TCE and ATAR explained
December 12, 2025 2026-02-12 1:26TCE and ATAR explained
TCE & ATAR
nformation about the Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) and the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR), including how they work and what they mean for students at Hobart College.
What are TCE and ATAR?
The Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) is the qualification awarded to students who meet the requirements of senior secondary study in Tasmania.
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) is a ranking used by universities to compare students for entry into tertiary study. Not all students complete an ATAR, and it is only required for some university pathways.
Do all students need an ATAR?
An ATAR is only required for some university courses
Many pathways do not require an ATAR
Students can achieve the TCE without completing an ATAR
Pathways are planned based on individual goals
Staff work with students to determine whether an ATAR pathway is appropriate.
Achieving the TCE
Complete required courses
Students study courses that meet TCE requirements, including literacy, numeracy, and participation standards.
Meet standards and participation requirements
Students demonstrate learning and engagement across their program.
Work towards personal goals
Programs are designed to support individual pathways beyond school.
How the ATAR works
An ATAR is calculated using results from eligible courses studied in senior secondary years. It is a rank, not a score, and compares students nationally for university entry purposes.
ATAR eligibility and course selection are planned carefully with staff to ensure students understand requirements and expectations.
Support for students
Course counselling and planning
Ongoing academic guidance
Support to review pathways and adjust plans
Communication with families
Support is provided throughout Years 11 and 12, not just at key decision points.
Resources and further information
WATCH
Understanding TCE & ATAR
Need help understanding TCE or ATAR?
We’re happy to talk through options and answer questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the TCE?
The Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) is the main credential that is awarded to secondary school students who successfully complete Years 11 and 12 in Tasmania.
For specific information about the TCE click here.
What is ATAR?
The Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) shows a university how your overall academic achievement in senior secondary education compares with other students in the same year group. The ATAR is used in admissions to universities in Australia. Since 2016, students must obtain a Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) to be eligible for the calculation of an ATAR. In other words, the TCE must be achieved in order to apply for a university degree.
- To be eligible for an ATAR, a student must satisfactorily complete a minimum of four pre-tertiary (Level 3 and 4) subjects (but preferably five). Students must also gain their TCE.
- A maximum of five pre-tertiary subjects will be used to calculate their Tasmanian Tertiary Entrance Score. This score is calculated by adding the best five subject scores from pre-tertiary subjects satisfactorily completed
- TE scores are then converted to ATAR.
How is ATAR calculated?
Scores in at least four Level 3 and 4 courses MUST come from the final year of study.
TASC calculates a score for each university entrance (pre-tertiary) course. These course scores are then used to calculate your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR).
The same course CANNOT be counted twice. If you repeat a course, the higher score is used.
TASC will advise eligible students of their scores and ATAR. Since 2005, results in approved university studies have also been included in ATAR calculations.
TASC subject levels explained
TASC subjects are organised into levels of difficulty – Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 (with level 1 being the lowest). Level 3 and 4 subjects are also known as pre-tertiary subjects or university entrance subjects.
- Subjects are allocated points that are used to calculate the total number of points a student requires to attain their TCE.
- Most courses studied are full year 150-hour courses and can be studied at Levels 1, 2, 3 and 4.
- Some courses are 100-hour courses and these are studied at Level 1 or 2.
University Pathways
If students are intending to go to university after Year 12 they must:
- check the specific university course requirements
- check they have the necessary pre-requisites for Level 3 and 4 subjects
- preferably be studying 5 x Level 3 or 4 subjects over 2 years of senior secondary schooling for university entrance
- check the UTAS College Program for courses they can undertake while in Year 11 and 12
- check they will meet the TCE requirements in 2 years at College
Do I need an ATAR to go to university?
The ATAR is used in admissions to universities in Australia. Since 2016, students must obtain a Tasmanian Certificate of Education (TCE) to be eligible for the calculation of an ATAR. In other words, the TCE must be achieved in order to apply for a university degree.
Can I repeat a subject?
You can repeat a subject, but the same course can only be counted once. If you repeat it, your highest score will be used.
Do my two years need to be consecutive?
The two years of study from which your ATAR can be calculated do not have to be consecutive.
Who can help me plan my subjects?
TASC has developed a TCE Planner Tool to assist students with their subject selection for Years 11 and 12.
