The NSW Education Standards Authority is now reprinting nearly 69,400 certificates bearing the wrong date, which say they were “issued by NESA without alteration or erasure on 14th of December 2017 at Sydney, NSW, Australia”.

Luke Manning, who graduated from Mater Dei Catholic College, said he only received his certificate in the mail Wednesday.

“It’s a bit disappointing because it was a big year, stressful and a lot of hard work went into it,” he said. 

“To get a final certificate saying I completed it, with incorrect details, it’s like they’re saying we weren’t important and just ordinary students, who just went along with it. 

“Most of my friends, probably about 10, received certificates with incorrect dating.” 

Mr Manning said it was not until The Daily Advertiser brought it to his attention that he saw the date on his HSC certificate was winded back a year. 

“I haven’t personally received any apologies from NESA or the Education Minister, rather just a blanket apology to those affected,” he said. 

Another student who graduated from Mater Dei Catholic College Theo Heinjus also received his HSC certificate with the wrong date.

NSW Education Minister Rob Stokes said he was “incredibly disappointed” that NESA has sent incorrectly dated HSC certificates to students. 

“As Education Minister, I am furious that the independent authority charged with running the HSC failed to give NSW students the respect their hard work and dedication deserves by getting something as simple as the date right on their certificate,” Mr Stokes said. 

“I’ve made it clear to NESA that this needs to be corrected immediately and I understand reprinting is already underway.”

A NESA spokesperson apologised “unreservedly” to all students who were affected by their bungle. 

“This mistake was caused by human error and we are now working hard to rectify it as quickly as possible,” the spokesperson said. 

“We are currently reprinting replacement certificates which will be sent out to all students as early as possible next week. 

“The HSC is a globally recognised qualification and all students in the class of 2018 will receive an accurate certificate to celebrate their achievement.” 

NESA said it has not “impacted the validity of the HSC” and are hoping that reprinted versions will be sent out next week. 

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