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Subject Adjustment Factors

If you are sitting your HSC or IB but still need a higher score to get into your dream course, Subject Adjustment Factors (formerly bonus points) can help. It’s basically a point system that gives you a better selection ranking. For example, if you get an ATAR of 87 plus ten Subject Adjustment Factors, you can add the two together and apply for a course with a selection rank of 97.

Some Western courses are not available for adjustment factors. Subject adjustment factors are available to both international and domestic students.

Western Sydney University students

How Subject Adjustment Factors work

You’ve just finished (or are sitting) your HSC. You’re ready to take on the world. And you want to apply to Western. You’ve come to the right place.

  • You get a maximum of 10 Subject Adjustment Factors if you achieve band 5 or 6 results in any HSC or IB subjects that are relevant to the degree you want to study.
  • For a small range of courses, Subject Adjustment Factors may be awarded for band 4 results.
  • There’s no need to apply. They’re awarded automatically.

Which courses award Subject Adjustment Factors?

Not all courses award Subject Adjustment Factors.

See below what Subject Adjustment Factors are available for which subjects.

What happens if you qualify for more than one Adjustment Factors scheme?

If you qualify for Subject Adjustment Factors, Regional Adjustment Factors,  the Elite Athletes or Performers Scheme and the Educational Access Scheme, the maximum number of adjustment factors you can receive is 10.

Adjustment Factors by HSC/IB Subject

Creative arts

Visual Arts

English

English Advanced

English Extension 1

English Extension 2

English Standard

Human society and its environment

Ancient History

Aboriginal Studies

Business Studies

Economics

Geography

History Extension

Legal Studies

Modern History

Society and Culture

Studies of Religion II

Languages

Italian Extension

Spanish Extension

Chinese Extension

Japanese Extension

Arabic Extension

French Extension

German Extension

Indonesian Extension

Mathematics

Mathematics

Mathematics Extension 1

Mathematics Extension 2

PDHPE

Community and Family Studies

Personal Development, Health and Physical Education

Science

Biology

Chemistry

Earth and Environmental Science

Physics

Senior Science

Technology

Design and Technology

Engineering Studies

Food Technology

Industrial Technology

Information Processes and Technology

Software Design and Development

Other

Accounting

Hospitality Examination (240 hours)

Tourism Examination (240 hours)

Got questions?

Contact our Course Information Centre on study@westernsydney.edu.au, 1300 897 669, or Live Chat.