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Change of Preference
Timely VTAC applications are now open, and close Monday 30 September. 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.
Ready to preference Swinburne? Head to the VTAC website to apply before Timely applications close.
If you’re a high school student preparing to start uni, you’ll know VTAC preferences are paramount when it comes to studying something you love.
Whether you’re looking to learn more about arranging your preferences during the timely window, want details on how VTAC works, or would like to access expert support and advice – you’re in the right place.
On this page you’ll find:
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.
What are Timely applications?
Timely is your first chance to apply for 2025 intake through VTAC.
By applying for courses during this early window, you can organise your VTAC preferences earlier and pay a lower application fee. Timely applications open Monday 29 July and close Monday 30 September.
Ready to preference Swinburne? Head over to VTAC now before Timely applications close.
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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 you want to get into them.
You can then use the various windows throughout December, January and February to alter your list and maximise your chances of an offer.
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Step 2: Your results are released
Once your Year 12 results are released in December, it’s time to 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 adjusting your preferences in time for the first offer round.
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Step 3: Contact Swinburne for expert and tailored advice
During the Change of Preference period, you’ll can visit Swinburne’s Change of Preference Expo or book a 1:1 appointment for advice based on your results. This is your chance to explore every option available to you and even get help adjusting your preferences right then and there.
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Step 4: And now we wait – for offers
Now that your preferences line up with your uni goals, it’s time to enjoy a much-deserved holiday break as you wait for offers to roll in, beginning with the December offer round.
Be sure to keep adjusting your preferences throughout the January and February offer rounds. Every Change of Preference window is an opportunity to maximise your chances of an offer.
Change of Preference dates
The ultimate handy guide to every offer round and Change of Preference window from December to February.
![2024/2025 Change of Preference (COP) Calendar](/content/dam/media/campaigns-restricted/Timely_2024_Web_assets_COP_calendar_icon.jpg)
2024/2025 Change of Preference (COP) Calendar
- Opens: Monday 29 July
- Closes: Saturday 14 December
- Offers released: Monday 23 December
- January round 1 opens: Monday 23 December
- January round 1 closes: Tuesday 24 December
- January round 1 offers released: Friday 10 January
- January round 2 opens: Friday 10 January
- January round 2 closes: Thursday 16 January
- January round 2 offers released: Tuesday 28 January
- February round 1 opens: Tuesday 28 January
- February round 1 closes: Wednesday 29 January
- February round 1 offers released: Tuesday 4 February
- February round 2 opens: Tuesday 4 February
- February round 2 closes: Thursday 6 February
- February round 2 offers released: Tuesday 11 February
- February round 3 opens: Tuesday 11 February
- February round 3 closes: Wednesday 12 February
- February round 3 offers released: Tuesday 18 February
- Results day: Thursday 12 December
- Change of Preference Expo: Friday 13 December
Please note: these dates refer to domestic offers for current Australian Year 12 students only.
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What I wish I Knew podcast
Want more for your ATAR? We got a VTAC expert, careers adviser and current student to spill their top tips for Year 12s in a VTAC podcast you won’t want to miss.
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Whose opinion matters when it comes to university?
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You are your ATAR (and other lies)
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A Day in the Life of a Swinburne Student
Want to know what uni is really like? Walk a day in a Swinburne student’s shoes with talks, presentations and hands-on workshops based on what you’re interested in studying!
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ATAR calculator
Ready to find your perfect course? Our ATAR Calculator matches your predicted or actual ATAR with a list of Swinburne courses available in your study area of interest.
Other tools
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Pathway Planner
Don’t forget, 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 pathway options.
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Campus tours
Book a tour of our leafy Hawthorn campus led by a Swinburne Student Ambassador to discover our study spaces and community hubs, and get a feel for life as a Swinburne student.
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Year 11 & 12 Hub
Preparing to make the exciting leap from school to university? Consider this your hub for everything you need to know – from exam prep to helpful resources on preferencing Swinburne.
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5 must-know Change of Preference tricks to maximise your VTAC offers
Want the inside scoop on Change of Preference? Here’s your guide to getting more offers and options with every offer round.
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2025 Early Entry Program
Want to be part of the next generation of change-makers and big-thinkers? The Swinburne Early Entry Program means you can apply early and ATAR-free, and start shaping the next gen_now.
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.