How to decide & apply

Your step-by-step guide on how to choose and apply for the right course.

Your guide to applying

Most Victorian Year 12 students apply through VTAC to study a bachelor's degree at uni.
Steps to apply
Shortlist courses you’re interested in – check prerequisites, selection requirements and whether you need to submit anything extra.
Create your VTAC account – make sure your details match your school records (name, date of birth, email).
Enter your preferences – you can list multiple courses. Put them in the actual order you want them, not in the order you think you’ll “get”.
Apply for special consideration if relevant – see if you’re eligible, apply early and gather the right evidence.
Submit and pay – then save your confirmation details and keep your login handy.
Change of Preference – update your list when your plans change (for example after results or after an offer round).
Offer rounds – if you receive an offer, carefully follow instructions to accept and enrol by the deadline.
Important timings
Apply for VU Early Entry: 21 April
Applications open: 3 August
Timely applications close: 28 September
SEAS/scholarships deadlines: 9 October
VCE & ATAR results: 10 December
Offers: 13 January, with additional offer rounds to follow.
Set reminders for the deadlines that apply to you.
Tips for applying
Preference order matters – VTAC offers you the highest preference you’re eligible for so list courses in the order you actually want to do them.
Keep at least one option you’d genuinely be happy with that’s realistic for prerequisites and selection.
If a course needs extra tasks (folio, interview), start early – these sneak up fast.
Apply for VU Early Entry to get 5 bonus ATAR points along with access to scholarships, extra study resources, freebies and a Conditional Offer.
Don’t guess – get someone to double check your preferences, whether that’s a career counsellor, teacher, family member or friend.
Learn more about preferencing VU.
If you're not applying for uni as a current Victorian Year 12 student through the VTAC system, you apply directly through the uni – typically on their website.
Steps to apply
Check the course page – for entry requirements, prerequisites, intake dates and any extra selection steps.
Apply through the application portal – create an account and complete your details carefully.
Upload documents – requirements vary, but may include ID, results, study history, and supporting statements.
Track your emails – you may be asked for more info, so respond quickly.
Receive outcome – if you’re offered a place, follow the instructions to accept and enrol by the due date.
Important timings
Application deadlines vary by uni, course, and intake – and some courses close once places are filled. Applying earlier gives you more options and more time to fix missing documents.
Tips for applying
Most delays are simple admin issues: missing documents, mismatched names, wrong email, or incomplete sections. If you’re applying to multiple places, keep a simple tracker: course, deadline, documents sent, outcome.
If you’re unsure whether to apply through VTAC or direct, reach out to our course advisors for advice.
Students applying for TAFE certificates and diplomas also apply directly through the website, with flexible intakes across the year depending on the course.
Steps to apply
Choose your course – confirm what the qualification leads to, where you’ll study and what the study involves.
Check entry requirements – some courses include interviews, pre-training reviews, folios, basic skills checks or an apprenticeship.
Apply through the portal – fill in your details and upload any required evidence into the application portal.
Complete any extra steps – arrange any interviews, checks or information sessions if required.
Accept and enrol – confirm start dates, timetables, and any equipment or resources you’ll need.
Important timings
TAFE often has multiple start points, but popular courses can fill early, especially if they have limited places or extra entry steps. Apply early if the course has interviews or assessments – those can take time to schedule.
Tips
Keep copies of everything you upload (ID, evidence, forms) – it saves time if you apply to more than one course. If you’re balancing work and study, check class times and placement requirements before you commit.
You'll see a variety of levels (I, II, III, and IV) as well as diplomas and advanced diplomas when exploring TAFE courses. If you’re unsure which level to start at, reach out to our course advisors for advice.

Most Victorian Year 12 students apply through VTAC to study a bachelor's degree at uni.

Steps to apply

Shortlist courses you’re interested in – check prerequisites, selection requirements and whether you need to submit anything extra.
Create your VTAC account – make sure your details match your school records (name, date of birth, email).
Enter your preferences – you can list multiple courses. Put them in the actual order you want them, not in the order you think you’ll “get”.
Apply for special consideration if relevant – see if you’re eligible, apply early and gather the right evidence.
Submit and pay – then save your confirmation details and keep your login handy.
Change of Preference – update your list when your plans change (for example after results or after an offer round).
Offer rounds – if you receive an offer, carefully follow instructions to accept and enrol by the deadline.

