2026 Early Entry Program

We’ll be in touch regarding the outcome of applications from the start of September.

You only need to apply once. Nominate the course that you would like to receive an early offer for in your Early Entry Program application. If you change your mind about which course you’d like to study, update your preferred course in your VTAC preferences and we’ll transfer your early offer to the course you’ve preferenced in VTAC. 

Note: 

• If you receive an early entry conditional offer for a course that included a school recommendation, it cannot be transferred to the Bachelor of Design (Fashion) due to the mandatory portfolio requirement.

No problem. All you need to do is update your VTAC preferences during the Change of Preference window so the eligible course you’d like to study the most is at the top of your list. You will then be considered for this course in the next VTAC offer round.

Note: 

• If you receive an early entry conditional offer for a course that included a school recommendation, it cannot be transferred to the Bachelor of Design (Fashion) due to the mandatory portfolio requirement.

You can apply for the Early Entry Program if you are an international student who is completing an Australian Year 12 qualification (such as VCE, HSC or an equivalent curriculum from another state). Note that international students cannot apply for course packages that contain diploma.

Unfortunately, you aren’t eligible for the Early Entry Program unless you are studying an Australian Year 12 qualification. However, you can contact us to learn more about your options for applying for a bachelor degree at Swinburne.

Yes, you can.

Yes, you can. You’ll need to complete VCE and achieve a score of 30 in EAL to be eligible for the Early Entry Program. 

Your recommendation can come from a school representative such as a Career Practitioner, your school’s principal or their delegate, or your year level coordinator

Yes. In order to receive a full VTAC offer, you must preference the Early Entry Program version of your course – including the correct VTAC code – as the highest preference on your VTAC application.

If you believe you could meet the Guaranteed Entry ATAR for a course, then we recommend including it on your VTAC preference list. However, if you’re applying for a course via the Early Entry Program, make sure to also preference this version of the course – including the correct VTAC code.

No. Students applying for courses through the Early Entry Program have different entry criteria to students applying via their ATAR.

Yes, you still need to complete VCE.

You must complete the scored VCE subject prerequisites for your chosen course (such as VCE English). Unscored VCE applicants may also be eligible, as long as you are completing scored English (along with any other subjects with specific study score requirements for your chosen course).

We recommend speaking with your Career Practitioner or teacher at your school about your application. They may want to have an ongoing conversation to better understand why you feel you would be suitable for the Early Entry Program.

If you’re unable to organise a recommendation, we suggest considering another pathway into Swinburne, like UniLink or the Special Entry Access Scheme (SEAS).

No. We do not record entry pathways on transcripts. You’ll be studying the same course as those who entered via their ATAR. 

There are two courses that include portfolio entry:

• Bachelor of Design (Fashion) – required
• Bachelor of Design – optional
  
  

You will need to have your completed portfolio ready to submit when you apply for the Early Entry Program. 

Your portfolio should include three to five examples of your work that showcase your interest, ability, and creative process. You can use a variety of different mediums.

Portfolios are submitted through SlideRoom. To submit your portfolio:

1. Access the Early Entry Program application portal and select your preferred course from the dropdown menu. 
2. A link to SlideRoom will appear. Click this link to open the SlideRoom portal.
3. Find your preferred course in the list of available programs. Make sure you click on the Early Entry Program version of your course.
4. On the next page you can view key info for your portfolio application, including the submission deadline, an early entry application question, and detailed portfolio requirements.
5. Click on the ‘apply now’ button to create your SlideRoom login and begin your application. You can also save your application and return to it later.

Once your portfolio has been submitted, copy the provided SlideRoom link to include in your Early Entry Program application.

Yes, you can. Follow the standard process to defer your offer.