The Higher School Certificate, or HSC, is an academic qualification awarded to students in New South Wales, Australia upon completion of their secondary education. Typically undertaken in the final two years of high school, the HSC involves a series of examinations and assessments across various subjects. It serves as a key credential for university admission and other post-secondary pathways. Students usually study a combination of mandatory and elective subjects, with the results contributing to an overall score known as the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). The HSC is recognized for its rigorous standards and is an important milestone in the educational journey of many Australian students.