Early school leavers

We offer a wide range of programs for early school leavers, run by our TAFE division.
Find preparation courses

Prepare to enter a TAFE or university course, or gain confidence to apply for jobs.

Are you a student aged 16–19 who hasn't completed Year 11 or Year 12, or equivalent?

We can help you achieve your immediate goal – whether that is finding work, gaining a trade, or starting a pathway into further education.

We offer a wide range of programs for early school leavers, run by our TAFE division.

Course options for early school leavers

We have set the minimum age to study at 16 for all courses. This means that you must be aged 16 years or older, or have completed a Year 10 course of study or equivalent, to enrol with us. There may be exemptions in some circumstances. Contact us to discuss your particular situation.

Pathways into further education

We offer connections between courses that help you move from TAFE courses through to undergraduate courses (bachelor degrees) at VU. We call these connections between courses ‘pathways’.

Pathways can put your dream qualification within reach, regardless of your educational background. Many of our TAFE courses are also structured to offer you credit for future study. This means you might be able to finish your next course faster.

Read more about pathways at VU

Meet our students

Morteza Malekshahi
From EAL to nursing: how Morteza found his path
22492VIC Certificate IV in EAL (Further Study) (now 22646VIC Certificate IV in EAL (Further Study)), Diploma of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing
"All the teachers and staff were really, really supportive. They really understand our conditions and situations. They are very knowledgeable. "
Morteza's story
 Adam Furey
From the hallways of VU to employment in hospitality
Certificate I in Transition Education 22301VIC
"I've had work placements and gained skills and confidence working in garden maintenance, retail and supermarkets, cabinet making and hospitality. "
I've had work placements and gained skills and confidence working in garden maintenance, retail and supermarkets, cabinet making and hospitality.
Lannie O'Keefe.
From early school leaver to university teacher
Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Nutrition and Food Sciences)
"My goal in returning to study was to be an example for my children and change the future for my family. VU was accepting, flexible, listened to me and had empathy for my needs. I was offered social and financial support and even counselling sessions."
My goal in returning to study was to be an example for my children and change the future for my family. VU was accepting, flexible, listened to me and had empathy for my needs. I was offered social and financial support and even counselling sessions.
Bryce Williamson.
Prize-winning plumber
Certificate III in Plumbing CPC32420, Certificate IV in Plumbing and Services CPC40920
"The resources at VU are excellent and I’ve received so much help from the staff - it’s a great place to study. "
The resources at VU are excellent and I’ve received so much help from the staff - it’s a great place to study.