Careers News

Here's a summary of the latest Career News updates with the full Careers Newsletter below.

Items in the 24 July 2026 Career News include –

• Dates to Diarise in Term 3
• Upcoming Discover Monash Events
• ACU: Early Entry & Pathways Webinar
• Deakin University: Internet of Things IoT Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)
• Swinburne University: Internet of Things IoT Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours)
• Camp SEEK 2026
• PGA Institute Careers in Golf Scholarship
• Agriculture Degrees in Victoria in 2026 
• Snapshot of James Cook University (JCU) in 2026

Nossal’s 2026 Careers and Pathways Expo

Our recent Careers & Pathways Expo was a fantastic community event, bringing together students, families, alumni, tertiary providers, and industry professionals for an evening of exploration, inspiration and meaningful conversations about life beyond school.

A special thank you to our wonderful Nossal alumni, whose generosity in sharing their study, university and career journeys was a true highlight of the evening. Their honest reflections, practical advice and willingness to answer questions gave students and families valuable insight into the many pathways available after school and inspired them as they begin planning their own futures.

We also extend our sincere thanks to our exhibitors for sharing their expertise and showcasing the diverse range of study and career opportunities available. Their guidance and conversations helped students explore their interests and better understand the pathways open to them.

Finally, thank you to everyone in our Nossal community who attended and supported the evening. Your enthusiasm helped create a welcoming and engaging atmosphere, making this event a valuable opportunity for students, families and the wider community to connect, learn and look ahead to the future together.

REMINDER: Tertiary institution Open Days running up to early September

Attending Open Day events is highly recommended for Year 12 students planning to undertake tertiary study. They provide unique and valuable opportunities to explore tertiary course options and their graduate outcomes, learn more about courses of interest from academics and current tertiary students, whilst checking out the tertiary institution's facilities and services. 

Any student considering tertiary study in the next few years is encouraged to attend Open days – they are a great investment of your time and preparing beforehand will see you benefit the most from your Open day experience. See the below document for a list of 2026 Open days and advice on ‘Getting the most out of an Open Day’.

REMINDER: VTAC applications for 2027 entry open 3 August for current Year 12s

The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) opens applications for current Year 12 students on 3 August. Year 12 students have now received a presentation to help them prepare for university applications opening, including instructions on creating a VTAC account and setting up their VTAC profile. I will be running another Year 12 assembly on Thursday 13 August, where I will guide students on how to submit a course application and complete their Equity Schemes (SEAS) & Scholarships application.

Important information, updates, and instructions relating to tertiary applications (both Victorian and interstate) is shared through the Class of 2026 Careers channel on Teams. It is essential that Year 12 students enable notifications for this channel and regularly read all posts to ensure they stay informed about key information, deadlines, and application requirements.

As a qualified and registered Career Practitioner, I provide individual careers counselling to support students with their tertiary study and career pathway planning. All Year 12 students are required to attend a careers counselling appointment this year to discuss their post-high school goals and receive personalised guidance. Students are to book an appointment time to meet with me using the ‘Careers Advisor appt’ tab located at the top of the Class of 2026 Careers channel on Teams.

REMINDER: VTAC Year 12 Guide – Researching courses and applying in 2026

VTAC’s online Year 12 Guide provides helpful information on researching and applying to Victorian tertiary courses to assist students in preparing for making a VTAC application, including this Quick Reference guide for Year 12 students and postcard with key dates.

VTAC Parents & Caregivers Guide 

Are you currently supporting a person who is considering tertiary education? VTAC’s online Parents & Caregivers Guide provides parents and carers with clear information, practical advice, and helpful resources to build their understanding of the VTAC application process. It explains each stage of applying through VTAC and offers guidance and tips to help you support your young person throughout the application journey.

2027 Pinnacle Foundation Scholarship applications now open

The Pinnacle Foundation is a national charity that provides educational scholarships to LGBTQIA+ students from 18 to 27 years of age who are planning to study full-time at a public higher education institution in Australia. Applications close 31 August 2026. To apply you will need to meet the eligibility criteria and submit an online application demonstrating the qualities and attributes sought in Pinnacle Foundation scholars. To find out more, visit this Scholarship application page, watch the Scholarship application information video, and read theseScholarship FAQs.

James Cook University Exploring the World of Veterinary Science Webinar – Tuesday 4 August

Join JCU's College of Science and Engineering for this live webinar to learn about:

• JCU's Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours), including the course structure, subjects, and the hands-on learning experiences that prepare students for professional practice.
• The unique placement opportunities available throughout the degree and the specialist rural and tropical veterinary skills students develop during their studies.
• Practical learning experiences at JCU's Veterinary and Emergency Centre and Hospital, and Fletcherview Research Station.
• The range of exciting career pathways available to graduates across veterinary practice, animal health, biosecurity, research, pharmaceuticals, and wildlife conservation in Australia and overseas.
• The application process and key dates for applying, and practical tips to help students submit a competitive application.
• The Rural Access Scheme and student eligibility criteria for applying.

Students and their families are invited to attend and are encouraged to submit any questions they may have during the live webinar. Register here.

ComputeFest 2026: Discover Tech studies at UniMelb Parkville campus – Saturday 8 August

ComputeFest is an opportunity for anyone in Year 10 - 12 who's interested in studying a STEM-related degree to get their first taste of tech at UniMelb! If you don't know them yet: CISSA a tech club at UniMelb hosting events throughout the year for all students specialising in technology and building a community for all tech-lover students!  ComputeFest is all about bringing together young people with an interest and passion in technology. ComputeFest 2026 will feature a panel of industry leaders, followed by a hands-on beginner-friendly workshop teaching the programming language Python. The event is entirely FREE and lunch will be provided.

Find out more and register here – registration closes Friday 7 August.

ACCE webinar: Guide to Applying for Tertiary Study in Victoria for Students and their Supporters – Wednesday 12 August, 7pm to 8pm

Join ACCE (Australian Centre for Career Education) for a free webinar designed to help students, parents and supporters understand the Victorian tertiary application process. What this webinar will cover:

• Researching tertiary courses
• Applying through VTAC
• Equity schemes and scholarships

Register here.

ADFA Open Day 2026 – Saturday 15 August, 9am to 4pm

The Australian Defence Force Academy (ADFA) runs their Open day every year in August. Join online or in person to:

• Explore world-class UNSW degrees, with information sessions about Business, Arts, Science, Engineering, Computing and Cyber Security.
• Learn about military training, studying and life on campus from current ADFA Trainee Officers.
• Watch a variety of exciting displays, take a virtual tour, and much more

Register your interest here to stay informed about ADFA Open Day 2026.

Meet an Enviro Scientist Panel at La Trobe for Year 7-12 students – Tuesday 18 August, 5:45pm to 7:30pm

Students will hear from La Trobe University environmental scientists and industry professionals from a diverse range of areas including ecology, freshwater and wetland management, restoration climate change adaptation, resource management, and conservation genetics. They will share their expertise, research and pathway to their STEM career.

Panellists for this event will be:

• Nadia Zerman: Soil microbiologist
• Hayley Sime: Botanist
• Dr Kerry Fanson: Conservation endocrinologist
• Aidan Fitt: Entomologist

After an interactive Q&A panel discussion, participants will have the option to network with the panellists to build valuable connections with both student researchers and established academics.

This event is part of the Victorian Challenge and Enrichment Series, providing free extension opportunities for high-ability students in Victorian Government Schools. Funded by the Department of Education's Student Excellence Program. Find out more here and book a spot.