What's next after year 10 and year 11?

What's next after year 10 and year 11?

Discover what's next after Year 10 and Year 11. Find your future career path, what to study after high school and what VCE subjects to consider.

Discover what's next after Year 10 and Year 11. Find your future career path, what to study after high school and what VCE subjects to consider.

Thinking about your future career?

Whether you've known your future career since you were 10, or you're feeling a bit overwhelmed with no clear idea yet, this page has all the advice, guides, and inspiration to help you choose your future career path so you can confidently navigate your final years of school.

Explore courses

Choosing a vocational course or undergraduate degree is an exciting step towards your future and with over 350 qualifications to choose from at RMIT, there's a course for everyone.

Search
It looks like you haven’t entered anything into the search field. Please enter a keyword or phrase.

Search

How to choose a course

Tips for choosing a course

  1. Make a list of your favourite subjects at school: If none seem to stand out, think about specific classes you enjoyed and why. For example, you might find chemistry difficult as a whole subject, but really enjoy the classes where you learn about bio-chemistry.
  2. Write down things that are important to you in a future job: Some examples might be flexibility, creativity, stability, enjoyability, salary and global opportunities. 
  3. Think about what you’re good at: What do you do in your spare time? Can you attribute that activity to a specific skill or strength? For example, if you’re a debating captain, your strengths might be in communication, leadership and advocacy. 
  4. Identify what you’re curious about: Are you already curious about a few career paths, or do you have broad questions like, “How does a product get onto our shelves?” 
  5. Check prerequisites: Some courses require you to study certain subjects in year 11 and year 12 to be considered for entry. 

Everything you need to know about ATAR

What is an ATAR?

ATAR stands for Australian Tertiary Admission Rank and it's number between 0 and 99.95 that measures your Year 12 results against other students in your age group.

What is a good ATAR?

While 99.95 is the highest ATAR rank a student can achieve, what makes a good ATAR is subjective and can be determined by a number of factors beyond the ranking itself.

What to do if your ATAR is lower than expected

Didn’t get the ATAR you hoped for? You’ve got more options than you think. Discover how to use pathways and adjustment factors to get into uni at RMIT.

Guaranteed ATAR

The Guaranteed ATAR allows you to know the likelihood of receiving an offer into specific courses in advance. RMIT offers a range of courses with Guaranteed ATARs (excluding adjustment factors).

Types of undergraduate degrees and vocational (TAFE) courses

Associate degrees

An associate degree is a two-year course that provides a solid foundation in a specific field. It’s a great option if you want to gain practical skills and knowledge quickly. This degree can lead directly to employment or be a stepping stone to further study, such as a bachelor degree.

Bachelor degrees

A bachelor degree is an undergraduate course that typically takes three to four years to complete. It offers in-depth knowledge and skills in a particular area of study. This degree is essential for many professional careers and is a prerequisite for postgraduate study.

Honours degrees

An honours degree is an additional year of advanced coursework and research after a bachelor degree. It deepens your expertise and is ideal for careers in research, academia, or as a prerequisite for postgraduate study.

Certificates

A certificate is a vocational or TAFE qualification that provides practical skills and knowledge for your academic and career goals. Studying a certificate at RMIT, ranging from Certificate II to Certificate IV, can open pathways to a bachelor degree without needing an ATAR score.

Diplomas and advanced diplomas

A diploma is a practical, skill-based qualification typically completed in one to two years. It prepares students for specific roles or industries and offers pathways for credit or guaranteed entry into a degree. An advanced diploma is a higher-level qualification that offers more specialised learning outcomes and training.

Apprenticeships and traineeships

Apprenticeships and traineeships combine training and employment, allowing you to learn on the job and earn money while studying a nationally recognised qualification. A school-based apprenticeship/traineeship lets Year 11 and 12 students start training while at school, allowing you to gain a qualification and potentially receive credit towards your VCE or VCAL.

Learn more about your undergraduate study options
Learn more about your vocational study options
Who wants to be an engineer?
Do you prefer bridges or engines? Who has more fun – a civil engineer or an aerospace engineer? Bring together skills and knowledge for a dynamic career in engineering. Play this game to find the right course for you.
Play the game
Thinking of studying business?
Are you destined to work in crypto accountancy or interplanetary finance? Discover your business strengths in the Biz-Quiz.
Take the quiz

Upcoming events

Upcoming campus tours

Tour one of our Melbourne campuses and explore our hands-on, industry-engaged facilities.

Book a tour

Virtual tours

Can't visit in person? Watch one of our virtual tours and discover what it’s like to study at RMIT.

Watch a tour

Experience life at RMIT

Get a taste of life after high school and become a Student For a Day at RMIT.

Register your interest

STEM workshops and events

We run a range of events and workshops for secondary students throughout the year.

Learn more

Career planning resources

TAFE vs university

Deciding which direction to take your future in should be based on your passions and goals. Both uni and TAFE are great options for what’s next, but the big question is: what is right for you?
Discover the difference

How to choose your VCE subjects

Your VCE is just around the corner, and further education is the next step. What subjects do you need to take in years 11 and 12 to make sure you're on track to achieve your career goals?
Tips for choosing the right VCE subjects

Your guide to VTAC and RMIT terms

Uni lingo can seem like an entirely different language sometimes, but with this glossary, you’ll be fluent in no time.
Learn the lingo

Career guides

It can be difficult to decide what career you might like from the course alone. Our career guides explore what your chosen profession involves, what working in the field is like, and detail clear steps to reach your ideal job - with input from RMIT experts working in the field.

View all career guides

More information

International students

Find out everything you need to know about applying to RMIT as an international student, including entry requirements, pathways, scholarships and more.

Parents

Is your teen preparing for their first year of uni, or interested in vocational education (sometimes known as TAFE)? Here's everything you need to know.

Year 12 students

We’re here to help and guide you through your RMIT journey, no matter where you’re at. Explore our hands-on courses and discover the steps to making your VTAC preference count.

Scholarships

Scholarships can help with all kinds of study costs such as textbooks, fees, accommodation and living expenses. RMIT awards more than 2,000 scholarships worth millions of dollars every year.

Contact us

Have more questions? Our friendly staff at Study@RMIT are available five days a week to assist you.

Alternatively, keep in touch with us to find out about study options, campus life and upcoming events on our social media channels.

aboriginal flag float-start torres strait flag float-start

Acknowledgement of Country

RMIT University acknowledges the people of the Woi wurrung and Boon wurrung language groups of the eastern Kulin Nation on whose unceded lands we conduct the business of the University. RMIT University respectfully acknowledges their Ancestors and Elders, past and present. RMIT also acknowledges the Traditional Custodians and their Ancestors of the lands and waters across Australia where we conduct our business - Artwork 'Sentient' by Hollie Johnson, Gunaikurnai and Monero Ngarigo.

Learn more about our commitment to Indigenous cultures