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VCE0000001 VCE - Victorian Certificate of Education

The VCE Vocational Major (VM) is a vocational and applied learning course within the VCE designed to be completed over a minimum of two years.

Next intake: February 2027
Learn more

Course essentials

Qualification Code

VCE0000001

Entry requirements

Duration

2 years minimum

Locations

SMB (on campus)

Course overview

We do things differently

If you’re 16–19 and mainstream school just hasn’t worked out, it might be time to consider Federation College. There's no uniform, no bells, no exams – just dedicated teachers and extra support so you can complete VCE Vocational Major (VM) stress free. Whether you’re starting Year 11 or finishing Year 12, we’ll help you build your confidence, discover what you’re good at and figure out what comes next.

Federation College offers pathways into:

  • further study (TAFE, higher education)
  • vocational training
  • apprenticeships and traineeships
  • employment
  • developing the skills and capabilities needed for adult life.

How VCE Vocational Major is structured

VCE VM is a two¿year program that focuses on applied learning. It helps you build practical skills for work and life, with real hands-on experience across one or more industries. Assessments are completed in class, so the only exam you’ll sit is Part A of the General Achievement Test (GAT). Keep in mind that VCE VM subjects don't receive study scores and won’t contribute to an ATAR.

To complete the program, you need to successfully finish at least 16 units, including from core learning areas:

  • 3 literacy units (either VCE VM literacy or VCE English, including a unit 3/4
    sequence)
  • 2 numeracy units (either VCE VM numeracy or VCE maths)
  • 2 work-related skills units (VCE VM)
  • 2 personal development skills units (VCE VM)
  • 3 other unit 3/4 sequences of choice (6 units total)
  • 180 hours of VET subjects at Certificate II level or above (1 unit).

As well as your units, you'll have the opportunity to get creative with art and ceramics, join in our music program, or take part in cooking and fitness activities. If you’re interested in technology, you’ll have the chance to explore drones, robotics and 3D printing. We also offer excursions that connect your learning to real-world experiences.

When you finish, you’ll receive a VCE VM certificate from the Department of Education, plus a statement of attainment for your VET units. These are recognised across Australia and can open doors to study, training and work.

VET UNITS: Federation College specialises in the delivery of the Core units of VCE VM. Additional VET specific units are included to add prepare student for employment. Structured Workplace Learning is encouraged alongside the units delivered and is completed outside class hours. It provides students with the opportunity to integrate on-the-job experience with secondary study. Elective units contribute to the required 180hrs of VET.

IT requirements

To do this course you’ll need a fast and reliable computer and access to high-speed internet. Expect to use about 5GB of data per month for every unit you’re doing. Find out more about the minimum IT requirements for studying with us.

Got questions?

Call us on 1800 333 864, start a live chat or submit an enquiry.

Student support

The support we offer is second to none. Need academic help? No problem. Extra access or financial assistance? Let’s see what we can do. View our student services.

The fine print

The commencement of all courses is subject to available funding and enrolment quotas.

Everything in this course overview is correct at the time of being published. However, the University reserves the right to alter any course, procedure or fee. Please check for changes before you apply or enrol.

Federation University uses Victorian and Commonwealth Government funding (for eligible students) to deliver training.

School department

Federation TAFE

I find TAFE is great because it's affordable. It's practical skills, hands on and it's easy to engage with the teachers because they're there if you have any questions; they really guide you through it. And it's a good adult learning environment."
— Thea Tribe, Certificate III in Horticulture

Fees and scholarships

Tuition fee information

2026 indicative fees

The fees you pay will depend on your eligibility for a Victorian Government subsidised place under the Skills First Program. The indicative fees displayed below are estimates for the total course and may change depending on individual circumstances at enrolment. 

Fees are subject to change annually.

Concession
Government Subsidised Place
Standard
Government Subsidised Place
Full Fee Place
(Not eligible for government subsidy)
$354$1,771$15,939

Material fees

This covers things like tools, stationery, uniforms, textbooks, excursions and so on. Expect the cost to be around $557. 

