Where does VET fit?
One set of results. Up to three ways it can count.
Across Australia, VET counts towards finishing school. In some states it can also count in the ATAR. And a completed Certificate IV or Diploma can be its own way into university. The details depend on where you study.
See the rules for your state:
Year 11–12
School subjects + your VET qualification
↓
The levels: Certificate III, IV and Diploma
These sit within the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF), the national system that says how qualifications relate to one another. The higher the level, the more it can do for university entry.
AQF 3
Certificate III
Skilled work. Counts in the ATAR in some states.
AQF 4
Certificate IV
Specialised skills. The usual minimum for direct university entry.
AQF 5
Diploma
Further study. Higher selection ranks, and often credit towards a degree.
1 · Senior certificate
VET counts towards finishing school, everywhere
Every state and territory counts VET towards its senior certificate. How much it can count varies.
State
Certificate
How VET counts
Queensland
QCE
Up to 8 of the 20 credits from one qualification
New South Wales
HSC
Counts as HSC units: 60 hours is 1 unit
Victoria
VCE
Counts as VCE units, including by block credit
South Australia and NT
SACE / NTCET
Up to 150 of the 200 credits
Western Australia
WACE
Up to 8 of the 20 units; a Certificate II is one way to meet a core requirement
Tasmania
TCE
10 hours is 1 credit point, towards the 120 needed
Australian Capital Territory
ACT SSC
100 hours is 1 E unit; up to 8 units count
English, literacy and numeracy requirements still apply in every state. VET does not replace them.
2 + 3 · University
Two ways VET can help you into university
The ATAR route depends on your state. The second route works across Australia.
Route 1
Inside the ATAR, depending on your state
The ATAR is a national rank, but each state calculates it its own way.
Queensland
Certificate III or above can be one of five inputs
SA and NT
Certificate III or above, up to 20 credits
New South Wales
Board Developed VET, with the HSC exam
Victoria
Scored VCE VET counts; other VET adds a small increment
Western Australia
Does not count
Tasmania
Does not count
ACT
E courses add no score
Route 2
Its own way into university
Most universities accept a completed Certificate IV or Diploma as a basis for entry. Many turn it into a selection rank, separate from the ATAR.
ATAR
if you have one
and
Diploma rank
from the qualification
→
Many universities use
the higher one
Guaranteed entry. Some universities guarantee entry to listed degrees for a completed Certificate IV or Diploma.
Credit. A related Diploma can often count towards a degree, sometimes up to a year.
Grades matter. At some universities, graded results earn a higher rank.
Before you count on it
Rules differ by state
Check the page for the state where you finish school.
And by university
Each sets its own ranks, timing and guarantees.
Prerequisites still apply
A qualification does not replace subjects a degree requires.
Check the year you apply
Admission rules change between years. Always confirm with the university.
Which state are you in?
Ask us how it counts where you are
The pages above cover every state and territory. If your situation does not fit neatly, ask us — for example an interstate move or a part-finished qualification.
Tell us where you are and what you need to know. We will write back with the rules that apply to you.
We answer within one business day. No obligation to enrol.
Shafston School of Business · VET in Schools 2027. Sources: QCAA, NESA, VCAA, SACE Board, SCSA, TASC, BSSS, QTAC, UAC, VTAC, SATAC, TISC and University of Tasmania, checked October 2026.