Change of Preference
Discover the best way to organise your VTAC preferences and maximise your offers for every Change of Preference window.
Your next move? Preference Swinburne #1.
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.
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Change of Preference Expo 2025
Join us at Change of Preference Expo on Friday 12 December to explore your options, get personalised advice from course experts, and adjust your VTAC preferences before the Change of Preference window closes. We’ll get you on your way.
Why make Swinburne your #1 preference?
#1 in Victoria for full-time graduate employment
#1 in Victoria for graduate full-time salary
5-star rating for undergraduate student support
5-star rating for overall undergraduate experience
What would you like to study?
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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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2026 Early Entry Program
Our Early Entry Program lets you apply to Swinburne sooner and without your ATAR.
What is Change of Preference?
Between August and February, there are various periods when you’ll be able to select and arrange your ultimate shortlist of dream uni courses – also known as your VTAC preferences. You might want to tweak your preferences because your results were better than expected, you’re considering alternative pathways to a degree, or just because you’ve changed your mind.
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Step 1: Submit your preferences
Part of applying to uni as a Year 12 student involves 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.
Change of Preference dates
The ultimate handy guide to every offer round and Change of Preference window from December to February.
2025/2026 Change of Preference (COP) Calendar
- Opens: Monday 4 August (9am)
- Closes: Saturday 13 December (12pm)
- Offers released: Tuesday 23 December
- January round 1 opens: Tuesday 23 December (10am)
- January round 1 closes: Tuesday 23 December (4pm)
- January round 1 offers released: Tuesday 13 January
- January round 2 opens: Tuesday 13 January (2pm)
- January round 2 closes: Wednesday 14 January (2pm)
- January round 2 offers released: Tuesday 27 January
- February round 1 opens: Tuesday 27 January (2pm)
- February round 1 closes: Wednesday 28 January (2pm)
- February round 1 offers released: Tuesday 3 February
- February round 2 opens: Tuesday 3 February (2pm)
- February round 2 closes: Wednesday 4 February (2pm)
- February round 2 offers released: Tuesday 10 February
- February round 3 opens: Tuesday 10 February (2pm)
- February round 3 closes: Wednesday 11 February (2pm)
- February round 3 offers released: Tuesday 17 February
- Results day: Thursday 11 December
- Change of Preference Expo: Friday 12 December
Please note: these dates refer to domestic offers for current Australian Year 12 students only.
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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So you have your Year 12 results. Now what?
Three different scenarios, three different results day gameplans. Here’s what to do – and what not to do – on results day, depending on how you did.
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Your Change of Preference cheat sheet for every offer round
Trying to figure out Change of Preference, but feeling a little lost? Check out this step-by-step guide to navigate all six rounds like a pro.
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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
In their own words, here’s why some current students and recent graduates knew Swinburne was the uni for them.
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You are your ATAR (and other lies)
Sorting truth from fiction when it comes to universities isn’t easy but fear not because Swinburne students Arlo and Bianca-Jaye have put together the ultimate myth-busting guide to life beyond high school.
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How do I choose a course that’ll get me a job?
Want a university course that’ll set you on the path to your dream career? Here’s how to nail your choice.
We’ll get you on your way
Real experience
Guaranteed Work Integrated Learning in all our bachelor degrees that connects you to your career, faster.
Real skills
Build real-world expertise with next gen facilities, creative learning, and innovation in every course.
Real connections
From student clubs to support services, you’ll have no problem finding your place (and your people!) at Swinburne.
Industry experience stories
Tom | Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Product Design)
“There’s a big element of trust involved with this industry, so to come in as a graduate having worked in this category before – it was really important.”
Claudia | Bachelor of Media and Communication (Professional)
“Some of my favourite work has been writing longer-form articles. It’s always fun to point to a real article online and say, ‘That’s me! I wrote that!’”
Kieran | Bachelor of Design (Industrial Design) (Honours)
"If you can come out of university with six months of industry experience, or just some time working in a professional setting – that can really put you above a lot of other people.”