“I’ve been there, too”: Astronauts, economists, designers and sports stars share their tips with the HSC Class of 2026

A partnership between The Sydney Morning Herald and the NSW Education Standards Authority for over half a century, the HSC Study Guide offers up-to-date advice, resources and inspiration for the more than 80,000 students completing their high school education. 

Australian of the Year Katherine Bennell-Pegg, NRL legend Alex Johnston, Reserve Bank of Australia boss Michele Bullock, Grand Designs Australia host Anthony Burke and many more, all share personal insights into the HSC’s role in their own journeys. 

The HSC Study Guide is a key part of NESA’s support for students undertaking Australia’s most popular high school credential.

The online guide ensures all HSC students have access to this comprehensive resource, drawn together from a carefully curated mix of HSC alumni and teachers, across a diverse mix of HSC courses.

With subject-specific advice from expert teachers who are also 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. 

The most persistent misconceptions about the HSC and ATAR are debunked in the 2026 guide, in an initiative between NESA and the Universities Admissions Centre – to support students in making informed subject selections.  

NESA’s mental health and wellbeing partner ReachOut also offers down-to-earth advice for students – to support them in caring for themselves during study and exam time – as well as strategies to help parents and carers support their children.

Visit The Sydney Morning Herald online to start exploring this year’s HSC Study Guide. Follow NESA on Instagram for updates, tips and more as you approach exams.

NSW Education Standards Authority CEO Paul Martin said:

“Our mission each year, in partnership with The Sydney Morning Herald, is to ensure students in every corner of the state have access to expert and accurate advice, at a time when they may really need it.

“This year, NESA and UAC are working together to bust myths about the HSC and the ATAR, to help students understand what really works – and why our advice is always to choose subjects you enjoy, are passionate about and interested in.

“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 online exam resources.

"All the very best to the HSC Class of 2026.”

2026 HSC Facts and Figures 

• More than 80,000 students are studying one or more HSC course in 2026.   
• During the written exam period more than 80,000 students will sit 123 exams over 18 days, at 780 exam centres.
• HSC written exams will start on Tuesday 13 October with English paper 1 and finish with Physics on Thursday 5 November 2026. 
• Most 2026 HSC students started their 13 years of school in 2014. 
• Mathematics is the most popular subject, after English, which is mandatory.   
• More than 5,500 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 Wednesday 16 December 2026.