University Open Days
Open days provide students (and parents) with the opportunity to meet university staff face to face, speak to current university students, tour facilities, experience the on-campus culture and ask questions. Most universities will have information sessions on specific courses, so it’s a good idea to register for the open days on the university website which will provide information about events, course specific info sessions and times.
All university open day dates can be found on the Ballarat High School Career Tools website which has links to the university open day registration pages.
https://www.ballarathsmips.com/post-school-options/university/open-days
VTAC University Applications for 2023
The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) is the hub for tertiary course applications in Victoria. VTAC receives, processes and forwards course applications to universities, TAFEs and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria. Students can create an account to select multiple courses through VTAC, apply for the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) which recognises special circumstances in educational disadvantage and apply for scholarships.
During term 3 and 4 all Year 12 students will have extensive support from the MIPS team with the application process. Students can either book individual appointments or attend small group sessions during lunch times or after school to register with VTAC, enter course preferences and complete SEAS and scholarship applications.
Students can lodge an application with VTAC up until the end of November, however we strongly recommend that all applications are completed by the end of term 3 (Sep 16) as the price increases for late applications. Students are then able to focus on revision and exam prep knowing their VTAC application has been lodged.
Key Dates
August 1 - VTAC opens for 2023 applications
August 3 - Year 12 assembly on VTAC process during Learning Mentor class time
August 3 – September 16 students can book appointments to complete the VTAC process with MIPS
December 12 – VCE results and ATAR release
December 21 – Round 1 university offers released
Year 12 VTAC Guide for researching tertiary options
VTAC publish a number of useful resources for students and parents on tertiary education options. The Year 12 guide link below is the 2021 version, but still has relevant information and links to research courses and many other topics of interest about the journey to university. All students are encouraged to speak to Andrew or Ally in MIPS to support their pathways planning – regardless of whether they are planning to go to university or pursue employment or TAFE pathways.
https://www.vtac.edu.au/before/guides/y12guide.html#introduction
Upcoming Ballarat Information Sessions
RMIT and University of Melbourne are hosting information nights in Ballarat for students and parents to find out more about their programs and offerings for 2023. Details and links to register:
RMIT Information Evening - 6.00-7.30pm July 25, at Mid City Hotel, Doveton St Nth
University of Melbourne Information Evening – 6.00-8.00pm July 26, at Craigs Hotel, Lydiard St Sth
https://your.unimelb.edu.au/s/event/a2a2e0000008A2SAAU/mm22-ballarat
Unscored VCE and VCAL Students
It is just as important for VCAL students and unscored VCE students to have a pathways plan for 2023. All Year 12 students are strongly encouraged to make appointments with MIPS to discuss their plans for 2023. We can assist with:
- Job preparation activities
- Updating or creating a resume
- Employer contacts
- Referrals to employment or training providers for additional support
- TAFE courses
- Info on short courses such as RSA, CI Card, First Aid etc.
- Apprenticeship and traineeship opportunities
- Researching other pathways such as Defence Forces, Emergency Services, Vic Police etc.