Many international students complete the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) as a pathway to university in Australia. The qualification is widely recognised by Australian universities and provides a direct route to undergraduate study through the ATAR system.

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Students who complete VCE gain an academic qualification equivalent to Australian secondary school graduation, allowing them to apply for universities across Australia.

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For a complete overview of the qualification, see our guide to Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE).

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What Is the VCE Pathway to University?

The VCE pathway allows students to progress from secondary school study in Victoria directly into university.

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After completing VCE, students receive:

• VCE Certificate

• Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR)

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Universities use the ATAR score to determine admission into undergraduate programs.

This pathway is similar to other pre-university systems such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) or A-Level programs, but it is designed specifically for the Australian education system.

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Can International Students Study VCE in Australia?

Yes. International students can enrol in VCE programs at selected secondary schools in Victoria.

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To study VCE as an international student, students typically must:

• complete Year 10 or equivalent education

• demonstrate English proficiency

• enrol in a registered Victorian secondary school

• obtain a student visa

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International students study the same curriculum as domestic students and complete the same assessments.

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How VCE Leads to University Admission

The transition from VCE to university follows a clear process.

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Step 1 – Complete VCE Units

Students usually complete:

• Units 1 & 2 (Year 11 equivalent)

• Units 3 & 4 (Year 12 equivalent)

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Step 2 – Receive an ATAR Score

At the end of VCE, students receive an ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank).

ATAR ranks students relative to other Year 12 students across Australia.

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Universities use this ranking to determine admission. Here Example: