If you’re in Year 12 (or a parent of a Year 12 student), this is one of the most common — and most important — questions to get right.
Study too little, and gaps compound fast.
Study too much, and burnout hits before exams.
So what’s the right number of study hours per week in Year 12?
The short answer: it depends — but there is a clear range that high-performing students consistently fall into.
Table of Contents
- The short answer
- Why “Hours” Alone Is the Wrong Question
- Recommended Weekly Study Breakdown (Per Subject)
- Why Many Year 12 Students Still Fall Behind
- Is It Possible to Study Less and Still Do Well?
- How KIS Academics Supports Year 12 Students
The Short Answer (Rough Guide)
For most Year 12 students, a realistic and effective study load is:
- 25–35 hours per week outside of school
- On top of ~30 hours of school time
- Total workload: 55–65 hours per week
High-achieving students aiming for top ATARs often sit closer to the upper end, while students managing work, sport, or multiple commitments may need smarter, more targeted study rather than more hours.
Why “Hours” Alone Is the Wrong Question
Two students can both study 30 hours a week and get completely different results.
Why?
Because quality beats quantity every time.
Effective Year 12 study includes:
- Active problem-solving (not passive rereading)
- Exam-style questions
- Timed practice
- Feedback and error analysis
This is why many students “study all the time” but still feel behind — they’re putting in hours without direction.
Recommended Weekly Study Breakdown (Per Subject)
A strong rule of thumb used by top students and tutors is:
4 hours per subject per week, outside of school
Example (5 subjects):
- 5 subjects × 4 hours = 20 hours
- Add revision, practice exams, and catch-up time → 25–30 hours total
As exams approach, this naturally increases to 35+ hours.
Why Many Year 12 Students Still Fall Behind
At KIS Academics, we see the same patterns every year:
- ❌ Too much time spent rewriting notes
- ❌ Not enough exam-style practice
- ❌ No feedback on mistakes
- ❌ Studying what feels “comfortable” instead of what’s weak
- ❌ Leaving gaps too late to fix
This leads to long study hours with low returns.
Is It Possible to Study Less and Still Do Well?
Yes — if your study is targeted.
Students who:
- Know exactly what they don’t understand
- Get expert feedback
- Practise exam questions weekly
Often outperform students studying 10+ extra hours with no structure.
This is where subject-specific tutoring makes the biggest difference.
How Tutoring Changes the Equation
With the right support, students:
- Reduce wasted study time
- Fix misconceptions early
- Learn exam-specific strategies
- Build confidence under time pressure
Many KIS students find they can:
- Study fewer hours
- With better results
- And far less stress
How KIS Academics Supports Year 12 Students
At KIS Academics, we don’t just “add more work”. We help students:
- Build a realistic weekly study plan
- Prioritise the highest-impact topics
- Improve marks through targeted feedback
- Prepare strategically for SACs, trials, and final exams
Whether your goal is confidence, consistency, or a top ATAR, we tailor support to your subjects and timeline.
If Year 12 already feels overwhelming, getting support earlier rather than later can make all the difference.
Check out more ATAR study guides to help you study smarter, not harder!
Manoj Arachige
Jessica Hinh
FAQs
How many hours should a Year 12 student study per week?
Most Year 12 students should aim for 25–35 hours of study per week outside of school. This provides enough time to revise content, complete exam-style questions, and prepare for assessments without burning out.
Is studying 40 hours a week too much for Year 12?
Studying 40 hours or more can be appropriate close to exams or during peak assessment periods. However, consistently studying this much during the year can lead to burnout unless the study is highly structured and targeted.
How many hours should a Year 12 student study per subject?
A good guideline is 3–5 hours per subject per week outside of school. Subjects like Maths and English often require more regular practice, while others may vary depending on assessment schedules.
When should a Year 12 student start tutoring?
The best time to start tutoring is early in the year, before gaps grow. However, tutoring is still highly effective during Term 2, Term 3, and even exam preparation periods.
Want more personalised study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor from KIS Academics can make the biggest difference!
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