No. Students who complete the VCE Vocational Major (VCE VM) do not receive an ATAR. VCE VM is designed for students heading to apprenticeships, traineeships, TAFE and work. You can still get into university later through TAFE diplomas, pathway programs and other entry schemes that do not use an ATAR.
VCE VM key facts
- The VCE Vocational Major does not lead to an ATAR.
- VM studies are assessed as satisfactory or not satisfactory, not with the study scores VTAC scales.
- An ATAR needs at least four VCE study scores, one of them in English.
- VM students can still reach university through TAFE diplomas, pathway programs, the STAT and mature-age entry.
Why VCE VM does not give an ATAR
An ATAR is built from scaled study scores. The VM program is assessed as satisfactory or not satisfactory rather than through the study scores VTAC needs, so it does not produce the scaled aggregate an ATAR is built from. The VM is a full VCE certificate, just one that leads somewhere other than the ATAR.
Can VCE VM students go to uni?
Yes, though not through the ATAR. Common routes:
- TAFE diploma first. Many diplomas give credit into a related degree, sometimes a full year.
- University pathway and foundation programs. Many universities run programs for students without an ATAR.
- Non-ATAR entry schemes. Some courses admit on portfolios, interviews, aptitude tests or the STAT (Special Tertiary Admissions Test).
- Mature-age entry. After a gap from school, many courses no longer ask for an ATAR.
Read getting into uni with a lower or no ATAR for more detail.
Switching from VCE VM to an ATAR pathway
To get an ATAR you need study scores in at least four studies, including English, in the VCE. The English rules for every state are in can you get an ATAR without English. If you are thinking about switching, talk to your school's careers adviser early, because Units 3 and 4 sequences and prerequisites matter. How the ATAR is then built is explained on the VCE ATAR calculator page.
Is VCE VM the right choice?
It suits students who learn best through applied, hands-on work and want a trade, a traineeship or TAFE. The Mitchell Institute has found that more Victorian students are moving away from the ATAR pathway. Neither path is better; the right one depends on where you want to go. See does the ATAR matter.
VCE VM and the ATAR pathway side by side
| VCE Vocational Major | VCE with an ATAR | |
|---|---|---|
| Assessment | Satisfactory or not satisfactory | Graded assessments that produce study scores |
| Typical studies | VM Literacy, VM Numeracy, Work Related Skills, Personal Development Skills, plus VET | English plus at least three other scored Unit 3 and 4 studies |
| ATAR | No | Yes, if eligible |
| Common next steps | Apprenticeships, traineeships, TAFE, work | University, TAFE, work |
| Route to uni | TAFE diploma, pathway program, STAT, later entry | Direct entry on selection rank |
VCE VM myths
- "VM is not a real VCE." It is a VCE certificate. It leads to different places.
- "VM rules out university for good." No. Diplomas, pathway colleges and later-entry schemes are open to VM graduates.
- "You can switch to an ATAR any time." Switching late is hard because you need scored Unit 3 and 4 studies, including English. Talk to your school early.
FAQ
Do VCE VM students get an ATAR?
No. VCE VM does not lead to an ATAR.
Can VCE VM go to uni?
Yes, through TAFE diplomas, pathway programs, alternative entry schemes or later as a mature-age applicant.
Should I do VCE or VM?
Choose the VCE with study scores if you want a direct ATAR route to uni. Choose VM if you want an applied program leading to TAFE, an apprenticeship or work. Talk to your careers adviser before deciding.
Is VCE VM easier than VCE?
It is different, not easier. VM is applied and hands-on and assessed as satisfactory or not satisfactory. The ATAR pathway is graded and ranked against the state.