Guide your child through VTAC stress-free
VTAC and our Early Offer Program
If you're a parent of a Year 12 student, chances are you've already heard the term VTAC being thrown around. In short, VTAC is the system your teen will use to apply for TAFE and university courses in Victoria – from choosing preferences to receiving offers, it’s their gateway that shapes what comes next.
Another option is Federation’s Early Offer Program (EOP), which lets your child secure a place at uni before exams are even finished. It takes the pressure off and gives them space to focus on their studies and creating lasting memories before graduating from school.
At Fed, we know that navigating VTAC can feel overwhelming – for students and parents alike. We’re here to break it down simply, so you can feel confident guiding your teen through one of the most important steps in their education journey.
What is VTAC?
So what is VTAC? The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre is a central hub that helps Year 12 students take the next step after school. Through VTAC, they can explore TAFE and university options, choose their course preferences, and submit their application. When ATARs are released in December, VTAC manages the offer process – matching students with places in courses based on their results and course preferences.
And remember, you don’t have to be a VTAC expert – that’s our job. We’ll give you the info, answers and support you and your child need every step of the way.
VTAC preferences
Preferences are a ranked list of up to eight courses your teen can apply for. The top of the list should be the course they most want to get into – and that’s important. VTAC will only offer them one course per round, and it will be the highest one on their list that they meet the requirements for.
VTAC offer rounds
VTAC releases offers in rounds:
- Main round – The biggest one. Most VTAC offers are made here.
- Subsequent rounds – If your child didn’t get an offer or wants to try again for a different course, they can reorder preferences and wait for another VTAC offer round.
VTAC process at a glance
- Students set their preferences (up to 8).
- VTAC looks at their ATAR, prerequisites and any extra requirements.
- VTAC sends an offer – just one – for the highest course they qualify for.
- If they miss out in the first round, there are more rounds to come.
- It’s all digital, all official and all manageable.
Pro tip for VTAC preferences
We recommend listing courses for all 8 preferences.
Encourage your teen to put their dream course first – not the one they think they’re most likely to get into. That will give them the best chance to get into the course they want, and if they don’t meet the requirements, VTAC will simply move down the list to the next preference.
It’s also wise to mix dream courses with pathway options like diplomas or certificates, especially since Federation offers both.
How does the Early Offer Program fit in?
Federation University’s Early Offer Program (EOP) is one of the simplest ways to reduce Year 12 stress. If your child meets the prerequisites and the Early Offer ATAR for their course, they can lock in a spot before exams.
That means less pressure, more peace of mind and a clearer head going into their final assessments.
If your child is applying for an Early Offer from Federation University, remember that their Federation course must be #1 on their VTAC preferences to receive the offer.
Benefits of EOP
As well as securing a guaranteed spot (providing course prerequisites are met), Early Offer students enjoy the following benefits:
- early access to campus libraries and study spaces
- a free VTAC Exam Ready Pack
- exclusive access to apply for a $2,000 FedStart Scholarship.
Explore the options
To get started, Year 12 students can explore their course choices and look at the entry requirements so they’re empowered to make the right decision.
Checking out our guaranteed ATARS helps in making a list of preferred courses. It also helps them focus on achieving the results to get where they want to go.
What are pathways?
They’re alternative courses like diplomas or certificates that can lead to a degree. Take our Federation Access Studies (FAST) for example. This 6-month course prepares students to be successful at university. Your teen will learn how to research, write at a university level and use our systems – leaving them confident to start their degree.
Preferencing pathways can reduce the risk of not getting any offers and, at the same time, put students closer to their dream course by giving them a Plan B to get in.
Federation is a dual-sector uni, which means we offer both uni and TAFE courses as well as pathways – and that can make it easier to pivot if things don’t go exactly to plan. Check out our pathways.
What about entry requirements?
They matter. Each course has different prerequisites, and your child must meet them to be offered a place in the course, so make sure your child checks the course page carefully.
Knowing the entry requirements for courses helps you plan accordingly. Select the ‘Entry Requirements’ tab on the course page to see exactly what prerequisites your child will need before their application will be considered. If they don’t meet the requirements, our Federation Access Studies (FAST) program can offer another way in. FAST students are guaranteed a place in one of Federation's undergraduate degrees when they’re done. But this option is only available for some courses, so be sure to check first.
Key dates
VTAC applications generally open in late July or early August for the following year and close in September.
