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High school subject selection

Get on the right track for starting uni

In Year 10 or 11? We're here to help you plan what to do after high school. Get help choosing the right VCE subjects so you can apply for your dream course at Deakin.

What subjects should you study?

Whether you're studying a Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), International Baccalaureate (IB) or the equivalent interstate certificate, choosing the right high school subjects is super important for getting ready for university. If you know what job you want, go for subjects that fit that career pathway. If you’re not sure yet, no worries – choose subjects that keep your options open.

Pick subjects you like

If you’re not enjoying your chosen VCE subjects, you’re unlikely to ace them in your final years of high school. So, don’t go rogue with a subject you have no interest in studying – choose subjects that align with your passions and your strengths.

Check entry requirements

Know what you want to study after high school? Brilliant! Just make sure you research the course entry requirements. For example, you’ll need to study specific maths subjects to meet the prerequisites of Deakin’s engineering courses.

Ask for help

Subject selection and study pathways can be overwhelming. Chat to your teachers, parents or caregivers, family friends and school career counsellors about the best fit for you. Our friendly Deakin advisers are also here to help on 1800 693 888 or via live chat.

Find your dream university course

Find your dream university course

Now’s the perfect time to explore the courses you’re interested in and see which match your interests or career goals. Even if you’re unsure, you can jump in and discover why Deakin is the #1 Victorian uni for course satisfaction.

Consider Year 10 work experience

Consider Year 10 work experience

Sign up for Year 10 work experience for valuable real-world exposure that helps you identify your strengths and interests. It can also help you figure out your future career goals and guide your subject choices.

How to prepare for VCE exams

Senior high school can be stressful. So, we pulled together some tips for navigating your VCE subjects and making the most of your final years of high school.

Healthy body, healthy mind

Try and get 30 minutes of exercise each day and eat regular nutritious meals. This helps to improve mood, memory, concentration and study performance.

Time management

Stay on top of your assignments by drawing up a yearly timetable showing when things are due. Use it to plan other social activities to help you keep a balance.

Exam preparation

Plan ahead for exams and develop regular revision blocks for each subject. To help stay motivated, give yourself a small reward when you achieve a study milestone.

Stress management

Break big assignments or projects into smaller, more manageable tasks to help you feel less overwhelmed. And don’t forget to get at least eight hours of sleep at night!

#1 Victorian university for student support

We’ve got a huge range of services to support your transition from high school to university – including help for Year 10, 11 and 12 students navigating VCE subject selection, VTAC preferences and more.

Attend a campus tour

Attend a campus tour

Join a student-led tour of our world-class facilities this September school holidays. Plus, have all your questions answered by our staff and students at the course information expo.

There's more than one pathway to uni

There's more than one pathway to uni

If you don’t end up getting the ATAR you wanted or don’t meet the entry requirements for your dream course – Deakin has a range of pathways to suit all types of circumstances.

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Rankings and footnotes

Deakin references data from a range of government, higher education and reputable media sources. For more information, visit our University rankings page.

We're here to help

Got a question about what VCE subjects you should study? Our friendly study advisers are available to speak to you one-on-one about your study options.

Domestic students
1800 693 888
Enquire online

International students
+61 3 9918 9188
Enquire online