The NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) has officially released the 2025 Higher School Certificate (HSC) exam schedule.
For every student in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, this period marks the final and most important stage of secondary education.
According to NESA, the HSC 2025 written examinations will begin on Thursday, 16 October 2025, and conclude on Monday, 10 November 2025.
Results will be announced on Thursday, 18 December 2025 via the official NESA student portal.
NSW HSC 2025 Term Dates
To help students plan their studies effectively, here are the official NSW school term dates for 2025:
- Term 1: Tuesday 28 January – Friday 11 April 2025
- Term 2: Monday 28 April – Friday 4 July 2025
- Term 3: Monday 21 July – Friday 26 September 2025
- Term 4: Monday 13 October – Friday 19 December 2025
These term dates align with NESA’s academic calendar and provide a structured timeline for completing assignments, internal assessments, and final exam preparation.
NSW HSC Exam Timetable 2025 (By Week)
Below is a simplified view of the HSC 2025 exam timetable, focused only on exam dates (not times) for easy reference.
Week 1
- Monday 13 October – No exams
- Tuesday 14 October – No exams
- Wednesday 15 October – No exams
- Thursday 16 October – HSC Day 1 (English Advanced, English Standard, English Studies, English EAL/D Paper 1)
- Friday 17 October – HSC Day 2 (English Advanced Paper 2, English Standard Paper 2, English EAL/D Paper 2, Listening Paper, various language continuers and extensions)
Week 2
- Monday 20 October – HSC Day 3 (Studies of Religion I & II, Vietnamese Continuers)
- Tuesday 21 October – HSC Day 4 (Modern History, Mathematics Advanced, Mathematics Standard 1 & 2, Ancient History, language continuers)
- Wednesday 22 October – HSC Day 5 (Biology, Arabic Continuers, Chinese and Literature, Modern Hebrew Continuers)
- Thursday 23 October – HSC Day 6 (Design & Technology, Aboriginal Studies, Investigating Science, Classical Greek Continuers, Mathematics Extension 2, Hospitality VET, History Extension, Tourism VET, Chinese Continuers)
- Friday 24 October – HSC Day 7 (continuation of core and elective subjects)
Week 3: 27 – 31 October 2025
- Monday 27 October – Business Studies, Chemistry, PDHPE, Indonesian Continuers
- Tuesday 28 October – Economics, Software Engineering, Entertainment Industry (VET), Modern Greek Continuers
- Wednesday 29 October – Physics, Dance, Earth and Environmental Science
- Thursday 30 October – Engineering Studies, Society and Culture, Industrial Technology
- Friday 31 October – Food Technology, Community and Family Studies, French Continuers
Week 4: 3 – 7 November 2025
- Monday 3 November – Geography, Agriculture, Textiles and Design
- Tuesday 4 November – Engineering Studies, Earth and Environmental Science
- Wednesday 5 November – Physics, Dance (Appreciation sections)
- Thursday 6 November – Industrial Technology, English Extension 1, Retail Services (VET)
- Friday 7 November – Drama, Food Technology, French Beginners, Spanish Continuers
Week 5: 10 November 2025
- Monday 10 November – Final HSC written exams for remaining subjects (end of exam period).
In summary:
The NSW HSC 2025 exams will run from 16 October to 10 November 2025, with results released on 18 December 2025.
Students across Sydney, Newcastle, Wollongong, and regional NSW should plan their revision schedules according to this timeline.
Key Announcements from NESA
- HSC Practical Exam Timetable: Published 2 December 2024
- HSC Languages Oral Exam Timetable: Released 28 April 2025
- HSC Written Exam Timetable: Released 2 May 2025
- Results Announcement: 18 December 2025 (via NESA portal)
Preparation Tips for the 2025 HSC Exams
- Use Past Papers Effectively
Review previous HSC papers to understand question patterns and timing. - Track Your Weak Areas
Analyse subjects you find challenging and seek teacher support early. - Study Groups & Collaboration
Discuss complex topics with peers; teaching others reinforces learning. - Approved Equipment Only
Use only calculators and tools listed on the official NESA approved equipment list. - Stay Updated
Visit the NESA website regularly for schedule changes or special notices.
Essential Considerations
- Stay informed: Follow NESA’s official channels.
- Be punctual: Arrive early and carry valid photo ID.
- Health & wellbeing: Maintain a balanced routine; rest before major papers.
- Digital safety: Keep login details for the NESA portal secure.
Summary Table
| Category | Key Date |
|---|---|
| Practical exam timetable | 2 Dec 2024 |
| Oral language exam timetable | 28 Apr 2025 |
| Written exam timetable | 2 May 2025 |
| Written exams start | 16 Oct 2025 |
| Written exams end | 10 Nov 2025 |
| Results released | 18 Dec 2025 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. When will the NSW HSC 2025 written exams start?
The written exams begin on Thursday 16 October 2025.
2. When do the HSC 2025 results come out?
Results will be published on Thursday 18 December 2025 on the official NESA student portal.
3. What are the NSW school term dates for 2025?
Term 1 starts 28 January, and Term 4 ends 19 December 2025.
4. How can I access my HSC results?
Log in with your NESA student ID and password at educationstandards.nsw.edu.au.
5. Are calculators allowed in HSC maths exams?
Yes, but only models approved by NESA.
6. How can I prepare effectively for the HSC?
Use past papers, plan weekly study goals, and discuss difficult topics with teachers.
7. Which regions of NSW are covered by the HSC?
All government and independent schools across Sydney, Central Coast, Hunter Region, Illawarra, and regional NSW participate.
Final Thoughts
The NSW HSC Exam 2025 period is one of the most defining moments for students across New South Wales.
By following this timetable, staying consistent with revision, and relying on verified updates from NESA, students can confidently approach the exams and achieve their academic goals.