It’s up to you to choose what you study and where you study it. If your family or friends are putting pressure on you to enrol in a particular course you need to be sure it’s something you really want to do.
Here's a quick overview of the study options that are available to Victorian students.
Secondary school options
If you choose to stay at school for Year 11 and 12 your options include:
- The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
- The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)
- Vocational Education and Training (VE&T)
- The International Baccalaureate (IB)
- School Based Apprenticeships & Traineeships
Your options will depend on the programs your school offers. For more info on the above choices, check out our What are your secondary options? page.
The best way to make this decision is to work backwards. Think about what kind of job you might like in the future and find out what skills or qualifications you’ll need. You can start your research with our Career profiles section.
You can also use the ‘School subjects you like & jobs they lead to' (new window) guide at the Career Advice Australia website to get some ideas on career options.
Once you’ve got that sorted you’ll know which Year 11 and 12 study program is best for you. If you’re not sure what you want to do, you could try simply doin gVCE (or VCE with VE&T subjects) and keep your options open.
Check out our Secondary options page for more.
University courses
Going to uni means at least three years’ study for most courses and at least five years’ study for courses like medicine, engineering or law. The cost of your course will depend on where you study and how you choose to pay. For more info on tuition fees check out our Paying for your course page.
If you do a general course like arts, science or commerce you can study a range of topics in your area. You can also do a double degree and combine your interests. Your qualification will be recognised in lots of different areas but it won’t prepare you for a specific type of job.
If you do a course that is built around one particular occupation, like a degree in journalism, fashion or radiography, you will gain all the skills and experience you need to start work in your field. You’re also more likely to have opportunities for work placements and professional networking as part of your study.
For more info on uni courses and their application requirements go to the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) website (new window).
For more information about uni courses, check out our Tertiary options page.
TAFE courses
At TAFE you can work towards certificates, diplomas or advanced diplomas. TAFE courses usually take between six months and two years to complete.
If you have an idea of what sort of job you’d like to have you should find out what qualifications are required and aim for those.
Some TAFE courses will give you credit towards a university degree. You can also get your VCE or VCAL at TAFE if you didn’t do it at school.
You can search for a TAFE course through the online TAFE Courses Directory (new window).
For more information about TAFE courses, check out our Tertiary options page.
Changing your mind
Don’t stress over this decision too much. Whatever your choice there will be options for you to change your course of study. Check out our Changing your mind section for more info on this.
