About the Victorian Certificate of Education

The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) offers a broad range of study options.

You can choose a variety of studies that let you explore your interests and pursue your goals.

Unit 1 and 2 subjects are usually studied in Year 11, and Unit 3 and 4 subjects are usually studied in Year 12.

Completing the VCE can give you an ATAR score, offering a direct pathway to university.

The VCE can take you in many different directions after school and is a great choice if you prefer learning in a classroom environment and know you might want to go to university right after school.

Where it can take you

The VCE will prepare you for:

• university
• an apprenticeship or traineeship
• further education and training
• going straight into the workforce.

Your VCE subject options

To obtain the VCE, you need to successfully complete at least 16 units. These need to include:

• 3 sequences of Unit 3 and 4 subjects
• 3 units from an English subject group (including Unit 3 and 4).

Most students do their VCE over 2 years, completing between 20 and 24 units.

Each school determines which VCE subjects and VET study options they offer, and not all schools offer all studies. Check with your school about what studies will be offered.

What you’ll get

When you finish your studies, you’ll get:

• an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) score (if you meet the requirements)
• a Statement of Results from the VCAA
• a Statement of Attainment from your TAFE (if you completed any VET units)
• your VET qualification (if you completed one)
• your Victorian Certificate of Education.

Students who don’t complete the certificate will receive a Student Achievement Profile summary that lists all their achievements.

More information

Talk to your school’s careers counsellor about how to build your VCE program to best suit you.

Other pathways