If you're a year 12 student who would like to apply for a course at a university, TAFE or independent tertiary college in Victoria, you'll most likely apply through the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).
VTAC and the ATAR
The main thing VTAC does is calculate and issue the ATAR for VCE students. This information is sent to all students who complete year 12. It's also sent to selection authorities at institutions. For more about the ATAR, check out our guide to VCE.
You don't need an ATAR to apply for tertiary courses in Victoria though. Anyone can apply for a course through VTAC as long as they're either:
- an Australian citizen or permanent resident
- a New Zealand citizen.
Check out VTAC's before you apply page for more details on entrance requirements.
VTAC doesn't decide who gets into what course. All decisions about offers are made by course selection authorities at institutions. After selection is finished, VTAC sends out offer letters on the institutions' behalf.
Key dates for VTAC applications
There are three deadlines for submitting your VTAC applications. The later you apply, the more money your application costs.
- the timely application date is the earliest date for applications – it's also the cheapest way to apply
- the late application date costs more, but is still available if you miss the timely date
- very late applications are possible for a short time if you miss the timely and late applications.
Current dates for application are listed on VTAC's important dates page.
You can also find out more about changing your course preferences.
Making a VTAC application
For some courses you need to apply directly for a place, instead of applying through VTAC. For more about this, check out the list of institutions that require direct applications.
If you do need to apply for your course through VTAC, you need to:
1. Register for a VTAC user account
When you register you'll be asked to nominate a PIN.
2. Receive your VTAC ID
For current Victorian year 12 students, your VTAC ID is the same as your student number. Non-year 12 applicants are given a VTAC ID.
3. Log into the VTAC website and create your application
Use the VTAC course application tool to apply for a course. Visit VTAC's how to apply for courses page for more.
You can also use your VTAC account to change your:
- course preferences
- personal details
- account/application details
- PIN.
On the VTAC website you can also:
- apply for VTAC scholarships
- apply for the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
- apply for special consideration via the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS)
- update your educational history
- assign a proxy
- give or remove permission to publish offers
- give or remove permission to receive supplementary offers
- withdraw your course application.
Where to get help
Check out VTAC's help centre for answers to frequently asked questions and technical support.
You can subscribe to VTAC so you get reminders about important dates and answers to frequently asked questions. You can also follow them on X (formerly Twitter).
If you need to talk to someone directly, you can call 1300 364 133.