Whether you’re looking to learn more about how VTAC works, want tips on navigating offer rounds, or would like to access expert support and advice – you’re in the right place.
What is Change of Preference?
Between each offer round, there are dedicated windows where you can arrange your ultimate shortlist of dream uni courses – also known as your VTAC preferences – to maximise your chances of getting an offer.
During each Change of Preference window, you can:
add or remove courses on your preference list
switch around the order of your preferences
change your preferences as many times as you like, for no additional cost
continue adjusting your preferences after you've received or even accepted an offer.
You might want to tweak your preferences because your results were better than expected, you’re considering other courses or pathways to a degree, or you’ve simply changed your mind. By changing your preferences, you can increase your likelihood of receiving more offers for the following offer rounds.
What are VTAC preferences?
VTAC preferences are a list of up to eight university and TAFE courses you wish to apply for, ranked in order of most preferred. You can manage your preferences in your VTAC account.
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Step 1: Submit your preferences
Part of applying to uni as a Year 12 student involves submitting your preferred courses via VTAC in the order you want to get into them.
You can then use the various windows throughout December, January and February to alter your list and maximise your chances of an offer.
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Step 2: Your results are released
With your Year 12 results in hand, it’s time to evaluate your options.
Perhaps you did better than expected. You might be considering different pathways to your dream degree. Or maybe you’ve just had a change of heart. Here’s your chance to review and adjust your preferences so they align with your study goals.
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Step 3: Contact Swinburne for expert and tailored advice
Visit Swinburne’s Change of Preference Expo for personalised advice based on your results. This is your chance to explore your options and get help adjusting your preferences in time for the first offer round. You can also book a 1:1 appointment for VTAC support and guidance.
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Step 4: And now we wait – for offers
Keep adjusting your preferences throughout the January and February offer rounds. Every Change of Preference window is an opportunity to maximise your chances of an offer.
Note: international students are only eligible for offers during the December offer round.
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Change of Preference Expo 2026
Get confident about your next move. Join us at Change of Preference Expo on Friday 11 December to explore your options, get personalised advice from course experts, and adjust your VTAC preferences in time for the December offer round.
Why make Swinburne your #1 preference?
#1 in Victoria for full-time graduate salary
87.5% of students find jobs within four months of graduating
Real industry experience guaranteed in all bachelor degrees
Find your course
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ATAR Calculator
Our ATAR Calculator matches your predicted or actual ATAR with a list of Swinburne courses available to you. Find your perfect course now.
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2027 Early Entry Program
The only university in Victoria with ATAR-free entry for all eligible courses. Applications close Friday 27 November 2026.
Change of Preference dates
The ultimate handy guide to every offer round and Change of Preference window from December 2026 to February 2027.
- Change of Preference opens: Monday 3 August (9am)
- Change of Preference closes: Saturday 12 December (12pm)
- Offers released: Wednesday 23 December (10am)
January offer round 1
- Change of Preference opens: Wednesday 23 December (10am)
- Change of Preference closes: Thursday 24 December (12pm)
- Offers released: Tuesday 12 January
January offer round 2
- Change of Preference opens: Tuesday 12 January (2pm)
- Change of Preference closes: Wednesday 13 January (2pm)
- Offers released: Wednesday 27 January
February offer round 1
- Change of Preference opens: Wednesday 27 January (2pm)
- Change of Preference closes: Thursday 28 January (2pm)
- Offers released: Wednesday 3 February
February offer round 2
- Change of Preference opens: Wednesday 3 February (2pm)
- Change of Preference closes: Thursday 4 February (2pm)
- Offers released: Tuesday 9 February
February offer round 3
- Change of Preference opens: Tuesday 9 February (2pm)
- Change of Preference closes: Wednesday 10 February (2pm)
- Offers released: Tuesday 16 February
- VCE results day: Thursday 10 December (7am)
- Change of Preference Expo: Friday 11 December
Please note: these dates refer to domestic offers for current Australian Year 12 students only. International students are only eligible for offers during the December offer round.
Articles and advice
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What I Wish I Knew podcast
Want more for your ATAR? We got a VTAC expert, careers adviser and current student to spill their top tips for Year 12s in a VTAC podcast you won’t want to miss.
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Change of Preference Frequently Asked Questions
Learn everything you need to know about VTAC and applying to Swinburne, including arranging preferences, Change of Preference, offers, important dates and more.
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5 must-know Change of Preference tricks to maximise your VTAC offers
Want the inside scoop on Change of Preference? Here’s your guide to getting more offers and options with every offer round.
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When I knew Swinburne was right for me
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