How to change your VTAC preferences

So, you’ve made your VTAC preference list… but you’re not happy with it. Can you change your preferences? How do you change them? And how many courses are there to choose from? The answers to these questions, in order, are 1) yes, 2) easily, and 3) over 400. 

Question number two is where this guide comes in. Every year, new VU students reach us through preferencing our courses, and this guide seeks to make the process easier for them (or you!).  
 
Read on for a comprehensive overview of VTAC preferences, key dates, and a step-by-step process to changing your preferences. 

Understanding VTAC preferences

We’ve got background info on VTAC preferences and their importance available for you in the below articles: 

  1. How to Navigate VTAC CourseSearch
  2. How VTAC Preferences Work: A Comprehensive Guide 

But, in short, VTAC stands for the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre. They’re the ones in charge of processing all uni applications within the state, and they use students’ preferences to match them to their best course. 

VTAC change of preference

Change of preference is a period that exists to help you finalise your preferred courses once your results are in. It’s very important you’re across the key dates for changing your VTAC preferences. If you’re not, you may not get into your chosen course. 

  • Timely applications close: 30 September 
  • VCE results release: 7am, Thursday 12 December
  • Change of preference period: You have from the results release date above until 12pm, Saturday 14 December to change your preferences (VCE, December offer domestic round).
  • January offer round: You have 10am, 23 December until 4pm, 24 December to change your preferences for this round (January offer domestic).

Changing preferences before these deadlines makes a big difference to your course offers. We cover all other key dates related to the preference period, including VU scholarships and early entry, here. 

Steps to change VTAC preferences

Changing your VTAC preferences is straightforward (refer back to question number two). Just follow the steps below. 

1. Log in to your VTAC account: 

  • Visit the VTAC website and log in using your VTAC ID and PIN. 

2. Access your reference list: 

  • Navigate to the ‘Preferences’ section on your VTAC account dashboard. 

3. Reorder preferences: 

  • Drag and drop the courses to reorder them according to your new preference. The course at the top should be your most preferred course. 

4. Add preferences: 

  • To add a new course, enter the course code in the provided field and click ‘Add’. Make sure the new course appears in the list and reorder if necessary. 

5. Remove preferences: 

  • To remove a course, click the ‘X’ button next to the course you want to remove. 

6. Save changes: 

  • Ensure you save your changes before logging out. Double-check your preferences to confirm they are listed in the correct order. 

Considerations when changing preferences

When changing your VTAC preferences, consider the following factors: 

  • Prerequisites: If you don’t meet these for the course you’re applying to, you won’t get in. 
  • Course availability: Some courses close before others. Always check if yours is still open. 
  • Personal interests: Only choose courses you actually want to do — don’t get stuck with something you were only mildly interested in. 

Tips for making the best choices

  • Research thoroughly. Get acquainted with VTAC’s CourseSearch tool. We break down how to use it in our article on ‘How to Navigate VTAC CourseSearch’.
  • Seek advice. Consult with career counsellors and teachers, or get in touch with us via phone or email. 
  • Stay updated: Don’t miss an email. Check your chunk, check your main, and check regularly.

Having a better understanding of VTAC process and the available options can affect your further learning and employment. Ensure that your choices are informed and well thought through, or in other words, ensure that your want and desire is a good match for what you want in life.