Careers News

VTAC upcoming important dates for Class of 2025

• First round December offers released on 23 December at 2pm – you will receive an email from VTAC and can also view your offer in the ‘Course Offers’ section of your VTAC account. The institution will send you a separate email with enrolment instructions to the email address listed in your VTAC account.
• VTAC change of preference reopens at 2pm on 23 December and closes at 8pm that same day (23 December) for consideration in second round offers on 13 January 2026.
• The below table summarises VTAC’s offer rounds and their deadlines; for full details, please visit the VTAC Important Dates page.

** Early closing courses cannot be added to preference list because applications are now closed.

FINAL REMINDER to Class of 2025 graduates applying to tertiary courses

You must have a Tax File Number (TFN) to enrol in a course with a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) and apply for a HELP loan. If you don’t have one yet, prioritise getting your TFN. Visit Apply for a TFN for instructions on how to apply online or by paper, depending on your circumstances and residency status.

School Leaver resources for students & families

As the Class of 2025 prepares for life after school, the previously shared resources below are available to support their planning. Students and families are encouraged to explore these guides and discuss next steps together.

1. 2025 School Leaver ToolkitA practical guide from Study Work Grow to help young people plan their post-school pathway. Includes tips on life admin, financial planning, leaving home, having a back-up plan, and where to find support.

2. Gap Year GuideFor students considering a gap year, this guide outlines what a gap year involves, how to decide if it’s the right choice, planning and budgeting steps, and a range of options and ideas.

3. Scholarship Opportunities for 2026 Tertiary StudyIn addition to VTAC scholarship applications (now closed), there are many Victorian and National scholarships available. Students should research eligibility and deadlines for scholarships offered directly by institutions, by other organisations, and outlined in the guide below.

4. 2025 Accommodation GuideA helpful overview of accommodation options for school leavers, covering on-campus living, residential colleges, student providers, private rentals, budgeting, and financial assistance.

5. Change of Preference 2025 Guide 

Explains what course preferences are, why students might want to change them, the key dates to remember, and the events where students can get further support.

Support available for transitioning beyond high school

Alongside the support offered by tertiary institutions, the services below can help with study, work, careers, and life skills.

• Youth Central – Jobs provides practical career advice, including how to create a resume or job application, prepare for interviews, find jobs, internships and placements, and understand your rights at work.
• Headspace Work and Study programs support 15–25-year-olds through two online options: Work & Study Online and Career Mentoring offering help with finding work or study, supporting your current role, or exploring a career change.
• myfuture Job seeker resources offer guidance for each stage of getting a job, plus real-life career stories from people who’ve moved from study into work and the different pathways they took.
• Youth Central also has advice on essential life skills, including managing money, finding accommodation, travelling, staying safe, and looking after your mental health.

Tips for school leavers starting tertiary study

• How to navigate the transition from high school to your first year as a uni student and Figuring out your first days at uni or TAFE offer advice to help you settle into tertiary study.
• Starting university is exciting but can also be challenging – this Study Work Grow blog on the skills you need to succeed at university can help you begin with confidence.
• Prosple (formerly GradAustralia) provides resources to help you kickstart your career and advice on career planning, including applying for graduate jobs and internships, and succeeding in their interviews and assessments.

Fair Work Ombudsman webinar – Myths and Facts for Christmas Casuals

Should you be paid for coming in early? Do breakages come out of your pay? Is an online induction work time? The Fair Work Ombudsman sort fact from fiction in this short webinar for people picking up casual work this holiday season. You can watch their most recent webinars on their YouTube channel. Recordings are available for a limited time after the live session. To find out about upcoming free webinars and to register to attend, visit: Fair Work webinars.

Collarts High School Summer Workshops – 22 and 23 January 2026

The Collarts High School Summer Holiday Workshops are back for 2026, with tickets now available for students entering Years 10 to 12 next year. The workshops run on 22 and 23 January, and include 11 practical sessions across areas such as Fashion, Animation, Interior Design, Photography, Music, Media and more. Tickets are $15 for half-day sessions and $30 for full-day sessions, with 50% off when purchasing two or more. Places are limited! Find out more via this link and in the flyer below.

Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute (AMSI) Careers Day 2026 – Thursday 22 January

AMSI Careers Day connects Australia’s brightest mathematical sciences students with leading employers across a range of industry sectors including finance, technology, consulting, government, education, and beyond. This annual event features employer presentations, industry stalls, and networking opportunities, giving students direct access to career pathways and future employers. The event will be held from 11:30am to 2:30pm on Thursday 22 January at Monash University’s Clayton campus. While it’s aimed at tertiary students, members of the public are also welcome. Registration is required. Visit AMSI Careers Day 2026 for event details and to register.