Change of Preference
Want to maximise your offers and get more from your ATAR? Use our resources to find the best way to organise your VTAC preferences for every offer round.
The Change of Preference period has closed
Keep an eye on this page for updates on the upcoming 2025 Change of Preference period. In the meantime, feel free to check out the Year 11 & 12 Hub for more handy resources.
Whether you’re looking to learn more about how VTAC works, want tips on navigating offer rounds, or would like to access expert support and advice – you’re in the right place.
What is Change of Preference?
Between August and February, there are various periods when you’ll be able to select and arrange your ultimate shortlist of dream uni courses – also known as your VTAC preferences. You might want to tweak your preferences because your results were better than expected, you’re considering alternative pathways to a degree, or just because you’ve changed your mind.
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Step 1: Submit your preferences
Part of applying to uni as a Year 12 student involves submitting your preferred courses via VTAC in the order of most-preferred to least-preferred.
Once your preferences are submitted, you can then use the various windows throughout December, January and February to alter your list if you need to.
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Step 2: Your results are released
Once your Year 12 results are released in December, you can evaluate your options.
Perhaps you did better than expected. You might be considering different pathways to your dream degree. Or maybe you’ve just had a change of heart. Here’s your first shot at rethinking your list.
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Step 3: Visit Swinburne for expert and tailored advice
During the Change of Preference period, you’ll be invited to Swinburne’s Change of Preference Expo to access straightforward course and preference advice.
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Step 4: And now we wait – for offers
Enjoy a hard-earned holiday break knowing your preferences are resembling your uni goals and wait until the offers roll in, beginning with the December offer round.
If you find that you’re still wanting to swap things in and out or up and down your list, there will be more opportunities to change your preferences throughout the January and February offer rounds.
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Pathway Planner
Many of our certificates and diplomas can be used as a pathway to bachelor degree study. If you have a destination course in mind, use our Pathway Planner tool to explore your options.
What would you like to study?
Articles and advice
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Get Hungry podcast
What’s the secret sauce to career success? We put this question to celebrated industry professionals over lunch in our podcast, Get Hungry.
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So you have your Year 12 results. Now what?
Three different scenarios, three different results day gameplans. Here’s what to do – and what not to do – on results day, depending on how you did.
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Your Change of Preference cheat sheet for every offer round
Trying to figure out Change of Preference, but feeling a little lost? Check out this step-by-step guide to navigate all six rounds like a pro.
Make Swinburne your #1 preference
My preference is real experience
At Swinburne, real industry experience is guaranteed in all our bachelor degrees. Build experience while you study with a placement, internship, or industry-linked project.
My preference is state of the art
Get more for your ATAR at Swinburne thanks to our world-class facilities, hands-on learning with the latest tech, and innovation in every study area.
My preference is finding my people
There's a club, sport or event for everyone at Swinburne. Find community, supportive mentors, and a built-in network.
Why Swinburne?
Ranked in the world’s top 25 universities under 50 years old
5-star rating for undergraduate student support and overall support
Industry-class facilities and real-world connections
Connecting people and technology for a better world
Want to chat about your options?
Get the right advice on courses, VTAC preferences, offers and more to help you take the next step. Call us on 1300 794 628 (option 2) or book a one-on-one appointment.