Tips for choosing your uni preferences
With so many choices in front of you, narrowing down your preferred uni courses can feel overwhelming. But with the right support and a focus on where your degree can take you, you can feel confident about your next step. Start shaping your future with these simple steps to creating your VTAC course preferences.
Get to know the VTAC website
If you’re studying Year 12 in Victoria and planning to apply to university, you’ll need to familiarise yourself with the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC). This is where you’ll complete your VTAC application, including choosing and submitting your top eight university course preferences.
Not in Victoria? Check your state or territory’s tertiary admissions centre for information on how to apply and application closing dates.
Applying from overseas? Check out information tailored for international students on how to apply, key dates and entry requirements.
Take note of key dates
VTAC applications open in early August and late applications will continue to be accepted until early December (fee applies). You can change your uni preferences any time except during selection periods – which occur just before offer rounds are released. Learn more about VTAC application closing dates and how to apply for courses through VTAC.
Graduate employment matters
Choosing a course that leads to real-world career opportunities is important. Deakin is the #1 Victorian university for graduate employment, with degrees designed around industry needs and hands-on experience. Find courses that help you build skills employers want and get ready to launch your career with confidence.
Collect as much info as possible
Browse Deakin course pages to soak up as much information as possible about the courses you’re interested in. Explore our student life and service information to discover why we’re #1 Victorian university for student support and graduate employment. And remember, Deakin’s friendly student advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options, application process, pathways to Deakin and more.
Struggling to narrow down your choices?
When you’re interested in lots of courses, it can be tricky to prioritise them. To help you decide, dig a bit deeper into what each course involves. Does the course offer specialisations you like the sound of? Can you undertake internships, work experience or overseas study opportunities as part of the course? What facilities do students have access to?
#1 Victorian uni for graduate employment
IOur graduates get hired – because Deakin offers the most comprehensive, career-focused education experience in the state. Every student has the opportunity for work-integrated learning so you’ll gain practical experience and career confidence.
Filling in your uni preference list
Once you’ve shortlisted your preferred courses and confirmed you meet the entry requirements, it’s time to list them in order of preference.
Regardless of whether you think you’ll get the required ATAR, always list your course preferences in the order you’d most like to study them, not based on your chances of getting in. Enter the course that you’d most like to study first, followed by the course you’d next prefer to study, and so on.
Take your time
Allocate enough time to review your application and ensure you’ve included all the documentation you need. Double-check your personal details and course selections, especially course codes, as the same course can have different codes at different campuses.
Have a backup plan
Even if you’ve got your heart set on one course, it’s a good idea to include a few backup options on your preference list. Look for similar degrees with more flexible entry requirements, like a lower ATAR, further down the list. That way, you’ll have alternative pathways if your top choice doesn’t work out.
You can change your mind
If you’re not 100% sure on your initial course preferences, that’s okay! You’ll be able to change your preferences as many times as you like during the change of preference period later in the year.
Remember, it's your future
Choose courses that you’re interested in, not necessarily courses other people think you should study. Discuss your options with friends and family but ultimately, it’s your decision.
Ready to shape your future? Explore Deakin’s courses to find the right fit for you and start building your preference list with confidence.
If you're an international student, you can explore what it's like to study and live in Australia, and discover the support available to you every step of the way.
Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.
