Tertiary updates

Additional forms, tests, auditions, selection tasks, etc.

If you are using VTAC (or any other TAC) to apply for courses, please ensure you double check the entry requirements as you may need to complete additional tasks or tests to be eligible for selection into your dream courses (e.g., nursing, teaching, fine arts, art, architecture, medicine, dentistry).

This information is available in the course website and also in VTAC Course Search > Course Description Page under the tab ‘Course Requirements’

Nursing Courses

Complete the nursing and midwifery English language proficiency declaration form via your TAC account/s.

Initial Teacher Education Courses in Victoria

To be eligible for initial teacher education courses in Victoria, you will need to do the following:

• Meet academic admission requirements, including a minimum ATAR and course prerequisites (NB: Alternatives like the Diploma of Teacher Education Preparation might exist, so chat to Careers if you do, or are likely to, fall short of this requirement).
• Complete and pass a test designed to assess your suitability to be a teacher (measures personal competencies such as ethics, empathy, and communication skills).

Test options include:

• Casper test: Sit this test to be eligible for all Victorian universities, https://acuityinsights.app/casper/ Students wanting to be eligible for December round teacher education course offers need to do this no later than 12 November.  
• Australian Catholic University (ACU): Students applying to ACU in Victoria for initial teacher education courses can complete the free ACU Teacher Selector Statement. This is can only be used for entry into ACU initial teacher education courses. It can be used as an alternative to the Casper test, or in addition to it, https://bit.ly/3rAvGTq 
• Monash University: Has just introduced the Monash Teaching Suitability Test (see below). This is a free online test and can only be used for entry into Monash initial teacher education courses. It can be used as an alternative to the Casper test, or in addition to it, https://bit.ly/3tgzrhl 

Artistic Performers Entry Schemes

Some universities have entry schemes for people who have been heavily involved in performing arts during their high school studies. Applicants must be recognised by an organisation by such as, ABC Concerts, Actors Equity Australia, Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Dance Council, Australian Dance Theatre, Melbourne Theatre Company, Musica Viva, Opera Australia, The Symphony Australia Orchestras, Victorian Opera.

The following are examples of universities that offer a performer entry scheme & closing date Information

• Monash University: 20 October 2023 https://bit.ly/3rqSPI8 
• Australian Catholic University: 21 November 2023 https://bit.ly/3PHldNX
• The University of Melbourne: 1 December 2023 https://bit.ly/3F1KJc0

Elite Athlete Entry Schemes

Are you an elite athlete? Did you know that you may be eligible for a range of benefits as an elite athlete at university or TAFE? This could include:

• ATAR adjustments towards your selection rank for entry into courses.
• Academic planning advice and course flexibility.
• Negotiation of assessment deadlines and attendance at lectures and tutorials.
• Support with special consideration, exam relocation, and studying classes at other universities or online if you’re travelling for training or competitions.

The Elite Athlete Education Network (EAEN) provides ‘a network of Australian Institute of Sport endorsed providers in the areas of higher education where athletes can learn and equip themselves with qualifications, knowledge and skills for future careers beyond their sport.’

Applicants must be recognised an organisation by such as: Australian Institute of Sport, state institutes or academies of sport, AFL Players Association, Australian Cricketers Association, Australian Professional Footballers Association, and national Squad members from Sport Australia funded sports. Note – some universities recognise emerging athletes from eligible organisations.

For information on endorsed institutes and the application process and dates for each institute, visit www.ais.gov.au/career-and-education/eaen

Accommodation

If you plan move away to study your course, you may need to consider accommodation options. If you would like to live on-campus, you will need to start considering your options now as some universities are ‘first in, first served’.

STEPS TO APPLY FOR ON-CAMPUS ACCOMMODATION

• Make an Excel sheet or table in Word.
• List the universities you are applying to.
• Google the university name and the term ‘accommodation’ (e.g., Monash University accommodation).
• In your table, list the types of accommodation available (e.g., studio, shared apartment, catered, non-catered).
• Then list the weekly or yearly price for each option and the contract period.
• List the application method, the closing date, cost to apply and if a deposit is required.
• Speak to your family about budget considerations.
• Then tick off the accommodation you have applied for once this is completed.

CRITICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Private student housing: Some universities are affiliated with private student accommodation companies such as UniLodge, Scape, and Yugo. Whilst you will generally receive an offer quickly, you will be required to pay a large deposit to secure your place. If you don’t end up living there you may not be able to get your deposit back.
• Costs can add up if you are applying for accommodation at multiple universities, so budget carefully.
• First in first served: Some accommodation providers approve applications in the order they are received, so apply early.
• Closing dates: Some accommodation providers will have closing dates – make sure you apply well in advance.
• Scholarships: Some accommodation providers offer scholarships, and some have early closing dates for applications.

