Apply for postgraduate courses
Find out how to apply for a postgraduate certificate, diploma or masters degree by coursework, as a domestic student.
How to apply for a postgraduate course
1. Choose your course
Browse our study areas to find postgraduate courses that match your interests and career goals.
On the course pages, you will find information about the subjects you will study, the practical experience in the curriculum and potential career paths.
Explore our courses by study area
2. Check the entry requirements
Refer to the 'entry requirements' section on the course page(s) to discover what is needed for a successful application.
'Additional information' lists items that are not part of the admission criteria but will still need to be met while studying.
After confirming your eligibility, create a list of required documents or selection tasks.
3. Consider special admissions
Through special admissions, we consider any difficulties you have faced when assessing your application.
Categories for special admissions are:
- applicant from rural or isolated area
- disability or medical condition
- disadvantaged financial background
- difficult circumstances
- mature-age consideration
- men and women applying for disciplines where they are under-represented
- recognition as an Aboriginal Australian.
You can apply for special-admission consideration during your course application.
4. Explore scholarships
We know how important it is to have financial security while you're studying. Our range of scholarships can help take the pressure off.
Some applications need to be made to an external organisation. Others can be made in the same portal as your course application.
5. Calculate your credit (advanced standing)
Credit is used to recognise your prior learning or work and life experience. It reduces the number of units that you have to complete in your chosen course at VU.
When applying directly to VU, you will be prompted to complete and upload an application for advanced standing. Otherwise, you will be able to apply for credit when enrolling.
Find out about credit applications
6. Gather your documents
Gather any evidence or information to upload during your application for courses, credit and/or scholarships.
Compulsory
You will need to apply for and supply a unique student identifier (USI).
Where relevant to you
Provide copies of documents, as originals won’t be returned to you.
- Study history – copy of official academic or completion transcript(s), and unit descriptions. Overseas transcripts should be certified and/or translated by a nationally certified translator.
- Work history – CV, position description, and/or employer letter outlining duties and time in the role.
- Statement of interest (up to 500 words) – outline your reasons for applying, and how your experience will help you suceed. You can also address any past academic challenges for readmission.
- Evidence for scholarships – eg: bank statement, invoice, arrears notice.
7. Apply
Click 'Apply' on the course page, or below, to get started.
In our application portal, you can apply for both courses and scholarships.
Select your course, and whether you would like to study full-time or part-time if relevant.
You will be prompted to complete your personal details, apply for special admissions and/or credit (advanced standing), and to upload any supporting documentation.
You can save the application part-way through and return to finish. You can also return to complete a scholarship application, following the prompts from the landing page.
When you've finalised your application, hit submit.
We will be in touch to let you know if your application was successful.
After you apply
Get support with your application & enrolment
VUHQ student service centre is your first point of contact for all students enquiries, before enrolling.
How we assess applications
Most postgraduate courses require applicants to have completed some higher education study, equivalent to Australian standards. Admission criteria vary – some courses require the previous study to have been in a related discipline, while other courses accept previous study in any discipline.
Certain courses will consider relevant work experience in place of a higher education qualification. For these courses, a detailed CV must be submitted and you may be asked for professional references.
For course-specific admission criteria and information about any additional selection tasks, please visit the relevant course page.