Changing your uni preferences? Here's what you need to know

Thinking of changing your university preferences? You’re not alone. Whether your goals have shifted or your ATAR surprised you, there are plenty of reasons to update your VTAC preferences – and the good news is, you can make changes at any time (except during selection periods, just before offer rounds are released). Here’s what to keep in mind as you fine-tune your uni preference list.

Now that you’ve received your ATAR, it’s time to make sure your VTAC course preferences are working hard for you.

You can change your VTAC preferences as often as you like. Even if you accept an early offer, you can still change your mind and list a different course higher. Keep your options open – your future isn’t locked in yet.

Didn’t get the ATAR you hoped for? Don’t worry, there’s more than one way to reach your dream course at Deakin. We offer a range of pathways designed to help you get where you want to go, at your own pace.

Same course, different campus. Some courses at our Warrnambool or Geelong Waurn Ponds campuses have lower ATAR entry requirements than Melbourne Burwood, giving you more options to start your uni journey.

Study something similar. Not quite hitting the ATAR for your first-choice course? You might explore a related degree and major, like starting with a Bachelor of Health Sciences and majoring in exercise science if your ATAR isn’t high enough for Exercise and Sport Science.

Deakin College. Complete a diploma in your area of interest with Deakin College on-campus in Melbourne, Geelong or Jakarta, and you can enter the second year of your bachelor degree – a direct route into your chosen field.

TAFE pathways. After finishing a diploma with a registered training organisation (RTO), apply for recognition of prior learning to transition into your bachelor degree at Deakin.

Associate degree. Smaller classes, expert support and guaranteed entry into select undergraduate courses make our Associate Degree of Arts and Associate Degree of Education great stepping stones to your dream degree.

Deakin student, Ellen Zhang, was initially devastated to miss out on entering Deakin’s optometry course because her ATAR was 0.5 points lower than required.

However, accepting her third preference to study a combined science and teaching course was a great way to transition into her dream course.

She was able to study a few optometry units within the combined course and was eventually able to apply to change to optometry. She was even able to receive credits for the optometry units she completed in her combined degree.

Taking a slightly different path ‘allowed me to settle into university coursework and understand the requirements and study load needed to do well,’ Ellen says.

Before changing your VTAC preferences, familiarise yourself with key dates and course requirements.

If you’re rethinking your course preferences, ensure you meet all the prerequisites and extra requirements. For example, some courses may require an interview for entry, even if your ATAR exceeds the lowest selection rank.

It’s also important to check the opening and closing dates for change of preference in Victoria. Visit the VTAC website for key dates and change of preference FAQs.

Get course advice from our experts, call 1800 693 888 or hit us up on live chat. We’ve also pulled together some helpful information about change of preference to help you feel confident about your future.

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