Missed their ATAR? A parent’s guide to VTAC Change of Preference
The end of Year 12 brings a whole array of mixed feelings for you as a parent. You’re excited as your teen celebrates with friends, relieved the exam pressure is over, proud of everything they’ve accomplished, and perhaps a little sentimental as you think back to their first day of school. Yet in the middle of these celebrations, ATAR results can bring uncertainty and worry. Even if their ATAR wasn’t what they hoped for, their future is still full of possibility, and you don’t have to guide them alone.
With a Federation pathway course, your child can keep what they want to do in focus while unlocking exciting new experiences (hello new friends, a confidence boost, and exploring new career options). And, with personalised support, small class sizes and Co-op placements, they’ll ease into uni life feeling supported every step of the way.
With Federation Access Studies (FAST), your teenager will get to know our systems and develop the study skills to thrive at uni. Completing this six-month course will give your teenager guaranteed entry into a broad range of Federation Uni undergraduate degrees as early as mid-year 2026.
If your child is keen on a future in Business, Engineering or, IT, completing a one-year specialised higher education diploma could be a suitable pathway to undergraduate studies. They’ll elevate their study skills, build solid foundational knowledge in their interest area, and see themselves advancing into the second year of one of Federation’s linked degrees.
For future educators, Federation also offers two accessible entry degrees: Bachelor of Education Studies and the Bachelor of Sport, Physical and Outdoor Education. Both courses offer a second-year entry pathway into an undergraduate teaching degree, or they can complete their pathway course and embark on a Master of Teaching upon completion.
Whichever Federation pathway course they choose, they may actually see it as the best move they’ve made. They’ll transition into their degree with confidence, stronger study skills, and a sense of belonging that comes from already feeling settled into their new university campus.
Once you’ve explored Federation pathway options, the next step is to help your teen navigate VTAC change of preferences, and that’s where we come in. VTAC offer rounds give your teen windows of opportunity to reorder, add, or remove course preferences to align with their new pathway to uni. If you’re preparing to help them through the next offer round, Federation’s support team is on hand to offer personalised advice.
Learn how a Federation pathway course can be a powerful stepping stone, giving your teen time to grow, explore, and build confidence as they work toward their degree.
Explore Federation pathways
https://www.federation.edu.au/campaigns/change-of-preference