Important timings

Apply for VU Early Entry: 21 April
Applications open: 3 August
Timely applications close: 28 September
SEAS/scholarships deadlines: 9 October
VCE & ATAR results: 10 December
Offers: 13 January, with additional offer rounds to follow.

Set reminders for the deadlines that apply to you.

Tips for applying

Preference order matters – VTAC offers you the highest preference you’re eligible for so list courses in the order you actually want to do them.
Keep at least one option you’d genuinely be happy with that’s realistic for prerequisites and selection.
If a course needs extra tasks (folio, interview), start early – these sneak up fast.
Apply for VU Early Entry to get 5 bonus ATAR points along with access to scholarships, extra study resources, freebies and a Conditional Offer.
Don’t guess – get someone to double check your preferences, whether that’s a career counsellor, teacher, family member or friend.

Learn more about preferencing VU.

If you're not applying for uni as a current Victorian Year 12 student through the VTAC system, you apply directly through the uni – typically on their website.

Steps to apply

Check the course page – for entry requirements, prerequisites, intake dates and any extra selection steps.
Apply through the application portal – create an account and complete your details carefully.
Upload documents – requirements vary, but may include ID, results, study history, and supporting statements.
Track your emails – you may be asked for more info, so respond quickly.
Receive outcome – if you’re offered a place, follow the instructions to accept and enrol by the due date.

Important timings

Application deadlines vary by uni, course, and intake – and some courses close once places are filled. Applying earlier gives you more options and more time to fix missing documents.

Tips for applying

Most delays are simple admin issues: missing documents, mismatched names, wrong email, or incomplete sections. If you’re applying to multiple places, keep a simple tracker: course, deadline, documents sent, outcome.

If you’re unsure whether to apply through VTAC or direct, reach out to our course advisors for advice.

Students applying for TAFE certificates and diplomas also apply directly through the website, with flexible intakes across the year depending on the course.

Steps to apply

Choose your course – confirm what the qualification leads to, where you’ll study and what the study involves.
Check entry requirements – some courses include interviews, pre-training reviews, folios, basic skills checks or an apprenticeship.
Apply through the portal – fill in your details and upload any required evidence into the application portal.
Complete any extra steps – arrange any interviews, checks or information sessions if required.
Accept and enrol – confirm start dates, timetables, and any equipment or resources you’ll need.

Important timings

TAFE often has multiple start points, but popular courses can fill early, especially if they have limited places or extra entry steps. Apply early if the course has interviews or assessments – those can take time to schedule.

Tips

Keep copies of everything you upload (ID, evidence, forms) – it saves time if you apply to more than one course. If you’re balancing work and study, check class times and placement requirements before you commit.

You'll see a variety of levels (I, II, III, and IV) as well as diplomas and advanced diplomas when exploring TAFE courses. If you’re unsure which level to start at, reach out to our course advisors for advice.

More handy info

Special admission programs

See if you’re eligible to boost your chances of getting into your dream course.

A VU student with long blonde hair, wearing jeans and a pink jumper sits against a wall with a black backpack placed next to her.

VU Early Entry

Get access to bonus ATAR points, a Conditional Offer, scholarships and more.

Scholarships

Learn more about scholarships available at VU across all levels of study.

What if I’m not sure yet?

Not knowing what’s next is okay – you don’t need to have your whole life figured out yet.

Looking for somewhere to start? Here are some quizzes, tools and info to help you explore options based on your interests and personality.

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TAFE or uni? See what’s right for you

See which study path best suits your vibe.

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Take our careers quiz

Explore what careers fit your interests, skills and personality.

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Pathways to VU

A step-by-step look at how you can transition from TAFE into uni.

Quick checks to decide with confidence

You’ve explored your options, now let’s help you feel confident about your decision. Think about your top preferences or course you’re directly applying for and ask yourself: