VTAC Applying

Our explanation of the VICTORIAN University/TAFE application processes assumes that you have NO knowledge of this system at all. Full explanations of university application processes can be found on the various links supplied.

• Victoria: www.vtac.edu.au – check out the talkin’ vtac podcasts
• South Australia: www.satac.edu.au
• New South Wales: www.uac.edu.au
• Queensland: www.qtac.edu.au
• University of Tasmania (UTAS): Direct application www.utas.edu.au/apply

How (& When) do you apply for University in Victoria?

• Applications for university/TAFE open online early August, are due in by the end of September, and offers are made in January and February.
• Everybody (including mature aged persons), applies for University (and many TAFE courses) through the one procedure (VTAC) – see below.
• Having one procedure to apply for University makes it a fair and equitable process for all.
• Every Year 12 student (and parent/s) will be invited to attend (at the appropriate time) an information session, regarding the application process, at their respective school.

VTAC – Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre

VTAC is the organisation who administers the application process for Victorian institutions.

• VTAC, through collaboration with University’s and TAFES, will publish all course and institute details in their:
  • VTAC Guide (a book published each August and available at most newsagencies for approx $15), and
  • Website (which is continually updated).
    • The website is designed so you can filter and find courses suitable for you. (Eventually we will have an instructional clip on how to do this)

How the Application process works…

Applying for University in Victoria is done on-line via the VTAC website.

You can apply for up to 12 courses, with your most ‘wanted’ at the top of the list.

• For each course you select you will need to supply particular information. You will find this listed under “Selection Mode” and “Extra Requirements” in the descriptions supplied for each course. This can include things like attending an interview or presenting a portfolio.
  • If you have not covered all requirements for a course then there is absolutely no point in applying for it.
• Your information is sent to VTAC (electronically &/or manually).
• University panels at all the institutions on your ‘wish’ list are able to look at your application on-line and consider whether they are able to make you an offer.
  • (The system automatically filters out those who have not covered all pre-requisites)
• How do they decide on the ATAR for a course? The ATAR ‘Clearly-in’ (meaning you are clearly over the line and will receive an offer for this course) is decided upon from:
  • demand for the course
  • results and
  • background of the applicants
  • Note: The ATAR is normally similar or close to the previous years score.
• Students whose score is above the ‘clearly-in’ (usually about 80%) will receive an offer. (Well, the Selection Panel place this offer in the online queue ready to be forwarded at the appropriate time).
• How do they decide on the remaining 20% of offers? The Selection Panel look at the ‘middle band’ criteria.
  • Examples of middle band criteria (if applicable) are provided with course descriptions and may include things like work experience, higher scores in particular subjects, the studying of a specific subject (although not listed as a prerequisite) etc.
• Of course not all courses operate on the 80/20% scenario, some courses will select their students using a different method such as: interview, portfolio or specialised tests
• So there we have 100% of offers for the course – placed in the queue on the VTAC system.
• Remember all universities on your list will be looking at your application/s simultaneously, and will or won’t place an offer into the system.
• It is imperative therefore, that your list is in the exact order of preference, because you are automatically sent the offer highest on the list during round 1. (There are two rounds)
• What happens with Round 2? Round 2 happens after students who have received Round 1 offers have physically attended and enrolled into the course at their respective universities. A ‘no show’ means that the student no longer wishes to enrol which means their ‘spot’ is now free to offer to somebody else, so the panel will re-visit the applications and make offers for Round 2.

Some words of wisdom

Understanding the selection processes of Universities, although not essential, can optimise your chances of getting into the course of your dreams. Remember:

• make sure that you dot all your ‘i’s and cross all your ‘t’s when you make your VTAC application/s,
• don’t leave your application to the last minute and ask questions if you don’t understand something
• use your diary to plan, there are many dates and timelines to remember
• your Career Advisor or VCE Program Manager should be able to help you… or
• you might find the answer somewhere in this blog… or
• ask questions in the appropriate place in this blog

Recommended Reading

• Get Smart Guide – details (in plain english) the cost of going to Uni or TAFE and provides information on course/study related costs, accommodation options/costs, living expenses, budgets, government support, employment options and other financial support.  To download a copy visit http://www.asg.com.au/asggetsmart/