Careers

Understanding the Path Beyond Year 12

What is VTAC?

The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) manages applications to most Victorian universities, TAFEs and many independent tertiary institutions. Students can apply for multiple courses through a single application.

Key Dates

For students commencing study in 2027:

• Applications open: 3 August 2026
• Timely applications close: 28 September 2026
• SEAS and Scholarship applications close: 9 October 2026
• VCE Results & ATAR released: 10 December 2026
• Change of Preference closes before December offers: 12 December 2026
• December offers released: 23 December 2026

I encourage parents to place these dates in their calendar.

Understanding Preferences

• Students can list up to eight course preferences.
• Preferences should always be listed in the order the student genuinely wants them.
• Students won't miss out on lower preferences by aiming high.
• Preferences can be changed before the published deadlines.

Understanding the ATAR

• The ATAR is one selection tool.
• Some courses also require:
• interviews
• auditions
• portfolios
• UCAT
• CASPer
• prerequisite subjects.

Every course has different entry requirements.

Course Research

To assist your child, parents can ask questions such as:

• Does this course lead directly to the career?
• Are there pathway options?
• Is postgraduate study required?
• What are the graduate employment outcomes?
• Are placements included?

Support Your Child

Parents can help by:

• discussing course preferences
• attending Open Days
• encouraging realistic but ambitious choices
• reminding students of deadlines
• helping gather documents for Equity Schemes or Scholarships
• focusing on long-term career goals rather than just ATARs.

STRIVE Mock Interviews – Thursday 19 November

During our Year 9 STRIVE program in term 4, students will be covering the ‘Future Me’ program. Within this, students will create a cover letter and resume in preparation for a Mock Interview.

As a STRIVE team we are seeking any willing volunteers that will be able to assist in the interviewing process and conduct these interviews.

The interviews will be held on Thursday 19 November from 9:00am – 1:00pm.

If you would like to be involved, please email Adam Ray – [email protected] expressing your interest in supporting our Year 9 cohort.