NSW students prepare for HSC exams starting on 13 October

Students in New South Wales are making their final preparations for the Higher School Certificate exams, which begin on Tuesday, 13 October, as early university offers reshape the experience for some school leavers.

The NSW Education Standards Authority's timetable sets English Paper 1 as the opening written exam. The examination period ends with Physics on 5 November. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that more than 60,000 students will sit the first English paper.

Schools and libraries are providing revision spaces ahead of the exams. At Moorebank High School in Sydney, graduates have returned for practice tests and study sessions. Marrickville Library has extended its opening hours to accommodate students.

The Herald also reports that more than 28,000 students applied for the University Admissions Centre's Schools Recommendation Scheme this year, compared with 9804 in 2015. These figures refer to applications, rather than confirmed university places.

The scheme considers criteria beyond the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank, including Year 11 results and school recommendations. According to the admissions centre, unconditional offers in the first scheme round are scheduled for 12 November 2026. Eligibility and additional requirements vary between institutions.