Careers Corner
Tax File Number (TFN)
Every student will require a tax file number
when they start work (part-time and full-time)
and all students planning on a tertiary education require one when they start too.
Importantly, current Year 12 students are reminded that they cannot enroll in a CSP (Commonwealth Support Place) course at university without a Tax File Number, so it is worthwhile getting an application submitted early! Students must apply for a TFN online and have their identity verified through an interview at a participating Australia Post office.
To apply and also to find out about participating Post Offices, visit website: https://auspost.com.au/id-and-document-services/tax-file-numbers
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2026
The Times Higher Education World University
Rankings 2026 include 2,191 universities across 115 countries and territories. Below are the top 3 universities in Victoria.
University of Melbourne
Australia Rank 2026 - No. 1
World University Rank 2026 – No. 37
Monash University
Australia Rank 2026 - No. 3
World University Rank 2026 – No. 58
Deakin University
Australia Rank 2026 - No. 11
World University Rank 2026 – No. 201
To find out more about the Times Higher
Education World Universities Rankings, visit Best Universities in Australia
https://www.timeshighereducation.com/student/best-universities/best-universities-australia
Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
The Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) website assists students in making informed choices about their higher education options by bringing together survey data from all Australian universities, allowing students to compare student experience and job outcomes. Data is collected from over 400,000 students, graduates, and employers QILT surveys every year.
Covering all study levels and both domestic and international students, QILT is regarded as the only comprehensive system of higher education surveys in Australia. All Australian universities and around 90 non-university higher education providers take part in the QILT surveys.
So, students can compare the student experience, whether domestic or international, between universities, and learn more about employment outcomes of the different institutions. Visit ComparED www.compared.edu.au/
and explore and compare institutions.
Defence Work Experience Programs Victoria 2026
High school students aged 15–18 years are invited to participate in Defence’s Work Experience Programs being delivered across Victoria in 2026. These youth‑focused programs introduce students to the wide range of career pathways available within the Australian Defence Force (ADF), including the Navy, Army and Air Force.
All program information and links to apply online are available through the website: https://defencecareers.nga.net.au
Introduction to Navy Program: HMAS Cerberus (April)
Crib Point VIC / Tuesday 28 – Thursday 30 April
- This work experience program will run over 3 days at the Navy's premier training establishment, HMAS Cerberus.
- Lunch is provided each day however students must make their own way to and from the Navy base each day.
- Metropolitan Melbourne students are strongly encouraged to apply for this program, as regional student applications will be prioritised for the Navy July program below.
- Online applications close 15-Mar-2026
Army Familiarisation Program: Puckapunyal Military Area
Puckapunyal VIC / Monday – Thursday June TBC
- This program is anticipated to be in June and will be advertised on the website soon.
- This work experience program will run over 4 days and will introduce students to career opportunities with various Army Units including Artillery, Armour and Transport.
- This is an overnight program with meals and on base accommodation provided at no cost to successful applicants.
STEM To The Rescue: Wantirna (June)
Wantirna South VIC / Monday 22 – Friday 26 June
- This 5 day program offers an immersive experience to tackle real-world STEM challenges. Students will have the opportunity to visit a range of Defence and industry facilities focused on STEM innovation.
- Lunch is provided each day however students must make their own way to and from Wantirna South each day.
- Online applications close 26 Apr 2026.
Introduction to Navy Overnight Program: HMAS Cerberus (July)
Crib Point VIC / Monday 20 – Friday 24 July
- This Navy work experience program is open to Victorian, Tasmanian and New South Wales students. Students will arrive at HMAS
- Cerberus on Monday, 20 July (afternoon) and depart on Friday, 24 July (morning).
- This is an overnight program where meals and on base accommodation will be provided at no cost to successful applicants.
- Online applications close 17 May 2026.
STEM Immersion: Fishermans Bend
Melbourne CBD / Monday – Thursday June TBC
- This program is anticipated to be in June and will be advertised on the website soon.
- This work experience program has been developed to showcase a variety of STEM careers available in Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and with Industry Partners.
- Lunch is provided each day however students must make their own way to and from Melbourne CBD each day.
Army Familiarisation: Puckapunyal Military Area
Puckapunyal VIC / Monday – Thursday October TBC
- This program is anticipated to be in October and will be advertised on the website soon.
- This work experience program will run over 4 days and will introduce students to career opportunities with various Army Units including Artillery, Armour and Transport.
- This is an overnight program where meals and on base accommodation will be provided at no cost to successful applicants.
STEM Immersion: Fishermans Bend
Melbourne CBD / Monday – Thursday November TBC
- This program is anticipated to be in November and will be advertised on the website soon.
- This work experience program has been developed to showcase a variety of STEM careers available in Defence Science and Technology Group (DSTG) and with Industry Partners.
- Lunch is provided each day however students must make their own way to and from Melbourne CBD each day.
Careers Expos
Simpson Barracks Army Expo: Simpson Barracks
Yallambie VIC / Saturday, Saturday 14 March
- One day careers expo at Simpson Barracks, showcasing various military displays and career opportunities within the Army.
- ADF Careers and the Defence Work Experience team will both be in attendance to answer any questions you may have.
If students have any further questions the Defence Work Experience Program team are always happy to help and can be reached via the inbox vic.workexperience@defence.gov.au
UK Gap Year Program in 2027
Applications for the UK Gap Year Program in 2027 are now open! This is an opportunity to live, work, and explore abroad — creating unforgettable memories while gaining real-world experience.
Students go into paid roles in leading UK Boarding Schools or Activity Centres, accommodation included, and participants get to earn while they travel and explore UK & Europe during term breaks. All participants receive full program support — from the Letz Live team in AU, NZ & UK. Find out more at Letz Live Gap Years Abroad https://letzlive.org/
Medical Work Experience Overseas for High School Students
Projects Abroad offers a range of Medical Work Experience programs for high school students, and a number of the destinations are overseas. These overseas medical programs might be of interest to students keen to pursue studies and careers in medicine and healthcare.
These programs are designed for students in Years 10, 11, and 12 and run in the mid-year break and over the summer holiday. They are ideal for individuals or groups of friends.
Projects Abroad has been running these programs for over 15 years. They are very popular with students from across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, and North America.
See website: https://www.projects-abroad.com.au
Please do not hesitate to contact the Careers and Pathways Coordinator for assistance.
Chris Kotsonis
Careers and Pathways Coordinator