Federation University first to open VCE Vocational Major pathway to degrees
Students completing the VCE Vocational Major (VM) will have a direct pathway into selected bachelor degrees at Federation University from Semester 1, 2027.
Students who complete a Certificate III as part of their studies will be eligible for entry into a range of undergraduate degrees, including arts, business, science, IT, health, education and creative industries – making Federation the first university in Victoria to formally recognise the VCE Vocational Major as a pathway into higher education.
Federation University Vice-Chancellor Professor Duncan Bentley said the initiative reflects the University's commitment to ensuring more students can pursue higher education, regardless of the pathway they choose at school.
“Students undertaking the VCE Vocational Major with a Certificate III have developed practical skills, discipline and real-world experience,” he said.
“This pathway recognises these strengths and ensures students have more opportunities to continue their education at university.”
Federation is already recognised as a leader in flexible pathways – with the highest proportion of students moving from vocational into higher education in Australia.
Pro Vice-Chancellor VET and Pathways and Chief Executive TAFE Darren Gray said the new pathway reflects the University’s commitment to broadening access and opportunity.
“A student's potential is not defined by the type of VCE they complete, and their opportunities shouldn't be either,” he said.
“This opens the door for more students who want to continue their education at university.”
The initiative recognises the growing popularity of the VCE-VM, which was introduced in 2023 to give students greater opportunities to integrate vocational education into their senior secondary studies.
Participation has grown rapidly, with more than 29,000 students across Years 10–12 enrolled in VCE–VM in 2025, gaining practical skills that prepare them for employment, further training and study.
The initiative strengthens Federation’s commitment to improving access to higher education, particularly for regional and first-in-family students, who are more likely to pursue vocational pathways in secondary school.
Students who do not meet Certificate III entry requirements will continue to have access to Federation University through the Federation Access Studies (FAST) program, ensuring multiple pathways remain available.
Applicants may still be required to meet course-specific requirements, including literacy and numeracy assessments, folios, auditions or supplementary information where relevant.
To support successful transition, Federation will provide targeted academic support services for students entering via the VCE–VM pathway.
The latest announcement builds on Federation’s many pathway opportunities – providing greater access to university study for students from all backgrounds.