ACCOMMODATION RESOURCE

Check the Applying, Scholarships and Accommodation Folder located at Jericho 9 (Careers Office)

Download a handy Accommodation Resource from https://slmcareerresources.edublogs.org

AVCAT Scholarships

AVCAT scholarships, including the Long Tan Bursary, are tertiary scholarships for the children and grandchildren of Australian ex-serving veterans. Scholarships are $4000–$6000 per year, for up to three years. Applications are now open and will close at midnight AEDT on 31 October 2023. Apply online at avcat.org.au

Construction Scholarship via the AIQS

Students applying for an AIQS accredited university degree in construction management are encouraged to apply for the Donald E Napier Scholarship which is valued at $5000. Victorian courses include:

• RMIT UNIVERSITY: Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours).
• DEAKIN UNIVERSITY: Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours) and/or Bachelor of Construction Management (Honours)/Bachelor of Design (Architecture).

Applications close 31 October, www.aiqs.com.au 

Elizabeth Hunt Teaching Scholarship

Suited to Year 12 students who are baptised Catholics and active in the community (School, Church, Wider) who are interested in pursuing Teaching with aspirations of working within a Catholic school. Please follow up with Elly Martin if interested as the deadline for applying is very soon.

Francis Gregory Foundation Scholarship

The Francis Gregory Foundation was established in 2012 to provide financial support to children of primary producers to assist them to undertake university undergraduate education by reducing financial barriers.

The Foundation will provide two scholarships of $6,000 per annum (for the duration of the undergraduate degree) to students (in Year 12 intending to study at university) whose main family income is derived from primary production. Applications are open now and will close 5 January 2024. About the Scholarship — Francis Gregory Foundation

Women of STEM Scholarship

Women of STEM Scholarship for women aged 18-20 who are entering their first year of a STEM degree at university. The Women of STEM Scholarship is a national program and provides women with financial grants of $5,000 per year for the life of their degree, up to a maximum of 5 years. Applications open 15 December 2023 and close 16 February 2024. 

Deakin

New Courses: Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Politics, Philosophy and Economics and Bachelor of Criminology/Bachelor of Business. 

2023/24 Good University Guide Ratings have landed

Check them out here.

Monash

• Monash Underrepresented Schools - To improve access for students from all backgrounds, more regional schools and metropolitan schools have been included for the 2024 intake, including Marist-Sion College.
• Monash Guarantee ATARs for 2024 have also been recently updated.
• Monash University is very excited to introduce an alternate method of evaluating applicants' suitability for the teaching profession, called the Monash Teaching Suitability Test (MTeST). This new Situational Judgement Test can be used by applicants considering any Monash Bachelor of Education program courses for 2024 entry. What you need to know:
  • MTeST aims to offer more flexibility, choice and opportunity. It is FREE, takes 15 minutes and you do not need to register to sit it.
  • The MTeST will be available to sit every Tuesday with the first testing window on Tuesday 12 September from 10 am-10 pm (AEST).
  • The test can only be used for entry into Monash degrees. Applicants can complete both Casper and MTeST | Monash will use the better result
  • Applicants can take the MTeST three times in a cycle
  • The test can only be used for entry into Monash degrees
  • Applicants can complete both Casper and MTeST | Monash will use the better result

MORE INFORMATION and to register for updates FAQ 

• Monash has introduced the Bachelor of Actuarial Science and Master of Actuarial Studies this new four-year, integrated vertical double-degree allowing students to fast-track registration in this growth industry. 

Pathway Programs to University

Provided by Compass Careers, this is a handy resource for students considering alternative entry options, sometimes called Pathway Programs, to university.

Richmond Institute

Will offer the Diploma of Sport Online from 2024. Use the link to find out more or register interest.

Info flyer is attached.

RMIT

Will offer the Bachelor of Cyber Security from 2024 – more info here.

VET study at TAFE, Polytechnic and Private Institutes

Students planning to study VET at a TAFE, Polytechnic or Private institute next year are encouraged to contact the organisation/s to find out the following:

• When applications open and close
• What the application process entails (e.g., apply direct to the institute or via a Tertiary Admission Centre)
• If there are additional selection requirements such as a portfolio or interview.
• If there is an information session running.
• Back-up courses they should also apply for (e.g. Certificate III in Individual Support).

Applicants will most likely have to complete a literacy, language, and numeracy test once they apply for the course.

Note: some universities offer TAFE courses, including as alternative entry options. For example

• Federation University
• Victoria University
• RMIT University
• Swinburne University.

VTAC

For a full list of cancelled, amended, and new courses, visit VTAC Course Updates

The VTAC website is www.vtac.edu.au

VCE Results and ATAR Service

Students in Year 11 completing a Unit 3 and 4 Study and Year 12s can register with the VCE Results and ATAR Website to receive their results on Monday 11 December. You will need your VCAA Student Number. https://resultsandatar.vic.edu.au/results/applicants.htm

Victorian Government Teaching Course Plan

Many of you will have read news of the Victorian Government's plans to address teaching shortages by offering scholarships to those who enrol into teaching courses and go on to work in Victorian schools. Details of this plan are available at www.vic.gov.au/scholarships-secondary-teaching-degrees