Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) - Senior
The course provides an accredited program of studies in the following five compulsory strands: Literacy; Numeracy; Work-related skills; Personal development skills; Industry Skills. Each learning strand contains accredited components drawn from VET qualifications, VCAL and/or VCE studies.
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Duration
1 year full-time
Intakes
Croydon (February, July)
Wantirna (February, July) - View application and start dates
Study mode
- Full-time

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Year 11 and 12 at Swinburne
Our Year 11 and 12 students share what it's like studying VCE, VET and VCAL at Swinburne.
Course information in detail
- Course detail and course structure.
Course description
The course provides an accredited program of studies in the following five compulsory strands: Literacy; Numeracy; Work-related skills; Personal development skills; Industry skills. Each learning strand contains accredited components drawn from VET qualifications, VCAL and/or VCE studies.
VCAL is delivered under the authority of the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA) and follows the policies and procedures outlined in the ‘VCE and VCAL Administrative Handbook 2019’. VCAL information for students and parents can also be found at the Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority (VCAA) website.
Course structure
- Literacy
- Numeracy
- Work-Related Skills
- Personal Development Skills
- Industry Skills (Industry options at Swinburne may include units from one of the following vocational certificates)
- Bricklaying
- Carpentry
- Electrotechnology
- Engineering
- Horticulture
- Landscaping
- Plumbing
- Allied Health
- Business
- Community Services
- Design Fundamentals
- Information and Digital Media (Games Focus)
- Laboratory Skills
- Media
- Retail
Careers and graduate outcomes
- Career opportunities.
Career opportunities
Swinburne VCE/VCAL statistics
The following statistics are sourced from Swinburne Student Management System, VCAA (VASS database) and 2020 On Track Survey.
Participation rate
VCAL (Intermediate) 66 students
VCAL (Senior) 58 students
VCE 80 students
Unit completion rate
VCAL (Intermediate): 70.5%
VCAL (Senior): 88.5%
VCE: 89.9%
Destinations of students (students who completed in 2019)

Pathways and scholarships
- Pathways, credit transfer, recognition of prior learning and scholarships.
Course fees and requirements
- Entry requirements and non-year 12 entry.
Course fees
Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning (VCAL) - SeniorEstimated course fees for 2021* |
|||
---|---|---|---|
Course fee options | Full course fee | Skills First Government-subsidised place | Concession rate |
Total Cost (GST Free) | $10,990 | $2,150 | $430 |
This course is delivered with state government funding.
You could be granted a Skills First government-subsidised place when you apply for this course. Check your eligibility now.
You may be entitled to apply for a fee concession if you meet the eligibility criteria. Concession rates usually provide eligible students with a discount on Swinburne’s standard tuition fees for a range of vocational education (TAFE) qualifications.
Concession rates for Diploma and Advanced Diploma programs are also available to Aboriginals or Torres Strait Islanders or Youth Concession students enrolled prior to 1 July 2012 and continuing the same course in 2013.
The eligibility criteria are set by the Victorian Government and assessed by Swinburne in accordance with government directives, which are subject to change at any time.
If you are not granted a government-subsidised place, you will be eligible for the full course fee. Check your eligibility now.
Indicative nominal course hours: 1,070.
Entry requirements
- 16 - 19 years of age
- Left school or leaving school
- Completed Year 11 VCAL or VCE. Equivalent qualifications or experience will be considered
- Committed and interested in obtaining a senior secondary qualification and completing a vocational course
How to apply
Find out more
Tel: 1300 SWINBURNE
Training Organisation Identifier (TOID): 3059