01 JULY 2026 Careers Update - Open Days

Students in Years 10, 11 and 12 are encouraged to participate in a few Open Days 

Getting the most out of an Open Day
Most institutional Open Days are held in late July and August (click here for dates). However, you are more than welcome to contact an institution to arrange a visit any time. 

What happens on an Open Day?
On Open Day you can visit an institution when it’s at its best. Everyone is there – academics, lecturers, current students, and information officers. More importantly, you can talk with academics, lecturers, and current students about what certain courses are actually like, and what is required to get into them. 

Who should attend an Open Day?
Anyone who is considering studying at a tertiary level in the next few years should attend. 

Why should you attend an Open Day?
Apart from the opportunity to obtain course information there are many other reasons why attending an Open Day is a good idea:

• You are going to feel more comfortable arriving at a university or TAFE institute on the first day of classes if you have been there before.
• What is really involved in the course or courses you are interested in?
• If you have to move away from home, where are you going to live?
• Will you be happier studying in a large metropolitan institution or a smaller, perhaps rural institution?
• What does the place ‘feel’ like? Is it a bustling environment with lots of activity or a quieter, more relaxed campus set in landscaped grounds?
• How are you going to get there? Is it close to public transport or should you start saving now for a car? If you don’t know the answers to any of these questions, then you should attend an Open Day! 

How to make the best of Open Days
To make your Open Day visits fun and informative, here are some pointers:

• Write down a list of questions you would like to ask about particular courses.
• Be there early. Crowds tend to develop as the day progresses.
• On arrival, get a map from a central point and ask for directions to the relevant faculties or schools.
• Ask questions!
• Don’t spend the day collecting printed information only. Use the opportunity to speak directly with academics before applications close.
• Introduce yourself to selection officers if you feel it is appropriate, but don’t be pushy.
• Check out the residential colleges, if available. After all, it is you that will be living there.
• Walk around the campus. Have a good look! See what sporting facilities and other services are available.
• Enjoy the visit! Not everyone can attend every Open Day and various Institutions hold their Open Days on the same date

If you can’t attend an Open Day and you are interested in a particular institution, you may visit at other times. If you wish to speak to a particular person, it is essential to make an appointment first.

VCE SUBJECT PREREQUISITES

Students in Years 10 - 12 can download VCE prerequisites for the 2027, and 2028 university intakes for the following courses (most are courses at Victorian universities):

Year 12 2027: https://vtac.edu.au/files/pdf/publications/prerequisites-for-2027.pdf
Year 11 2028: https://delta.vtac.edu.au/vtacdocs/voices/victer/2028/victer_2028.html
Year 10 2029: to be released soon

YEAR 12 STUDENTS – Early Admissions

To be eligible for the early admission programs listed for Victoria, you will need to do the following:

• Step 1: apply for the courses via the early entry program direct to the universities and complete any required forms.
• Step 2: add the courses to your Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) preference list www.vtac.edu.au
 • ACU Guaranteehttps://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/admission-pathways/acu-guarantee
• La Trobe University - Aspire Early Admission Programwww.latrobe.edu.au/study/aspire
• Swinburne University - Early Entry Programhttps://www.swinburne.edu.au/courses/planning-your-future/early-entry-program/
• Victoria University - VU Early Entryhttps://www.vu.edu.au/study-at-vu/apply-to-vu/special-admission-programs/vu-early-entry

WOULD YOU LIKE TO STUDY IN THE US OR THE UK?

Explore your options and get tips on how to complete your applications via the following websites:

• EducationUSA: https://au.usembassy.gov/education-culture-educationusa-australia/
• Crimson Education: www.crimsoneducation.org/au/
• British Council www.britishcouncil.org.au/study-uk
• UK Council for International Student Affairs https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/

Zoos Victoria Careers Expo 2026

Join Zoos Victoria experts for the 2026 Careers Expo at Melbourne Zoo. This event is recommended for students in Years 9 - 12 who are interested in exploring different careers in the world of wildlife, conservation, environment, animal welfare, and more.

Hear from expert panel speakers, including a diverse range of zoo specialists, who will share advice and insights into their career pathways. 

Date: Thursday 9 July & Friday 10 July 2026
Time: 9:00am – 2:30pm

In addition to a free entry to Melbourne Zoo and career experts, students will also receive:

• A welcome pack and itinerary on arrival
• 10% discount at the Zoo cafes
• 10% discount at the Zoo Shops

Find out more and book a spot at Zoos Victoria Careers Expo 2026.

Tax File Number (TFN)

If you don’t have a TFN, you will need to apply for one via the Australian Tax Office - www.ato.gov.au - Tax File numbers are needed when you begin work, to open a bank account & to enrol in further studies after Year 12.

Debra Williams
Director of Careers and Pathways