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.
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.
Step 2: Your results are released
With your Year 12 results in hand, 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 chance to review and adjust your preferences so they align with your study goals.
Step 3: Contact Swinburne for expert and tailored advice
Book in a 1:1 appointment for VTAC support and guidance based on your results, from course options to help adjusting your preferences.
Step 4: And now we wait – for offers
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.
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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.
-
Step 2: Your results are released
With your Year 12 results in hand, 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 chance to review and adjust your preferences so they align with your study goals.
-
Step 3: Contact Swinburne for expert and tailored advice
Book in a 1:1 appointment for VTAC support and guidance based on your results, from course options to help adjusting your preferences.
-
Step 4: And now we wait – for offers
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.
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ATAR calculator
Our ATAR Calculator matches your predicted or actual ATAR with a list of Swinburne courses available to you. Find your perfect course now.
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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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When I knew Swinburne was right for me
In their own words, here’s why some current students and recent graduates knew Swinburne was the uni for them.
You are your ATAR (and other lies)
Sorting truth from fiction when it comes to universities isn’t easy but fear not because Swinburne students Arlo and Bianca-Jaye have put together the ultimate myth-busting guide to life beyond high school.
How do I choose a course that’ll get me a job?
Want a university course that’ll set you on the path to your dream career? Here’s how to nail your choice.
Whose opinion matters when it comes to university?
From a grain to a bucketload, here's how much salt you should take with the advice of others when it comes to choosing a uni course.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
When I knew Swinburne was right for me
In their own words, here’s why some current students and recent graduates knew Swinburne was the uni for them.
-
You are your ATAR (and other lies)
Sorting truth from fiction when it comes to universities isn’t easy but fear not because Swinburne students Arlo and Bianca-Jaye have put together the ultimate myth-busting guide to life beyond high school.
-
How do I choose a course that’ll get me a job?
Want a university course that’ll set you on the path to your dream career? Here’s how to nail your choice.
-
Whose opinion matters when it comes to university?
From a grain to a bucketload, here's how much salt you should take with the advice of others when it comes to choosing a uni course.
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.