There are so many study and training options around now that the choice can be a bit bewildering. From TAFE, university and short courses to high school and apprenticeships, this page can help you make the choice that's right for you.
Secondary school
Once you hit year 11 and 12, you'll have to choose between the following options:
- The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is an internationally recognised qualification that is awarded for work done in years 11 and 12. The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) (new window) provides a good overview of the structure of the VCE, plus other helpful information
- The Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) provides a pathway into further education, training and employment. The VCAA (new window) has some good information about VCAL
- As part of the VCE, Vocational Education and Training (VET) programs provide students with pathways to university, TAFE, further training and the workplace. The VCAA (new window) has more information about VCE and VCAL VET programs
TAFE
TAFE focuses on courses that teach specific, practical work-oriented skills, as opposed to the longer, more theoretically based courses offered at universities. TAFE study also offers Bachelor Degrees in some areas including viticulture, aquaculture, music and computer systems. The Victorian TAFE Courses Directory has a comprehensive database (new window) of courses offered in Victoria. There's sure to be a course to suit your interests.
Skills Victoria has a list of all Victorian TAFE providers (new window), but if the course you are interested in isn't located near you, you should check out the TAFE Virtual Campus (TAFE VC) (new window) which has been set up to allow you to study some TAFE courses over the internet.
Short courses & adult education
Whether it's to pursue a hobby or to help you improve your career prospects, short courses can be loads of fun and help you develop skills & knowledge in a particular area.
Skills Victoria's Learn Local program (new window) has lots of information about short courses and further education options. You can find the nearest course provider using their search function, choose courses by your area of interest, and even hear from former short course and adult education students.
Distance education
Sometimes the school that you want to go to isn't located anywhere near where you live. Studying by distance education has the advantage of not requiring you to move in order to obtain further qualifications. You can also manage your own time and fit study around your other commitments.
The Distance Education Centre of Victoria (new window) provides schooling for students from prep to Year 12. For older students, TAFE Virtual Campus (TAFE VC) has a wide range of courses (new window) available for online delivery in Victoria.
University
Going on to further study at university has a lot of advantages.
The knowledge that you will gain while studying at uni can help lead you into lots of different careers. The Education Network Australian (EdNA) has a list of links to all Victorian Universities (new window), accompanied by a brief overview of the university and the courses it offers.
If the university course that you want to study isn't anywhere near you, and moving isn't an option, Open Learning Australia (new window) is an organisation supported by various Australian universities that allows you to study for your degree by correspondence, or over the Internet.
Apprenticeships and traineeships
Apprenticeships and traineeships are another way to get the kind of training that you can use to follow your chosen career path. The Skills Victoria website has a good overview of how to become an apprentice or trainee (new window) - how to find an employer/trainer, and what sort of experiences you can expect.
Links
Distance Education Victoria
The leading provider of secondary education and support programs for secondary students via distance education.
Open Learning Australia
Browse the course guide and find out more about how to obtain your degree through distance education.
Department of Education and Early Childhood Development
Information and links to Victorian education-related organisations. Includes specialist information for secondary students about their studies.
TAFE Courses Directory
The Victorian government's comprehensive guide to all TAFE courses offered in Victoria.
Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)
Features a comprehensive list of universities and university courses in Victoria and details the application process.
Year 12 - What Next?
If you're nearing the end of high school and want to start looking at what's around the corner, e.g. training, courses or jobs, this site's a great place to start.
