It is ALWAYS a good idea to visit the universities that you would like to attend. GO to as many OPEN DAYS as you can. This will give you the opportunity to;

ask questions.
see the facilities
meet students that are doing the course/s that you would like to do
work out how far the institute is from your house and how long it will take to get there
get a feel for the place
see work that previous/ current students have completed

Open days for TAFE & Alternative places to study are on the TAFE & Alternative Study Options

Make sure you are registering and checking the times the OPEN DAY is happening

Below:

NEW: Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate: Your guide to university degrees

NEW: How to apply to university: The complete guide

Open days: Your ultimate guide to campus visits

8 ways to a great university open day

Preparing for an open day

CONFIRMED OPEN DAYS - 2025

ACU

Melbourne - 8th to 10th July

Ballarat - 10th & 11th April

Deakin

Warrnambool - Sunday 3rd August

Geelong - Sunday 17th August

Burwood Campus- Sunday 24th August

La Trobe

Melbourne (Bundoora) - Sunday 3rd August

Shepparton - Sunday 10th August

Mildura - Wednesday 13th August

Sydney - Saturday 16th August

Albury - Wodonga - Sunday 17th August

Bendigo - Sunday 24th August

Torrens University

Virtual Open Day

13 - 14 May

Must Register with link

University of Melbourne

Sunday 17th August

Monash

Peninsula Campus - Saturday 2nd August

Caulfied Campus - Saturday 2nd August

Clayton Campus - Sunday 3rd August

Parkville Campus - Sunday 17 August

RMIT

Bundoora - Sunday 3rd August

Brunswick - Sunday 10 August

City - Sunday10 August

Swinburne

Hawthorn - Sunday 27th July

Victoria University

Footscray Park - Sunday17 August

VU City Tower - Sunday 24th August

Federation University

Berwick - Sunday 17 August

Camp St (Ballarat Arts Academy) Sunday 24th August

Gippsland - Sunday 10th August

Mt Helen (Ballarat) - Sunday 24th August

SMB (Ballarat TAFE) Sunday 24th August

LINK TO ALL OPEN DAYS

Not all Universities and TAFE's have confirmed there open days at the moment

How to apply to university: The complete guide

Applying to university can feel overwhelming when you're navigating forms, deadlines, and endless course options. However, with the right approach and timeline, you can transform this daunting process into a structured journey towards your academic future. Whether you're aiming for a specific career or exploring your academic interests, this guide can help you navigate each step with confidence.

Should you apply to university?

Before diving into applications, take a moment to consider whether you really want to go to university and if it aligns with your goals and learning style. University offers an adult approach to education, combining academic depth with professional networking opportunities.

University might be right for you if you:

Want to study a topic in depth
Are thinking of a career requiring a degree (such as teaching, nursing, or engineering)
Are academically inclined but uncertain about your career direction

Many successful graduates enter university without a clear career path and discover their interests through exploration. If you need some inspiration, take a look at the most popular university courses to see if anything sparks your interest.

If you're unsure, consider applying anyway. Not applying guarantees you won't have university as an option later, while accepting an offer remains entirely your choice. This approach keeps your doors open while you make your final decision.

Decided that university isn't right for you? You might like to check out alternatives like apprenticeships, jumping straight into work, or seeing what other options are out there.

Choose what you want to study

Ideally your course selection should align with either your career aspirations or academic interests (what you're good at and what you're interested in). This decision forms the foundation of your entire university experience, so it deserves some time and attention.

You have a future career in mind

If you've identified your preferred career path, great! Research the qualification requirements thoroughly.

Some careers offer multiple degree pathways - for instance, robotics professionals might study mechatronics, mechanical, or electrical engineering. Understanding these options could help you choose the best course to get you there.

You're not sure what you want to do yet

Perhaps you haven't settled on a specific career yet - that's OK too.

Focus on subjects that genuinely interest you rather than something you hope will lead to a high paying job (so if you don't like maths and spreadsheets, don’t pick accounting just because you think you’ll earn lots).

Consider broad degrees that offer specialisation options down the track during your studies. Business degrees, for example, often provide a general foundation before allowing you to focus on areas like marketing, finance, or management.

Avoid highly specialised degrees unless you're genuinely interested in their specific career outcomes. Dentistry leads almost exclusively to dental practice, whilst a science degree opens doors to research, teaching, healthcare, and industry roles.

Once you’ve chosen what you want to study, write it down, and be clear about it before you start looking for somewhere to study it. Websites like Course Seeker, DiscoverUni, and Top Universities are great places to help you research and compare courses.

