Prerequisite Subjects
To enter into a university course you must complete the prerequisite subjects and acheive the required scores. The standard VCE score requirement is a 25 raw study score. The standard IB score requirements is a 3 for Higher Level (HL) or 4 for Standard Level (SL). Even with an ATAR of 99.95, you will not be able to study a course if you have not completed the prerequisite subjects or achieved the required scores.
Every course will require the completion of VCE 3/4 English (this can include English, Literature, English Language or EAL) or IB Language and Literature SL or HL.
In Victoria, University of Melbourne and Monash University have the strictest entry requirements. As a general guide, if you satisfy the prerequisite subjects for these universities, you will satisfy the requirements for other universities in the state.
Below is a summary of common courses and their prerequisites. This is designed as a guide. You can check the entry requirements for all Victorian courses using VTAC Coursesearch (please see guide for instructions). You can also view the Prerequisites for 2027 Guide, which provides all course prerequisites, ordered by University institution.
Using International Baccalaureate Subjects to Meet Prerequisites
The IB subjects offered at SCHS are designed to meet the prerequisite requirements for university courses across Victoria. Below table shows the equivalent IB subject for each VCE prerequisite subject. The VTAC Prerequisite Tool also shows IB subjects that satisfy each prerequisite requirement.
IB Prerequisite Example
Monash Bachelor of Biomedical Science requires VCE:
English
Mathematics Methods
Chemistry
An IB student can meet these requirements by studying:
Language and Literature SL/HL
Mathematics: Analysis and Approaches SL/HL
Chemistry SL/HL
COURSE LIST
Bachelor of Architectural Design
A Bachelor of Architectural Design can provide a shorter pathway to the Master of Architecture, which is required to become an accredited architect with AACA. Some architecture courses require a portfolio (e.g. RMIT Bachelor of Architectural Design).
Prerequisite Subjects: English
Related Subjects: Visual Communication and Design, Studio Arts, Media
Example Course: Monash University: Bachelor of Architectural Design
Bachelor of Arts
The Bachelor of Arts is a broad course, allowing students to study humanities. Majors can include History, Politics, International Studies, Sociology, Languages, Psychology, Media and Communications, Criminology, English, etc.
Prerequisite Subjects: English
Related Subjects: Global Politics, History, Economics, Psychology, Chinese, French, Latin, Legal Studies
Example Course: University of Melbourne: Bachelor of Arts
Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Biomedical Science (also called Biomedicine) is designed for students wishing to study the human body. These courses often lead towards research pathways. Please note Biomedical Science does not qualify students to be a medical doctors, but can provide pathways to graduate medical degrees.
Prerequisite Subjects: English, Mathematical Methods, Chemistry
Related Subjects: Biology, Health and Human Development
Example Course: Monash University: Bachelor of Biomedical Science
Bachelor of Business/Commerce
Business (also called Commerce) allows students to develop their knowledge in Accounting, Economics, Management, Finance, and Marketing. Some Business/Commerce courses do not require Mathematics Methods for entry.
Prerequisite Subjects: English, Mathematical Methods
Related Subjects: Accounting, Business Management, Economics, (Specialist Mathematics for Actuarial Studies)
Example Course: University of Melbourne: Bachelor of Commerce
Example Course without Mathematics Methods: La Trobe: Bachelor of Commerce
Bachelor of Computer Science/IT
Universities offer Information Technology, Information Systems and Computer Science courses. These courses focus on different aspects of computing. Some Computer Science/IT courses do not require Mathematics Methods for entry, but require 2 units of Mathematics.
Prerequisite Subjects: English, Mathematical Methods
Related Subjects: Computing, Specialist Mathematics
Example Course: Monash University: Bachelor of Computer Science
Example Course without Mathematics Methods: Swinburne University: Bachelor of Computer Science (requires any Mathematics)
Bachelor of Dental Science
La Trobe University offers the only undergraduate dentistry course in Victoria, located on their Bendigo campus. Students are not required to complete the Undergraduate Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) for entry.
Prerequisite Subjects: English
Related Subjects: Biology, Health and Human Development
Example Course: La Trobe University: Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours)
Bachelor of Design
The Bachelor of Design allows students to consider how design of materials, spaces and communication can assist the user to have a positive experience.
Major Options: Industrial Design, Spatial Design, Communication Design, Collaborative Design
Prerequisite Subjects: English
Related Subjects: Media, Studio Arts, Visual Communication and Design
Example Course: Monash University: Bachelor of Design
Bachelor of Engineering
The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) is a 4 year course resulting in professional accreditation. Within the course students can specialise in a specific field of engineering, including Civil, Mechanical, Aeronautical, Mechatronic, Electrical, and Chemical.
