Senior secondary education in Victoria is changing. The study options available to students now include the new VCE Vocational Major and the Victorian Pathways Certificate.
Students have options to suit their goals, talents and preferences. Within their secondary certificate, students can choose:
- different subjects and study areas
- different study environments, for example in a classroom or a workplace.
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
Most students in Victoria take VCE studies. This certificate:
- can be achieved by choosing and completing an educational program that suits a student’s strengths and goals
- shows that the student has finished their secondary education
- prepares students to continue study at university, TAFE or another VET provider
- is recognised internationally.
VCE subjects and structure
The VCE includes more than 90 subjects to choose from. Each school decides which VCE subjects they offer. Most VCE subjects are made up of 4 units, which students study over 2 years (one unit per semester):
- Units 1 and 2 are usually studied in year 11. They can be studied as single units and don’t need to be studied in a certain order.
- Units 3 and 4 are usually studied in year 12. They must be studied in a certain order (called a sequence) within the same year.
Students usually choose between 20 to 24 units over 2 years, but they can take as long as they need to complete VCE. If a student needs longer than 2 years to complete VCE, talk to your school about options.
Some schools also offer VCE units from year 10.
Most VCE units are assessed through classroom activities and exams (in year 12).
Each unit has outcomes that describe what students are expected to know and be able to do. Students need to demonstrate the outcomes to satisfactorily complete the unit.
All VCE students are expected to sit all or a section of General Achievement Test (GAT).
VCE Vocational Major
The VCE Vocational Major is a new study option within the VCE. It is offered by nearly all government secondary schools and most non-government secondary schools.
If a student chooses the Vocational Major, their VCE program will include studying literacy, numeracy, work related skills and personal development skills.
VCE Vocational Major students also complete at least 180 hours of VET, developing hands-on skills and improving their employability.
VCE Vocational Major students do not sit exams, unless they choose to complete scored VCE subjects as part of their program.
When students have completed the VCE Vocational Major, they receive the Victorian Certificate of Education with the additional words ‘Vocational Major’.
For more information about VCE study options and completion requirements, see VCE and VCE Vocational Major.
Graduating and further study
Some courses at university, TAFE or training providers are only available to students who have completed certain VCE or VET studies. Some universities use the ATAR as admission into certain courses.
Students should think about what they want to do in the future when choosing their VCE studies.
When graduating with the VCE, students will receive their study scores and an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) score if they meet the requirements.
VCE Vocational Major studies do not receive a study score and students who complete the VCE Vocational Major do not receive an ATAR.
For more information about selecting courses, visit the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre website.
Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC)
The Victorian Pathways Certificate is a foundation secondary course designed for a small number of students in years 11 and 12 who, for various reasons, are not able or ready to undertake a certificate at the VCE level.
It prepares year 11 and 12 students for the VCE, the VCE Vocational Major, entry level VET or employment. The coursework is designed and delivered at a more accessible level than the VCE and VCE Vocational Major.
Parents or carers should discuss the VPC’s suitability for their child with the school.
VPC subjects and structure
Students completing the VPC will study literacy, numeracy, work related skills and personal development skills.
Students can also complete VET and VCE units and receive structured workplace learning recognition.
The VPC is a flexible certificate, and a school may allow a student to start the VPC at any time during the school year. The time a student takes to finish the VPC is also flexible.
Teachers will assess whether the student has demonstrated the learning outcomes through a range of in-class learning activities.
For more information, see Victorian Pathways Certificate.
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
VET is an important part of many students’ education, including students enrolled in the VCE. VET develops skills needed for employment, training, and further education, as well as industry specific knowledge and skills.
Students can study VET units within their VCE, VCE Vocational Major or VPC program. Some units give credit towards a nationally recognised VET certificate and some VCE VET courses will count towards an ATAR.
To connect students to areas of jobs growth and set a path towards success after school, we’re increasing access to a priority set of VET pathways in schools. This gives students more choice and an education that matches their strengths and interests.
Read more about the VET curriculum in the VCE, VCE Vocational Major or VCAL | VCAA website
Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL)
The VCE Vocational Major has replaced the VCAL program at the Intermediate and Senior levels. The Victorian Pathways Certificate has replaced Foundation VCAL
VCAL students have transitioned to the VCE Vocational Major or VPC with credit for completed VCAL units, except some students who will be the last cohort to complete Intermediate VCAL.
Find out more about transition arrangements and Senior Secondary Certificate Reform | VCAA website.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
A limited number of schools in Victoria offer this diploma. For more information, visit the International Baccalaureate website.
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