Find where you want to study it

Where you go to study isn’t as important as what you study and opportunities available. Most employers focus on your skills and knowledge rather than which university awarded your degree, as generally speaking most accredited tertiary providers have similar academic standards.

Consider these practical factors when you're weighing up your options:

Does the university offer your preferred course? If not, eliminate it from consideration immediately.
Think about accommodation options – can you live at home initially, or do you prefer the independence of campus life? Factor accommodation costs into your budget planning.
Investigate networking and career opportunities each institution provides. University networks often prove invaluable for internships, job opportunities, and business connections throughout your career.
Look for universities with strong industry partnerships and active alumni networks in your field of interest.

If you've done your research and still have lots of options, attending open days and connecting with current students are the best ways to get a feel for the place, ask questions, and gather insider perspectives. Ask current students if they are are happy with their course, can access the support they need, and what advice would they give you.

Preparing your application

Once you've identified what you want to study and where, it's time to research the application requirements and deadlines thoroughly.

Missing deadlines could derail your entire timeline, so mark all important dates in your calendar and share them with family members who can help you stay on track.

Gather required documentation early in the process. You'll likely need student identification numbers (like the USI in Australia) and your academic transcripts as a minimum. Some courses require additional assessments like psychometric testing, entrance exams, or portfolio submissions, which may have earlier or different deadlines than the main application.

Lastly, before you start you application, double check you meet any entry requirements. While academic results are important, many institutions now offer multiple alternative pathways, including portfolio assessment, bridging courses, or foundation programmes. Understanding all your options and being prepared could increase your chances of receiving an offer.

Applications and preferences

The application process varies depending on which university you’ve picked and the country you're in. So check directly with the university to make sure you meet all the entry requirements before you start your application.

When listing course preferences, maximise your options by filling every available slot. You can always decline offers, but limited preferences restrict your choices from the start. Even if you're 110% certain that there is only one course you want to pick, find a few similar courses and list them just in case.

List your top choice first, followed by your second preference, then include other courses you'd consider, finishing with several lower-requirement options as backup plans. This strategy ensures you have options regardless of your final grades or assessment outcomes. Remember, you're not committing to anything at this stage – you're simply keeping doors open.

Watch this short video for tips on choosing your preferences.

The waiting period

After submitting applications, you'll need to be patient and wait for your offer. Try and resist the urge to constantly revisit your choices. Instead, focus your energy and use this time productively by getting your assessments done on time and studying for exams.

If you have some spare time, research your preferred courses more deeply, explore career prospects, or start working on your uni-ready skills. Don't stress if you decide to change your preferences during the waiting period - most systems allow changes before final deadlines.

Accepting offers and enrolling

Once your exams are done and results are published, it's time for the offers to arrive. You'll typically receive one offer per application round for the highest preference you qualify for. If your first choice requires higher grades than you achieved, you might receive an offer for your second or third preference instead.

Carefully consider each offer against your original goals and current circumstances. If you're unsatisfied with the initial offer, many systems provide multiple offer rounds where additional places become available.

Once you decide to accept an offer, follow the enrolment process promptly. This typically involves confirming your acceptance, paying any required fees, and registering for orientation activities.

Alternative pathways to consider

University straight out of school isn't your only option. Many students defer their studies and take a gap year to work, travel, or develop specific skills instead. This break can provide valuable life experience and clarity about academic goals.

If you'd prefer to try a vocational course, apprenticeship, or traineeship, they can still lead to university study later as a mature student. These pathways often provide work experience and financial independence while keeping options open for the future.

Whatever path you choose, take time to reflect on your decision without rushing. Your educational journey is unique to you, and there's no universal timeline for success.

Bachelor’s, master’s, doctorate: Your guide to university degrees

Are you thinking about your future study options and wondering about the different types of university degrees you can do? You've probably heard the words bachelor's, master's, and doctorate thrown around a lot recently if you're in your senior years of high school. But what do they mean and what's right for you?

Understanding your options can help you set goals and work out a long-term plan, so let's explore the basics of the three main types of university degrees.

Bachelor's degree: Your foundation

The first thing you need to know: you won't be able to pursue a master's or doctoral degree until you have an undergraduate qualification.

Bachelor's degrees are considered undergraduate degrees, and are what most students pursue straight after high school. They're a foundational qualification that provide knowledge and skills in a specific field of study.