Prerequisite Subjects: English, Mathematical Methods, and one of Physics or Chemistry
Related Subjects: Specialist Mathematics, Computing, Algorithmics
Example Course: Monash University: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Example Course without Mathematics Methods: Victoria University: Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)(Mechanical) (requires any Mathematics)
Bachelor of Exercise Science/Sports Science
Sports scientists work with athletes to ensure peak performance. These courses can lead to coaching and conditioning roles in professional sporting organisations.
Prerequisite Subjects: English
Related Subjects: Physical Education, Health and Human Development, Biology
Example Course: Deakin University: Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Fine Arts allows students be develop their creative thinking. The course requires an audition, portfolio or interview for entry. Students can major in Acting, Theatre, Animation, Dance, Film and TV, Production, Screenwriting, and Visual Art.
Prerequisite Subjects: English
Related Subjects: Media, Studio Arts, Theatre Studies, Visual Communication and Design
Example Course: University of Melbourne: Bachelor of Fine Arts (requires Portfolio and Interview)
Bachelor of Laws
A Bachelor of Laws allows students to pursue registration with the Victorian Bar Association, and becoming a practicing lawyer. Please note some courses (Bachelor of Legal Studies) are not approved by the Bar Association.
Prerequisite Subjects: English
Related Subjects: Legal Studies
Example Course: Monash University: Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Bachelor of Medical Imaging
Medical Imaging and Radiography trains students to scan the body for injury or disease. There are four universities offering this type of Bachelor course in Victoria: Deakin, Monash, RMIT and CQU.
Prerequisite Subjects: English, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Maths, and Biology or Physics
Related Subjects: Chemistry, Health and Human Development, Physical Education
Example Course: Monash University: Bachelor of Radiography and Medical Imaging (Honours)
Bachelor of Medicine
Monash is the only Victorian university to offer undergraduate medicine. Entry into this course is extremely competitive and requires a 98+ ATAR, University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT) and an interview for entry.
Prerequisite Subjects: English, Chemistry
Related Subjects: Biology, Health and Human Development, Physical Education
Example Course: Monash University: Bachelor of Medical Studies/Master of Medicine
Bachelor of Music
The Bachelor of Music requires audition and interview for entry. The guide level for entry is AMEB Grade 7.
Prerequisite Subjects: English
Related Subjects: Music Performance
Example Course: University of Melbourne: Bachelor of Music (requires Audition)
Bachelor of Nursing
Students can also combine Nursing and Midwifery. The combination degree has the same prerequisite subjects as the Bachelor of Nursing, but a higher ATAR requirement.
Prerequisite Subjects: English, 2 units of General Mathematics or Mathematics Methods
Related Subjects: Biology, Health and Human Development
Example Course: Monash University: Bachelor of Nursing
Example Course without Mathematics: Australian Catholic University: Bachelor of Nursing
Bachelor of Nutrition Science
Students can study the link between diet and disease, leading to work as a nutritionist. Students can pursue graduate study to become a dietitian after this course.
Prerequisite Subjects: English, and one of Chemistry or Biology
Related Subjects: Food Studies, Health and Human Development
Example Course: Monash University: Bachelor of Nutrition Science
Bachelor of Physiotherapy
Physiotherapy can be studied at the undergraduate level at Monash, La Trobe, ACU or VU.
Prerequisite Subjects: English, and two of Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics Methods, Specialist Mathematics, or Physics
Related Subjects: Health and Human Development, Physical Education
Example Course: Monash University: Bachelor of Physiotherapy (Honours)
Bachelor of Psychology
Psychology can be studied within Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Psychology (Honours). These courses are the first step in the 6 year APAC Registration Pathway to becoming a psychologist.
Prerequisite Subjects (for Bachelor of Psychology or Bachelor of Arts): English
Related Subjects: Psychology
Example Courses: Monash University: Bachelor of Psychology (Honours)
Bachelor of Science
Science is a broad course, allowing students to specialise in a variety of science areas. At the completion of a science degree, students can pursue a research career through additional study (Honours, Masters, or PhD.) Please note some Science degrees do not require Mathematics Methods, but require completion of any 3/4 mathematics.
Prerequisite Subjects: English, Mathematics Methods, and one of Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Specialist Mathematics
Related Subjects: Computing, Psychology, Health and Human Development
Example Course: University of Melbourne: Bachelor of Science
Example Course without Mathematics Methods: Swinburne University: Bachelor of Science (requires any Mathematics)
Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry
Deakin University provides the only undergraduate Optometry course in Victoria.
Prerequisite Subjects: English
Related Subjects: Biology, Health and Human Development
Example Course: Deakin University: Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry