Key Academic Dates 2025 | High School Seniors Guide

Key dates for 2025 high school graduates compiled in one page for easy reference. Don’t forget to bookmark this for easy access throughout the year!

1. NSW Term Dates

Term 1: 6th February – 11th April

Term 2: 30th April – 4th July

Term 3: 22nd July – 26th September

Term 4: 14th October – 19th December

2. HSC Exam dates

Be prepared to smash the HSC by penciling in these important milestones.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?	DATES	LINKS AND NOTES
Last day to apply for HSC Exam disability provisions	11th April	These provisions offer disabled students practical support to reduce disadvantages during the HSC exams. Apply with documents that prove the disability at Schools Online: https://bosho.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/links/schoolsonline.html School staff can help students and parents with this application. Access this link for a NESA FAQ regarding applying for disability provisions: https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/hsc/disability-provisions/applying
HSC personal exam timetable released	2nd May	Your personal timetable notes the time and dates for each of your HSC exams. If you are completing a Major work or Oral exam these will be due on a specified date in your timetable prior to your HSC written exams. It is accessible at Students Online: https://studentsonline.nesa.nsw.edu.au/
HSC written exams start	16th October	Good luck!
HSC written exams end	10th November	Time to celebrate 🙂
ATAR results released	18th December	Your ATAR results are accessible on the UAC website after your HSC results are released. You will need to log into the UAC interface with your Year 12 student number and UAC details to obtain your results. For more information: https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/atar/how-to-get-your-atar
HSC results released	18th December	Your HSC results will be delivered via email and text message. Once these have been delivered, you will also be able to access your results in Students Online: https://studentsonline.nesa.nsw.edu.au/ To understand how results are calculated for the HSC access NESA’s FAQ here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/hsc/results-and-certificates/understanding-your-results

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

DATES

LINKS AND NOTES

Last day to apply for HSC Exam disability provisions

11th April

These provisions offer disabled students practical support to reduce disadvantages during the HSC exams.

Apply with documents that prove the disability at Schools Online: https://bosho.boardofstudies.nsw.edu.au/links/schoolsonline.html
School staff can help students and parents with this application.

Access this link for a NESA FAQ regarding applying for disability provisions: https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/hsc/disability-provisions/applying

HSC personal exam timetable released

2nd May

Your personal timetable notes the time and dates for each of your HSC exams. If you are completing a Major work or Oral exam these will be due on a specified date in your timetable prior to your HSC written exams.

It is accessible at Students Online:
https://studentsonline.nesa.nsw.edu.au/

HSC written exams start

16th October

Good luck!

HSC written exams end

10th November

Time to celebrate 🙂

ATAR results released

18th December

Your ATAR results are accessible on the UAC website after your HSC results are released.

You will need to log into the UAC interface with your Year 12 student number and UAC details to obtain your results. For more information: https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/atar/how-to-get-your-atar

HSC results released

18th December

Your HSC results will be delivered via email and text message.

Once these have been delivered, you will also be able to access your results in Students Online: https://studentsonline.nesa.nsw.edu.au/

To understand how results are calculated for the HSC access NESA’s FAQ here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/education-and-training/nesa/hsc/results-and-certificates/understanding-your-results

3. Important UAC Application Information

UAC (Universities Admissions Centre) is the hub for all Year 12 students applying for university in NSW. It includes access to application processes, scholarships and overall university information.

To access the UAC applications page for more information click here: https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/how-to-apply-for-uni.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?	DATES	LINKS AND NOTES
UAC applications due		To start your UAC application for university, you have to sign up to UAC with your year 12 information, this includes a $70 fee. Access a helpful application guide here: https://www.uac.edu.au/assets/documents/year-11-and-12/steps-to-uni-year-11-12.pdf
Final day to make/change course selection in UAC		Applying through UAC means you don’t need to apply separately to each institution. You can apply for up to five courses at any of UAC’s participating institutions. Ensure you list your preferences for each possible course you want to do at a specific university in order.
Uni Offers released UAC		After ATARs are released, you will be emailed the results of your university applications. UAC will inform you if you have been successfully chosen to study a course from your preferred list.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

DATES

LINKS AND NOTES

UAC applications due

To start your UAC application for university, you have to sign up to UAC with your year 12 information, this includes a $70 fee.