Here are some key points to know:

Depth of study

During a bachelor's degree, you’ll typically focus on a major subject area of your choice, such as business, engineering, psychology, or arts. You might also have the opportunity to take a minor or second major or take individual subjects unrelated to your core degree.

Many bachelor's degrees can be combined into what are known as "dual degrees", allowing you to gain two qualifications in less time than it would take to study them separately.

Duration and requirements

Bachelor's degrees usually take around 3 to 4 years to complete full-time. Dual degrees are usually 5 to 6 years in length. To gain entry to a bachelor's degree, you typically need to finish high school.

Career benefits

A bachelor's degree gives you the knowledge needed for entry- and mid-level positions in various industries and lays the groundwork for further study down the track.

You’ll also develop essential skills that can be taken into any industry, such as critical thinking, research abilities, and communication skills.

What about honours?

Honours is an optional research-based year on top of your bachelor's degree that deepens your expertise in your chosen subject. It's sometimes considered a bridge between undergraduate and postgraduate studies, ideal for those who might want to undertake a research degree in the future.

Honours are typically considered a higher level qualification than a bachelor's degree because of the depth of study and combination of coursework and research. Some people also find that an honours degree takes a more skills-based approach to study.

Master’s degree: Specialisation and advancement

After completing a bachelor's degree, some students choose to pursue postgraduate study. This is where master's degrees come in.

The purpose of a master’s degree is to build on the foundational of your first degree and allow you to specialise even further. They're more advanced than bachelor's degrees and can lead to specialised job opportunities or a career in academia.

Here’s what you need to know about master’s degrees:

Depth of study

Master’s degrees typically delve deeper into specific areas within a field and may include coursework, research, and a thesis or project. For example, you might pursue a Master of Computer Science and decide to focus on Artificial Intelligence.

Duration and requirements

Master’s degrees usually take 1 to 2 years to complete. They often require you to have a bachelor's degree in a related field for entry.

Career benefits

A master’s degree can enhance your career prospects by providing advanced skills and specialised knowledge. It can open doors to higher-level positions and potentially higher salaries in your chosen field.

Doctorate: Pinnacle of academic achievement

Doctorates (or doctoral degrees) also fall into the postgraduate category and represent the highest level of academic achievement.

A doctorate is ideal for those passionate about research and making significant contributions to their field. You'll need to have earned an undergraduate qualification at minimum before you can apply to study a doctoral degree.

A doctorate can either be academic or professional. Academic doctorates, as the name suggests, involve intensive research and the completion of a thesis or dissertation. Professional doctorates, on the other hand, are aimed at those looking to enter specific professions that require high-level knowledge and skills.

Here’s what you should know about pursuing a doctoral degree:

Depth of study

Doctoral degrees involve a combination of coursework, comprehensive exams, and either the completion of a dissertation or thesis or many hours of practical experience. You’ll work closely with faculty mentors and peers to advance your knowledge in your area of study.

Duration and requirements

Doctoral degrees take anywhere from 3 to 7 years to complete, depending on the field and research requirements. While a bachelor's degree is the minimum needed for entry, completing a master's degree first can prepare you for what to expect and increase your chances of admission.

Career benefits

An academic doctorate prepares you for careers in academia and research and development, while a professional doctorate prepares you for specialised roles that require advanced expertise and leadership.

While a master's degree expands your understanding of a particular subject area, doctoral study is the next step for those who want to make an original contribution to their field.

Choosing your path

Knowing which kind of degree you'll need depends on your interests and career goals. Here are some ways you can learn what your options are:

Start with job listings

Look at job advertisements in your field of interest. Most will clearly state minimum education requirements like "bachelor's degree required" or "master's degree preferred". This gives you an insight into what employers might expect.

Check professional associations

Many industries have professional bodies that outline educational requirements for different roles, such as engineering associations, medical boards, or teaching councils.

Speak to people in the field

Nothing beats talking to real people who are already doing the job you want. Ask them about their educational journey and what they would recommend for someone starting out today.

Find out more

Whether you want to explore diverse subjects during your bachelor's, specialise further with honours or master’s degree, or conduct ground-breaking research with a doctorate, each level offers unique opportunities.

Open days: Your ultimate guide to campus visits

Pondering life after high school can feel overwhelming, but in your quest to make the best decision for you, there's one opportunity you definitely shouldn't miss: open days.

Whether you're thinking of heading off to university, college, or another tertiary institution, these events are your chance to explore campus life, meet current students and staff, and get a real feel for what studying at a particular institution might be like. So let's take a quick look at why they matter and how to make the most of them.

