How to decide & apply – VTAC, preferences & offers
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 your courses – check prerequisites, selection requirements and whether you need to submit anything extra, like a folio or interview.
- Create your VTAC account – head to vtac.edu.au and make sure your details match your school records (name, date of birth, email).
- Enter your preferences – list from one up to eight courses in the order you actually want them, not the order you think you'll "get". You'll only ever receive one offer per round, for your highest eligible preference.
- Apply for SEAS if relevant – check if you're eligible, apply early and gather the right evidence.
- Submit and pay – pay the VTAC application fee (see costs below) by PayPal, Visa or Mastercard, then save your confirmation and login details.
- Change your preferences if your plans shift – you can reorder, add or remove courses right up until Change of Preference closes.
- Respond to offers – if you receive an offer, follow the instructions to accept and enrol by the deadline.
What does it cost to apply?
VTAC charges an application fee that climbs the later you apply:
- timely application (by 28 September): $83 for current Year 12 students, $104 for everyone else
- late application (by 30 October): $166
- very late application (by 4 December): $208.
Applying on time is the cheapest option – and you can still reorder your preferences afterwards, so there's no reason to hold off.
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 your prerequisites and selection rank
if a course needs extra tasks like a folio or interview, start early – these sneak up fast. - Apply for VU Early Entry to get 5 bonus ATAR points, plus 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.
Most Victorian Year 12 students apply through VTAC to study a bachelor's degree at uni.
Steps to apply
- Shortlist your courses – check prerequisites, selection requirements and whether you need to submit anything extra, like a folio or interview.
- Create your VTAC account – head to vtac.edu.au and make sure your details match your school records (name, date of birth, email).
- Enter your preferences – list from one up to eight courses in the order you actually want them, not the order you think you'll "get". You'll only ever receive one offer per round, for your highest eligible preference.
- Apply for SEAS if relevant – check if you're eligible, apply early and gather the right evidence.
- Submit and pay – pay the VTAC application fee (see costs below) by PayPal, Visa or Mastercard, then save your confirmation and login details.
- Change your preferences if your plans shift – you can reorder, add or remove courses right up until Change of Preference closes.
- Respond to offers – if you receive an offer, follow the instructions to accept and enrol by the deadline.
What does it cost to apply?
VTAC charges an application fee that climbs the later you apply:
- timely application (by 28 September): $83 for current Year 12 students, $104 for everyone else
- late application (by 30 October): $166
- very late application (by 4 December): $208.
Applying on time is the cheapest option – and you can still reorder your preferences afterwards, so there's no reason to hold off.
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 your prerequisites and selection rank
if a course needs extra tasks like a folio or interview, start early – these sneak up fast. - Apply for VU Early Entry to get 5 bonus ATAR points, plus 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.
Your VTAC preferences
Your preferences are the courses you'd like to be considered for, listed in order. VTAC works down your list and offers you the highest course you're eligible for – so the order really matters.
How to change your VTAC preferences
Changed your mind, or ready to make VU your #1? You can reorder, add or remove courses right up until Change of Preference closes.
- Log in to VTAC using your VTAC ID and PIN.
- Open your preference list under Course Application.
- Add, remove or reorder your courses – treat it like a wish list, with the course you most want to study at the top.
- Review, save and submit your changes.
What is Change of Preference?
Change of Preference is your chance to update your list after VCE results come out. You'll get a short window – usually around two days – to reassess your preferences based on your results before offers are finalised. VTAC confirms the exact dates each year, and we'll list them in the key dates below as soon as they're locked in.
Tip: order your preferences by what you most want to study, not by what you think you'll get into.
Key dates for VTAC
Set reminders for the ones that apply to you.
- 21 April 2026 – VU Early Entry applications open
- 3 August 2026 – timely VTAC applications open, along with SEAS and scholarship applications
- 28 September 2026 – timely VTAC applications close (5pm)
- 9 October 2026 – SEAS and scholarship applications close (5pm)
- 30 October 2026 – late VTAC applications close (5pm)
- 4 December 2026 – very late VTAC applications close (5pm)
- 10 December 2026 – VCE results and ATARs released
- Change of Preference – a short window after results (VTAC confirms exact dates)
- 13 January 2027 – January round offers released, and VU 1:1 consults open.
Read our comprehensive guide to VTAC
How to accept your VU offer
Got a VU offer? Here's how to lock it in.
- Open your offer email and select the link to accept.
- You'll land in MyVU, where you can accept your place – or defer for up to 12 months if you need to.
- Enrol through MyVU: choose your units and set up your fees.
Remember, receiving an offer isn't the same as being enrolled – follow every step in your offer message to secure your place.
FAQs about VTAC
Most Victorian Year 12 students apply to uni through VTAC. Here's what that means and how it works.
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.
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:
- Does this course match what I enjoy doing?
- Will it lead to the job or career I want?
- Is it a good fit for what I’m naturally good at?
- Does the workload and study approach fit your lifestyle?
A bit of uncertainty is natural – but if you’re feeling some excitement and motivation about your next step, it’s a sign you’re on the right track.
