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A Parent's Guide to the VCE

The Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE) is the main senior secondary qualification in Victoria, taken by students in Years 11 and 12. It provides a structured academic program designed to prepare students for university, vocational studies, or the workforce.

VCE study scores range from 0 to 50, with 30 being the state average. A score of 40 or above places a student in the top 8% of the state. These scores contribute to the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank), which is used for university admissions in Victoria and across Australia.

A clear understanding of the VCE program—including units, subject choices, assessment, and post-VCE pathways—helps parents support their children in planning subjects, meeting requirements, and preparing for the next stage of education or work.

VCE Building Blocks - Units, Unit 3-4 Sequences, and Minimum Requirements

VCE studies are organised into semester-long units, which are the building blocks of the program.

Units 1 and 2 (Year 11)

These foundational units provide the knowledge and skills needed for more advanced studies. While Units 1 and 2 do not contribute to study scores or ATAR, they count toward the minimum 16-unit requirement to earn the VCE certificate.

Units 3 and 4 (Year 12)

Units 3 and 4 are offered as unit sequences, which must be completed together. These sequences form the basis for VCE study scores and ATAR calculation. To complete the VCE, students must take at least one Unit 3–4 sequence of English plus three additional Unit 3–4 sequences.

Minimum Requirements

Planning for High Achievement

Students aiming for university may take 5 to 6 Unit 3–4 subjects to maximise ATAR potential. A broad selection of Unit 3–4 sequences allows students to:

Some high-achieving students may also pursue VCE Baccalaureate (VCE Bacc) or Higher Education Studies (HES), which are only offered at select schools: - VCE Bacc recognises students who complete a broad and challenging selection of Unit 3–4 sequences, highlighting academic breadth and excellence. - HES allows students to take a first-year university subject during Year 12, providing early exposure to tertiary study and, in some cases, ATAR or university credit.

Careful planning with teachers and careers advisors is essential to ensure students meet both VCE requirements and their post-school goals. The following section provides an approximate overview of the subjects that can be studied as part of VCE certification.

What Can Students Study?

Choosing VCE subjects is a personal decision and can feel daunting. The question, “What do I want to do in life?”, is simple for some and far less clear for others. Parents, teachers, and career advisors all play a key role in guiding students and helping them build a robust academic program that aligns with their interests and goals.

Subject choices can also affect eligibility for certain university courses or training pathways. To get started, here’s a brief overview of typical VCE subject areas. Not all schools offer the same subjects. A full list of VCE subjects is available on the VCAA website.

Mandatory English

Every student must study English or an approved equivalent: English, English as an Additional Language (EAL), or English Language. At least one Unit 3–4 sequence of English is required to complete the VCE, ensuring all students develop strong literacy and communication skills.

Elective Subjects

Beyond English, students choose from a wide range of subjects, depending on school offerings. Typical areas include:

Some schools also offer VET (Vocational Education & Training) or other applied learning units. While these follow a different structure from traditional academic subjects, they allow students to develop practical skills and may contribute to additional qualifications.

How Are Students Assessed?

Understanding how the VCE is assessed can make the whole journey feel far less overwhelming. Whether you’re a student planning your pathway or a parent supporting one, it helps to know what actually “counts” and how each subject contributes to the final certificate and ATAR.

In the VCE, assessments fall into two broad categories: satisfactory completion and levels of achievement.

Satisfactory Completion

Every VCE subject has a set of learning outcomes. When these are met, the subject is awarded a satisfactory (S) result. This assessment is handled entirely at school by the classroom teacher. Satisfactory subjects count toward the VCE certificate, while not satisfactory (N) results do not.

Levels of Achievement

For students completing scored Unit 3–4 sequences, the next layer of assessment focuses on how well they perform - in other words, their level of achievement. Each scored subject includes three graded assessments that combine to form the study score, which in turn influences the ATAR.

A subject's graded components may include:

Grades range from A+ to E, and the combination of school-based assessments and external exams determines the student’s study score for that subject.

The General Achievement Test (GAT)

Students enrolled in one or more scored Unit 3–4 subjects must also sit the General Achievement Test (GAT). Although the GAT does not directly contribute to the study score or ATAR, it plays an important role behind the scenes. The GAT helps the VCAA ensure fairness by checking the consistency of school-based assessments, supporting statistical moderation, and providing evidence if a student requires special consideration. It assesses broad skills in reading, writing, numeracy and reasoning. Strong GAT performance helps validate a student's results and supports accurate scoring.

What Do Students Receive on Completion?

When students successfully complete the VCE, they receive several official documents that reflect their academic achievements. These nationally recognised documents provide a formal record of a student’s accomplishments and serve as verified proof of their learning and capabilities for post-school pathways.

Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE)

The VCE certificate confirms completion of senior secondary education and is often an entry requirement for university, TAFE, apprenticeships, or direct employment. The certificate is issued by the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA).

Statement of Results

Students also receive a Statement of Results, which records all units undertaken, including study scores, grades, and satisfactory completions. It provides a clear summary of academic performance for personal reference and for institutions that may request it. The Statement of Results is issued by VCAA.

ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank)

Students who complete scored Unit 3–4 subjects will receive an ATAR, a percentile rank that shows how a student performed relative to peers across Victoria. Universities use the ATAR to determine eligibility for courses, with higher ranks required for more competitive programs. The ATAR is provided by the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC).

Optional Qualifications

Some students graduate with additional credentials. Those completing VET studies may earn Certificates or Statements of Attainment alongside their VCE, issued by the relevant Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Students undertaking the VCE Vocational Major (VM) receive a certificate from VCAA recognising their applied learning pathway, supporting transitions into apprenticeships, traineeships, further training, or employment.