Pathways and Transition

Mrs Kalo Bell – Head of Pathways and Transition; career counselling and pathway planning pathways@johnxxiii.edu.au | 08 9383 0416

Mrs Kelli Beaton – Pathways Assistant; VET and workplace learning coordination pathways@johnxxiii.edu.au | 08 9383 0417

In the Pathways and Transition Newsletter, read about:

• What’s new this week?
• University News
• Training and VET News
• Other Pathways News
• Career Resources

Kalo Bell

Head of Pathways and Transition

Pathways Picks

This week’s recommended reading

What it really means to be an entrepreneur – Study Work Grow

So you love animals? Here’s how to volunteer – Study Work Grow 

From classrooms to cosmos: real space careers in Western Australia  | Curtin University

6 May NMTAFE Creative Industries Open Day

Want to kick-start your career in the creative field? Attend the Creative Industries Open Day at NMTAFE, details below:

• Time        4:00pm - 6:00pm
• Date         6 May 2026
• Location  Pink Sea Container, 12 Aberdeen Street, Perth
• RSVP       No tickets required. Please click ‘attending’ on their Facebook Event link found via their website.

9 May Science and Engineering Speed Networking 

The Women in Technology next STEM Career Speed Networking event will be held at Curtin University and is FREE for all students in Years 10-12. 

Everyone is welcome to take part as they rotate through rapid-fire conversations with women working across science, technology, engineering and maths. Mentors will share hands-on activities and real tools from their day-to-day work, giving students a tangible, inspiring glimpse into STEM careers and the confidence to imagine their own future pathways.

When: Saturday 9 May | 9:30am or 11:30am 

Where: Level 7 Curtin University Library Register HERE.

11 May Trinity College, University of Melbourne – Perth Event

Please join Residential Dean, Leonie Jongenelis, and Recruitment and Admissions Manager, Nerel Ezra, to hear about life at the University of Melbourne and Trinity College.

📍 Where: TRIBE Perth, 4 Walker Avenue, West Perth

🕕 When: 6.00pm, Monday, 11 May 2026

🎟 Price: Free (booking essential)

RSVP by Tuesday, 5 May 2026. 

Register here: https://www.trinity.unimelb.edu.au/residential-college/trinity-college-campus-tours/trinity-college-campus-tours-trinity-on-tour

13 May Combined Schools Careers Expo

John XXIII College students and their families are invited to attend the Combined Schools Future Pathways Careers Expo at Scotch College on Wednesday, 13 May 5-7pm.

Students/families make their own way to and from the event. More details are available via the flyer below - scan the QR code for a full list of exhibitors. This is a great opportunity for students, in particular in Years 10-12, to explore their future careers. Students from any year level are welcome to attend.

Curtin University – Spotlight

Curtin Open Day 2026 – New Date 

Curtin Open Day is a great opportunity for students to explore courses, tour campus and accommodation, and have their questions answered. Students will soon be able to register online to view the full program, plan their day, and go into the draw to win an iPhone 17 and other amazing prizes.

Date: Sunday 24 May 2026, 10am to 3pm

Check the details HERE.

Year 12 Application Support Webinar – Year 12 Students

In this online session, the Curtin team will cover admissions, entry pathways and early offers. Students can submit questions during or after the webinar to build confidence in the application process.

Date: Wednesday 27 May 2026

Find out more HERE.

Curtin 2027 Excellence Scholarship

The Curtin Excellence Scholarship has been developed for students who have demonstrated academic excellence through their ATAR in 2026 and want to pursue study at Curtin University.

Application forms are not required; students apply by selecting an eligible Curtin degree through TISC as their first preference by the scholarship closing date.

Check the details HERE.

New Curtin science building to open in 2027

A new $200m, six-storey science building is under construction at Curtin. It will house the WA School of Mines and the John de Laeter Centre. It is due to open next year. Check it out HERE.

Year 12 Students – TISC 2027 Brochure 

TISC’s 2027 UNIVERSITY ADMISSION brochure: Admission Requirements for School Leavers completing Year 12 in 2026 can be accessed HERE.

