Swinburne Higher Education Studies (HES) gives eligible Year 12 students the opportunity to complete first-year university subjects alongside their VCE program. Choose from a range of units, learn from Swinburne academics and gain experience that can support your transition to university.

Students from participating government schools should first apply through the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) during the application period. If your CHES application is successful, you’ll then be invited to complete your enrolment through the Swinburne application portal.

Independent and Catholic school students

Participation for independent and Catholic school students is currently being finalised. Further details on how to apply will be available on this page once confirmed. For more information, visit the CHES website.

How does the program run?

University study alongside your VCE

Higher Education Studies (HES) are first-year Swinburne university subjects you can complete alongside your VCE. You’ll experience university-style learning, assessments and expectations while still receiving support through your secondary school.


Flexible delivery with expected engagement

HES units use a blended learning approach, combining on-campus sessions with online learning. You’ll be expected to actively participate, helping you develop the independence, confidence and study skills needed for university.

Delivery may vary depending on the unit and year.


Additional support through CHES

Through Swinburne’s partnership with the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES), you’ll receive additional academic and transition support. This includes guidance from CHES staff, access to learning platforms and opportunities to connect with other students.
 

Get support from Swinburne academics and build confidence in your university studies.
Get a taste of university life before starting your degree.

Benefits of Higher Education Studies

Strengthen your ATAR pathway

Boost your ATAR by completing a Higher Education Study as a fifth or sixth subject while you finish VCE.

Earn credit toward future study

Complete first-year university subjects that may count toward a related Swinburne degree.

Learn like a Swinburne student

Experience university-level learning with Swinburne academics and build confidence for your future.

Be supported every step of the way

Access academic guidance and transition support through Swinburne and CHES to help you feel ready for university.

Join a community of high achievers

Connect with motivated students across Victoria and build networks before starting university.

Units on offer (2026)

Swinburne Higher Education Studies units are first-year university subjects available to eligible Year 12 students as part of their VCE program. Units are delivered by Swinburne academics and listed by semester below.

Note: Units offered through Swinburne Higher Education Studies may change from year to year. Availability is subject to eligibility requirements, demand and academic approval.

Who can apply?

Government school students (Apply through CHES)

Eligible government school students typically access Swinburne Higher Education Studies through the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES). CHES works with Swinburne and schools to support students through the application process and throughout their HES experience.

Speak with your school or CHES coordinator to learn more about eligibility and how to apply.

Independent and Catholic school students (Apply directly to Swinburne)

While this program is currently only available to government school students, we expect to open applications for independent and Catholic school students in the near future.

Key dates

Student support

All Swinburne HES students have access to Swinburne’s student support services, including academic skills and course‑related assistance.

StudentHQ is Swinburne’s central support service and can help with:

Enrolment and unit queries

Timetables and key dates

Course and study questions

Frequently asked questions

Higher Education Studies are first‑year university subjects that eligible Year 12 students complete as part of their VCE. They allow students to experience university‑level learning while still at school.

Yes. A Higher Education Study may contribute to your ATAR as a fifth or sixth study through an increment, subject to VCAA rules.
 

Average mark in HES units ATAR aggregate contribution Equivalent VCE study score
90-100% 5 points 50
80-89.5% 4.5 points 45
70-79.5% 4 points 40
60-69.5% 3.5 points 35
50-59.5% 3 points 30

Students typically study one HES unit per semester alongside their VCE program. Only one Higher Education Study can contribute toward satisfactory completion of the VCE.

HES is designed for students who are academically motivated, organised and ready to take on university‑level study while completing VCE.

Students should discuss their readiness with their school and family before applying.

HES units are delivered using a blended learning model, which may include on‑campus and online components. Students are expected to attend scheduled sessions and actively participate in learning activities.

Delivery arrangements may vary by unit.

HES units are taught by Swinburne academics and use the same curriculum, assessment and academic standards as first‑year university subjects.

Students have access to Swinburne academic and student support services, including study skills and course‑related assistance.

Students studying through CHES also receive additional program and transition support through CHES.

Government school students usually apply for Swinburne HES through CHES. Your school or CHES coordinator can advise on eligibility and the application process.

Successful completion of HES units may provide credit toward a related university degree, depending on the course and institution.

Withdrawing from a HES unit may have VCE and academic implications. Students should seek advice as early as possible through CHES or Swinburne support services before deciding.

Apply via CHES Contact us