Choosing SACE Stage 2 subjects with scaling in mind (2026)

Is there a list of high-scaling SACE subjects?

Not from SATAC. It explains that scaling adjusts raw scores so results in different subjects can be compared fairly, and that there is no direct conversion from a grade to a scaled score: each grade corresponds to a range of scaled scores that varies by subject and year. Lists of "best scaling SACE subjects" online are not SATAC data, so treat them with caution.

What SATAC does publish is enough to make good structural decisions.

Rules that should shape your choices

You need three strong 20-credit subjects

Your university aggregate is built from your best three 20-credit Tertiary Admissions Subjects (60 credits) plus a 30-credit flexible option. At least 60 of your 90 credits must come from 20-credit TAS (a valid pair of 10-credit subjects can stand in for one).

• Plan for at least four 20-credit TAS at Stage 2, so one weaker result can drop out.
• The flexible option can use another 20-credit TAS, 10-credit TAS, half of a 20-credit TAS, and up to 20 credits of Recognised Studies (such as eligible VET).

Every assessment type counts towards your scaled score

SATAC scales a raw score out of 15 built from each school-assessed assessment type (converted from A+ = 15 to E- = 1) and your external assessment result. Two students with the same overall grade can get different scaled scores. Skipping the external assessment gives a scaled score of 0.0.

Adjustment points reward particular subjects

Through the Universities Language, Literacy and Mathematics Scheme, completing with a C- or better:

• one eligible subject adds 2 points to your aggregate-based selection rank;
• two or more add 4 points.

Eligible subjects: 20 credits of a language other than English (not Language and Culture), English or English Literary Studies, Mathematical Methods, and Specialist Mathematics. Most undergraduate courses at SATAC's institutions accept it; a few, such as Medical Studies at Adelaide University, don't.

The Universities Equity Scheme can add another 5 points (automatic at qualifying schools, or by individual application), for a maximum of 9 across both schemes.

Prerequisites come first

Many degrees require particular Stage 2 subjects, often with a minimum grade. Missing a prerequisite rules you out regardless of ATAR. Check each course in SATAC's course search before locking in Stage 2.

For how the aggregate turns into an ATAR, see how the SACE ATAR is calculated.