Where to Now? 2027
Where to Now is your guide to senior secondary school pathways in Victoria.
This page will help you find information about senior secondary certificates available including pathway options, subjects and helpful explanations.
‘To every student preparing for their final years – we’re backing you all the way. Victoria has never had more options for young people ready to take on the world. University, TAFE, apprenticeships, traineeships, direct employment pathways – every path can lead somewhere great.
No matter what pathway you choose, I hope you never stop being curious, never stop growing, and never lose your love of learning.’
The Hon. Ben Carroll MP
Deputy Premier of Victoria
Minister for Education
Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)
The VCE offers a wide range of subjects and opportunities beyond school. It can include VET programs and can lead to an ATAR.
- You’re aiming for university entry through an ATAR or alternative entry program.
- You’re considering a TAFE or VET certificate course.
- You’re interested in an apprenticeship or traineeship.
- You want to get straight into the workforce after Year 12.
VCE Vocational Major (VM)
An applied learning program within the VCE. VCE VM includes specific subjects to build the skills you need after school and VET programs to develop practical skills.
- You’re considering an apprenticeship, traineeship or further education and training.
- You want to get straight into the workforce after Year 12.
- You’re aiming to get into university through a non-ATAR pathway.
Victorian Pathways Certificate (VPC)
A foundation secondary certificate for students who want an individualised program at a more accessible level than the VCE.
It can help you move into a senior secondary qualification (e.g. VCE), entry level VET courses or straight into a job.
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
VET allows you to do nationally recognised training as part of your VCE, VCE VM or VPC.
VET develops industry-specific knowledge and skills, as well as general skills for employment, training and further education.
Important information
Resources
Your school
Before you choose your pathway and subject preferences, talk to your career counsellor. They can help explain your
options and offer advice to help you to make the best decisions for your final years of school.
Online
Visit vcaa.vic.edu.au to find lots more info.
About special provision
If you want to complete the VCE (including the VCE VM) or VPC and you are affected by an illness or injury, have
an impairment or disability, or are impacted by factors relating to a personal circumstance, you may be eligible
for special provision. Ask your school about what’s available to help you successfully complete your VCE, VCE VM or VPC.
Allowances for personal circumstances or illness
If you experience circumstances immediately before or during your examinations that mean your external assessment results are unlikely to be a fair or accurate indication of your learning or achievement, you can apply for a derived examination score.
Find out more
Visit the student resources page
vcaa.vic.edu.au/student-resources
Department of Education
The Department of Education administers government school education, apprenticeships and traineeships.
www.vic.gov.au/vce
Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)
VTAC calculates your ATAR and has more information about tertiary course options.
vtac.edu.au