Access a helpful application guide here: https://www.uac.edu.au/assets/documents/year-11-and-12/steps-to-uni-year-11-12.pdf

Final day to make/change course selection in UAC

Applying through UAC means you don’t need to apply separately to each institution. You can apply for up to five courses at any of UAC’s participating institutions. Ensure you list your preferences for each possible course you want to do at a specific university in order.

Uni Offers released UAC

After ATARs are released, you will be emailed the results of your university applications. UAC will inform you if you have been successfully chosen to study a course from your preferred list.

4. NSW Scholarship Dates

SRS

Standing for the SCHOOL RECOMMENDATION SCHEME, the SRS is an opportunity via UAC for students to receive an early university offer before ATARs are released.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?	DATES	LINKS AND NOTES
Applications due	September	You apply for SRS on the UAC website with your UAC information at: https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/scholarships-and-schemes/schools-recommendation-schemes Though you provide details, teachers can offer documents to support this application. An overall guide explaining the application process is available here: https://www.uac.edu.au/assets/documents/srs/schools-recommendation-scheme.pdf
Conditional offers released	November	These will be accessible in your UAC account and also be emailed to you. A conditional offer means you will still have to meet minimum HSC and/or ATAR requirements. To convert your conditional offer to an unconditional offer (notified in the unconditional offer release dates) you must: Meet the condition/s stipulated in the offer. Meet all other institution requirements for that course. Include the course in your list of preferences by the closing date for UAC preferences.
Unconditional offers released	Across November to January	These will be accessible in your UAC account and also be emailed to you. Unconditional offers mean you have no further criteria to meet and are automatically accepted into the University course. To accept this offer, ensure you read the instructions in the email/UAC account. Even if the unconditional offer is for your lowest course preference, you will automatically be considered for your higher preferences in your list based on ATAR results as long as they are included before the closing date for UAC preference.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

DATES

LINKS AND NOTES

Applications due

September

You apply for SRS on the UAC website with your UAC information at: https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/scholarships-and-schemes/schools-recommendation-schemes

Though you provide details, teachers can offer documents to support this application. An overall guide explaining the application process is available here: https://www.uac.edu.au/assets/documents/srs/schools-recommendation-scheme.pdf

Conditional offers released

November

These will be accessible in your UAC account and also be emailed to you.

A conditional offer means you will still have to meet minimum HSC and/or ATAR requirements.

To convert your conditional offer to an unconditional offer (notified in the unconditional offer release dates) you must:

Meet the condition/s stipulated in the offer.

Meet all other institution requirements for that course.

Include the course in your list of preferences by the closing date for UAC preferences.

Unconditional offers released

Across November to January

These will be accessible in your UAC account and also be emailed to you.

Unconditional offers mean you have no further criteria to meet and are automatically accepted into the University course.

To accept this offer, ensure you read the instructions in the email/UAC account.

Even if the unconditional offer is for your lowest course preference, you will automatically be considered for your higher preferences in your list based on ATAR results as long as they are included before the closing date for UAC preference.

Equity Scholarship

Offered by UAC, this Scholarship offers financial support to those studying in Year 12 who are from low socio‑economic backgrounds and/or meet grounds of financial hardship.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?	DATES	LINKS AND NOTES
Applications due	There are two rounds each month to apply for the Equity Scholarship. One at the beginning of the month and one at the end of the month. The most popular time to apply is in early September through your UAC account as many other UAC applications begin then.	To access more information about the application process are guidelines here are two helpful resources: https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/scholarships-and-schemes/equity-scholarships https://www.uac.edu.au/assets/documents/equity/equity-scholarships.pdf
Offers released	Anytime after you have made an application, you will be emailed by UAC with an update.	To ensure your offer is not jeopardised please: Do not commence a new application within the same admissions round. You can only submit one application per month.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

DATES

LINKS AND NOTES

Applications due

There are two rounds each month to apply for the Equity Scholarship. One at the beginning of the month and one at the end of the month. The most popular time to apply is in early September through your UAC account as many other UAC applications begin then.

To access more information about the application process are guidelines here are two helpful resources:

https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/scholarships-and-schemes/equity-scholarships

https://www.uac.edu.au/assets/documents/equity/equity-scholarships.pdf

Offers released

Anytime after you have made an application, you will be emailed by UAC with an update.

To ensure your offer is not jeopardised please:

Do not commence a new application within the same admissions round. You can only submit one application per month.

