian university pathways. The HSC at AIS offers specialist subject pathways matched to your university goals, small class sizes with expert teachers, and seamless transition for families relocating to or from Australia. AIS students achieve an average ATAR of 76.6, above the NSW state average. 

How is the Australian HSC curriculum developed?

The New South Wales Education Standards Authority (NESA) develops the Higher School Certificate curriculum. NESA aligns the Australian HSC programme with national educational standards. The HSC curriculum prepares you for university and workforce entry.

What is ATAR in the Australian HSC?

The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) ranks your Higher School Certificate performance against all NSW students. Universities use your HSC results to determine course entry. You apply to Australian and overseas universities with your Australian HSC ATAR.

Can I complete the Higher School Certificate without an ATAR?

Yes. You can complete the Australian HSC without an ATAR pathway. Non-ATAR HSC options include VET courses and foundation studies. Australian International School Singapore provides guidance for both Higher School Certificate pathways.

Is the Australian HSC recognised internationally?

Yes. The Higher School Certificate is recognised by universities in over 50 countries, including the UK, USA, Canada, and across the Asia-Pacific region. Leading international universities accept HSC results and ATAR scores for direct entry:

  • Cambridge University: ATAR 98.50-99.50
  • University of Edinburgh: ATAR 92+
  • UCL (London): ATAR 90+
  • University of Toronto: HSC Band 5-6
  • NUS (Singapore): ATAR 85+

The HSC is administered by NESA (New South Wales Education Standards Authority), the same body that oversees NSW schools in Australia, ensuring your qualification meets the same rigorous standards as students studying in Sydney or Melbourne.

What Australian HSC support does AIS Singapore provide?

AIS Singapore offers specialist teachers for every Higher School Certificate subject. You receive personalised counselling for HSC subject selection and university applications. Australian International School Singapore provides exam preparation workshops, past papers, and one-on-one support throughout your Australian HSC programme.

What qualifications do HSC teachers at AIS Singapore have?

Higher School Certificate teachers at Australian International School Singapore hold bachelor’s or master’s degrees in their specialist subjects. All Australian HSC teachers possess teaching certifications and proven expertise in the HSC curriculum.

Is AIS the only HSC school in Singapore?

Yes. AIS is the only school in Singapore offering the Higher School Certificate. We are an official NESA examination centre, meaning students sit the same HSC exams as students in NSW. This makes AIS the only option for families in Singapore who want their child to complete the Australian HSC curriculum. 

Can my child continue HSC if we relocate to Australia?

Yes. The HSC curriculum at AIS is identical to NSW schools. If your family relocates to Australia, your child can seamlessly continue their HSC studies at any NSW school or NESA-registered international school. This curriculum continuity is a key advantage for Australian expat families who may return home during the senior secondary years. 

How do Australian universities assess HSC, IB, and A-Level applicants?

Australian universities accept HSC, IB Diploma, and A-Levels equally. Each qualification is converted to an ATAR-equivalent rank for comparison:

  • HSC students receive a direct ATAR from UAC based on their HSC results
  • IB students receive an IB Admissions Score (IBAS), converted to a Combined Rank using a nationally agreed table
  • A-Level students have grades converted using each university’s tariff system

All three pathways lead to the same destination. The HSC pathway offers direct ATAR calculation with no conversion step, while IB offers global portability if your family may relocate internationally. AIS offers both pathways, allowing families to choose the best fit for their child’s goals and circumstances.

For a detailed comparison, read our IB vs HSC guide.

Learn More About the HSC

Book A Tour Apply Now Online Consult admissions@ais.com.sg General Enquiries: +65 6319 3760