How to Apply for Courses Through VTAC

VTAC (the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre) is the shared admissions service for university, TAFE, and college courses in Victoria. To apply, you create a VTAC account, use CourseSearch to build a preference list, submit your application before the timely deadline, and then track key dates through to offers. Applications for the 2027 intake are currently open, and the timely deadline is 28 September, 5pm — applying after this means paying late fees.

Step 1: Create your VTAC profile

Create an account on vtac.edu.au to begin. From your profile you can:

• Apply for courses
• Apply for equity schemes and scholarships
• Manage your course preferences

You'll use the same account for everything, so set it up before you start researching courses.

Step 2: Explore courses with CourseSearch

CourseSearch is VTAC's course browsing tool. Use it to:

• Explore course options across institutions
• Find out what you need to do to get into a specific course (prerequisites, selection criteria)
• Build a list of your favourite courses

Make your list before you finalise preferences — it's easier to reorder a saved list than to search from scratch under deadline pressure.

Step 3: Order your course preferences

Your preferences are the courses you want, ranked in the order you want them. VTAC works through your list to make the best possible offer, so order by genuine preference rather than by what you think you'll get into. Keep your CourseSearch list handy when setting this up.

Step 4: Apply for equity schemes and scholarships

If you're eligible, complete the equity schemes and scholarships application as part of your VTAC process. This involves:

1. Meeting the eligibility requirements
2. Providing the appropriate evidence
3. Submitting the application alongside your course application

Check the eligibility requirements early — gathering evidence takes time.

Step 5: Meet the deadlines

The single most important date: apply before 28 September, 5pm to avoid late fees. VTAC publishes a full set of key dates covering the journey from applying to receiving offers, with different deadlines for:

• Australian Year 12 students
• Interstate, international, and IB students
• Post-school applicants

Check the dates that apply to you, not just the general ones.

Step 6: Track your application through to offers

After submitting, your job is to monitor key dates — from application through to offers. VTAC also offers a sign-up for general application advice and key deadline reminders, which is useful if you don't want to keep checking the site manually.

Who this process is for

VTAC serves several groups, each with its own guide:

Common sticking points

• Missing the timely deadline. Late fees apply after 28 September, 5pm. Treat this as your real deadline, not the final closing date.
• Leaving evidence to the last minute. Equity schemes and scholarships require supporting evidence — start this early.
• Rushing preferences. Build your CourseSearch list first, then order it thoughtfully.
• Using the wrong guide. Deadlines and requirements differ by applicant type; confirm which category you fall into.