Notre Dame Early Offer Program Open - Year 12 Students

Notre Dame University’s Early Offer Program applications open on 1 May via their website: Apply direct to Notre Dame | Notre Dame. The first round of early offers will be released from early September. There are four rounds of Early Offers in total. If a student does not receive an Early Offer, their application will automatically roll into the main admission round for consideration.

For more information about applying and accepting an Early Offer, please refer to the university’s How to apply - Early Offer Program page.

ECU Engineering Scholarship Opportunities for Year 12 Students

Executive Dean Elite Engineering Scholarship

Do you excel academically, display leadership and are considered a great role model for students and others in your community? In school, are you recognised for your commitment to community service and your ability to inspire others? If so, you could be a candidate for ECU’s Executive Dean Elite Engineering Scholarship.

This scholarship is open to all domestic students currently in Year 12 who are Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident, or the holder of a refugee or humanitarian visa.

You must also:

• be completing Year 12 studies (WACE or an equivalent program) in the year you apply
• satisfy admission requirements for the intended Engineering Bachelor degree course*
• not be receiving any other merit-based scholarship at ECU

• plan to be a full-time student studying on-campus at ECU Joondalup

   

You must submit your completed application and supporting documentation by the closing date of Sunday 18 October 2026 at 5pm AWST.

* Non-eligible courses are: Bachelor of Technology (Aeronautical); Bachelor of Engineering Honours/Bachelor of Commerce; Bachelor of Engineering Honours/Bachelor of Science; and Bachelor of Engineering (Computer Systems) Honours//Bachelor of Computer Science.

More information can be found HERE.

ECU Engineering Excellence Scholarships

ECU is offering scholarships valued at up to $20,000 to high-performing Year 12 students who have achieved an ATAR of 94 or above and wish to study Engineering in 2027. This scholarship will support your study in some of the best-equipped, industry-grade engineering labs in Australia, work on real-world projects, and develop strong contacts through industry engagements, events and internships.

In order to be eligible for this scholarship you must:

• be nominated by your School, or you can self-nominate by the deadline;
• perform satisfactorily in all of your WACE subjects;
• be on target to achieve an ATAR of 94 or above;
• nominate an ECU Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) course as first preference on the TISC application;
• satisfy admission requirements for the intended ECU Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) course;
• not be in receipt of any other merit-based scholarship at ECU;

• be an Australian citizen, permanent resident, holder of a Refugee and Humanitarian visa, or New Zealand citizen.

   

More information can be found HERE.

Murdoch Scholarship Opportunity for Year 12 Students

Ngala Kwop Biddi - Brighter Futures Scholarship extended for three years 

Murdoch is proud to announce that the Ngala Kwop Biddi Brighter Futures Scholarship has been extended for a further three years to support school leavers in 2026-2028. Each WA Secondary School will be able to nominate one of their graduating Year 12 students, who, by their leadership and activity, has effected positive change in their school or community.

The Ngala Kwop Biddi Brighter Futures Scholarship is valued at $12,000. For information go HERE.

UWA Scholarship Opportunities for Year 12 Students

The following scholarships are now OPEN for applications. 

UWA Fogarty Foundation Scholarship – closes 15 May 2026

• Up to 10 scholarships for WA Year 12 students*
• Predicted minimum ATAR of 98+

• Valued at $12,500 per year.

   

*Be enrolled as a domestic student in Year 12 at a Western Australian secondary school at the time of application. 

More details and how to apply

UWA Winthrop Scholarship – closes 20 June 2026

• Up to 10 scholarships for domestic Year 12 students*
• Recognises academic excellence, leadership vision, and community involvement
• Achieve an ATAR of 95+

• Valued at $10,000 per year.

   

*An Australian citizen or permanent resident, or holder of a Permanent Humanitarian Visa or a New Zealand citizen. 

More details and how to apply

Go to Open Days 2026 

All Year 10+ students who want to go to university in WA should go to at least two Open Days:

1. To the one closest to where you live.

2. The one with the courses and campus life that will make your life better. 

    

These myfuture tips will help you make the most of open days:

• 8 ways to a great university open day
• Preparing for an open day
• How to make the most of open days and career expos.

