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Change of Preference

Changing your course preferences?

Put You first, with a uni that supports you.

How we can help during Change of Preference

Our team is ready to answer your questions. Get in touch by phone, book a consultation, or drop by campus for our Study Expo.
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Call us

1800 333 864

9 am–5 pm, Monday to Friday. Check out our extended Change of Preference contact centre hours below.

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First Nations help centre

Access dedicated Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander support and advice during Change of Preference. 

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Change your Preferences

If you're ready to change your preferences you can, through the VTAC website.

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Attend a Change of Preference Expo

Join us at one of our Change of Preference Expos on Friday 11 December, from 10am–2pm at all our HE campuses.

Extended contact centre hours

Thursday 10 December 2026: 7 am–7 pm

Friday 11 December 2026: 8 am–6 pm

Saturday 12 December 2026: 8 am–12 pm

What is Change of Preference?

Change of Preference are times where you can revisit and update your VTAC preferences. Whether you're aiming for a different course, a new campus, or just a change of direction, this is your chance.

Attend a Change of Preference Expo

Not sure about your next step? Join us at our Change of Preference Expo on Friday 11 December, from 10am–2pm, at our Berwick, Mt Helen or Churchill campuses.


Explore the campus, chat with current students and get one-on-one support from our friendly staff to help you make the right choice for your future.

How to change your VTAC preferences

You can apply for up to eight courses, ranked in order of preference. Here’s how to update your VTAC course preferences during the Change of Preference period:
Step 1
Log in to your VTAC online application using your VTAC ID and PIN. 
Step 2
Access your current course preferences from your homepage or the Course Application section.
Step 3
Reorder, add or remove courses based on your updated preferences. Arrange your courses as your wishlist, with the course you want to study most at the top.

Important considerations

  • You’ll receive one offer per round, based on the highest preference you're eligible for.
  • Be mindful of VTAC application deadlines and processing fees.
  • Be careful when deleting courses. If you remove a course with an early closing date, it cannot be re-added.

When in doubt, give us a call

We're here to guide you through your change of preference.
Call us on 1800 333 864

Change of Preference VTAC dates

Once you've completed your VTAC application, you'll be able to update your course preferences during key time periods, from July to December and again in January and February.

  • 10 December, 7 am: VCE results and ATAR release
  • 18 December, 9 am: IB Notional ATAR release

Change of Preference will be open during these VTAC offer rounds.

December offers

  • December offer round 1: 3 August, 9 am – 12 December, 12 pm

January offers

  • January offer round 1: 23 December, 10 am – 24 December, 12 pm
  • January offer round 2: 12 January, 2 pm – 13 January, 2 pm

February offers

  • February offer round 1: 27 January, 2 pm – 28 January, 2 pm
  • February offer round 2: 3 February, 2 pm – 4 February, 2 pm
  • February offer round 3: 10 February, 2 pm – 11 February, 2 pm

Please see VTAC Website for more information

VTAC Key dates 2026-27

Change of Preference pathways

Here at Federation, we’re about your future. Not your ATAR.

If you’re ready to study and have a course in mind, we’ll help you find the right pathway to get you there.

Accessible entry degrees
Get your foot in the door with our accessible-entry degrees. Transfer to your preferred degree in the second year.
FAST
FAST is a single-semester course that prepares you for university, with guaranteed entry into an undergraduate degree. 
TAFE Pathways 
Our TAFE pathways allow you to earn credit towards your undergraduate degree while building valuable skills.

Why put Federation first

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#1
in Victoria for Undergraduate student support
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#1
in Victoria for starting salary (undergraduate).
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#1
in Victoria for undergraduate teaching quality.
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1st
Co-operative university in Australia, connecting study with industry.

Change of Preference FAQs

Yes, you can. You can reorder, add or delete your VTAC course preferences during the Change of Preference period and make as many changes as you like while it’s open.

Change of Preference are periods of time after you've submitted your VTAC application when you can update your course preferences. It opens between offer rounds and closes temporarily when universities and TAFEs make their selections. After each offer round, it reopens for updates.

The order of your course preferences plays a key role in the university offer that you’ll receive. You’ll only get an offer for the highest eligible course in your list, so it’s important that you put the course you want to study most at the top.

If you don’t have an ATAR, we offer alternative entry pathways through the FAST program or TAFE pathways. Contact our support team to explore your options and find the best pathway for you.

If you are completing or have completed the VCE Vocational Major (VM), it is encouraged that you apply for an Early Offer in Federation Access Studies (FAST) as an alternative pathway to an approved degree.

You can reach out to our support team for guidance on updating your preferences or planning your degree. Contact us via phone, online, or visit us on campus for personalised support. 

Yes, we do. Every student has a unique background and that’s why we offer a Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS) designed to level the playing field. If eligible, SEAS can increase your selection rank for your preferred courses. We also provide a range of scholarships and grants to help with everything from books and laptops to general living expenses. Explore your options and find out what you’re eligible for here.

Have another question about Change of Preference?

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Chat

Chat with Finn, our AI assistant any time, or connect to our live team 9 am-5 pm, Monday to Friday.

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Call

1800 333 864

9 am - 5 pm, Monday to Friday

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Submit a question

Send us a question and we'll get back to you.