How to change your course preferences

Want to change your preferences but don’t know where to start? Read our step-by-step guide to take the mystery out of the process.

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When can I change my preferences?

You can change your course preferences between offer rounds as many times as you choose during the specified periods. Check the VTAC website to get the latest dates.

During the change of preference period, you will be able to add, remove or re-order your course preferences in your course application.

Why should I change my preferences?

You may want to change your preferences if:

  • you have changed your mind about which course you most want to study
  • a new course has become available
  • a course you had applied for has been cancelled

Your course preference list should be in the order of what you would most like to study – treat it like your wish list, with your highest preference at the top. If you don’t list courses in the order you most want to study, then you may end up missing out.

Once you have received an offer you cannot delete that course from your preferences. However, you can move it up or down your list, change the order of your other preferences or add new courses.

A 3-step guide to changing your preferences

  • Login to your VTAC account

    As your first step, you will need to log in to your VTAC account.

    At the login screen, you will be asked to enter your unique VTAC ID and PIN, so make sure you have this available.

  • Navigate to your course preferences

    Once you’ve successfully logged in to your VTAC account, you’ll need to open your course preference link from your home screen.

    You can also navigate to your preference list by navigating to the course application section of your home screen.

  • Submit your changes

    When you’ve navigated to your course preference list, you can add, delete or change the order of your preferences.

    • Add new courses by using the institution and course drop-down menu or searching for the course using the course code.
    • Delete existing courses by clicking on the red X to the right of each line.
    • Re-order your existing courses by using the up and down arrows to the right of each line.

    Don't forget to list courses in the order you would most like to study them, with the course you want to get into the most at the top.

    Make sure you also check the course prerequisite subjects and extra requirements –you will need to meet these to be eligible for the course.

    To lock in your changes, simply click on the ‘change my preference’ button located near the bottom of your screen.

Want help with your decision?

We’re here to help you make your choice the right one. Drop into one of our five campuses for personalised one-on-one support or go on a guided campus tour.

FAQ

VTAC is the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre. VTAC is a portal that will enable you to submit up to eight course preferences in order from your most desired, to your least. You will then receive offers based on the selection criteria and requirements of the courses you have applied for.

Applying to VTAC also means you don’t have to apply to each university separately – so you’ll ever only need to fill in one application for all universities.

Most La Trobe University courses are available through VTAC application.

Learn more about VTAC

Pathways help you get into your chosen course by enrolling into another qualification after you finish high school.

For example, you may complete a La Trobe Diploma or a TAFE Diploma as one pathway to a Bachelor's degree or start a related La Trobe degree and transfer into your chosen course.

An Entry Program at La Trobe provides various ways to boost your application with the aim of getting an offer into your preferred course. These options can involve additional study in high school or alternatives to the traditional ATAR entry, such as athletic, work or community experience.

Learn more about pathways and entry programs

The Change of Preference period is a short window of time where you can add, remove or re-order your preferences.

During this period, you can change preferences as often as you like within the specified times. It is important to ensure that you have met all specified prerequisites and extra requirements for any course you have added to your preference list.

Yes, your course preference list should be in the order you would most like to study, treat it like your wish list, with your highest preference at the top.

If you don’t list courses in the order that you most want to study them, then you may end up missing out on the course you most want to do.

There is no cost involved in changing your preferences. As long as you pay your course application processing fee, you can change your preferences as much as you like within the specified periods.

At La Trobe University,there’s more than one way into your dream course. If you don’t meet the requirements for your preferred course, there are pathways and entry programs that can lead you to this course.

Learn more about pathways and entry programs

You can have up to eight preferences. However, you don’t have to apply for 8 courses, you can decide to have fewer.

Visit our Year 12 Hub

Browse courses, hear from real students, get support and explore pathway tools.

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