How to score early entry to university, before your final exams
Feeling the pressure of your VCE exams? That’s totally fair. It can seem like there’s a lot riding on the last few months (or years!) of high school, particularly as you begin to make big decisions about your future.
Bit imagine how confident you’d feel breezing into that exam room, knowing you already had head start. Perhaps some extra ATAR points up your sleeve, a scholarship in your sights, or a Conditional Offer from a university of your choice in your back pocket.
At VU, we’ve tailored a program unique to you. Formerly known as VU Guaranteed, VU Early Entry membership comes a whole pack of perks: think exclusive scholarships, Conditional Offers and ATAR bonus points (conditions apply), expert advice throughout your year and freebies and prizes. And did we mention we've got free money up for grabs? (Hot tip: the scholarships are worth applying for alone!)
If you're feeling TL;DR, don't worry, scan the below for your "need to know" on all things Early Entry. Or, if you know it all already – what's stopping you from applying right now?
I'm ready – show me where to apply
What is an early entry program?
An early entry program essentially does what it says on the box – it grants you a head start on your journey to university. Via benefits like scholarships, Conditional Offers, extra ATAR points and 1:1 guidance, membership to the program will mean you skip the line when it comes to tertiary study. While everyone else is beginning their course at a new place fresh after they graduate high school, you'll have a whole host of advantages on your side to help you with that foot (or two feet) in the door.
What is a Conditional Offer?
A Conditional Offer is not an official offer. These are made during the VTAC offer rounds. And, bear in mind that receiving a Conditional Offer doesn’t mean that you should cruise through your final months of high school! In most cases, you’ll need to check a few things off within your final year 12 results. This is so you can secure your spot once VTAC release their first round offers.
A Conditional Offer is made if you’ve met certain conditions, such as completing Year 12 and scoring a certain minimum ATAR. These conditions can change from uni to uni – and our VU Early Entry Conditional Offers have conditions behind them, as with any others'.
Do I have to put my early entry option first on my VTAC preference list?
You should list your preferences in the order you want to get into them, with your dream course at the top. Your early entry preference does need to be in your preference list, to ensure you receive an official place in the course of your choice.
How does early entry work?
Most institutions with an early entry program will allow you to apply online.
For VU Early Entry, you’ll be asked to tell us a little about yourself, by answering the following questions:
- Why do you want to study at VU?
- How do you contribute to your community, school or family?
- Who inspires you to succeed?
- How would studying at VU help you to make a difference in the world?
Need a little inspiration? Don't worry – we've included some sample answers on the form. Check them out here.
If you’re accepted while in Year 12 and aiming for a bachelor course, you’re guaranteed a Conditional Offer before you get your final exam results*.
*Conditions apply, Bachelor of Education (P-12) and Bachelor of Education (Primary) excluded.
Benefits of early entry to university
Early entry programs like VU Early Entry can take some of the stress out of your final year(s) of school. You can stride confidently towards your future, knowing you've locked in some future moves for yourself and can stress less around exam time.
An early entry offer doesn’t close off your options either. You can still list your course preferences in your VTAC application, and change them around as you wish, until change of preferences closes. Here are some important preferencing dates you should mark in your calendar.
The ease of pressure that an early entry offer grants can also free you up for other logistics. You can start planning your life after school – such as where you want to live and what kind of part-time jobs may work around your study schedule.
And if flexibility is important to you while you study, our award-winning VU Block Model® can help you fit study around your life. You'll study one subject at a time, in four-week blocks. That means you can focus your efforts, master your skills, and receive real-time feedback before moving on to the next subject.
VU Early Entry – your personalised ticket
Our VU Early Entry program (formerly known as VU Guaranteed) has some unique benefits that kick off while you’re still in year 12.
These include:
- Exclusive scholarships – we’re offering scholarships to the value of $5,000, with specific grants available for rural, First Nations, outstanding achiever students and more.
- Five bonus ATAR points and Conditional Offer – for all Year 12 VCE-scored students, five bonus ATAR points will be added to your ATAR score for VU courses that consider ATAR as part of the admission requirements, as well as receiving a Conditional Offer in October*.
- VU gym access for you and a friend – hit up one of VU's gyms on us with a free 30-use pass for you and a friend, and stay active during your studies.
- Free ATARnotes+ subscription – valued at $199 and free for member, you'll be able to access all the study notes and flashcards you need.
- Course advice – we offer one-on-one guidance and support, so you can craft a perfectly personalised VTAC list and feel confident throughout your final year of high school.
* Bachelor of Education (P-12) and Bachelor of Education (Primary) excluded, see webpage for full details.
How do I apply for early entry?
Keen to make 2026 your year at VU? Here’s how you can apply for VU Early Entry:
1. Prepare your application
When you apply, you'll answer questions about who you are – tell us what makes you unique! For more tips, read our guide below.
2. Submit your application
Submit your application and you'll hear back from us within seven days. Applications close 13 October, 10pm AEST.
3. Apply to VU
You will need to include your desired VU course as your highest eligible preference on your VTAC preference list (so make sure it's up to date!), or apply directly if it is an apply-direct course.
Who can apply for early entry to university?
Good news – you don’t have to be in year 12 to apply for VU Early Entry!
If you're a Year 11 or 12 student studying VCE, VCE Vocational Major, Unscored VCE or an International Baccalaureate in Victoria, you can also apply for VU Early Entry.
You won't receive a Conditional Offer until your final school year, and if you're working towards a scored VCE. You will however be eligible for other benefits, such as VU gym access, ATARnotes+ and course advice.
