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Subject Selection
Peak Education Team
2 Jul 2025

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5 minutes

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Planning Your Subject Selection? See How the TISC 2027 Guide Can Help

Subject Selection Series

Learn how smart subject choices in Year 10 can shape your ATAR, open up university pathways, and help you avoid common pitfalls.

Are you planning your Year 10 subject selection? The TISC 2027 University Admissions Guide is a must-read for students preparing to choose their WACE courses. If you’re in Year 10 in 2025 and graduating in 2027, this guide will help you strategically select subjects that align with future university prerequisites.

Why Subject Selection in Year 10 Matters

Choosing your WACE subjects in Year 10 is about more than just picking favourites—it’s also about keeping future options open. With the right planning and strategic advice, you can select subjects that align with your interests while also meeting university prerequisites.

“Strategic subject selection lays the foundation for university choices and can maximise your ATAR by factoring in scaling parameters and bonus subjects.”

What Is the TISC Guide?

The TISC (Tertiary Institutions Service Centre) University Admission Guide for 2027 is developed in collaboration with WA’s five universities:

  • Curtin University
  • Edith Cowan University (ECU)
  • Murdoch University
  • The University of Notre Dame Australia
  • The University of Western Australia (UWA)
Access the TISC University Admissions Guide HERE

It helps students and families understand the wide range of university courses available in 2027 and plan their Year 10 WACE subject selections in advance to meet specific course prerequisites.

How the Guide Supports Year 10 Subject Selection

The TISC 2027 University Admission Guide supports smarter decision-making for Year 10 students by

  • Detailing WA university degree options and subject prerequisites (plus desirable subjects)
  • Clarifying differences in subject requirements between WA universities
  • Helping students choose WACE subjects aligned with their university degree goals

Additional Features Include:

  • An overview of ATAR, subject scaling, and TISC bonus policies
  • WACE and English competency requirements
  • Alternative entry pathways such as portfolio admissions

What’s New for 2027 Admissions?

ATAR Bonuses Still Apply

In 2027, students will continue to receive a 10% bonus for completing:

  • Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
  • Mathematics Methods ATAR
  • Mathematics Specialist ATAR

“The 10% bonus is confirmed for 2027 graduates, but may change in future years.”

Subject Combinations to Avoid

Consistent with 2026 WACE subject rules, some subject pairings cannot both count toward your ATAR score.

Such examples include:

  • Mathematics Applications + Mathematics Specialist
  • Physics + Integrated Science
  • Chemistry + Integrated Science
  • English + EAL/D

“Example: You may study both Maths Applications + Maths Specialist, but only one can contribute to your final TEA score—and therefore to your ATAR result.”

Example: Some students choose both Maths Applications and Specialist—using Applications as backup while still gaining the 10% bonus from Specialist. A common setup for competitive ATAR courses like Medicine.

Flexible Entry Pathways

WA universities now offer experience-based or portfolio entry options for students who:

  • Do not complete a full ATAR program
  • Come from VET or non-traditional academic backgrounds

These alternatives ensure students have flexible pathways into university beyond just the standard ATAR route.

University ATAR Boost Programs

Each WA university will continue to offer unique ATAR boosting programs and entry schemes, such as:

These programs can significantly boost ATAR scores and admission opportunities based on specific school backgrounds, or location.

How can Peak Education Help?

At PEAK we specialise in tutoring high-scaling, course prerequisite subjects like Maths Applications, Maths Methods, Maths Specialist, Physics, and Chemistry—which are core requirements for many STEM degrees.

If you’re unsure which subjects best align with your university goals, our experienced academic team can guide you with personalised subject selection advice.

With the right planning and advice from Year 10, students can transition smoothly into their ATAR years— with increased clarity and confidence for university and beyond.

Reach out here if you’d like support with subject selection.

Written by Peak Education

We have regular contributions to our blog from the Peak team. Come back regularly for these posts to learn from their study hacks and insights!