VTAC preferences – dates & details for Year 12 students

Thinking ahead to next year? If you're beginning to plan out what your preference list for 2026 looks like, it's good to make sure you're across all definitions, dates, and other relevant info.

Here’s a handy guide on everything you need to know about preferences, applying for courses and offer rounds – so you can finish off Year 12 and head into 2026 confident about your options and choices.

We'll keep you updated on VTAC date releases for next year as we get them, so check back in throughout the year as you move towards preferencing.

VTAC guide for year 12

The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) processes university applications, some TAFE applications, some scholarships and the Special Entrance Access Scheme (SEAS).

If you are applying for uni you need to apply through VTAC. To start your uni course in 2026, you will need to submit a VTAC preference application via the VTAC website. This applies even if you might study in 2026, but haven't made a final decision.

If you are applying for TAFE, you may still need to apply through VTAC. Some VU TAFE courses take applications through VTAC, while others are direct application only. Check your course page on our website. If your course is open on VTAC, you’ll need to apply for the course through VTAC. If course doesn't appear on VTAC website, you may be able to apply direct – it's best to rely on the information on your specific course page.

: The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) is state government organisation that manages applications for tertiary courses, as well as scholarships and the Special Entrance Access Scheme (SEAS).
VTAC forwards applications and supporting information to institutions, including Victoria University (VU), and sends out offer messages to successful applicants on behalf of each institution.
Explore the VTAC website.
: The Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) covers access and entry programs offered by VU and other institutions.
There are four categories:
personal information and location
disadvantaged financial background
disability or medical condition
difficult circumstances.
Check your eligibility and how to apply.
: You can apply for a scholarships such as Access Scholarships via VTAC for VU courses (applications require evidence of financial hardship).
Find out how to apply for a scholarship through VTAC.
We also provide many other scholarships to help our students get a head start at uni – explore what we offer and how to apply.
: If you’re a current Year 11 or 12 student at a Victorian school, you can also apply for our VU Early Entry program. To be eligible, you need to list a VU course as your first preference – and don't forget you'll still need to apply for the course via VTAC as well.
Register your interest now, so you'll be first to hear about updates to the program, and when you can submit your full application.
Register interest for VU Early Entry

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Uni lingo translated

Stuck on the differences between eCAF, USI, and CUA? Don't stress – we break it all down in our study dictionary, so you can get your head around the ins and outs of ATARs, acronyms and more.

Translate it for me now!

How to apply for a course via VTAC

VTAC preference applications for courses starting in 2026 open from 28 July 2025.

In the meantime, familiarise yourself with the steps on how to complete your application:

Create a VTAC account on vtac.edu.au.
Log in with your VTAC ID and PIN.
Enter details of your secondary school studies, following the prompts.
List your course preferences:
- enter at least 1 course, and up to 8 courses – in your order of preference
- you will only receive one offer per offer round, for your highest eligible preference, so make sure you put the course that you most want to do as your first preference, and then the other courses you want to do, in your order of preference
- check that you meet prerequisites for the courses (see the admission info on the course page) and complete all relevant selection tasks where applicable.
Enter any additional info required (like for example, if you want to specify a nominee who can be contacted on your behalf, or details of any admissions tests you've taken), following the prompts. Review your application and make sure it’s all correct.
Pay the VTAC application fee – for timely applications (before 29 September), this is $80 for all current Year 12 students and $100 for all other applicants. You will be asked to pay online at the end of your course application, and you can pay via PayPal, or by Visa or MasterCard.
Submit!

What if I change my mind?

You can change the order of your preferences and add or remove courses from your list after you have submitted your application – and in December after you get your Year 12 results for a short period too (domestic VCE students expecting December offers only).

VTAC are yet to announce the finalised change of preference period dates for 2025, so keep an eye out! But, for now keep in mind that if you’re still exploring options or aren’t 100% certain on which course you want to do the most towards the end of the year, you'll still have time to submit and rethink your options even after your ATAR score is released.

Key dates

Find the cut off dates and times for submitting VTAC preference applications and when each round offers are sent out.

: Submit your VTAC preference application by 5pm to make the timely application cut off.
This is the deadline for timely applications. You can submit an application after this point, but the VTAC fee increases if the application is late or very late. The timely application fee is $80 for current year 12 students, and $100 for all other applicants.
Remember you can reorder your preferences if you want to, so it’s a good idea to submit a timely application if you can, and avoid the late fees.
: Last chance to submit any SEAS and VTAC scholarship applications.
: You can submit a late application up until 31 October at 5pm, but you will need to pay VTAC a late fee of $160.
: You have an option to submit a very late application up until 5 December at 5pm, but you will need to pay a very late application fee of $200.
: An offer for your highest eligible course preference will be emailed to you, and will be available in your VTAC account in the morning.
If you don’t receive an offer there are plenty of things you can still do:
Don’t panic! Not all offers are made in the December round.
Review your preference and ensure you meet the pre-requisites, you may receive an offer in January or a later round.
Consider applying for a VU TAFE course. Many will allow you to pathway into a degree without any additional study time. Visit our Pathways to VU webpage to find out more.
Book into a 1:1 consultation with our Future Students team to figure out your next move – the bookings for these will open later in the year.
: An offer for your highest eligible course preference will be emailed to you, and will be available in your VTAC account from 2pm. Or, our 1:1 consultation period will continue if you need extra support.
Learn more about additional offer rounds on the VTAC website.