University Open Day Calendar 2026

2026 Medicine - University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) Dates 

If you want to apply for medicine for 2027, you will need to undertake a UCAT assessment. 

These are the important dates for UCAT in 2026: Deadline times are 11:59pm AEST - Australian Eastern Standard Time

Sign up for notices on the UCAT ANZ website.

Applying for Veterinary Medicine at Murdoch? Book your Casper Test!

If you’re planning to apply for Veterinary Medicine in 2027, sitting the 2026 Casper test is an essential part of your application. Murdoch University requires all Veterinary Science applicants to complete the undergraduate Casper assessment, with 2026 test dates scheduled for:

• 14 May

• 21 June

   

To book your test, visit: https://acuityinsights.app/

Veterinary Medicine Admissions and Application Process 2027

The 2027 Veterinary Medicine Admissions Guide is now available, and all applicants should review it before applying. It outlines key requirements for entry into Murdoch’s BSc/Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, including completion of the Casper assessment and submission of the official application form. All applications for this program must be submitted through TISC and are due by 31 July 2026.

3 May UWA Day of Music Theatre

Whether you’re preparing for a show, ATAR Music, AMEB exams, or simply love music theatre, you’ll have the chance to sing with others, gain expert feedback and connect with fellow performers in a relaxed, supportive setting. Callaway Music Auditorium. 2pm – 5pm.

Register HERE. 

New Parents’ Guide to University Study released

Each year ECU publishes the Parents’ Guide to University Study. It is easy to read and useful for families who have young people going to any university. 

Check it out HERE. 

Year 12 Opportunities

Find the huge range of scholarships available 

Register for Scholarship Alerts NOW!

You can create scholarship alerts through the Good Universities Guide and through universities. 

• Good Universities Guide
• Curtin
• ECU
• Murdoch
• Notre Dame
• UWA 

Get five tips for a strong scholarship application. 

There are a number of scholarships available and for a range of industries: 

• The Country Education Foundation
• Commonwealth Teaching Scholarship
• Indigenous Pathways Portal.
• ADCET Scholarships for people with disability

New 2027 Undergraduate Course Guides (WA Universities) 

Curtin Undergraduate Course Guide 2027

ECU Undergraduate Guide to Careers & Courses 2027

Murdoch Undergraduate Course Guide 2026/2027

Notre Dame Undergraduate Guide 2027

UWA Undergraduate Course Guide 2027

University Contacts for Future Students

Contact your local university for course advice.

Offsite Study Options for Year 11 and 12 Students 

For students who decide to pursue a senior secondary pathway other than studying 5 or 6 ATAR courses, John XXIII College partners with South and North Metropolitan TAFE Colleges as well as other private Registered Training Organisations (RTOs,) in order to offer Vocational Education and Training Delivered to Secondary Students (VETDSS.) Our commonly used partners could include:

• North Metropolitan TAFE
• South Metropolitan TAFE
• FEC (Fremantle Education Centre)
• Diamond High Performance
• Health Science Hub

• Mount Pleasant College

   

Co-Payment

Please note that a co-payment will be required for offsite Certificate courses with annual fees exceeding $2000 per annum.

Students and families for whom following a pathway other than studying five or six ATAR courses is of interest are strongly encouraged to make an appointment with the Pathways and Transition team.

Occupations in Agriculture – Career Information Hub

Western Australia is a world leader in many types of agriculture, including world-class research and development of agriculture as climate change evolves. If you’re interested in a career in an industry that makes a difference, check out the new Career Information Hub Career Booklet. 

Occupational profiles include: Agronomist; Ag Tech Specialist; Agricultural Worker; Precision Ag Operator; Careers in the Agriculture Supply Chain. 

Explore it further HERE.

Jobs and Skills Centre for Apprenticeships and Traineeships 

Parents, employers and students can get free, government-funded information and guidance about apprenticeships and traineeships from one of the Jobs and Skills Centres.

If you think a trade or traineeship could be a good pathway for you, go to a Jobs and Skills Centre. 