5. Special Applications

LSAT

This is a standardised exam required for all prospective law students, based on their marks it allows them to determine if law school is right for them.

Access the homepage to find more information: https://www.lsac.org/lsat.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?	DATES	LINKS AND NOTES
Applications due	22nd April	Application information is accessible here: https://www.lsac.org/LSATdates
Exam date	4th -7th June
Results released	25th June

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

DATES

LINKS AND NOTES

Applications due

22nd April

Application information is accessible here: https://www.lsac.org/LSATdates

Exam date

4th -7th June

Results released

25th June

UCAT

This is a standardised exam required for all prospective students studying a form of medicine. It allows universities to select applicants with the most appropriate abilities required for new doctors.

Access the homepage to find more information: https://www.ucat.edu.au/.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?	DATES	LINKS AND NOTES
Applications due	16th May	Application information is accessible here: https://www.ucat.edu.au/register/booking-your-test/
Exam date	1st July – 5th August	During this time period, via email you will be able to choose which date and location is best for you to take the exam.
Results released	Early September	Results are sent to both you and your prospective university.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

DATES

LINKS AND NOTES

Applications due

16th May

Application information is accessible here: https://www.ucat.edu.au/register/booking-your-test/

Exam date

1st July – 5th August

During this time period, via email you will be able to choose which date and location is best for you to take the exam.

Results released

Early September

Results are sent to both you and your prospective university.

EAS

This is an Educational Access Scheme through UAC which provides Year 12 students who have encountered significant educational challenges support and leeway when applying for university.

For more information access the homepage here: https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/scholarships-and-schemes/educational-access-schemes.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?	DATES	LINKS AND NOTES
Applications due		This guide offers information on how to apply and what is considered an education challenge: https://www.uac.edu.au/assets/documents/eas/eas-application-guide.pdf
Results released

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

DATES

LINKS AND NOTES

Applications due

This guide offers information on how to apply and what is considered an education challenge: https://www.uac.edu.au/assets/documents/eas/eas-application-guide.pdf

Results released

ADF Reserves

This is an opportunity for Year 12 students to study or learn a trade through the ADF either in the Army, Navy or Air force. Here you can also obtain cadetships.

For more information access the homepage here: https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/careers/reserves.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?	DATES	LINKS AND NOTES
Applications due		Application information is accessible here: https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/careers/joining/ways-to-join?ways-to-join-breakdown=officer-entry The ADF often hosts information days for prospective students which can be found here: https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/events-and-experiences
Results released

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

DATES

LINKS AND NOTES

Applications due

Application information is accessible here: https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/careers/joining/ways-to-join?ways-to-join-breakdown=officer-entry

The ADF often hosts information days for prospective students which can be found here: https://www.adfcareers.gov.au/events-and-experiences

Results released

6. Uni-related Dates

Early Entry

This is an opportunity for Yr 12 students to directly apply to their chosen university. By not using UAC, students have an opportunity to create a portfolio that, if successful, can provide guaranteed entry into a university course before atar, lowered ATAR scores for acceptance and monetary prizes.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?	DATES	LINKS AND NOTES
USYD applications due		A helpful guide to understanding the application process and its benefits: https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/admission-pathways/mysydney-entry-scheme.html
USYD offers released		This is a conditional offer so ensure to meet provided requirements explained in the offer email.
UNSW applications due		A helpful guide to understanding the application process and its benefits: https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/undergraduate/admission-pathways/portfolio-entry
UNSW offers released		This is a conditional offer so ensure to meet provided requirements explained in the offer email.
UTS applications due		A helpful guide to understanding the application process and its benefits: https://www.uts.edu.au/study/undergraduate/admission-requirements/admissions-schemes/uts-early-entry-program
UTS offers released		This is a conditional offer so ensure to meet provided requirements explained in the offer email.
Macquarie applications due		A helpful guide to understanding the application process and its benefits: https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions-and-entry/pathways/schemes/leaders-achievers
Macquarie offers released		This is an unconditional offer – the offer email will provide any instructions required of you.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

DATES

LINKS AND NOTES

USYD applications due

A helpful guide to understanding the application process and its benefits: https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/applying/admission-pathways/mysydney-entry-scheme.html

USYD offers released

This is a conditional offer so ensure to meet provided requirements explained in the offer email.

