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University Developed Board Endorsed Courses (UDBECs)

UDBECs explained

UDBECs supplement and extend the Higher School Certificate (HSC) curriculum in areas not covered by:

  • Board Developed courses
  • other types of Board Endorsed courses.

UDBECs allow universities to:

  • form relationships with local schools
  • develop a customised course to meet the needs of the students in these schools.

UDBECs are designed for high-achieving students for study in Stage 6 (Year 11 and/or Year 12).

Applications for new courses and course renewals are made by completing and submitting the appropriate application form. Successful UDBEC applications will be endorsed for 2 years with the possibility of an extension for another 2 years.

Universities wanting to offer a UDBEC should read Loading .

The application closing date for UDBECs beginning in 2027 is Friday 1 May 2026.

Courses available

Schools should make contact with the university providing the course directly if they would like further information or to enrol students.

Participating schools’ responsibilities

Schools are responsible for:

  • Entering students into the UDBEC via Loading  once a student has been accepted into the course by the relevant university.
  • Withdrawing students from an UDBEC via Loading  if a student chooses to discontinue the course.
  • Following the appropriate procedures for an ‘N’ (Non-completion) Determination if a student is demonstrating that they are not satisfactorily completing the course.

UDBEC assessment and reporting

UDBEC units:

  • can count towards a student’s pattern of study
  • are credentialled on a student’s HSC.

UDBEC results are not eligible for inclusion in the calculation of the ATAR.

If a student satisfactorily completes the course, the unit value and name of the course will appear on the student’s HSC Record of Achievement with the words ‘Refer to university documentation’. No marks will be shown on the HSC Record of Achievement.

If a student does not complete the course satisfactorily, the course will not be listed on the student’s HSC Record of Achievement.

Contact NESA’s Board Endorsed Courses and Programs

You can contact us by phone or email.

Call: +61 2 9367 8333

Email: curriculum@nesa.nsw.edu.au

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