Further Education
INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS
Applying to University
How do I apply for university? University entrance usually requires a VCE pass or its' equivalent, such as a high level TAFE qualification. However, there are now more courses available by direct entry where an ATAR score, and perhaps a Year 12 pass, is not required. You may also apply to university as a mature age student-you will usually need to be at least 20 years old, have been out of school for at least 12 months and/or be able to demonstrate, through completion of other courses or work experience and references, that you are capable of study at tertiary level. Some courses will have additional requirements that you will need to check on each university's website and on the VTAC website.
When do I apply for university courses? The normal application process for university courses starts in about July each year for commencement in the following year. Mostly this is done through VTAC but some courses can take direct applications. VTAC Guides can be purchased at newsagents.
What is VTAC? The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) is the central office that administers the application and offer process for places in tertiary courses at university, TAFE and independent tertiary colleges in Victoria (and a few outside Victoria). VTAC receives and forwards application information and supporting documentation to the course selection authorities at institutions.
Before you can apply, you need a VTAC ID (identification) and PIN (personal identification number). To get your VTAC ID and PIN, you must register with VTAC. To start your registration, select the 'Register' link below the login button. www.vtac.edu.au and individual university websites (see below).
Mid Year University Entry
The mid-year entry process starts around April/May for commencement in July. For a list of institutions offering places in mid-year courses through VTAC, go to the VTAC website, the VTAC Guide or contact universities directly. Other institutions may take direct applications.
Who can I get help from with applying? A good starting point could be to contact your Careers Coordinator or MIPS Counsellor from secondary school. They may be able to provide you with some advice on the 'phone or via email, and if they have time may make an appointment with you. Otherwise call the institution you are wishing to apply to, and ask to make an appointment with a course selection officer. If you completed Year 12, call VTAC if you have any problems with the online application. For course advice call the Course Advisors at the institution you are interested in attending, preferably to make an appointment. They will usually be happy to talk to you to ensure that you are doing the right course.
Part Time University If you want to work part time while studying, you may want to consider "single subject" entry. Some university degrees enable you to study 1 or 2 subjects rather than a full time load. Normal pre-requisites and ATAR cut-off scores do not apply, and you pay per subject as you go. Contact the universities directly - search for "single subject entry" on the web.
Having trouble getting into a course? Try Open University (Call a Student Advisor on 1300 733 854) W: http://www.open.edu.au
| UNIVERSITIES | ||
|---|---|---|
| Australian Catholic University | 9953-3000 | www.acu.edu.au Australian Catholic University |
| Deakin University (Deakin College-Pathway to Deakin University) | 1800 693 888 5227 2613 | www.deakin.edu.au Deakin University www.deakin.edu.au Deakin College |
| Federation University | 1300 225 527 | www.federation.edu.au Federation University |
| La Trobe University | 1300 135 045 | www.latrobe.edu.au La Trobe University |
| Monash University | 1800 666 274 | www.monash.edu.au Monash University |
| RMIT University | 9925-2000 | www.rmit.edu.au RMIT University |
| Torrens University | 1300 575 803 | www.torrens.edu.au Torrens University |
| University of Melbourne | 8344 4000 | www.unimelb.edu.au University of Melbourne |
| Victoria University | 9919-4000 | www.vu.edu.au Victoria University |
| OTHER HIGHER EDUCATION PROVIDERS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Australian College of Applied Psychology | 1800 061 199 | www.acap.edu.au Australian College of Applied Psychology |
| Box Hill Institute | 1300 454 184 | www.boxhill.edu.au Box Hill Institute |
| Collarts | 1300 818 777 | www.collarts.edu.au Collarts |
| Deakin College | 9244 5197 | www.deakincollege.edu.au Deakin College |
| JMC Academy | 1300 410 311 | www.jmcademy.edu.au JMC Academy |
| LCI Melbourne | 9676 9000 | www.lcimelbourne.edu.au LCI Melbourne |
| Macleay College | 1300 939 888 | www.macleay.edu.au Macleay College |
| William Angliss Institute | 9606 2111 | www.angliss.edu.au William Angliss Institute |
TAFES and Training Course Providers
What is TAFE?
Tafe stands for Technical & Further Education. TAFE is Australia's largest provider of vocational education and training. More than 350,000 people are enrolled in TAFE in Victoria alone.
TAFE provides an accessible, affordable and flexible solution for all your training and further education needs and is a great option if you are:
- A school leaver seeking to further your education and training
- Seeking qualifications and skills you need to find your first job and build your career
- Already working and want to upgrade or expand your knowledge and skills to further your career
- Interested in working and earning while you're learning through an apprenticeship or traineeship
- Looking for a pathway to university
- An international student looking to improve your English skills
TAFE Courses Directory Website: www.skills.vic.gov.au/victorianskillsgateway/Students/Pages/tafe.aspx
| TAFE PROVIDERS | ||
|---|---|---|
| Deakin College (Pathway into Deakin University) | 9244 5197 | www.deakincollege.edu.au Deakin College |
| Federation University TAFE (Ballarat) | 1800 333 864 | www.study.federation.edu.au/#/study-area/TAFE Federation University |
| Kangan Institute | 13 82 33 | www.kangan.edu.au Kangan Institute |
| Melbourne Polytechnic | 9269 1200 | www.melbournepolytechnic.edu.au Melbourne Polytechnic |
| The Gordon Institute of TAFE (Geelong) | 1300 730 601 | www.thegordon.edu.au Gordon Institute |
| Victoria University Polytechnic | 1300 823 387 | www.vupolytechnic.edu.au Victoria University Polytechnic |
| William Angliss Institute | 9606 2111 | www.angliss.edu.au William Angliss Institute |
| TAFE Course Directory website | www.skills.vic.gov.au www.skills.vic.gov.au |
Registered Training Organisations (RTOs)
RTOs are registered by state and training authorities to deliver nationally recognised training. This means that the RTOs qualifications are recognised by all RTOs in Australia.
