University Extension Programs
Year 12 & VCE Co-ordinator: Ms Wendy Franken
P: + 61 9816 1219 E: wendy.franken@carey.com.au
The Program
Several universities in Victoria offer University Extension Programs, where a school student can take a university subject while still at school. These programs can take the place of another VCE school subject and contribute towards the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank or ATAR. They cannot be one of the Primary 4 Courses but can contribute as a 10% contribution.
The University Extension program gives the most able students the chance to extend their ability in a particular area during Year 12. Each student selected for the program is able to select an extra study in addition to their IB program or as part of their VCE program.
Normally students enrolling in university studies have demonstrated outstanding achievement. The particular requirements for the courses will differ between universities and between subjects being offered. Where students have not had the opportunity to complete the preparatory Units 3 and 4 sequence prior to enrolment in a university study, they may be recommended to the university on the basis of the school’s evaluation of the student's Year 11 performance.
Please note: The final selection of students for participation in a university study is made by the university at which the study is offered. ATAR Increment
Enhancement studies are reported on the VCE Statement of Results with a maximum of one study contributing to the Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank (ATAR) as a sixth study only.
The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) has advised that for extension studies there is a grading of the ATAR increment for any result of a pass or above.
IB students completing an extension study will not receive an increment toward their ATAR score.
A Higher Education ATAR increment is available for a Higher Education VCE Study if:
- the student is eligible to receive an ATAR;
- the student has satisfied the VCE study requirements as specified in the VCAA documentation.
- the student has passed the Higher Education VCE study.
The Higher Education ATAR increment is determined as follows:
- Where a student completes a Higher Education VCE study and the average mark over all units awarded is at least 90, the Higher Education Increment will be 5.0.
- Where a student completes a Higher Education VCE study and the average mark over all units awarded is at least 80 but less than 90, the Higher Education Increment will be 4.5.
- Where a student completes a Higher Education VCE study and the average mark over all units awarded is at least 70 but less than 80, the Higher Education Increment will be 4.0.
- Where a student completes a Higher Education VCE study and the average mark over all units awarded is at least 60 but less than 70, the Higher Education Increment will be 3.5.
- Where a student completes a Higher Education VCE study and the average mark over all units awarded is at least 50 but less than 60, the Higher Education Increment will be 3.0.
Subjects Available as University Extension Studies
The subjects offered by these institutions currently include:
The University of Melbourne: Advanced French, Advanced German, Advanced Japanese, Art History, Biology, French, Further Advanced Japanese, German, Hebrew, History and Philosophy of Science, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Literature, Mathematics, Philosophy, Physics and Psychology
Deakin University: Accounting, Architecture, Construction Management, Criminology, Disability, diversity and inclusion, Exercise and nutrition science, Food and nutrition, Health practice and research, Journalism, Law, Management and law, Management and marketing, Physical education and sport science, Psychological science, Public relations, Robotics and data science and Sport management.
Individual subjects are undertaken at a variety of metropolitan schools and in some cases, on campus at the particular institution. Some subjects require the completion of prerequisite studies or current enrolment studies. Specific information regarding location can be obtained from the VCE Co-ordinator. Application Procedure
Students wishing to apply for an enhancement study should initially register their interest on their Subject Selection form. Students are then required to attend a compulsory information session at the university and then submit an online application.
Enrolments open during Term 4. Cross Accreditation of Subjects
Students who pass a university extension subject may apply to have that subject credited at another university, providing they enrol in a degree course for which that study is a legitimate part. Credit for subjects completed at another university can only be granted by the university at which the student is seeking to obtain credit.
The programs which are currently being offered for 2026 are listed below:
The University of Melbourne Extension Program
The University of Melbourne runs a series of different subjects which can be taken as part of the VCE Program for high achieving students. These include languages, Mathematics and a range of different subjects. Generally, they require a student to have completed a related VCE subject in Year 11. Further information around the program, including the entry requirements can be found through the link below.
University of Melbourne Extension Program
Deakin University Accelerate Program
Deakin Accelerate is a program whereby VCE students can take 2 semester long units at university level which can then contribute points towards the ATAR. These can contribute credit towards a Deakin degree which also saves money on the cost of the degree. It is available to students who are high achieving and who have obtained above average Year 11 results, having achieved an average of at least 65%. You can read more about the program at Deakin Accelerate Program | Deakin and see a list of the subjects being offered at Deakin Accelerate study areas | Deakin
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