For courses commencing in 2027, applications are now open. Students can keep adding and reordering their preference list until timely applications close on 28 September.
After that, a late fee applies – hence why they’re referred to as timely applications. Review all key VTAC dates here.
What if my child misses the deadline?
Life happens. If they miss the timely application deadline, they can still apply – but they’ll need to pay a higher fee.
Late applications generally close in October and very late applications close in December, with an increase in fee for each application deadline.
So, if you miss the timely application date, it’s not ideal, but it’s not the end of the road either. Check out the VTAC website for more information on dates and fees.
Receiving an Early Offer
Applicants will be guaranteed an offer if they meet the Early Offer ATAR and all course prerequisites.
VTAC will make an offer for the course listed highest on their list of preferences where all selection requirements have been met, so make sure to put the EOP course first!
Don't forget to add the EOP course to VTAC preferences
Remember, to receive a full offer, the relevant Early Offer course from Federation University must be listed highest in the VTAC preference list.
Peace of mind for you, confidence for them
Year 12 can feel overwhelming – for you, and your child – but understanding how VTAC works, and having options like Fed’s Early Offer Program, the pressure starts to ease.
We know how pivotal your role as a parent is. You’re the steady voice that keeps them focused, reassured, and reminded that there’s more than one way to get into university.
An Early Offer can provide that same sense of calm. It’s your child’s ticket to concentrating on exams while feeling confident about the year ahead. And it gives you peace of mind too – knowing that we’re here to support both you and your child every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
VTAC applications for courses commencing in 2027 opened on 3 August 2026. Timely applications close at 5pm on 28 September 2026. Late applications are available for a higher fee, but some courses have an early closing date and may not be available. Check the VTAC website for all key dates, fees and application information.
The VTAC application process can be broken down into four key steps: apply, equity and scholarships, selection and offers.
After your child has researched their options, they can apply through VTAC by listing up to eight courses in their preferred order. Some students may be eligible for an ATAR adjustment and can also apply for various equity schemes and scholarships. Universities then assess applications against selection criteria, with VTAC communicating the highest offer to your child in the December offer round. Further offer rounds occur in January and February, giving your child additional opportunities to receive an offer.
If your child is considering Federation University, explore our courses and check entry requirements, use our SEAS calculator to estimate any ATAR adjustments and find available scholarships.
Timely VTAC applications for courses starting in 2027 close at 5pm on 28 September 2026. Late and very late applications are available afterwards, but additional fees apply. Head to the VTAC website for all key dates, fees and application information.
Our best advice is to put the course your child would most like to study first, even if they’re not sure their ATAR will be high enough. VTAC offers students the highest preference they’re eligible for each round, so there’s no need to put a ‘safer’ option ahead of their dream course.
From there, support them to build a preference list with courses they’d genuinely be happy to study.
Yes. Your child can change, add or reorder their preferences during designated VTAC change-of-preference periods. Check the VTAC website for steps to change preferences and key dates.
Don’t panic. An ATAR isn’t the only way into university, and your child may have other options to help them reach their career goals. Federation offers a range of pathways to university, including FAST, higher education diplomas and TAFE. Plus, many of our pathway courses count as credit towards future undergraduate study in eligible Federation courses. The important thing to remember is that one ATAR result doesn’t have to define what comes next for your child.
An Early Offer Program gives eligible Year 12 students the chance to secure their place at university before ATARs are released. At Federation, if your child meets the Early Offer ATAR and course prerequisites, they’re guaranteed a place in their chosen eligible course. Programs differ across universities and can include additional benefits such as access to study spaces, exclusive scholarships, study advice or a combination.
For many students, absolutely. A Federation Early Offer takes some of the pressure out of Year 12 by giving your child the confidence of knowing they have a place at university. It means they can focus on finishing school knowing they have options, even if they’re still figuring out what’s next. They’ll also get a head start on uni with early access to campus study spaces, study support and the chance to apply for a FedStart Scholarship.
Yes. Even if your child holds an early offer from a university, they need to formally apply through VTAC and make sure that course is high on their preference list. Once they finish year 12, the university will check that they meet all conditions of the early offer and your child will be notified during a VTAC offer round.
You don’t have to figure it out alone. Federation’s Future Students team can help you and your child navigate VTAC preferences, Early Offers, entry pathways and scholarships so you can make decisions with confidence. Get in touch with our team for personalised support.