Most students in Victoria take VCE studies. This certificate:
- shows your child has finished their secondary education
- is often used to move on to study at university or TAFE
- is recognised internationally.
VCE subjects and structure
The VCE includes more than 90 subjects to choose from. Each school decides which VCE subjects they offer.
Most subjects are made up of four units which your child studies over two years (one unit per semester):
- Units 1/2 are usually studied in year 11. They can be studied as single units and don't need to be in a certain order.
- Units 3/4 are usually studied in year 12. They must be studied in a certain order (called a sequence) within the same year.
Students usually choose between 20 to 24 units over two years, but they can take as long as they need to complete VCE. If your child needs longer than two years to complete VCE, talk to your school for options.
Some schools also offer VCE units from year 10.
Read
VCE information at Youth Central for advice on how your child should choose their VCE subjects.
Graduating
To graduate VCE:
- Your child must satisfactory complete at least 16 VCE units.
- Three of the units must be in the English subject group.
- At least one of the English units must also be at unit 3/4 level.
- Your child must also satisfactory complete at least three other unit 3/4 sequences.
Each unit has outcomes which describe what students are expected to know and be able to do. Your child needs to demonstrate the outcomes to satisfactorily complete the unit.
VCE units are assessed through classroom activities and exams (in year 12). Exams are marked by the
Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority.
When graduating VCE, your child will receive a VCE study score and an ATAR score if they've applied to university.
VCE and going to university and TAFE
Some VCE units contribute towards an Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). This is a ranking number used for university entry.
Some university and TAFE courses are only available to students who have studied certain VCE subjects. Your child should think about what they want to study in the future when choosing their VCE subjects.
General achievement test
The VCE includes a general achievement test. This is a test of general knowledge and skills in:
- written communication
- maths
- science and technology
- humanities
- the arts
- social sciences.
Any students enrolled in units 3 and 4 of any VCE subject must sit the test. The results are used to check that the school is correctly marking tests and exams.