How VTAC preferences work: a comprehensive guide

If you’re applying to uni in Victoria, the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre — or VTAC — is your tertiary ticket. They’re the central hub for connecting your past academic achievements to your future education providers, and understanding how VTAC preferencing works is paramount to getting the most out of university.

There are a few specifics in the preference process you need to get a handle on, so we’ve created this helpful guide to explain everything you need to know.

Want the quick facts? 

 

What are VTAC preferences?

Basically, VTAC preferences are a ranked list, ordered by you, choosing which courses you want to apply for. Your most preferred course is ranked first, your least is last.

VTAC then plays matchmaker by taking your list, factoring in your academic performance and a couple other selection criteria, and uses them to pair you with the best course possible. Simple as that.

The importance of preference order

Because we’re talking rankings, order is essential. To reiterate: your preferred course needs to be number one.

VTAC uses your chosen order to process your application, and will offer you the highest-preferred spot in which you meet all entry requirements. If you don’t get in to your top one they’ll move on to the next one, and so on. So, act like a judge with a gavel and commit to order.

Step into next year with confidence – preference VU #1.

At VU, we know your ATAR isn’t everything – and that’s why we offer flexible pathways and a unique way of learning. Our VU Block Model® ensures you’ll thrive as you focus on one subject at a time, making it easy to find time for everything else in your life.

Why choose VU

How to set your VTAC preferences

The process of setting your VTAC preferences is simple but important — just follow the below steps.

1. Create your VTAC account at vtac.edu.au

2. Log in to Your VTAC account

  • Go to the VTAC website and log in using your VTAC ID and PIN.

3. Enter details of your secondary school studies, following the prompts

4. List your course preferences:

  • Enter at least one course (up to eight courses in total) in order of your 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 order.
  • Check that you meet prerequisites for the courses (see the admission info on the course page) and complete all relevant selection tasks where applicable.

5. Enter any additional info required (for example, if you want to specify a nominee who can be contacted on your behalf), following the prompts. Review your application and make sure it’s all correct.

6. Pay the VTAC application fee — for timely applications (before 30 September), this is $60 for all current Year 12 students and $95 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.

7. Save changes

8. Submit!

Understanding offer rounds

VTAC’s processes of applications includes ‘offer rounds’. There are three of them and each play their own role in giving you a unique university journey:

  • Early offers: These are made first, before the main round. These are usually based on your selection criteria and are not your final results. They’re just a sneak peek at your potential university life.
  • Main round: This is the grand reveal and where most offers are made. For most, the main round will reflect what they’ll do at uni.
  • Subsequent rounds: If you don’t get an offer in the main round — or if you want to try for a different course — this is your second chance.

Offers are made based on the highest preference for which you meet all requirements. If you don't get your top choice, VTAC considers your next preference, ensuring you're placed in the best possible course.

Changing your preferences

Life changes, and so can preferences. The two important factors here are when and how.

When to change preferences:

  • Preferences can usually be changed and courses added or removed after you have submitted your application – right up until the cut-off date of 14 December (VCE only, December offer domestic round). 
  • You can also change your preferences after your ATAR results are released, so you can reorder or rethink if need be. You will be able to do this from 7am, Thursday 12 December to 12pm, Saturday 14 December this year.

How to change preferences:

  • Easy! Follow the steps in the ‘How to set your VTAC preferences’ above. You can reorder, add, or remove courses as needed.

Changing your preferences affects your application and offer chances — one ingredient can make all the difference to a recipe. And as with a recipe, your VTAC preferences are more than just a list. They’re your roadmap to future studies and future careers as unique as you are. Treat them as such.

Need support?

We're here to help at VU – our goal is for you to get the most out your uni experience. 

We will be holding a Change of Preference event after results release and before the preference cut-off date (14 December) in person, to help you with all the support or advice you need. Keep an eye out for further details and registration link!