Why open days are worth your time

There's something about experiencing a university firsthand that just hits different. You know that feeling when you walk into a place and think "yep, I could belong here"? That's what you're looking for at an open day.

Open days give you direct access to the people who know the institution best. You can chat with actual students (who'll give you the unfiltered tea about what studying there is really like), professors who are passionate about their subjects, and advisors who can help you navigate everything from applications and scholarships, to course options, accommodation, clubs, and support services.

When do open days happen?

Universities around the world typically hold their open days during the months leading up to application deadlines. In the northern hemisphere, this often means spring and early summer, while in the southern hemisphere, it's usually mid-to-late winter.

Most universities plan these events well in advance and publish dates on their websites at the beginning of the year. Mark them in your calendar as soon as you know them, as sometimes you'll need to register in order to attend and the popular sessions can fill up fast.

The good news is they're completely free and there's often food, entertainment, and competitions happening - so while you might have to factor in travel costs, you could walk away better off than when you go in.

Preparing an open day action plan

The key to getting the most out of an open day is a bit of preparation. Don't stress - we're not talking about studying or anything too taxing. Just take a little time to:

Register for the event

Check out the university's website and register for the open day online. Most universities will send you a program and updates once you're registered.

Think about what matters

Have a think about what really matters to you in a university. Is it the course content? The campus vibe? Sports facilities? Support services? Internship opportunities? Everyone's different, and knowing your priorities will help you focus on what's most important to you.

Prepare your questions

Jot down any questions that you can't find answers to online. There's no point wasting your open day asking things you could have Googled, right?

Know who to go with

Also, consider who you want to bring along. Parents can be great for a second opinion, but sometimes they ask different questions than you would. Friends can make the day more fun, but might distract you from your mission. Choose wisely!

Sort out what to bring

Keep it simple - a notebook or your phone for notes, comfortable shoes (campus tours involve a lot of walking), a water bottle, and a bag for any goodies should be all you need. You might also need some funds for travel, parking, or other costs like food on the day.

Questions to ask on open day

When you're chatting with university staff and current students, here are some conversations worth having:

About courses

Are there any prerequisites for applying or any subject knowledge I should have before starting?
How much of this course is theoretical vs. practical hands-on learning?
Do you offer part-time, online, or flexible study options?
Can I customise my degree with electives I'm interested in?
What do graduates from this program typically do after finishing?
What are the costs for this course?
Do you offer any work experience, placements, or networking opportunities?

About support services

What's the support like here? Who helped you when you needed it?
Are there services for students with specific learning needs?
How would you be able to accommodate my needs?
Do you offer mentoring programs, study groups, or academic support?
Is there any financial help available if I need it?

About campus life

What societies and/or clubs are available to join?
What facilities and services are available on campus?
What’s the best way to get around the campus and city?
What accommodation options do you offer?
What's the surrounding area like and is there stuff to do off-campus?

Virtual open days

Living too far away? Dealing with a disability that makes travel difficult? Or just can't make the scheduled date? No worries - if you can't attend in person, there are often online or virtual open days, webinars, and information sessions that you can sign up for instead.

Many universities now offer amazing virtual open day experiences. They can include video campus tours, live-streamed information sessions, chat functions to ask questions in real-time, or even immersive virtual reality experiences.

Even if you miss the live event, lots of universities make their session recordings available afterward, so you can catch up in your own time.

Finding open day dates and information

Here's how to stay in the loop about upcoming open days:

Follow universities on social media
Sign up for email updates from universities you're interested in
Check websites that compile open day calendars (like ours)
Ask your school's careers advisor what's coming up

Pro tip: Create your own dedicated calendar or document to track open day dates for all the universities you're considering, along with details, registration information, and how to get there.

Next steps

Once you've attended each open day, it's important to take some time to reflect. Here are some things to think about to help you make your final decision and prepare for applications:

Which campus felt most comfortable or exciting?
Were there any new courses or career paths you discovered that you want to learn more about?
Do you need to book a follow-up visit or conversation to clarify anything?
Are there any upcoming application deadlines?

Remember that if you're still unsure, you can always reach out the future student teams with any follow-up questions.

Ready to go?

There's no perfect university that works for everyone. The "best" university is the one that's right for you - your goals, your learning style, and your interests.

Open days are your chance to go beyond the glossy prospectuses and Instagram-worthy campus shots to discover what universities are really like. Whether you attend in person or virtually, your future self will thank you for putting in the effort now.

8 ways to a great university open day

University open days can be overwhelming, with so much to see, do and explore on campus. But they are a great way to help you to choose what university to apply for.

