Do you need English for an ATAR? Short answer: in most Australian states, yes, some form of English is compulsory for receiving an ATAR. But the exact rule is different in every state, and the details matter. Here is what each state requires in 2026.
Do You Need English for an ATAR? The Short Answer
You cannot avoid English entirely. Every state either requires an English subject in your ATAR calculation or requires you to complete (and meet standards in) English to be eligible at all. The good news: “English” includes options like English Language, Literature, and EAL (English as an Additional Language) — so you can pick the version that suits you best.
English Requirements by State
| State | English rule for ATAR |
|---|---|
| Victoria (VCE) | One English study (English, English Language, Literature or EAL) must be in your primary four. It always counts. |
| New South Wales (HSC) | 2 units of English are compulsory and must be included in your best 10 units |
| Queensland (QCE) | You must complete a General English subject to be ATAR-eligible; it only counts in your TEA if it is one of your 5 best |
| Western Australia (WACE) | At least one English ATAR course required, plus English language competence standards |
| South Australia (SACE) | At least one English-pattern subject must be in your best 90 credits of Stage 2 |
Victoria (VCE): English Always Counts
VCE has the strictest English rule. Your ATAR aggregate is your best four scaled study scores, and one of those four MUST be an English study. There is no way to drop English in Victoria, even if it is your weakest subject. Your options are English, English Language, Literature, or EAL (if eligible). Choose the one you will score highest in, not the one that “scales best”. A 38 in English beats a 30 in English Language every time.
New South Wales (HSC): 2 Units Compulsory
In NSW you must study at least 2 units of English, and those 2 units must be included in the 10 units that make up your ATAR aggregate. English Standard, English Advanced, English EAL/D, English Extension 1 and Extension 2 all count. Note that Extension courses are additional units on top of the base 2 — they cannot replace them.
Queensland (QCE): Required but Flexible
Queensland requires you to complete an English subject (General English, Literature, or English & Literature Extension) to receive an ATAR at all. The flexible part: unlike VCE, your English result only contributes to your TEA (Tertiary Entrance Aggregate) if it is among your five best scaled subjects. Bomb English but ace everything else? In Queensland, it may not even count.
Western Australia (WACE): English Plus Competence
WA requires at least one English ATAR course (English ATAR or Literature ATAR) among the courses used for your ATAR, and you must also meet the WACE literacy and numeracy standards. EAL/D is available for eligible students.
South Australia (SACE): English-Pattern Subject
In South Australia, at least one English-pattern subject (English, English Literary Studies, or EAL) must be included in the 90 credits of Stage 2 results that form your university aggregate.
Which English Should You Choose?
- Struggling with essays? English Language (VCE) focuses on linguistics rather than literature analysis, many students find it more predictable to study for.
- Strong reader? Literature rewards deep reading and can scale well with the right cohort.
- Eligible for EAL? If English is not your first language and you meet the eligibility rules, EAL is often the highest-scoring option — check your state’s strict eligibility criteria early.
- HSC students: English Advanced scales better than Standard, but only if you can perform, a high Band 5 in Standard beats a low Band 4 in Advanced.
What If You Are Bad at English?
You are not alone, English is the most common “drag” subject in every state. Three things help: first, remember that in most states only your English result matters as a hurdle, so aim for solid rather than perfect; second, pick the English variant that plays to your strengths (see above); third, a strong performance in your other subjects can more than compensate, especially in Queensland where English may not even count toward your aggregate. See how your subjects combine in our ATAR calculator
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get an ATAR without doing English?
No, not in any Australian state. Every state requires at least one English subject for ATAR eligibility. So do you need English for an ATAR? In short, yes: pick the English subject you will score highest in and make it count.
Does English have to be in my top 4 subjects?
In Victoria, yes, English must be in your primary four. In Queensland, no, it only counts if it is one of your five best. Other states fall in between, so check your state’s rule above.
Is EAL easier than English?
EAL has a different assessment structure that suits many students, and it historically scales competitively. But eligibility is strict — you generally must not have had more than a set number of years of English-language schooling.
Which English scales the best?
It varies by year and state, but Literature and English Language often scale slightly above mainstream English in VCE due to self-selecting cohorts. Never choose a subject for scaling alone — choose what you will score highest in.