We all know Year 12 can be stressful. What if you could secure your pathway to university or TAFE before you even sit your final exams?
That's exactly what Victoria University's (VU) Early Entry program is designed to do. It's built specifically for Year 11 and Year 12 students, and it rewards them for early connections with VU by giving them some genuinely handy perks.
The goal of VU Early Entry is simple:
- An Early Conditional Offer to take the pressure off Year 12*
- 5 Bonus ATAR points to give you confidence heading into exams*
- A shot at a $5,000 scholarship or even a free year of accommodation, to help with your first year at uni
- A free ATARNotes+ subscription ($249 value) with study notes, practice exams, and flashcards to boost your results.
- A sneak peek at our facilities with a 30-use gym pass for two
- For VM and unscored VCE students, several 16-week foundation courses and pathways to get you into a TAFE or Uni degree without the pressure of an ATAR*
*Terms and conditions apply, see VU Early Entry website for full details.
Who Can Apply?:
- Any Year 11 or Year 12 student currently studying in Australia
- International students studying in Australia are eligible too, and may also qualify for extra international scholarships
- VCE Vocational Major and unscored VCE students can apply for VU TAFE and Foundation courses (you won't get the ATAR bonus, but you'll still get the other perks)
How Do You Apply? (3 Simple Steps)
- Submit your VU Early Entry application whenever you're ready in Year 11 or 12. It takes up to 14 days to be assessed, and then your ATARNotes+ access and gym pass will be sent through.
- Add a VU course to your VTAC list in August. You’re not locked in, you can change your mind later.
- Finish Year 12 and relax. Once your results are out, you can confirm your offer or adjust your plans. There's genuinely nothing to lose by applying early.
Key Dates to Remember
- 21 April 2026 – Applications open
- 3 August 2026 – VTAC preference list applications open
- 16 & 30 August 2026 – VU Open Day
- 11 October 2026, 10:00pm AEST – Applications close (no late entries, even partial ones!)
- October 2026 – Conditional Offers start rolling out
- December 2026 – ATAR results released and bonus points applied. You can accept or reject your VU offer
- February 2027 – Semester starts and scholarships are awarded
Tips for Writing Your Application
As part of your application, you'll answer a few short questions about yourself. These aren't tests, they're simply your chance to show VU who you are, and an opportunity to be considered for a $5,000 scholarship. The questions cover:
- How studying at VU would help you make a difference
- How you contribute to your school, family, or community
- What motivates you to succeed in your VCE journey
A few more tips:
- Be genuine. Answer honestly and let your personality come through. We're looking for students who are forward-thinking, inclusive and bold.
- Give yourself time. Aim for at least 15 minutes to write thoughtful responses rather than rushing them.
- Be specific. Real examples (a volunteering experience, a personal challenge, someone who inspires you) make your answers stand out rather than generic statements.
- Answer as many as you can. You only need to answer one, but responding to all three gives you a shot at all three scholarships.
Why It's Worth Applying
Applying for VU Early Entry costs you nothing and risks nothing. You're not committing to anything by submitting your application. At best, you walk away with a scholarship, bonus ATAR points, and a conditional offer before exams even start. At the very least, you get free study resources and some expert guidance for your final year.
