Victorian Baccalaureate

The Victorian Baccalaureate is a certificate separate from the VCE, which acknowledges students who are undertaking a language and a high level maths (Methods or Specialists). Students who qualify for the Victorian Baccalaureate are automatically enrolled.  Read the questions/answers below for more information. 

Frequently Asked Questions (from VCAA)

Why has the VCE (Baccalaureate) been developed?

The VCE (Baccalaureate) has been designed to provide further information about the kind of senior secondary program of study a student has undertaken within the very flexible structure of the VCE. It also provides an additional form of recognition for those students who choose to undertake the demands of studying both a higher level mathematics and a language in their VCE program of study.

Is the VCE (Baccalaureate) a new senior secondary certificate?

No, the VCE (Baccalaureate) is contained within the VCE and is not another senior secondary credential. The two senior secondary certificates in Victoria are the VCE and the VCAL.

What are the eligibility requirements to receive the VCE (Baccalaureate)?

To be eligible to receive the VCE (Baccalaureate) the student must satisfactorily complete the VCE and receive a study score for each prescribed study component.

The VCE program of study must include:

• a Units 3 and 4 sequence in English or Literature or English Language with a study score of 30 or above; or a Units 3 and 4 sequence in EAL with a study score of 33 or above

• a Units 3 and 4 sequence in either Mathematics Methods (CAS) or Specialist Mathematics

• a Units 3 and 4 sequence in a VCE Language

• at least two other Units 3 and 4 sequences

Can a student get the VCE (Baccalaureate) with fewer than 16 VCE units?

No, the student must satisfy the graduation requirements of the VCE, to be eligible for a VCE (Baccalaureate).

Can a student do more than one VCE Language?

Yes, the student can do more than one VCE language in their program of study.

Will any VCE Language meet this eligibility requirement of the VCE (Baccalaureate)?

Yes, any VCE Language will meet this eligibility requirement of the VCE (Baccalaureate).

Can a student do both Mathematics Methods (CAS) and Specialist Mathematics?

Yes, the student can do both Mathematics Methods (CAS) and Specialist Mathematics in their program of study.

What is the minimum study score required for a VCE (Baccalaureate)?

A minimum study score is not required for the prescribed studies for the VCE (Baccalaureate) except that:

for English or Literature or English Language, a minimum study score of 30

is required; for EAL a minimum study score of 33 is required.

Can a student enrolled in an Adult VCE program receive a VCE (Baccalaureate)?

Yes, an adult VCE student can be eligible for a VCE (Baccalaureate) under the Adult VCE rules, as long as the eligibility requirements for the award outlined above are met.

Can a student doing the IB also get the VCE (Baccalaureate)?

No, a student enrolled in the IB cannot also be enrolled in the VCE.

How do I enrol students in the VCE (Baccalaureate)?

The student will be enrolled in the appropriate set of VCE units as normal. Eligibility for the award of the VCE (Baccalaureate) will be flagged through the normal VCE Student Eligibility Report. Confirmation of receipt of the award will only occur once the student receives final moderated study scores.

What will the student receive if they are eligible for the VCE (Baccalaureate)?

The student’s Statement of Results will include an additional statement that recognises the award of the VCE (Baccalaureate).

What will be the impact of the VCE (Baccalaureate) on the calculation of the ATAR?

VTAC has advised that the calculation of the ATAR will continue to be determined under the current process, that is via study scores, and that the additional recognition in the form of the VCE (Baccalaureate) will not affect this process.

Will universities give any priority to students with the VCE (Baccalaureate) when selecting students into courses?

Tertiary institutions have indicated that they strongly support initiatives that encourage students to study a higher level mathematics and a language in the final years of schooling.

Tertiary selection practices vary across institutions. Further information should be sought from particular tertiary providers.

When will the VCE (Baccalaureate) be introduced?

The VCE (Baccalaureate) will be available for students in 2022

How should schools prepare for it?

Schools should make students aware of the eligibility requirements of the VCE (Baccalaureate).

Source: http://www.vcaa.vic.edu.au/Documents/vce/VCE_Baccalaureate_FAQs.doc