Western Australian
Certificate of Education (WACE)

Providing students with a rigorous, future-ready curriculum accepted by universities worldwide.

Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE)

Give your child a globally recognised Australian Year 11–12 qualification—without leaving Bangladesh. The Western Australian Certificate of Education (WACE) prepares students for success at top universities around the world, combining academic rigour with real-world skills.

WACE offers a powerful combination of flexibility, depth, and global recognition. At AUSIS Dhaka, students benefit from:

International university access: WACE leads to an ATAR score, accepted by universities in Australia, the UK, USA, Canada, Asia, and more.

Customised academic pathways: Students select subjects based on their strengths and career aspirations, from STEM to business to the humanities.

World-class instruction: Delivered by trained educators following the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA) of Western Australia.

Holistic preparation: Beyond academic knowledge, students develop critical thinking, collaboration, research, and communication skills.

Personalised support: Small class sizes, ongoing academic guidance, and tailored university counselling ensure each student stays on track.

 

Requirement Description How AUSIS Supports It
Course Breadth Complete at least 20 course units across Years 11–12, including:
  • 4 English
  • 1 List A subject (Arts, Languages, Social Sciences)
  • 1 List B subject (Maths, Science, Technology)
 Personalised subject planning in Year 10 ensures balanced course selection.
Minimum Achievement At least 14 C-grades or higher, including 6 in Year 12 Ongoing assessments, mock exams, and academic support maintain performance.
Literacy & Numeracy Must meet the standard through either NAPLAN or OLNA Supportive instruction and test prep provided throughout both years.
Pathway Choice Students may follow an ATAR (university) or vocational path (VET Certificate II or above) AUSIS offers ATAR pathways options to match each student’s goals.

Subjects Offered at AUSIS Dhaka

We offer both ATAR (university entry) and General (non-ATAR) courses, allowing flexibility for different goals and strengths.

ATAR Subjects General Subjects
  • English / EAL/D
  • Mathematics: Applications, Methods, Specialist
  • Accounting & Finance
  • Business Management & Enterprise
  • Economics
  • Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Biology
  • Human Biology
  • Environmental Sciences
  • English (General)
  • Mathematics Essentials
  • Career & Enterprise
  • Applied Information Technology
  • Design & Visual Arts (launching soon)
Field of Study Typical Year 12 Subjects
Engineering / Data Science English, Mathematics Specialist, Mathematics Methods, Physics, Chemistry
Business / Finance English, Business Management, Accounting & Finance, Economics, Mathematics Applications
Health Sciences English, Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics Applications
Flexible / Mixed English, Chemistry, Business Management, Mathematics Methods, Physics

Our academic counsellors help students select subjects that match both their career interests and university prerequisites.

WACE includes specific assessments and standards that may be unfamiliar to some parents. Here’s what each one means:

The ATAR is a number between 0.00 and 99.95 that ranks a student’s performance compared to all other WACE candidates. It is the primary measure used by universities for admissions.

  • Calculated from a student’s top four ATAR course scores (50% school mark + 50% WACE exam mark).
  • Handled by the Tertiary Institutions Service Centre (TISC).
  • A higher ATAR opens more university opportunities and scholarships.

NAPLAN is a standardised test in Australia that checks essential reading, writing, and math skills. Students who meet the standard in Year 9 NAPLAN automatically satisfy WACE’s literacy and numeracy requirement.

If a student has not taken NAPLAN or hasn’t met the required level, there’s another route: OLNA.

OLNA is an online test that students can take up to six times in Years 11 and 12 to meet the WACE standard in:

  • Reading
  • Writing
  • Numeracy

At AUSIS, we provide full support through:

  • Practice tests
  • Extra English and math sessions
  • Individual coaching when needed

If students don’t meet the standard initially, they have up to six opportunities to pass it during Years 11 and 12. At AUSIS, students receive focused practice, feedback, and workshops to prepare for success.

 

Year 10 (August): Families attend workshops on subject selection and future planning.
Year 11: Students begin coursework, OLNA (if needed), and preliminary assessments.
Year 12: Coursework continues alongside WACE final exams (October–November). Results are released in December, followed by dedicated “Next Steps” university counselling.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Yes. Many Bangladeshi private universities accept WACE, and it supports direct entry or credit transfers for international universities.

AUSIS offers EAL/D classes, language labs, and individual support to boost confidence and exam readiness.

 

Yes. If your child has strong results in Grade 10, especially in English and Math, they can transition into Year 11 after academic counselling.

Absolutely. WACE students engage in community service, public speaking, internships, and creative projects that enrich their profiles.

For More Information About WACE

“Every day, I am inspired by the
dedication of our students and staff, and
I am proud of the achievements we
continue to celebrate together.”

Ms. Diana Prince
IB Co-Ordinator