Ep 65 - How to Use VTAC CourseSearch: Prerequisites, ATARs and Selection Ranks
Trying to work out which university courses you could apply for after Year 12? VTAC CourseSearch is an important tool for Victorian students researching their options, but understanding all the information listed for each course can be confusing.
In this episode of Course and Career Chat, I explain how to use VTAC CourseSearch and what to look for when comparing courses, including course types, fees, selection ranks, subject adjustments and prerequisites.
You'll learn why it's worth researching courses before meeting with your school career counsellor, how to understand the difference between an ATAR and a selection rank, and why checking prerequisites is essential when planning your VCE subjects and future study.
What we're talking about:
2:00 Why you should start looking at VTAC CourseSearch ASAP
You'll get more out of a meeting with your school career counsellor if you've already explored some courses and prepared questions. I explain why starting your research early can help you make more informed decisions about your future.
3:11 What information is available on VTAC CourseSearch?
Learn how to search for courses and majors, use filters to narrow down your options, and interpret the information provided for each course, including its duration and key features.
5:28 All about course codes and types
Course listings can include different fee categories, such as Commonwealth Supported Places (CSPs), Domestic Full Fee Places (DFPs) and International Full Fee Places (IFPs). I explain what these categories mean and why it's important to understand the fees that may apply to you.
9:10 Selection criteria: ATARs, selection ranks and prerequisites
This is one of the most important sections to understand when researching courses. I explain the difference between an ATAR and a selection rank, how subject adjustments may affect your selection rank, and what other selection requirements you might need to meet.
Most importantly, we discuss prerequisites and why you need to check them carefully before choosing your VCE subjects. Meeting the required prerequisites is essential to being eligible for consideration for a course, regardless of your ATAR.
Frequently asked questions
What is VTAC CourseSearch?
VTAC CourseSearch is an online tool that helps students explore tertiary courses and their entry requirements at participating Victorian institutions. You can search for courses, compare options and investigate prerequisites, selection criteria and other important course details.
What is the difference between an ATAR and a selection rank?
Your ATAR is a measure of your academic achievement relative to other students. A selection rank is the rank an institution uses to assess you for entry into a particular course. It may include your ATAR and any applicable adjustments, such as subject adjustments or other eligible considerations.
What are subject adjustments?
Some courses offer adjustments to an applicant's selection rank based on specified VCE subjects or other eligibility criteria. These adjustments may improve your selection rank for a particular course, but they don't change your actual ATAR. The adjustments available depend on the institution and course.
What are prerequisites for university courses?
Prerequisites are specific subjects, qualifications or other requirements you must meet to be considered for a course. For example, a course may require you to have completed a particular VCE subject and achieved a minimum study score. If you don't meet a compulsory prerequisite, a high ATAR or selection rank won't necessarily make you eligible for entry.
What is the difference between a Commonwealth Supported Place and a full-fee place?
A Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP) receives a government subsidy towards the cost of the course, with the student paying the remaining student contribution amount. In a domestic full-fee place, the student generally pays the full tuition fee set by the institution. International students generally have separate fee arrangements. Always check the current fee information for your course.
Where to start your research
Visit VTAC to explore CourseSearch and check the current course information for your preferred options.
Start early, compare a range of courses and write down any questions you have before meeting with your career counsellor. The more you understand about course requirements, the easier it will be to make informed decisions about your VCE subjects and tertiary preferences.
Links mentioned:
My website: https://www.roadmapeducation.com
VTAC CourseSearch: https://delta.vtac.edu.au/coursesearch/#/search
VTAC CourseSearch archive (Note: Use this if you’re searching before VTAC applications are open because the archive contains the information from the end of last year rather than the information for midyear applicants): https://delta.vtac.edu.au/coursesearch/?fbclid=IwAR1t0p-3C-GbgEtX7bCuyeJ8r-beGMLIQcLr12wJfZcmxEcImcRkRGCsbc0#/search/archive