To make your choice, you'll need to find out about entry requirements, location and cost. You may want to learn about scholarships, studying abroad, internships, and the quality of a uni’s industry links. You should consider the overall student experience.

To help you collect information about each of these aspects, start with a good plan of attack for open day season.

Here are some tips to help you breeze through open days, letting you relax and make an informed decision.

1. Prepare your plan of action

Which universities appeal to you? Do you know which ones offer the course you would like to apply for? If so, what are the entry requirements? These are questions that will help you to build your shortlist of universities.

When you have narrowed down your list, find out when each university will have its open day.

2. Register for open day

The most important thing you can do before an open day is register for the event. This ensures you’ll get updated with the latest information. There may also be special events or information sessions that require a separate reservation. Being on the mailing list is the best way to get in early.

Plan how and when you’ll get to each location and make sure you have time to really experience each campus. It’s worth taking the time to scope out each place.

3. Create a schedule for each open day

Open days are a hive of activity, with events, lectures, information sessions, and entertainment events all happening at the same time.

Universities will help you set up a plan, but make sure to note the really important things. Give yourself enough time to get to each activity.

4. Explore the campus

You’re going to be there for a while if you enrol. Allow yourself time to wander round and get a feel for whether it’s the right place for you.

What clubs are on offer? Can you join a sporting team? What’s the student experience like for undergraduates? These are all great questions that can only be answered on campus. Find the answers for yourself or ask the experts – the current students.

If you’re short on time, prioritise the parts of campus and the buildings or facilities you’ll be most likely to use. For example, if you’re interested in studying science, go to the labs, check out the equipment, and see if they match your expectations.

5. Tour the accommodation

If you’re planning on moving to a new city to study, be sure to tour the accommodation if you can. Many universities offer on-campus accommodation and residential colleges.

Students will be helping with tours, so it’s a good time to ask them what it’s like living on campus. What do they like about their residence, and how do the rooms, meals and study help differ from one place to the next?

6. Ask questions

Remember those questions you wrote down in the lead-up to open day? Make sure you have enough time to get them answered. Talk to the academics and students you meet at open days about university life, course requirements, and what it’s like to actually study at that particular university.

7. Have a conversation with your parents or carers

Parents and carers just want the best for us. Be patient with them – this is huge for them too. Yes, this is your future, and it’s important for you to follow your own path. So why not enlist them to help? Let them know that you value their support and ask them to prompt you if you feel lost or overwhelmed. Encourage them to help you ask the right questions.

8. Review

After open day, make sure you review your notes and experiences. This is your best chance to decide which universities you like most (and least). Consider if you would revisit any, using this list as a guide to help you make your decision.

Preparing for an open day

Choosing a university can be difficult. And you’ll want all the information you can get before making your decision. You’ve probably already asked the key questions:

Does the university specialise in the subject I want to study?
Does it rate well academically?
Does its location work for me?

However, while you can learn a lot from a website, there’s no substitute for seeing a university in real life.

Open days are your chance to get to know the university’s staff, students and alumni. But to really experience the campus and atmosphere, you’ll need a plan of attack. There’s often more to see than you can squeeze into a day.

Express your interest

A university website may ask you to register early interest in its open day. This allows organisers to send you a guide. Use it before your visit – it’s the roadmap to the entire day. Plan which seminars you want to attend (do any clash?), locate key amenities and even just work out how to get there.

The inside track

Open day seminars are good sources of information. But the real knowledge comes from talking to staff, students and alumni. They’ll tell you the things you can’t read in the brochures.

Students will share stories of mistakes they’ve made or hacks they’ve discovered while at the university. What are the best courses? Who are the best tutors for your subjects? Where’s the best food?

So before an open day, jot down any questions you may have. There are no silly questions – everyone is there to help you.

Get connected

Chat to as many people as you can – you may meet a future mentor or valuable contact. If you don’t know where to start, listen in on some conversations. They may trigger some suggestions or give you an ‘in’ to approach people.

Embrace the unexpected

Reading about a course and hearing about it from someone who has taken it or taught it are very different things. You may find yourself considering new options or courses you hadn’t considered. The beauty of an open day is that it can reveal new possibilities.

Hit the clubs

Universities offer a wide range of clubs, which are all showcased on open day. They’re great places to meet people from outside your course. And getting a feel for them can answer the one question as important as ‘What course should I study?’

‘Will I have fun here?’

An open day is the place to find out.

Year 12 Guides