HSC vs IB: which is better for an ATAR?
7 min read ยท updated 2026-10-16
In NSW most students take the HSC, but a number of schools offer the IB Diploma. IB students don't get an ATAR; UAC converts their IB score into a Combined Rank that universities treat the same way.
How the HSC becomes an ATAR
Students complete at least 10 units of HSC courses. The ATAR is based on the best 2 units of English and the best 8 units from the rest, after UAC scales each course using how well its students perform overall.
How the IB converts
IB Diploma students receive an IB Admissions Score (IBAS): the IB score with decimals showing where results fall within each grade band. UAC converts it into a Combined Rank, comparable with the ATAR across Australia. For offers from August 2026:
- โ IBAS 45: 99.85
- โ IBAS 42: 98.25
- โ IBAS 40: 96.35
- โ IBAS 38: 94.15
- โ IBAS 35: 89.90
- โ IBAS 32: 82.95
- โ IBAS 30: 78.20
- โ IBAS 28: 73.45
- โ IBAS 24: 64.40
Workload and fit
The HSC lets students choose their courses and focus on strengths, with scaling rewarding strong performance in competitive courses. The IB requires six subjects across languages, sciences, maths and humanities, plus TOK, the Extended Essay and CAS, which suits all-rounders who like coursework and want an internationally portable diploma.
FAQs
What ATAR is 40 IB points?๏ผ
An IBAS of 40 converts to a Combined Rank of 96.35 for UAC offers from August 2026.
Do IB students get an ATAR in NSW?๏ผ
No. They get an IB Admissions Score, which UAC converts into a Combined Rank treated like an ATAR.
Is the IB harder than the HSC?๏ผ
It's broader: six subjects plus the core. The HSC allows more specialisation.
Does the conversion table change?๏ผ
Yes. UAC publishes it for a specified offer period, and it can change each year.
Sources
Facts on this page were checked against these official sources on 2026-10-16.
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