Where it fits › South Australia and NT
Where does VET fit? · South Australia
VET can make up most of your SACE, and part of your ATAR.
In South Australia, VET can earn up to 150 of the 200 SACE credits. A completed Certificate III or above can count in the ATAR, and a Certificate IV or Diploma can also be used to apply to university in its own right. The Northern Territory’s NTCET follows the same SACE rules.
Stage 1 and Stage 2
SACE subjects + your VET qualification
↓
1 · SACE
VET counts towards finishing school
The SACE is built from credits: 10 for a semester subject, 20 for a full year. Of all senior certificates, it gives VET the most room.
200
credits needed for the SACE
60
or more of them at Stage 2, beyond the compulsory subjects
150
the most that can come from VET
Compulsory subjects (50 credits)
Exploring Identities and Futures
10 · Stage 1
Literacy (English)
20
Numeracy (Mathematics)
10
Activating Identities and Futures
10 · Stage 2
C or better at Stage 1, C− or better at Stage 2. VET does not replace these.
How VET turns into credits
Completed VET is recognised in the SACE, including whole qualifications and individual units of competency.
Certificate I and II
usually Stage 1 credits
Certificate III and above
usually Stage 2 credits
Typically 70 nominal hours earns 10 credits. Check each qualification on the SACE recognition register.
2 + 3 · University
Two ways VET can help you into university
They work independently. A student can use one, the other, or both.
Route 1
Inside your ATAR
SATAC builds a university aggregate out of 90: your best three 20-credit subjects, plus a 30-credit flexible option. VET can sit in the flexible option as a Recognised Study.
20
20
20
VET 20
10
- Certificate III or above, completed and recognised at Stage 2.
- Up to 20 credits, and only one Certificate III or higher.
- Its scaled score is based on your own best subject results, so it is no shortcut, but it can replace a weaker subject.
Route 2
Its own way into university
Through SATAC, a VET qualification can be used to apply for undergraduate courses, with a rank based mainly on its level.
Adelaide University
Certificate IV or above meets the minimum for many degrees, with credit for a Diploma
Flinders
TAFElink: Certificate IV or above guarantees listed courses, and a Diploma opens more
Charles Darwin
Certificate III or above meets the undergraduate entry requirement
Some courses still need a Diploma, prerequisites or extra selection criteria.
Before you count on it
Finish it in time
For the ATAR, the qualification must be completed and verified in the year your ATAR is calculated, or earlier.
Check it is recognised
Only qualifications recognised at Stage 2 can count in the ATAR.
Guarantees name partners
Dual offers and set credit are often arranged with TAFE SA.
Check the year you apply
Admission rules change between years. Always confirm with the university.
Shafston School of Business · VET in Schools 2027. Sources: SACE Board, SATAC, Adelaide University, Flinders University and Charles Darwin University admissions information, checked October 2026.