How Domestic and International Students Apply to Victoria University (vu.edu.au)
Updated
Victoria University's homepage splits its application entry points by student type: Domestic students and International students each have their own button on the landing page, and both lead to the same "Start in 2027" intake. Use the domestic path if you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or New Zealand citizen; use the international path if you are applying from overseas or hold a temporary visa. The site also points applicants to help with course applications, scholarships, and financial support.
Where the two application paths sit on the site
The homepage presents the choice up front, before you search for a course:
| Entry point | Who it is for | What it leads to |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic students | Australian/NZ citizens and permanent residents | Domestic application and course information for the 2027 intake |
| International students | Applicants from overseas or on temporary visas | International application and course information for the 2027 intake |
| Search courses | Anyone still deciding | Course and unit search, plus browsing by interest area |
| Get help finding courses | Anyone unsure where to start | Course-finding assistance |
The intake advertised across the page is 2027, so confirm the correct start year for your situation before submitting anything.
Step-by-step: applying as a domestic student
- Choose your entry point. On the homepage, select Domestic students. This switches the site to domestic course and admission information.
- Find your course. Use the search field ("What are you looking for?") or browse by interest — for example Arts, humanities & community services; Business; IT, cyber security & data science; Education; Engineering, science & built environment; Health, biomedicine & nursing; Law, justice & legal practice; or Trades, hair, beauty & massage. An A–Z course list is also available.
- Check the course level. VU lists qualifications by type: TAFE (skills-based learning), Undergraduate (first-level university degree), Postgraduate, and Research (Master by Research & PhD). Make sure the level matches your previous study.
- Apply for the 2027 intake. Use the Apply now action tied to the "Start in 2027" banner.
- Use the support channels if needed. The site directs applicants to help with course applications, scholarships, and financial support. Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students can get help with applications, scholarships, and financial support from Moondani Balluk.
Expected result: you reach a domestic application for a specific course in the 2027 intake, with support options visible if you need them.
Step-by-step: applying as an international student
- Select International students on the homepage. This switches to international-specific course and admission information.
- Search or browse courses the same way — by keyword or by interest area — and confirm the course is open to international applicants.
- Check the qualification level (TAFE, Undergraduate, Postgraduate, or Research) and any preparation programs, such as English & preparation programs, if English proficiency is a consideration.
- Apply for the 2027 intake through the international application entry.
- Look into scholarships and financial support via the help links the site provides.
Expected result: you reach an international application for your chosen course, with the correct intake year and support information.
What to check before you submit
- Intake year: the homepage promotes 2027; don't assume an earlier or later start is open.
- Student type: the domestic and international paths are separate — picking the wrong one sends you to the wrong forms and fee information.
- Course level: TAFE, undergraduate, postgraduate, and research applications differ; confirm you are applying at the right level.
- Pathways: VU states it offers easy transitions between courses at different levels regardless of past study experience, so a pathway option may suit you if you don't meet direct entry requirements for your target course.
- Support: scholarships and financial support are flagged as available help, but the homepage does not list amounts or eligibility — check the linked pages for details.
Common sticking points
- Landing on the wrong student type. If the course pages look like they're missing international or domestic details, you are probably in the other section. Switch using the Domestic/International buttons.
- Searching before choosing a student type. Course availability and fees can differ by student type, so set the domestic or international view first, then search.
- Assuming one application covers everything. TAFE, undergraduate, postgraduate, and research study are separate levels with their own entry requirements; check the level before applying.
- Overlooking help. If you can't find a course or are unsure about scholarships or finances, the site's course-finding help and the Moondani Balluk support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students are the intended routes.
Why the application structure matters
VU's model is built around the VU Block Model®: students study one subject at a time in smaller classes, with three-hour classes three times a week, rather than attending lectures across several subjects at once. That design shapes how courses are structured, so when you compare courses during the application process, check how the block structure applies to your program. The university also highlights industry connections (4,000+) and industry placements, which are worth confirming for your specific course before you apply.