Careers Team

The Pathways office is always open to support all students at every stage of their career journey. Please do not hesitate to get in touch with the pathways team.

Brenna Loe, Careers & Pathways Leader

Email: Brenna.Loe@education.vic.gov.au

Holly Ryder, VET & Pathways Coordinator

Email: Holly.Ryder@education.vic.gov.au

Need a careers appointment? Book here https://calendly.com/holly-ryder/15min

Careers

Dates to Diarise in Term 1

Victorian Careers and Employment Expo – 19 to 21 March 2026

Group of Eight Universities

The Group of Eight (Go8) is an association of leading Australian universities - comprehensive in general and professional education and distinguished by depth and breadth in research. The Go8 universities continually aim to -

enhance the contribution of its member universities to the nation’s social, economic, cultural and environmental well-being and prosperity,
extend the contribution of its member universities to the generation and preservation of the world’s stock of knowledge,
strengthen Australia’s capacity to engage in and benefit from global developments, respond to global and local challenges,
expand opportunities for Australian students, regardless of background, to participate in higher education of world class.

To find out more about the Group of Eight Universities, visit Group of Eight Universities.

University Clinical Aptitude Test

The University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) is an admissions test used by the UCAT ANZ Consortium of universities in Australia and New Zealand for their medical, dental, and clinical science degree programs. Universities requiring the UCAT are listed at this link - Universities requiring the UCAT but also listed below. Students intending to apply for courses requiring the UCAT at any of these universities are reminded that they will need to book a test.

Students who are preparing for entry into any of these courses are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the format of the test at UCAT Test Format and the practice tests and preparation material provided at UCAT Preparation when available.

Bookings will open on 3 March 2026 and close 15 May 2026. The testing dates will be from 1 July 2026 to 5 August 2026.Find out more at UCAT.

Institutions that will require the UCAT are:

Adelaide University	Medicine, Dental Surgery, Oral Health
Central Queensland University	Medical Science (Regional Medical Pathway provisional entry to UQ)
Charles Sturt University	Dental Science, Medicine (Joint Program in Medicine)
Curtin University	Medicine
Flinders University	Clinical Sciences / Medicine
Griffith University	Dental Health Science (compulsory), Medical Science (optional)
Monash University	Medicine
University of Newcastle / University of New England	Joint Medical Program
The University of New South Wales	Medicine
University of Notre Dame	Medicine Pathway
The University of Queensland	Medicine (provisional entry pathway), Dental Science
University of Southern Queensland	Medicine Pathway (provisional entry to UQ MD, Darling Downs-South West Medical Pathway)
University of the Sunshine Coast	Medicine Science (optional) (provisional entry pathway to MD program at Griffith University)
University of Tasmania	Medicine
The University of Western Australia	Doctor of Medicine via Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised)Doctor of Dental Medicine via Bachelor of Biomedicine (Specialised)
Western Sydney University	Medicine (Joint Program in Medicine)
The University of Auckland (NZ)	Medicine
University of Otago NZ	Medicine

Academic Excellence Scheme

The University of Sydney offers the Academic Excellence Scheme which is an admission pathway that recognises high performance in English and mathematics by applying adjustment factors to boosts a student’s selection rank. A student's ATAR will not change; however, their selection rank can increase for particular courses based on these subject-related adjustment factors.

Students considering studying at the University of Sydney in 2027 or beyond, are recommended to find out more at Academic Excellence Scheme.

ADF GAP Year

The ADF Gap Year program provides an opportunity for young Australians, who have finished Year 12 (or equivalent) and are aged between 17 and 24, to experience military training and lifestyle whilst gaining new skills and pay over their Gap Year. The life skills and job training that students acquire during their Gap Year experience will be valuable regardless of what career they ultimately undertake. Gap Year opportunities are available in the Navy, Army, and Air Force. This is a useful link to browse - What is an ADF Gap Year?

2026 Marine Discovery CompetitionThe University of Tasmania is once again proud to present Year 11 and 12 students with a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience a week as a marine biologist. This is the Maria Island Marine Biology Experience, and will take place from 20 – 26 April 2026.

This predominately field-based unit consists of 5 days on picturesque Maria Island on the Tasmanian East Coast. The unit is open to 24 students and is designed to engage, challenge, excite and inspire you through a hands-on marine science program. It will encourage you to explore issues threatening biodiversity as well as the productivity of the marine system. Climate change, invasive species, pollution, debris and their associated social and economic impacts will be covered.