UNSW applications due

A helpful guide to understanding the application process and its benefits: https://www.unsw.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/undergraduate/admission-pathways/portfolio-entry

UNSW offers released

This is a conditional offer so ensure to meet provided requirements explained in the offer email.

UTS applications due

A helpful guide to understanding the application process and its benefits: https://www.uts.edu.au/study/undergraduate/admission-requirements/admissions-schemes/uts-early-entry-program

UTS offers released

This is a conditional offer so ensure to meet provided requirements explained in the offer email.

Macquarie applications due

A helpful guide to understanding the application process and its benefits: https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions-and-entry/pathways/schemes/leaders-achievers

Macquarie offers released

This is an unconditional offer – the offer email will provide any instructions required of you.

Open Days

These are opportunities to explore what different universities offer, benefiting prospective students as it provides advice on course decisions to daily life as a uni student.

WHAT’S HAPPENING?	DATES	LINKS AND NOTES
USYD Open Day	19th – 21st February	Orientation days are an opportunity for prospective University students to learn about the specific University’s campus life, organisation, courses offered and access support and advice in applying. Access this year’s specific program here: https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/welcome.html See more about USYD events for prospective students here: https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/events-for-prospective-students.html#all-events
UNSW Open Day	10th – 14th February	Orientation days are an opportunity for prospective University students to learn about the specific University’s campus life, organisation, courses offered and access support and advice in applying. Access this year’s specific program here: https://www.unsw.edu.au/student/getting-started/orientation See more about UNSW events for prospective students here: https://www.events.unsw.edu.au/?audience%5B16%5D=16&date=1&sort_by=field_featured_value&sort_order=DESC
UTS Open Day	3rd – 14th February	Orientation days are an opportunity for prospective University students to learn about the specific University’s campus life, organisation, courses offered and access support and advice in applying. Access this year’s specific program here: https://www.uts.edu.au/commencing-students/orientation See more about UTS events for prospective students here: https://www.uts.edu.au/study/undergraduate/our-courses/events-and-info-sessions#:~:text=Open%20Day,will%20be%20held%20in%202025
Macquarie Open Day	17th – 25th February	Orientation days are an opportunity for prospective University students to learn about the specific University’s campus life, organisation, courses offered and access support and advice in applying. Access this year’s specific program here: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/new-students/kickstart/sessions-schedule See more about Macquarie events for prospective students here: https://www.mq.edu.au/study/events

WHAT’S HAPPENING?

DATES

LINKS AND NOTES

USYD Open Day

19th – 21st February

Orientation days are an opportunity for prospective University students to learn about the specific University’s campus life, organisation, courses offered and access support and advice in applying. Access this year’s specific program here: https://www.sydney.edu.au/students/welcome.html

See more about USYD events for prospective students here: https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/events-for-prospective-students.html#all-events

UNSW Open Day

10th – 14th February

Orientation days are an opportunity for prospective University students to learn about the specific University’s campus life, organisation, courses offered and access support and advice in applying. Access this year’s specific program here: https://www.unsw.edu.au/student/getting-started/orientation

See more about UNSW events for prospective students here: https://www.events.unsw.edu.au/?audience%5B16%5D=16&date=1&sort_by=field_featured_value&sort_order=DESC

UTS Open Day

3rd – 14th February

Orientation days are an opportunity for prospective University students to learn about the specific University’s campus life, organisation, courses offered and access support and advice in applying. Access this year’s specific program here: https://www.uts.edu.au/commencing-students/orientation

See more about UTS events for prospective students here: https://www.uts.edu.au/study/undergraduate/our-courses/events-and-info-sessions#:~:text=Open%20Day,will%20be%20held%20in%202025

Macquarie Open Day

17th – 25th February

Orientation days are an opportunity for prospective University students to learn about the specific University’s campus life, organisation, courses offered and access support and advice in applying. Access this year’s specific program here: https://students.mq.edu.au/study/new-students/kickstart/sessions-schedule

See more about Macquarie events for prospective students here: https://www.mq.edu.au/study/events

Key Academic Dates For NSW Public High Schools 2025 – Senior Student Edition

Table of Contents

2. HSC Exam dates

3. Important UAC Application Information

4. NSW Scholarship Dates

SRS

Equity Scholarship

5. Special Applications

LSAT

UCAT

EAS

ADF Reserves

6. Uni-related Dates

Early Entry

Open Days

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