Careers & Pathways News 

Dates to Diarise in Term 4

• Year 12 VTAC very late applications – 1 November – 5 December

Reminder: VTAC 2026 Upcoming Key Dates 

For a full list of cancelled, amended, and new courses, visit VTAC Course Updates.

The VTAC website is www.vtac.edu.au

Students who do best at university or TAFE are not necessarily those with the highest ATARs but those with persistence, determination, organisational and self-management skills that are also assertive in asking for help.  Make sure you choose a course you will enjoy and are interested in; otherwise, you may experience problems with motivation. Form friendship groups with other students so you can be active in groups that discuss work and share ideas. Students that are engaged in learning communities and networks have a more positive university experience.

C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship

Valued at up to $75,000 over three years, and open to Australian citizens, the C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship commemorates the achievements of one of Australia's most respected pastoral pioneers who served with distinction in the First World War and went on to become a distinguished scholar and leading figure in the Federal Parliament prior to his tragic, and untimely death in an aircraft accident in 1938.  

The scholarships have been awarded almost equally to male and female applicants.  Scholarship holders have come from every sector of Australian society and graduated from government, catholic and private schools.  The majority of scholarships are awarded to students entering their first year of university. Past awardees have studied law, politics, economics, medicine, and arts. Hawker Scholars are now working in Australia, Europe, the USA, and Asia.

Applications for the 2026 Hawker Scholarship will open on 3 November 2025 and close on 2 December 2025.  To find out which universities the successful applicants are required to study at, the value of the scholarship, the selection criteria, as well as details of former recipients, visit C.A.S. Hawker Scholarship. 

Tuckwell Scholarship for 2027

Australian National University (ANU) launched the Tuckwell Scholarship Program in 2013.  The Tuckwell Scholarship Program at the ANU is the most transformational undergraduate scholarship program in Australia.  A Tuckwell is not just about a students’ intellect.  It is also about their desire and determination to use their natural abilities to realise their full potential so that they can make a difference in the world. All up one could say, this is no ordinary scholarship!

All eligible applicants are considered against four criteria:

1. Academic potential and achievements;
2. Other significant achievements of any type;
3. Demonstration of the Tuckwell Attributes; and

4. Connection and commitment to Australia.

    

Although applications will only open on 2 March 2026 and close on 13 April 2026, current Year 11 students who are not only interested in studying at ANU, but also believe they meet the eligibility criteria for this scholarship, are encouraged to browse Tuckwell Scholarship and the link How to Apply to find out more.

Exam Exemption Criteria for Victoria Police Applicants

Recent changes have expanded the exam exemption criteria for Victoria Police applicants.

Applicants may be exempt from the exam if:

• They are currently:
  • undertaking a Bachelor of Criminology (or similar) at an Australian, New Zealand or United Kingdom university, and are in their final year of study, or
  • a Victorian Public Service (VPS) employee (VPSG3 or above), or
  • employed by Victoria Police (all classifications and tenures).

• In the last five years they have:
  • passed the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) or equivalent in Australia, with:
    • an Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) of 65 or above, and
    • a minimum score of 25 in English, or
  • completed a bachelor’s degree (or higher) in an arts, science, humanities, business or law discipline at an Australian, New Zealand or United Kingdom university, or
  • were employed in the Australian Defence Force (ADF) on a full-time basis (this exemption does not apply to ADF Reservists).

For further information and exemptions please visit the Victoria Police website.

UK Gap Year Program in 2027 

Applications for our 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. 

Travel & Tourism Courses in Victoria in 2025 

Travel and/or tourism courses are offered at a number of Victorian institutions.  Some of these courses are listed below.  Students are encouraged to visit VTAC for a comprehensive list.

Snapshot of Photography Studies College (PSC) in 2025

• For over 40 years PSC has provided students with an environment in which to explore their creativity, see the world anew and give expression to what they see.
• PSC is a leading photography college.
• PSC offers a number of programs, some of which are designed to get students into the industry before they have completed their studies.
• The lecturers at PSC are experienced practitioners and educators with national and international profiles in the areas of documentary, photojournalism, art, commercial photography, photobook publishing, curation, and photographic theory.
• PSC offers a range of programs from full-time courses to short courses, and workshops.

• Full-time undergraduate courses on offer include - 

  • Bachelor of Photography and Digital Imaging
  • Certificate IV in Photography and Photo-Imaging 
  • Undergraduate Certificate of Digital Imaging 

   

• There are some part-time, short courses, and online courses on offer too.

Mr Jack Crameri - Careers and Pathways Practitioner 

Ms Andy Farrow - Careers Adviser & VET/SWL Coordinator

Ms Jody McCarthy - Senior School & Careers Support