When Year 12 students in Victoria reach the end of their schooling, one of the most important steps is submitting their university course preferences through VTAC (the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre). But with 8 spots to fill and countless courses to choose from, the big question remains: how should you order your VTAC preferences to give yourself the best chance of getting in?
The good news is that there’s a smart way to approach your preferences—one that balances your dream goals with safe options. Here’s how to do it.
Still unsure about how to order your VTAC preferences or which courses to choose? At KIS Academics, our experienced tutors and mentors have helped hundreds of students successfully navigate the VTAC process. Book a free consultation today and take the stress out of uni applications and the VCE!
Step 1: Understand How VTAC Preferences Work
VTAC allows you to list up to 8 preferences for university or TAFE courses. Offers are made in rounds, starting with your highest eligible preference. This means you’ll always be considered for your first choice first, then your second, and so on, until you receive an offer.
The key takeaway: your preference order matters more than your ATAR alone.
Step 2: Put Your Dream Course First
Always put your dream course—no matter how competitive—at the very top of your list. You won’t disadvantage yourself by aiming high. Even if you don’t get into your first preference, VTAC will automatically consider your second, third, and so on.
Step 3: Include Realistic Backup Options
While your top choice should reflect your dream, the middle preferences should be courses where your ATAR or SEAS adjustments make you competitive. These “safety net” options give you a solid chance of receiving an offer in case your dream course doesn’t work out.
Step 4: Add Pathway Courses
Many universities offer pathway programs such as diplomas or related bachelor degrees that allow you to transfer into your desired course later. These should be listed in your lower preferences. They’re an excellent way to keep your foot in the door at your preferred university.
Step 5: Double-Check Course Codes and Campuses
It’s easy to accidentally apply for the wrong campus or a similar course with a different focus. Before finalising your preferences, carefully review the course codes and locations.
Step 6: Seek Advice Early
Teachers, career advisors, and tutoring services like KIS Academics can help you refine your preferences so you feel confident in your choices. Don’t leave it until the last minute!
Example Preference List
- Dream course (reach) – e.g., Bachelor of Biomedicine at University of Melbourne
- Competitive course (realistic) – e.g., Bachelor of Science at Monash University
- Related course (safety net) – e.g., Bachelor of Applied Science at RMIT
- Pathway program – e.g., Diploma of Health Sciences
5–8. Additional pathways, backups, or courses at other campuses
Final Thoughts
Ordering your VTAC preferences doesn’t have to be stressful. By listing your dream course first, adding realistic options in the middle, and including pathways at the end, you’ll maximise your chances of receiving an offer that excites you.
Looking for more study tips to get through VCE and Uni applications? Here are some helpful articles:
Manoj Arachige
Manoj Arachige
FAQs
If I don’t get into my first preference, will I miss out on it forever?
Not necessarily! You can reapply for future rounds or transfer later through a pathway program.
Should I put an “easy” course first just to make sure I get in?
No—you should always put your dream course first. VTAC will never skip over it just because you listed it higher.
Can I change my preferences after I’ve submitted them?
Yes. You can change your preferences as many times as you like until the final cut-off date.
What if my ATAR is much lower than the published selection rank?
It’s still worth including your dream course—you might be eligible for SEAS adjustments or bonuses that bring you into consideration.
What Our Students & Parents Say
Real reviews from students and parents across all our tutoring programs — collected from Google, Trustpilot, and more.
