A Higher Education Selection Subject (HESS) is a SACE Stage 2 subject designated as acceptable for university admission purposes. Subjects are designated as General or Restricted, with the following entry requirements:

HESS General: To be eligible for most University of Adelaide programs students must have at least four HESS General subjects in the pattern of five HESS subjects contributing to their TER. These subjects were formerly known as PAS and PES and use a 0-20 grading system.

HESS Restricted: A limited number of University of Adelaide programs allow students to apply with a TER made up of more than one HESS Restricted subject (formerly SAS subjects) in their pattern of five HESS subjects.