Other study costs

Material fees are dependent on the subjects enrolled.  Approximate fees are $150 per year level.

Other important information

If you need help managing your fee payments, you might be eligible for a direct debit payment plan. Students doing certificate-level TAFE courses can access payment plans for both tuition and materials fees. Diploma and advanced diploma students can access payment plans for materials fees only.

If you’re accessing government-subsidised training under the Skills First Program, doing this course might affect your ability to access future government-subsidised training.

If you’re eligible to enrol in a course under the Victorian Government Free TAFE initiative, the tuition would be free but you’d still have to pay the materials fee (if applicable).

Find out more about fees, payments and refunds.

 

Scholarships

There’s a range of scholarships and grants available. Find out what you can apply for.

Course details

Start dates

Semester 1, 2026

Locations

SMB (on campus)

Semester 2, 2026

Locations

SMB (on campus)

Information

  • Our Mt Helen, SMB, Camp St and Gillies St campuses are located in Ballarat.

Contact hours

Classes run Monday to Friday, 9AM to 3PM. VETDSS classes are usually held Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.  Timetables may vary due to student study requirements.

Some self directed study time may be required, however time is allocated to all assessments to be completed during scheduled class time.

Sample course structure

This is a list of units available in this course. Which units you enrol in will depend on the course and stream available.

Federation College

At Federation College, we do things differently. There's no uniform, no bells, no exams – just dedicated teachers and extra support so you can complete VCE Vocational Major (VM) stress free.

Whether you’re starting Year 11 or finishing Year 12, we’ll help you build your confidence, discover what you’re good at and figure out what comes next.

Entry requirements

For all TAFE applications, pre-training review questions and a literacy and numeracy review are part of the application process.

Undertake a VETASSESS and achieve the following results:

  • Pre - training review
  • Undertake a VETASSESS review;
    • Reading – Level 2
    • Writing – Level 2
    • Numeracy – Level 2
    • Digital Literacy – Level 2
  • Interview

Your application begins with an in person interview with the VCE VM Coordinator (and your parent/carer if you are under 18). This interview helps confirm whether the program aligns with your goals and learning style.   

During the process, we will work with you to plan how to complete at least 16 units over Years 11 and 12, including the required sequences listed below. 

Most students complete 16–18 units across the two years.  

To achieve the VCE VM Certificate, you must complete:
Literacy — minimum 3 units, including a Unit 3–4 sequence
Numeracy — minimum 2 units
Work Related Skills — minimum 2 units
Personal Development Skills — minimum 2 units
Three additional Unit 3–4 sequences of your choice

Important Information:
Students who are 16years and under must complete the Exemption from School Attendance and Enrolment process when transferring from their current school. We will provide the necessary forms and guide you through every step of the process.

How you apply will depend on your current situation. Visit our how to apply page for options and instructions.

After you submit your application, we’ll get you to do an online literacy and numeracy review to help us understand where you’re at (and if the course you’re applying for is a good fit). We’ll give you feedback and offer you support if needed.

For information about students’ rights and responsibilities, please refer to the VET Information Guide.

Direct application
Yes
Federation University code
LBY
National course code
VCE0000001

Credit Transfers will apply to any units completed prior to commencement at Federation College.

Hear from our staff

Kelly Hart talks about what it's like studying a pathway course at Federation.

Hi, I'm Kelly Hart. I'm a lecturer in education. I teach across various education courses with our pre-service teachers as well as the Master of Specialist Teaching and the FAST program too. The FAST program is a one-semester pathway program and we help students prepare and learn everything that they need to know to succeed at university. I also provide English support sessions for our international students and that's actually part of what I love about all of our programs, just the level of support that we have for all our students. We have so many options to get help along the way through past sessions, peer mentors, studios, city writing space and learning skills advisors and so much more. So students always know there's plenty of support whenever they need it. And a fun fact about me, I lived in China for nine years and I speak fluent Mandarin. 

Credit for previous study

You might be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) if you have formal or informal learning, or relevant experience that meets the requirements of your training package or VET accredited course. If you think you qualify for RPL, you can apply at the same time as you apply for your course.

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