Careers News
Kellie EGAN
Careers Counsellor / VET Coordinator
Year 12 Results, ATAR & Change of Preference
🎓 ATAR & VCE Results
VCE results and ATARs will be released on Thursday 10 December 2026 at 7:00am.
For students to access your results and ATAR, they need to register for the Results and ATAR service:
We recommend registering before results day so you are ready to access your results as soon as they are released.
🔄 Change of Preference
Once you receive your results and ATAR, you will have an opportunity to review and change your VTAC course preferences. The Careers team is available on Thursday the 10th and Friday the 11th to support students with this as needed.
Important Change of Preference dates
| Offer round | Change of Preference opens | Change of Preference closes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial application | 3 August 2026 | 12 December 2026 – 12pm |
| December offer round | 23 December 2026 – 10am | 24 December 2026 – 12pm |
| January offer round | 12 January 2027 – 2pm | 13 January 2027 – 2pm |
| January offer round | 27 January 2027 – 2pm | 28 January 2027 – 2pm |
| February offer round | 3 February 2027 – 2pm | 4 February 2027 – 2pm |
Important: Check the VTAC website for the most up-to-date dates and deadlines.
⭐ Tips for Ordering Your Preferences
Students should have already been putting preferences into their VTAC account.
1. Check the requirements
Make sure you meet the essential requirements and admission criteria for every course you list. All prerequisite subjects are based on raw score results not scaled scores.
2. Only list courses you would be happy to study
Every course on your preference list should be a course you would genuinely consider accepting.
3. Put your dream course first
List your most preferred course as Preference 1.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What if I change my mind?
You can change your VTAC preferences after submitting your application.
Change of Preference is available throughout the application cycle and between offer rounds, subject to the relevant deadlines above
Why can't I receive an offer from all my preferences?
You can receive a maximum of one course offer per offer round.
VTAC will make an offer for the highest preference on your list that is able to offer you a place.
You won't receive offers for your lower preferences in the same round. This is why it is important to order your preferences carefully, with your most preferred course at the top.
Will institutions ignore my application if I don't put them first?
No.
Institutions do not make selection decisions based on where you have placed their course on your preference list. They consider applicants who have listed their course, regardless of whether it is Preference 1, 5 or 8.
Your preference order is used by VTAC to determine which offer you receive if you are eligible for more than one course.
What if my ATAR doesn't meet the lowest Selection Rank from the previous year?
Still list your dream course as your first preference!
The lowest Selection Rank from the previous year is not a guaranteed ATAR requirement for the current year. Selection ranks can change from year to year.
Some courses may also consider factors in addition to the raw ATAR, including subject adjustments, equity schemes and other selection criteria.
📩 How Many Offers Can I Receive?
You can receive a maximum of one offer per offer round. If you don't receive an offer in the first round, don't panic. You may receive an offer in a later round. This is another reason why it is important to keep your preferences updated throughout the offer period.
✅ What Should I Do If I Receive an Offer?
If you receive an offer, follow the institution's enrolment instructions carefully.
VTAC recommends accepting your offer by completing the institution's enrolment process, as there is no guarantee that you will receive a higher preference in a future offer round.
If you receive a later offer for a course you prefer, you can accept the later offer and withdraw from your previous course.
📝 Accepting an Offer
To accept your offer, you generally need to enrol in the course. Accepting and enrolling in an offer does not prevent you from receiving an offer in a later round.
The institution will email you instructions about how to enrol and the relevant deadline.
Enrolment deadlines vary between institutions, so make sure you read your offer email carefully.
If you have been offered a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP), you will need to provide your Tax File Number (TFN) as part of the enrolment process.
⏳ What About Deferring?
If you don't want to start your course immediately, you may be able to defer your place until a later semester or year. However, not all institutions or courses allow deferral.
Check directly with the institution to find out whether deferral is available and what you need to do.
📚 Further Information
The following VTAC fact sheets provide additional information:
Course Preferences Explained – VTAC
💬 Need Help?
If you have questions about your results, ATAR, course preferences or pathways, please contact the Highvale Careers Team.
We are here to support you through this process. The Careers Team will be available until Thursday 17 December and will be specifically available to support Year 12 students during Change of Preference on Thursday 10 December and Friday 11 December.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need help reviewing your options.
🎉 Finally… Congratulations!
Congratulations on all your hard work and on completing Year 12!
Do your best in your exams, but remember:
Your ATAR is not everything. There are many different pathways to reach your career and study goals. If your ATAR or first preference doesn't work out exactly as planned, there is always another pathway forward.
Good luck with your exams — and remember that the Careers Team is here to support you every step of the way!