Choosing your VCE subjects is one of the most important academic decisions you’ll make in high school. Whether you’re targeting a high ATAR, planning your university pathway, or simply trying to survive Year 12, understanding which subjects are considered the hardest—and why—is crucial.
In this guide, we’ll break down the hardest VCE subjects according to student feedback, VCE scaling data, and historical exam difficulty. We’ll also help you make smarter choices with VCE subject selection and explore how subject difficulty can impact your results, scaling, and study strategies.
What Makes a VCE Subject “Hard”?
Some VCE subjects are universally considered more difficult due to factors like:
- They are hard to learn.
- Have difficult exams.
- Have a heavy workload.
- And/or are difficult to achieve a 30+ study score in.
Top 5 Hardest VCE Subjects in 2025
Specialist Mathematics
Known for being the hardest VCE subject
Highly abstract content
Significant scaling bonus
Chemistry
Tough theoretical and practical sections
Chemistry exam VCE 2024 includes more application-based questions
Algorithmics
Advanced computing and problem-solving
VCE algorithmics is scaling extremely high but has a steep learning curve
English Language
VCE English Language requires linguistic analysis, not just essay writing
Often mistaken for a “simple” alternative to Literature
VCE Physics
Heavy on math and theoretical understanding
Physics unit 1 and 2 are already dense; units 3 and 4 increase the pressure
How Study Scores Are Calculated
Each VCE subject is given a study score out of 50, ranking a student’s performance compared to others in that subject. A score of 30 is average, while 50 means top of the state. Study scores are distributed on a curve — most students score around 30, and very few get 45 or higher. To ensure fairness between subjects, scores are scaled based on subject difficulty and competition.
How VCE Subjects Scale
VCE subjects are scaled to fairly compare results across different subjects. The VCAA adjusts raw study scores based on how strong the overall competition is in each subject. This means your score can go up or down depending on the subject and your performance. Not all scores are scaled equally — a 30 might drop to 27, while a 44 might stay the same. Students should focus on doing well in subjects they enjoy, rather than choosing based on scaling alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Hardest VCE Subject?
Specialist Maths, followed by Chemistry and Algorithmics.
Should I Choose a Subject Just Because it Scales High?
No—choose based on strengths, interest, and university prerequisites.
Final Thoughts
Choosing VCE subjects doesn’t have to be daunting. Use this guide, along with subject scaling data, practice exams, and exam timetables, to make confident decisions. Whether you’re aiming for the VCE Baccalaureate, preparing for the English VCE exam, or trying to master algorithmics, remember: success comes from strategy, not stress.
