Learn your applicant category

Introduction

When applying for courses, you need to know your applicant category to identify the course requirements that apply to you. Course requirements are listed in CourseSearch under “essential requirements and admissions criteria”.

The applicant categories used in CourseSearch are applicants with:

Recent secondary education (Currently studying Year 12 in 2025)
Recent secondary education (Completed Year 12 in 2023 or 2024)
Higher education studies
Vocational education and training (VET) studies
Work and life experience

These categories have been defined by the Australian Government. If you have more than one qualification, your category will generally reflect the highest level of education previously completed or undertaken.

Terms and conditions

By proceeding I accept and acknowledge that I had read and understood these .

Your responses

Step 1: Secondary education

When did you last attempt/complete an Australian Year 12 or equivalent?

Please note the following as examples of an Australian Year 12: VCE, VCE VM, VCAL, HSC, SACE, QCE, WACE and IB. If you have studied overseas, please click here for a list of international qualifications equivalent to an Australian Year 12.

I will be completing an Australian Year 12 or equivalent this year
I successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or equivalent in 2023 or 2024
I successfully completed an Australian Year 12 or equivalent in 2022 or earlier
I have not completed an Australian Year 12 or equivalent

Step 2: Post-secondary education

Since leaving your secondary school or provider, have you undertaken, in full or partially, a post-secondary study at Certificate IV (VET), Diploma, Advanced Diploma, Associate Degree, Bachelor's Degree or higher? Yes No

Step 3: Post-secondary education type

Please select the statement that best identifies the post-secondary study you have undertaken since leaving your secondary school or provider. I have undertaken, in full or partially, a higher education study or course I have undertaken, in full or partially, a vocational education and training (VET) study or course outside of secondary schooling. I have undertaken, in full or partially, both a higher education and vocational education and training (VET) study or course outside of secondary schooling.