Save money – Choose an apprenticeship on the priority list

Commonwealth Government Funding

The Australian Apprenticeships Priority List identifies courses eligible for fee-free courses and incentives to employers. There are 26 pages of Priority Occupations where there are skills shortages. 

You usually have to pay for the tools and equipment needed for the course, but there are no course fees. 

State government FREE VET pathways 

The West Australian government subsidises VET courses for occupations where we have specific skills shortages. See the Fee-free and low-fee course finder.

Year 12 Information Handbook – Part I OUT NOW!

The School Curriculum and Standards Authority’s Year 12 Information Handbook Part I can be accessed HERE.

The Year 12 Information Handbook is provided in two parts, with Part I for all Year 12 students, including information about: 

• key dates that are important for you this year 
• what is involved in the WASSA and the WACE 
• the student portal and the WACE Checker 
• equivalences and how they can count towards your WACE 
• school-based assessment and how it works 
• examinations (the focus of Part II, available in July) 
• general advice on life as a Year 12 student.

Year 12 Students – Tourism Insights Event 

An exclusive opportunity for Year 12 students to experience The Adnate - Art Series Perth, one of Perth’s most prestigious luxury hotels, and explore exciting career pathways within the tourism and hospitality industry.

When? Saturday 16 May 2026

Register here: Tourism Insights Perth 2026 – The Hotel School

Global Voices Fellowship (for young Australians 18+)

If you are interested in senior school HaSS subjects that lead to careers in law, government, or international relations, sign up for notifications from the Global Voices Fellowship program. It focuses on practical experience in policy-making and international relations. Even the application process will help you to develop knowledge and skills. 

This is a program that you could enter during your university studies. 

Check it out HERE.  

ADF Careers Information Sessions

Are you interested in learning more about a career with the Australia Defence Force? ADF Career information sessions are held at various times throughout the year. Find upcoming events including information sessions, open days, career expos and more - register for the next session by going HERE. 

WA Police Recruitment Sessions 

Are you interested in learning more about a career with WA Police Force?

Recruitment information sessions are held at the WA Police Force Academy in Joondalup, where you can learn more about the application process and life as a police officer.

Their Recruiting Team will provide an overview of the selection process and training requirements. Register for the next session by going HERE.

Police Cadets

Australian or New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Australian Resident aged between 17 and 19.

Please note, applicants can apply at 16; however, they must be 17 years old upon selection to a Cadet school. Find details HERE.

Gap Year Opportunities with AgCAREERSTART

Consider a Gap Year in the Ag Industry for 2027. You get: 

• $3000 towards training.
• A full-time job.

• Tons of support to find out about career opportunities.

   

Explore the opportunities HERE.

Gap Year Opportunities with ADF Careers

If you're 17-24 years old and interested in experiencing the Navy, Army or Air Force without making a long-term commitment, an ADF Gap Year is an option. It’s a unique opportunity to grow, train, travel, get paid, get a feel for a career in the ADF, and gain skills for life. Find out more HERE.

The Morrisby Profile

All John XXIII College students in Years 10, 11 and 12 have completed their Morrisby Profile (in Years 9 or 10), providing a valuable resource for career exploration and pathway planning. Students are encouraged to log back into their Morrisby Profiles regularly to view new career matches and information. Morrisby can also be a useful tool for facilitating career discussions between young people and their parents.

Troubleshooting with logins, etc, can be directed to Mrs Bell, Head of Pathways and Transition.

MyFuture – your one-stop shop for career information

Do quizzes, watch career videos, check out courses, and what happens when you get into the job. MyFuture takes you on a career exploration pathway. 

• MyFuture is thorough and delivers loads of free information.
• It is supported by ALL Australian governments. 
• The information is not biased by someone trying to sell you something. 

• They have a strong privacy policy and DO NOT share your data. 

   

You can register HERE.

Your Career

Search industries and occupations to find a career that’s right for you and what you can do to get there. Take a career quiz. Explore fee-free TAFE. Take an interactive quiz to see what literacy and numeracy skills you’ll use in your chosen industry. 

Click HERE to explore.

Kalo Bell

Head of Pathways and Transition