The HSC STUDY GUIDE 2025: Supporting students to bring their best for 50 years

NESA CEO Paul Martin said the 50-year anniversary is a milestone being aptly marked with a bumper edition that offers new tips, resources and practical advice across an array of subjects.

“We want to ensure all students receive plenty of support, fresh ideas and inspiration for their futures from a range of HSC alumni and teachers across a diverse mix of HSC courses.

“This partnership is an important one because it allows us to get expert and accurate advice in front of as many students and their families as possible, at a time when they may really be needing it,” Mr Martin said.

As part of 50-year celebrations, the guide will feature Year 12 memories from Class of ‘75-er and INXS founding member Kirk Pengilly, along with a host of other familiar faces.

Offering their own HSC stories and some practical advice are Panthers captain and State of Origin player Nathan Cleary, bestselling author Tracey Lien,  author and activist Chanel Contos, Cheek Media founder Hannah Ferguson, businesswoman Dessy Hairis, pop singer Yorke and Nine News sports reporter Danny Weidler. 

In the 2025 guide, NESA is tackling head-on the most persistent misconceptions about the HSC, along with those that apply to the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR), determined by the Universities Admission Centre (UAC). 

“There are many misunderstandings out there which sometimes lead students to think they can ‘game’ the system to get the best HSC results and ATAR. 

“NESA and UAC are working together to bust those myths and ensure students understand how to achieve their best HSC result. I encourage students to check out our video in the online guide,” Mr Martin said.

With subject-specific expert advice from teachers who have also worked as HSC exam markers, along with top tips from recent graduates – and the ultimate multiple-choice quiz – the guide is a valuable free resource for young people heading into exams in October. 

NESA’s mental health and wellbeing partner ReachOut offers practical advice for students establishing a healthy routine and balance, as well as some top tips to help parents and carers support their children.

“I encourage students to take inspiration from the stories in this guide and make use of the advice and tips featured, as well as using NESA’s other exam online resources,” Mr Martin said. 

“Follow us on Instagram for updates, tips and more as you approach exams. All the very best to the HSC Class of 2025.”

Visit The Sydney Morning Herald to start exploring this year’s HSC Study Guide.

2025 HSC Facts and Figures

• Over 80,000 students are studying one or more HSC course in 2025.   
• During the written exam period more than 80,000 students will sit 123 exams over 17 days, at 780 exam centres.
• HSC written exams will start on Thursday 16 October 2025 with English and finish with Food Technology on Friday 7 November 2025.
• Most 2025 HSC students started their 13 years of school in 2013.
• Mathematics is the most popular subject, after English, which is mandatory.   
• More than 5500 markers will work across NSW in three marking centres and from home.
• HSC results will be issued online, by email and via SMS from 6am on 18 December 2025.