ºìõ¹åÉçÇø

ºìõ¹åÉçÇø Higher Education Studies (HES) gives eligible Year 12 students the opportunity to complete first-year university subjects alongside their VCE program. Choose from a range of units, learn from ºìõ¹åÉçÇø academics and gain experience that can support your transition to university.

Students from participating government schools should first apply through the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) during the application period. If your CHES application is successful, you’ll then be invited to complete your enrolment through the ºìõ¹åÉçÇø application portal.

How does the program run?

University study alongside your VCE

Higher Education Studies (HES) are first-year ºìõ¹åÉçÇø university subjects you can complete alongside your VCE. You’ll experience university-style learning, assessments and expectations while still receiving support through your secondary school.


Flexible delivery with expected engagement

HES units use a blended learning approach, combining on-campus sessions with online learning. You’ll be expected to actively participate, helping you develop the independence, confidence and study skills needed for university.

Delivery may vary depending on the unit and year.


Additional support through CHES

Through ºìõ¹åÉçÇø’s partnership with the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES), you’ll receive additional academic and transition support. This includes guidance from CHES staff, access to learning platforms and opportunities to connect with other students.
 

Get support from ºìõ¹åÉçÇø academics and build confidence in your university studies.
Get a taste of university life before starting your degree.

Benefits of Higher Education Studies

Strengthen your ATAR pathway

Contributes ATAR points as a fifth or sixth subject, adding 3 to 5 points to the ATAR aggregate.

Earn credit toward future study

Complete first-year university subjects that may count toward a related ºìõ¹åÉçÇø degree.

Learn like a ºìõ¹åÉçÇø student

Experience university-level learning with ºìõ¹åÉçÇø academics and build confidence for your future.

Be supported every step of the way

Access academic guidance and transition support through ºìõ¹åÉçÇø and CHES to help you feel ready for university.

Join a community of high achievers

Connect with motivated students across Victoria and build networks before starting university.

Units on offer (2027)

ºìõ¹åÉçÇø Higher Education Studies units are first-year university subjects available to eligible Year 12 students as part of their VCE program. Units are delivered by ºìõ¹åÉçÇø academics and listed by semester below.

Note: Units offered through ºìõ¹åÉçÇø Higher Education Studies may change from year to year. Availability is subject to eligibility requirements, demand and academic approval.

Who can apply?

Government school students (Apply through CHES)

Eligible government school students typically access ºìõ¹åÉçÇø Higher Education Studies through the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES). CHES works with ºìõ¹åÉçÇø and schools to support students through the application process and throughout their HES experience.

Speak with your school or CHES coordinator to learn more about eligibility and how to apply.

Non-government school students (Apply directly to ºìõ¹åÉçÇø)

While this program is currently only available to government school students, we expect to open applications for non-government school students in the near future.

Key dates

  • CHES applications open

    29 May 2026

  • CHES applications close

    21 August 2026

  • Semester 1

    1 March – 30 May 2027

  • Census date semester 1

    30 March 2027

  • Semester 2

    2 August – 31 October 2027

  • Census date semester 2

    31 August 2027

Student support

All ºìõ¹åÉçÇø HES students have access to ºìõ¹åÉçÇø’s student support services, including academic skills and course‑related assistance.

StudentHQ is ºìõ¹åÉçÇø’s central support service and can help with:

Enrolment and unit queries

Timetables and key dates

Course and study questions

Frequently asked questions

Higher Education Studies are first‑year university subjects that eligible Year 12 students complete as part of their VCE. They allow students to experience university‑level learning while still at school.

Yes. A Higher Education Study may contribute to your ATAR as a fifth or sixth study through an increment, subject to VCAA rules.
 

Average mark in HES units ATAR aggregate contribution Equivalent VCE study score
90-100% 5 points 50
80-89.5% 4.5 points 45
70-79.5% 4 points 40
60-69.5% 3.5 points 35
50-59.5% 3 points 30

Students typically study one HES unit per semester alongside their VCE program. Only one Higher Education Study can contribute toward satisfactory completion of the VCE.

HES is designed for students who are academically motivated, organised and ready to take on university‑level study while completing VCE.

Students should discuss their readiness with their school and family before applying.

HES units are delivered using a blended learning model, which may include on‑campus and online components. Students are expected to attend scheduled sessions and actively participate in learning activities.

Delivery arrangements may vary by unit.

HES units are taught by ºìõ¹åÉçÇø academics and use the same curriculum, assessment and academic standards as first‑year university subjects.

Students have access to ºìõ¹åÉçÇø academic and student support services, including study skills and course‑related assistance.

Students studying through CHES also receive additional program and transition support through CHES.

Government school students usually apply for ºìõ¹åÉçÇø HES through CHES. Your school or CHES coordinator can advise on eligibility and the application process.

Participation for non-government school students is currently being finalised. Further details on how to apply will be available on this page once confirmed.

Withdrawing from a HES unit may have VCE and academic implications. Students should seek advice as early as possible through CHES or ºìõ¹åÉçÇø support services before deciding.

Contact us