The field trip contribution fee of $525 covers the following:

Hobart airport transfers**
Your accommodation in Hobart on the first and last night***
Your transport from IMAS in Hobart to Maria Island and return
Accommodation on Maria Island
Hire of all required diving and survey gear
All your meals

* The information and fee are based on the 2025 course. Please note that the fee and details may change for the 2026 course.**For interstate students only.***Accommodation on the first and last night is included only for students living 30 minutes or more by car from Hobart.

To find out more, and to register your interest, visit Maria Island Marine Biology Experience.

Animation & Gaming Degrees in Victoria in 2026 Animation and games design courses offer students a range of opportunities to be exposed to, and develop their skills in, subjects such as computer coding, computer programming, broad IT skills, simulation and modelling, computer-based 2D and 3D, interactive information design, and virtual environments, to name but a few. Below is a list of some undergraduate degrees offered at Victorian Universities and a few Private Institutions. For a comprehensive list of courses (including the many double-degree options) on offer at Victorian universities, TAFEs, and Private Providers, visit VTAC.

INSTITUTION	COURSE NAME	VCE PREREQ’S	MAJOR STUDIES IN 2026
DEAKIN	Film, Television and Animation	Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English (EAL) or at least 20 in English other than EAL.	Animation (major only), Animation and motion graphic (minor only), Film studies (minor only), Screen content production (minor only), Screen development, Screen production (major only), Scriptwriting (minor only), Visual effects and virtual production (minor only).
JMC ACADEMY	Creative Arts (Animation)	Satisfactory completion of a Year 12.	Animation, Animation (2D), Animation (3D), Character Design, Compositing, Concept Art, Concept Development, Creative Process, Digital Art, Digital Sculpture, Modelling (3D), Motion Capture, Motion Design, Production Art, Professional + Industry Development, Rendering, Screen Literacy, Studio Skills, Traditional Animation (2D), Visual Narrative, Visual Storytelling.
MONASH	Design	Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English as an Additional Language or at least 25 in English other than EAL.	Animation, Automotive design, Collaborative design, Communication design, Computer-aided design (CAD), Design, Design theory, Digital media, Furniture design, Graphic design, Illustration, Industrial design, Interactive design, Materials technology, Product design and development, Spatial design, Transportation design, Visual communication, Web design.
RMIT	Animation and Interactive Media	Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English other than EAL or at least 27 in EAL.	2D, 3D, Animation, Computer animation, Concept art, Design, Digital arts, Illustration, Imaging and sound, Motion design, Visual effects.
RMIT	Design (Games)	Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English other than EAL or at least 27 in EAL.	3D, Animation, Design, Digital art, Game development and programming, Games, Graphic design.
SAE	Animation	Satisfactory completion of a Year 12.	2D and 3D Character Animation, 3D Modelling, Animation, Business and Leadership Skills, Computer-Generated Visual Effects, Drawing and Composition, Employability Skills in Screen Industry Contexts, Histories and Theories, Media and Cultural Studies, Production for Screen and Games, Project Management, Realtime and Offline Rendering, Screen Industry Best Practices, Texturing and Shaders.
SWINBURNE	Animation	Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English other than EAL or at least 30 in EAL.	2D and 3D production techniques for animation, Acting for animation, Action analysis and locomotion, Advanced character design for animation, Character and environment design, Genre and the moving image, History of animation, Producing and production management, Sound design and acquisition, Writing and directing for animation.
	Games and Interactivity/Animation	Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 25 in English other than EAL or at least 30 in EAL.	2D and 3D production techniques for animation, 3D modelling for objects and environments, Acting for animation, Action analysis and locomotion, Behaviour and motivation in games, Character and environment design, Character design for animation, Development and pre-production, Digital game prototyping, Genre and the moving image, History of animation, Pervasive game design, Principles of game design, Producing and production management for animation, Production and post-production, Screen writing, Sound design and acquisition, User-centred design and evaluation, Writing for interactive narratives.
	Games and Interactivity	Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 20 in English other than EAL or at least 25 in EAL.	3D modelling for objects and environments, Behaviour and motivation in games, Digital game prototyping lab, Introduction to game studies, Introduction to games production, Pervasive game design lab, Principles of game design, Sound design and acquisition, User-centred design and evaluation, Writing for interactive narratives.
UNI MELBOURNE	Fine Arts (Animation)	Units 3 and 4: a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or at least 25 in English other than EAL.	Animation.

