As Victoria's Year 12 students nervously prepare for final exams and a stressful wait for ATAR scores to determine their future at university, about 200 relieved students already know they have a guaranteed place at Victoria University for 2020.
VU Guaranteed was launched in 2018 to schools mainly in Melbourne's west; but this year, the program has expanded to 114 schools across the state, including Geelong, Shepparton, Kyneton and Bendigo.
The most popular courses are health and biomedicine, education, arts, law and justice, and sport and exercise science.
Future Students Manager Kate Galati said the program does not compromise standards since students must meet admissions requirements for their nominated course. Those who don't meet requirements receive one-on-one tailored advice to help them map out other study options so they can still reach their career goals.
That could mean an alternative course or a pathway program via VU's TAFE division, VU Polytechnic.
Victoria University advises students of their acceptance within a week of applying, but students must choose VU as their highest eligible preference through the VTAC system.
Ms Galati said VU is among only a few universities in Australia to offer such a widespread early-entry program to help ease the stress and anxiety for secondary school students aspiring to university.
"We want these students to know that their goals and aspirations matter to us. VU Guaranteed ensures that students who are willing and motivated to study can access a course that will take them to their chosen career path, even before they finish Year 12," she said.
Year 11 students join program
Starting this year, Year 11 students at partner schools can also apply for VU Guaranteed and get an early jump on locking in a university place at Victoria University for 2021.
VU Guaranteed helps students feel connected to the VU family even before they start, with exclusive events for Year 11 students that provide insights into university life well before they graduate from secondary school, said Ms Galati.
Bachelor of Community Development student Arianna Ioannou, who applied through the VU Guaranteed program last year, said early confirmation of her place took pressure off her final year.
"Knowing that I had a guaranteed place was incredibly comforting and reassuring," she said.
Ms Galati said the decision to expand the program to schools outside Melbourne helps to support regional students.
Participating VU Guaranteed schools in regional Victoria
Bendigo
Bendigo Senior Secondary College
Geelong
- Clonard College
- Geelong High School
- Geelong Lutheran College
- Grovedale College
- Kardinia International College
- North Geelong Secondary College
- Northern Bay P-12 College
- Sacred Heart College Geelong
- St Joseph's College Newton
Kyneton
- Braemar College
- Gisborne Secondary College
- Kyneton Secondary College
- Sacred Heart College Kyneton
Shepparton
Notre Dame College
Mildura
Mildura Secondary College
