SACE

Which SACE Subjects should I Choose?

So it's approaching that time when you have to submit your subject selection for next year - what SACE subject is right for you? What should you choice be based off of? And what if you hate it? We talk all about it here!

3 years ago   •   4 min read

By Manoj Arachige
Photo by Ben Mullins / Unsplash

Choosing your SACE subjects can be extremely daunting, especially if you aren’t 100% sure about what you are going to do after high school. In this article, I’m going to go through all of the options available to you, and hopefully provide you with some clarity.

💡
Article Summary:

- What is the SACE?
- What are Credits?
- Which Subjects should I Choose?
- More Tips for Selecting Subjects
- FAQs

What is SACE?

The South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) and the Northern Territory Certificate of Education and Training (NTCET) are senior secondary certificates managed by the SACE Board.

To obtain the SACE or NTCET, students must achieve 200 credits.

What are Credits?

SACE credits are essentially a point system that SACE use to determine your eligibility for receiving an ATAR. Each of your subjects are worth either 10 or 20 credits, and at the end of Year 12, you should have at least 200 credits in total to be eligible for an ATAR:

  • Compulsory subjects make up 50 credits
  • Student-selected subjects make up the remaining 150 credits

For a more in-depth breakdown, check out this KIS Academics article:

SACE/ NTCET: Understanding South Australia and the Northern Territory’s Year 12 ATAR system (Updated 2025) | KIS Academics
Not sure how the SACE/NTCET works? How does that lead to an ATAR? Learn about South Australia and the Northern Territory’s shared Year 12 ATAR system here.
KIS Academics BlogManoj Arachige

Which subjects should I Choose?

Based on information published by the SACE, there are a few compulsory subjects you have to take:

  • Personal Learning Plan (10 credits) - Cormally completed in Year 10
  • Literacy (20 credits from English subjects) - 1 English subject for the whole Year 11
  • Numeracy (10 credits from mathematics subjects) - 1 Maths subject for 1 semester in Year 11
  • Research Project (10 credits) - Completed either in Year 11 or 12, depending on your school

For the remaining 150 credits, you get to choose the subjects. Here is my best tip on selecting the subjects:

  • Choose the subjects you enjoy and are good at. You will have much more motivation to study.
  • Do not worry too much about the scalability of the subject.

More Tips for Selecting Subjects

  • If the university course you are interested in have prerequisites, you should choose to do those subjects.
  • There are also some subjects you need to complete in SACE stage 1 for you to do them in stage 2. It is best to do some research so that you are fully aware before finalising your subject selections.
  • Pathway planning days (offered by some schools) are extremely beneficial in helping you find some clarity and guidance when picking subjects.
  • If you are still exploring your post-school options, I would recommend this subject combination: English, Maths, a creative subject, and a Science.
Finished your SACE? Here’s all you need to know about Uni Apps in SA [UPDATED 2025]
Unclear about uni applications after the SACE? We’ve broken down key dates and entry requirements for the top unis and most popular courses in SA — from medicine to law to engineering. Stay ahead of the deadlines and get one step closer to your dream degree!
KIS Academics BlogManoj Arachige

Conclusion

In short, you should pick the subjects you most enjoy and good at. Doing the ‘easier’ subjects will not stop you from getting a high ATAR, and doing ‘harder’ subjects will not guarantee you a high ATAR.

I encourage you to explore all of your options, whether that be university, TAFE, an apprenticeship or gap year, and reflect on your interests and skills. If you need any help during this time, find your best local SACE tutor at KIS Academics; we are always happy to help!

How does a VET course work with school?

  • VET courses are extremely useful during school as they give you hands-on experience in your area of interest.
  • VET courses can contribute toward SACE credits, like any school subject.
  • It is important to inform your school teachers that you are undertaking a VET course.

If I hate the subject I'm doing, can I drop it?

  • Yes absolutely! Speak to your school's SACE coordinator ASAP to get you switched out of the topic and into one that you will enjoy much more.
  • The sooner you get it sorted out, the less you have to play catch-up on.

How is the SACE Assessed?

  • School-based assessments: Marked by teachers and moderated for consistency.
  • External assessments: Some subjects have exams or externally assessed tasks marked by the SACE Board.
  • All assessments are graded from A+ (highest) to E– (lowest).

Written by Charlotte Kenning who pursued a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Flinders University.

Looking for some extra help to guide you through your SACEs? Look no further, KIS Academics has many brilliant tutors that can help you achieve your academic goals.

Spread the word

Keep reading