Marking and Results: Unit 3 & 4 Subjects
The ATAR
The ATAR is the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank. It enables students to be compared nationally for tertiary entry.
An ATAR is allocated to all students who complete the VCE and who apply to VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre) for selection into courses at tertiary institutions.
It is a students' ranking of their position in the year group based on their VCE results (Scaled Results). Scaled Results allow for variances in competition between subjects. Some subjects' scores will increase; others will fall or remain the same.
The ATAR is calculated on a student's Unit 3 and 4 results and must include one of the English subjects (English, English Language, EAL or Literature) followed by the next best three subjects. Ten percent of the fifth and sixth subjects, if they are undertaken, are added. An unscored VET subject or a Higher Education Study may count as the fifth or sixth subject.
The Study Score
Each scored Unit 3 and 4 subject will be reported as a Study Score (a RANKING in the range of 0-50). 50 is the top achievable score, while 0 is the lowest. Study Scores are based on a combination of three graded assessments as outlined in the relevant Study Design.
Study Score Calculation
The Victorian Curriculum Assessment Authority (VCAA) is responsible for calculating Study Scores and uses External Examinations and School Assessed Coursework to make this determination.
All students, in subjects with significantly large enrolments, will be ranked between these as in the table.
Completing VCE Units Without Calculation of a Study Score
Who might choose this option?
This approach is intended for individual student needs, not as a broad alternative program. Circumstances where it may be appropriate include:
Serious illness or extended absences
Mental health or wellbeing challenges
Clear post-school pathways that don’t require an ATAR (e.g., apprenticeships)
Other well-supported, specific personal situations
Families must approach this decision collaboratively, using guidelines and support materials from VCAA, such as the Student and Parent/Carer Fact Sheet.
What will students still need to do?
Even without a study score, students must:
Participate in school-based assessment (as adjusted if necessary)
Teachers must use holistic judgment across a range of evidence to confirm outcomes have been met—this must be consistent with how they assess all students
What do families need to know?
Choosing this pathway means no ATAR will be calculated—even if all other program requirements are met (e.g., the 16-unit minimum, including required English sequences).
Families understand the limitations on future pathways, given the absence of a study score and ATAR.
What does this option mean?
Completing VCE units without calculation of a study score means that while students still receive a satisfactory (S) or non-satisfactory (N) result, they do not receive a study score for that subject—and consequently, it cannot contribute to an ATAR. These units are assessed holistically, with schools making an overall judgment of the student's achievement of specified outcomes—no numerical levels of performance or external examinations contribute to a study score.
Application Process
Applications to complete a VCE Units Without a Study Score open in Semester Two. This timing allows students to experience their subjects fully before making such an important decision.
If a student and their family are considering this option, the following steps apply:
Student completes a consultation form.
The request is reviewed by the Year Level Leader.
The student meets with the Careers Practitioner to discuss post-school pathways.
The family is informed of the implications of completing a unit without a study score.
A formal letter outlining the decision is sent to the family.
The change is confirmed, and updates are provided to subject teachers.
The VCE-Baccalaureate
A student’s Statement of Results may include an additional statement that recognises the award of the VCE-Baccalaureate. The VCE-Baccalaureate is attained by students who complete a higher-level mathematics and a language in their VCE program of study. To be eligible to receive the VCE-Baccalaureate the student must satisfactorily complete the VCE and receive a study score for each prescribed study component. The additional recognition of the VCE-Baccalaureate does not impact on the ATAR calculation.
The VCE program of study for VCE-Baccalaureate must include:
a Units 3 and 4 sequence in English or Literature or English Language with a study score of 30 or above; or a Units 3 and 4 sequence in EAL with a study score of 33 or above
a Units 3 and 4 sequence in either Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics
a Units 3 and 4 sequence in a VCE Language
at least two other Units 3 and 4 sequences
