Hardest VCE Subjects

There is no official “hardest VCE subject” ranking, but the subjects students most consistently rate the hardest are Specialist Maths, Maths Methods, Chemistry, Physics, the languages, English Language and Literature. There is a clear reason: these attract the most competitive cohorts of students – which is exactly what VTAC scaling reflects, and why they scale up. “Hard” is part demanding content, part who you are up against. One important point up front: a subject being hard or high-scaling is not a reason to pick or avoid it – choose what you are genuinely good at. (Sources: VTAC 2025 Scaling Report; student consensus.)

What makes a VCE subject “hard”?

Two things: demanding content and a competitive cohort. The second is measurable – VTAC scales subjects with stronger cohorts upward, so the hardest subjects are usually the ones that scale up most. (Read how VCE scaling works.) The “2025 scaled mean” below is the average scaled score in that subject – a higher mean signals a stronger, more competitive cohort.

The hardest VCE subjects, ranked

1. Specialist Mathematics – the most abstract maths (proofs, integration, complex numbers), studied by the strongest cohort in the state (2025 scaled mean 41.5; a study score of 40 scaled to 51). Our VCE Specialist Maths tutoring.
2. Mathematical Methods – calculus, functions and probability, with a technology-free Exam 1; the backbone of most STEM ATARs (scaled mean 34.4). Our VCE Maths Methods tutoring.
3. Chemistry – a tricky mix of application and memorisation, abstract organic chemistry and the scientific-investigation task; Units 3 & 4 step up sharply (scaled mean 33.6). Our VCE Chemistry tutoring.
4. Physics – maths applied to abstract real-world scenarios; intuitive for some, very hard for others (scaled mean 31.7).
5. Languages (LOTE) – heavy memorisation plus very competitive cohorts, and a scaling boost (e.g. Latin scaled mean 45.0, Chinese Second Language 40.2).
6. English Language – the most analytical English, built on metalanguage and linguistics (scaled mean 32.6). Our VCE English Language tutoring.
7. Literature – sophisticated, open-ended textual analysis that rewards original interpretation (scaled mean 31.0). Our VCE Literature tutoring.

Honourable mentions: Economics and Biology are often “deceptively hard” – large content loads and competitive cohorts.

Should you avoid hard subjects?

No – and chasing “easy” or “high-scaling” subjects usually backfires. VTAC is clear that a strong score in a subject you are good at beats a weak score in a high-scaling one. Pick subjects you enjoy and perform in; that is what produces the high study score that then scales. See VCE scaling explained and how the VCE ATAR works.

Getting ahead in a hard subject

The hardest subjects reward consistent weekly practice and exam technique more than raw talent – exactly what a tutor builds. HZ’s tutors scored top marks in these subjects, and your first 30-minute lesson is free. Estimate where you are tracking with our free VCE ATAR Calculator.

Written by Haobo Zhang (98 ATAR, University of Melbourne Biomedicine), founder of HZ Tutoring. Updated June 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What is the hardest VCE subject?

Most students rank Specialist Mathematics the hardest – abstract content and the most competitive cohort in the state (it also scales up the most).

Do hard VCE subjects scale up?

Generally yes – VTAC scales subjects with stronger cohorts up, and the hardest subjects tend to have the strongest cohorts.

Should I pick a subject because it scales up?

No – a strong score in a subject you are good at beats a weak score in a high-scaling one.

Is Chemistry harder than Physics?

Many students find Chemistry harder because it mixes application with heavy memorisation, but it depends on your strengths.