Snapshot of Adelaide University in 2026

Adelaide University launches officially in 2026 and replaces the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide.
Adelaide is amongst the world’s top 100 universities (#82 worldwide in the 2026 QS World Rankings) and and the top university in South Australia –World Rankings.
Adelaide University is a member of the Group of Eight, a coalition of Australia’s leading universities.
The University has seven campuses, with a range of accommodation options including student accommodation, private rentals, share accommodation and homestays.
The university has a number of Global Partnerships and these enable knowledge sharing and engagement to collectively tackle the most pressing global needs and achieve greater positive impact for all.
The university has six colleges made up of several schools and disciplines.
Within the College of Health, there is the School of Dentistry and also the School of Medicine. These two schools offer both undergraduate and graduate courses.
Within the College of Science, there is the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences, which offers courses including Veterinary Science and Veterinary Technology.
The university has a vibrant and diverse volunteer community, with volunteering and community service regarded by the university as an important enrichment activity.
The University of Adelaide offers a wide range of scholarships ranging in value.
The Global Learning programs on offer give students the opportunity to complete part of their degree overseas. By taking part in a semester exchange or short-term program, participants can see the world and enrich their life on a personal, academic, and professional level.

Student Careers Event

Location: Deakin Waterfront Pantry, Geelong

Date: 4 March 2026

Time: From 3-5pm

Afternoon Tea Provided

RWAV’s annual conference, Beyond Boundaries & Building Futures in Rural Healthcare, will take place this March in Geelong and will include a free Student Careers Event designed to inspire the next generation of health professionals. Open to secondary and tertiary students, as well as individuals considering a career change, the event will showcase real-world pathways into health careers. Attendees will hear directly from recent health graduates, explore trade tables highlighting health professions, grants, and student support opportunities, and can take part in an interactive “Ask Me Anything” session. This relaxed, conversational forum allows secondary school students to engage directly with tertiary health students, asking candid questions about university pathways, placements, challenges, and real-world experiences.

Registration is free via this link - https://events.humanitix.com/rwav-conference-2026-students

We are running two live online information sessions for students considering a structured volunteering gap year after school, and we would be very grateful if you would be willing to share this opportunity with your students and parents.

New Ventures Worldwide arranges supported volunteering placements for young people seeking a purposeful gap year experience. Our programmes are structured, fully vetted and designed to provide meaningful experience alongside clear safeguarding and ongoing support.

During the session, we will cover:

• What a structured volunteering gap year involves

• The personal and employability benefits for students

• Our safety and support model

• What is included in the programme

• An overview of placements in Spain, Canada and the United Kingdom

• The application process and next steps

There will also be time for questions.

During the session, we will cover:

What a structured volunteering gap year involves• The personal and employability benefits for students• Our safety and support model• What is included in the programme• An overview of placements in Spain, Canada and the United Kingdom• The application process and next steps

There will also be time for questions.

Session Dates (content is identical)

26 February 20266:30pm AEDT (Australia East Coast)8:30pm NZDT (New Zealand)

11 March 20266:30pm AEDT (Australia East Coast)8:30pm NZDT (New Zealand)

Location: Microsoft Teams

Students considering a structured gap year after school are invited to attend a free online information session with New Ventures Worldwide. The session will outline supported volunteering placements in Spain, Canada and the UK, including safety, programme structure and the application process.

Register here:

www.calendly.com/jameslangdon-newventures/new-ventures-worldwide-information-session

gforce Inclusive Services

We would like to take an opportunity to let you know about our Inclusive Services - supporting youth into meaningful employment and education pathways.

Inclusive Employment Australia

We are now delivering the Inclusive Employment Australia program as a Specialist Youth Provider, supporting young people aged 15 - 25 with a disability, injury or health condition that are eager to enter the workforce.

We provide tailored support and services to make it easy for youth to find work. We work with participants to create a plan and acknowledge that everyone’s path is different.

We will:

Take the time to understand the participant
Learn about their needs and goals
Create a job plan together
Help participants get ready for work with skills or training
Support participants to find a job
Assist with workplace adjustments
Provide post placement support once participants are employed.
NDIS Employment Supports
As a registered provider of school leaver employment supports, gforce assist participants in their transition from school to work.
Our experienced Vocational Counsellors and Support Workers focus on goal setting and vocational skills to build job readiness and capacity for work.

Activities may include:
Tailored goal setting
Individual and group based activities
Skills development
Work experience in open employment
Building confidence
Life skills
Community participation
Money handling
Travel training
Time management
Referral to Inclusive Employment Australia
Education and training
Employment in an apprenticeship or traineeship
Job seeking, job customisation and on the job support.

gforce build partnerships in the local community to assist people to explore employment options and develop their own career pathway.

YEAR 7-8 SCHOOL NEWS

Year 7 Science