Qualifications range from Certificate I through to IV, Diplomas and Advanced Diplomas. All nationally recognised qualifications are designed to meet the needs of industry.
| REGISTERED TRAINING ORGANISATIONS (RTOS) | ||
|---|---|---|
| AGA | 301 Foleys Rd Deer Park Ph: 1300 000 AGA (242) | www.aga.com.au AGA |
| AMES | Level 1 24 Devonshire Rd Sunshine 9311 2100 Shop 9-11 16 Victoria Square St Albans Ph: 9367 5204 | www.ames.net.au AMES |
| Angus Knight | info@angusknight.com.au (02) 9259-5555 | www.angusknight.com.au Angus Knight |
| Bacchus Marsh Community College (The Laurels) | 229 Main St Bacchus Marsh Ph: 53 67 1061 | www.thelaurels.org.au The Laurels |
| commUnity+ | 822 Ballarat Rd Sunshine Suite 2-4 & 6-8 East Esplanade St Albans Ph: 1800 266 675 Watergardens Town Centre 399 Melton Highway Taylors Lakes | www.comm-unityplus.org.au Community Plus |
| Djerriwarrh Community & Education Services | 239 Station Rd Melton 8746 1000 266 Hampshire Rd Sunshine Ph: 9009 7900 | www.djerriwarrh.org.au Djerriwarrh Community & education Services |
| Gowrie Victoria | 36 Newry St Carlton Ph: 1300 446 9743 | www.gowrievictoria.org.au Gowrie Victoria |
| Integrity Business College | Suite 401B, Level 4, 198 Harbour Boulevard, Docklands Ph: 1300 731 451 | www.integritybusinesscollege.com Integrity Business College |
| genU Training | 20 Hertford Rd Sunshine Ph: 9311 0777 | www.genutraining.org.au genU Training |
| Menzies Institute of Technology | 355 Spencer St West Melbourne Ph: 1300 244 002 | www.menzies.vic.edu.au Menzies Institute of Technology |
| MultiSkills Training | Factory 6, 43-47 Riverside Ave Werribee Ph: 1800 754 557 | www.multiskills.com.au MultiSkills Training |
| NECA Education & Careers | 1024 Lygon St Carlton Ph: 9381 1922 | www.necaeducation.com.au NECA Education & Careers |
| VFA Learning | Level 6 131 Queen St Melbourne Ph: 1300 304 329 | www.vfalearning.vic.edu.au VFA Learning |
| WCIG-Melton | 51 Bakery Square Melton Ph: 9743-0189 | www.wcig.org.au WCIG |
| WCIG-St Albans | 352A Main Rd West, St Albans Ph: 9364-6199 | www.wcig.org.au WCIG |
| WCIG-Sunshine | Shop 2, 27-35 Clarke St Sunshine Ph: 9311-9411 | www.wcig.org.au WCIG |
Gap Year Options
After finishing school, you might be ready to take a year off. If you're not sure what you want to do career-wise, it can be a great time for figuring out what you enjoy, what you're good at and what jobs you might be best suited for. You can travel, work in different industries, meet new people and discover more about yourself, your career goals and the world around you.
If a year off sounds like a good idea - consider the options below.
Volunteering in your community Local councils can help you find a local volunteering opportunity that is close to where you live or that matches your skills and interests. Visit the community volunteer pages of the Brimbank or Melton City Councils.
www.brimbank.vic.gov.au/community/volunteering
www.melton.vic.gov.au/Out-n-About/Volunteering
Volunteering Overseas
www.govolunteer.com.au
www.projects-abroad.com.au
www.worldyouth.org.au
Lattitude Global Volunteering International volunteering and gap year placements for 17-25 year olds in a wide range of countries around the world. www.lattitudeaustralia.org
TESOL Sign up for a TESOL course (Teaching English as a Second Language) and travel to non-English speaking countries such as Japan, China, Indonesia and widen your knowledge.
www.i-to-i.com
www.teachinternational.com.au
www.tefl.com
http://www.kangan.edu.au/TESOL
Student Exchange Experience school or university in another country while living with a host family. You can also sign up for an international internship in areas such as health and medicine, media and marketing, tourism and sports.
www.ryea.org.auwww.sts-education.com
Defence Forces Join ADF Gap Year Program and gain new skills to get ahead in life.
http://www.defencejobs.gov.au/gapyear
Summer Camp Counsellor Summer camps in the US love Aussies working as camp counsellors. You don't need any specific training, just a desire to work with young people in an outdoor activity-based environment and some leadership skills.
Working Holiday Work and see the world at the same time! Organisations can help you organise your visa, accommodation and employment before you leave.
http://www.globalworkandtravel.com
STA travel specialises in student and youth travel www.statravel.com.au