Careers News

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

Items in the 16 October 2026 Career News include –

• Dates to Diarise in Term 4
• Reminder: VTAC 2027 Upcoming Key Dates
• Tax File Number (TFN) REMINDER to Year 12s
• Low Income Health Care Card for Australian and PR Students
• Useful Websites and Links
• Tips for a University Degree Wannabe (UDW)
• Study Abroad & Exchange Programs offered by Victorian Universities
• Useful Tips for tertiary students
• Links to Victorian University Clubs & Societies
• Useful links to Victorian Universities Student Support Services
• University Terms 

VTAC course application REMINDERS for Year 12 students:

• In addition to meeting the Essential requirements, all listed compulsory course requirements for Year 12 applicants must be completed by the specified deadlines – these are listed under Course requirements in the VTAC Course description and summarised in the ‘Requirements checklist’ box.
• The Checklist on your VTAC account dashboard summarises the documents or evidence required for your course preferences. Note: this is not an exhaustive list so there may be other requirements and additional admissions criteria for your course preferences – you must visit VTAC CourseSearch to view the full list of admission criteria for each course.
• You can continue to add, remove or reorder courses (except for these early closing courses which cannot be added after they have closed) in your VTAC course preference list up to 12noon on 12 December for first round offers released 23 December 2026 (see Change of Preference section at VTAC Important dates).
• Regularly visit this New, cancelled and amended courses webpage to stay updated on changes to courses for 2027 entry.
• Regularly check your VTAC account inbox and activity log, especially after making changes to your course preferences – carefully read all VTAC messages and follow their instructions to ensure you meet all requirements and your application is considered.
• Subscribe to the VTAC email updates and reminders and visit VTAC’s Help Centre for answers to FAQs or to get in touch with VTAC for assistance.
• Continue to read my posts in the Careers channel on Teams for updates and refer to the ‘VTAC app info’ document for guidance on applying through VTAC – if you’re still unsure on how to proceed contact me directly via Teams. 

REMINDER: VTAC Resources for Parents & Carers of Year 12 students

• VTAC Key dates: https://vtac.edu.au/dates 
• VTAC Help centre: https://vtac.edu.au/help.html 
• VTAC Parents & Caregivers Guide: https://vtac.edu.au/guides/caregivers-guide 
• Free VTAC webinars: www.vtac.edu.au/events  – register to attend upcoming events or watch webinar recordings afterwards on the VTAC YouTube Channel. 

Scholarship opportunities for Year 12s commencing tertiary study in 2027

VTAC Scholarships applications have now closed but Year 12s can still apply to scholarships offered by other organisations. Either by applying direct to the tertiary institution – check out this list of scholarships not through VTAC – or the Victorian Department of Education website lists other scholarship opportunities for Year 12s planning to undertake tertiary study in 2027. 

And visit the below Scholarships Guide to explore a range of scholarships offered across Australia for students commencing tertiary study in 2027. All Year 12 students are encouraged to research these scholarship opportunities to check the eligibility criteria, find out how to apply, and be aware of the application deadlines.

Monash University Webinar – What Does My First Year in Science Look Like? – Thursday 22 October at 6pm

Hear from current Monash students as they share their stories and experiences from their first year of study. You will also be taken through some handy resources to help you design your degree, from unit enrolments and majors to learning beyond the classroom, such as field trips and international experiences. Register here.

Box Hill Institute Careers Expo – Thursday 22 October, 4pm to 7pm

Having career goals is the easy part. Knowing how to achieve them? That's where people often get stuck – which is why Box Hill Institute runs their annual Careers Expo. Come and meet training experts and employers, all in one place at Box Hill Town Hall on Thursday 22 October. You’ll be able to explore career paths or study options, gain real-world insights and walk away with a clearer understanding of what your next steps should be. For event details and to register click here.

ATELIER COLLARTS: COLLCEPT Opening night & workshops – Friday 23 & Saturday 24 October 

Presented as part of Melbourne Fashion Week 2026's Independent Program, COLLCEPT is a curated sustainable fashion concept store, exhibition and live atelier program. Showcasing work by Collarts Fashion students, alumni and staff, it combines retail, workshops, gallery exhibition and circular fashion services across two days at Fractal Gallery, Docklands.

Programming includes an opening night launch, film screenings, designer retail activations, and community mending and upcycling workshops continuing the "Healing Stitch" series developed during Fashion Revolution Week. It's a new model for sustainable fashion retail: one built on craftsmanship, participation, education and circular design practice. For workshop details and to purchase tickets go here. Retail trading is open to the public for free on Saturday.

Free Victorian College of the Arts Pathways Program 2026

The University of Melbourne’s Victorian College of the Arts (VCA) is offering a free VCA Pathways Program for students in Years 9–12 who are interested in theatre and performing arts. Led by VCA alumni, the program gives students the opportunity to develop their skills in acting, voice, movement and storytelling over four Saturdays. Participants can experience the VCA’s creative training, meet current students and staff, and learn more about studying performing arts after school. The program runs 14, 21, 28 November and 5 December 2026, from 10am–3pm. Expressions of interest are open to students in years 9-12. Visit here for program details, and to apply complete and submit an EOI by Friday 23 October. 

National Indigenous Business Summer School 2027

The Faculty of Business and Economics at the University of Melbourne will be hosting the upcoming National Indigenous Business Summer School (NIBSS) program from 17-22 January 2027!  NIBSS is an initiative of the Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC) and is an exciting week-long program developed for Indigenous high school students entering Years 11 and 12 in 2027 who are thinking about studying business, starting their own business, becoming an entrepreneur or are simply curious about university study. 

The program gives students a unique hands-on experience of University life and study here in Melbourne, and all participants are supported throughout the week by our Indigenous mentors and staff. Successful applicants are supported to travel to Melbourne, stay on campus in student accommodation, explore Melbourne's top University campuses, learn about the Indigenous support services offered by each institution, and to participate in a number of activities around Melbourne and in partnership with local Indigenous organisations and businesses. Applications for NIBSS 2027 program close 1 November 2026 (midnight). Find out more and apply here.

Webinar recording – Changing the World Through STEM: My Journey from Student to Growing Hearts

As part of the University of Melbourne’s 2026 Graeme Clark Oration event, this student-focussed webinar, chaired by Prof David Nisbet and featuring guest speaker Prof Milica Radisic, was designed especially for high school students showcasing pathways into STEM and real-world innovation. This webinar provided young audiences with valuable insights from leaders shaping the future of science and technology. Visit here to watch a recording of this webinar.

Explore Careers in Technology and AI!

The latest Careers with STEM: Technology magazine is now available online. Curious about a future in technology? Discover careers in ocean protection, cybersecurity, game design and shaping our digital future. Take the Find Your Tech Career quiz, explore internship opportunities and meet people using their technology skills to make a difference. There’s even more to explore with a special AI issue featured on the reverse side of the magazine. Check out this latest issue and discover where a future in technology could take you!