Careers & Pathways

Senior School Years 9 - 12

Are you considering a VET subject as part of your VCE in 2027? Have you submitted an Expression of Interest and received an enrolment form? If not, please click the link below.

Request for VET information – Fill out form

VET subjects can be completed alongside a standard VCE program and are a great way to explore future career pathways while still at school. 

VET courses are not just for students interested in trade careers; they offer valuable skills and qualifications across a wide range of industries, including health, business, computing, community services, engineering, sport and recreation, hospitality, creative industries and more.

VET programs combine classroom learning with practical, industry-focused training, helping students develop skills that employers value. Students gain hands-on experience, build confidence, and develop workplace skills that can support future employment, apprenticeships, traineeships, TAFE studies, or university pathways.

For example, if you are studying VCE Physics and Mathematical Methods and are interested in a career in engineering, VCE VET Engineering can provide practical experience using industry-standard equipment and processes, giving you a deeper understanding of the field before pursuing further study.

Benefits of VET

Gain nationally recognised qualifications while completing secondary school.
Develop practical, job-ready skills and industry knowledge.
Explore career interests before committing to further study or employment pathways.
Build valuable employability skills such as communication, teamwork, problem-solving and time management.
Enhance university, TAFE, apprenticeship and employment opportunities.
Learn in a hands-on environment that complements classroom learning.

VET and the VCE/ATAR

Does VET count towards the VCE?

Yes. Most approved VET programs contribute towards the successful completion of your VCE by providing VCE units and credit towards your certificate.

Does VET count towards the ATAR?

Yes, depending on the type of VET program completed.

Scored VET (Units 3 & 4)

Includes a study score.
Contributes directly to your ATAR in the same way as other scored VCE subjects.
Can be included as one of your primary studies in the ATAR calculation.

Non-Scored VET

Does not receive a study score.
Can contribute to your ATAR as a fifth or sixth study.
Provides a 10% increment towards your aggregate score.

Certificate-Only Programs

May contribute to your ATAR as a fifth or sixth study, depending on the qualification and VTAC requirements.
Still provide valuable industry skills and nationally recognised certification.

Why Consider a VET Subject?

VET allows students to connect their learning to real-world industries, gain practical experience, and develop skills that can give them a head start after school. Whether your goal is university, TAFE, an apprenticeship, traineeship, or entering the workforce, VET can be a valuable addition to your VCE program.

VTAC Registrations & Applications Now Open

VTAC registrations for tertiary study commencing in 2027 are now open. All Year 12 students registered during Week 3 of Explore and should now be focusing on submitting their course preferences.

To finalise an application, students must pay the $83 VTAC application fee. Once payment has been made, students can complete their Equity Schemes and Scholarships applications.

A range of fact sheets and helpful resources are attached below, along with the key VTAC dates to keep in mind throughout the application process.

Students are encouraged to continue booking their Pathways Appointments with a Careers Practitioner through Compass Conferences to receive personalised advice and support as they finalise their post-school options.

To get the most out of these appointments, students are encouraged to come prepared with:

A draft list of course preferences
Questions about courses, pathways, Equity Schemes, scholarships, or VTAC
Ideas about their post-school plans and goals

Key Dates

Dates 2026-2027

Mon 3 Aug: VTAC Applications Open

Fri 18 Sep: Recommended Equity Schemes & Scholarships Supporting Documentation Submission Date

Mon 28 Sep: Timely Applications Close (5:00pm)

Fri 9 Oct: Equity Schemes and Scholarships Applications Close (5:00pm)

Thu 10 Dec: VCE Results and ATAR Available (from 7:00am)

Sat 12 Dec: Change of Preference for December Round Offers Closes (12:00 noon)

Wed 23 Dec: December Round Offers Released

VTAC Fact Sheets

Some important fact sheets and resources I suggest students consider reviewing are:

Year 12 Guide – a comprehensive overview of the VTAC application process, including course applications, timelines, offers, and change of preference.
Course Applications and Preferences – explains how to select, order, and manage course preferences effectively.
Equity Schemes – outlines the different categories and who may be eligible to apply.
Scholarships through VTAC – provides information about available scholarships and the application process.
Change of Preference (CoP) – helps students understand when and how to update their preferences after receiving results.
Offers Guide – explains how offers are made and what to do once an offer is received.
ATAR and Selection Ranks – clarifies how ATARs are used in course selection and how selection ranks may differ from ATARs.
Apprenticeships and Traineeships Pathways – useful for students considering vocational pathways alongside or instead of tertiary study.

Students and families can access these and many other resources via the VTAC Guides, Fact Sheets and Worksheets page: Guides, fact sheets and worksheets

This information can help students and their parents make informed decisions and ensure they are well prepared throughout the application process.

Monash and UoM Pathways Schemes for 2027 Entry.pdf