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What are prerequisites?

Prerequisites are studies you must have completed to be eligible for selection to a course. Most prerequisites for courses in CourseSearch are Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) studies.

Units 1 and 2 prerequisites

If a course specifies Units 1 and 2 of a study as prerequisites, this means that a satisfactory result must be awarded in both units.

Units 3 and 4 prerequisites

If a course specifies Units 3 and 4 of a study as prerequisites, this means that a minimum VCE study score of 10 is required, with at least two graded assessments higher than UG. Some courses specify a higher VCE study score.

Example prerequisite statement

Prerequisites: Units 3 and 4 — a study score of at least 30 in English (EAL) or 25 in any other English

A statement like this means that before you are eligible to be selected for this course, you must have achieved a study score of at least 30 if you completed English (EAL) or a study score of at least 25 in any other English (English, English Language, Literature) at Units 3 and 4 level.

Study scores listed for prerequisite studies are VCE study scores, not the VTAC scaled scores.

Where do I find prerequisites?

CourseSearch

Prerequisites are listed in each course description within CourseSearch. When you look at a course description you will need to select an applicant group to view the 'Essential requirements and admission criteria'. 

These are:

  • a current Year 12 student (2025)
  • a recent secondary graduate (2023 or 2024)
  • an applicant with higher education study
  • an applicant with VET study, or
  • an applicant with work and life experience.

Prerequisites may be listed under ‘Essential requirements for selection and application’ or ‘Admission criteria’.

Using the VCE Prerequisite Explorer

The VCE Prerequisite Explorer in CourseSearch is designed so that students in Years 10 to 12  can enter their actual or proposed VCE program or a specific VCE study and see which courses that program or VCE study meets the prerequisites for.

If you are studying Year 12, you can find courses for which you meet the prerequisites by entering your current VCE studies.

If you are studying Year 10 or Year 11, you can try different combinations of Unit 3 and 4 studies to compare how each VCE program affects which courses you meet the prerequisites for. 

Year 11 students can download a PDF of the prerequisites for 2027.

Year 10 students can access the web page of prerequisites for 2028. This list is regularly updated.

Do I need to meet the prerequisites?

Prerequisites generally apply to all applicants, unless otherwise specified. If you do not meet the prerequisites for a course you want to study, speak to the institution about pathway courses that will allow you to complete a prerequisite study or equivalent. 

Equivalent prerequisites for interstate and International Baccalaureate (IB)

Most prerequisite studies for courses in CourseSearch are written using the Victorian study name.

To find equivalent studies for interstate and International Baccalaureate (IB), download the Interstate subject guide to Victorian prerequisites from the Reports and statistics page. If you are currently studying in another Australian state, or studying the International Baccalaureate (IB), you can use the Subject conversion tool to check which studies from your home curriculum will meet Victorian prerequisites.

To convert the subject score required to meet Victorian course prerequisites into the equivalent for interstate or International Baccalaureate (IB) studies, view the Prerequisite score conversions from the Reports and statistics page.

For further information about equivalent studies or scores please check institution websites or contact the relevant faculty at the institution.