What is VCE?
Victorian Certificate of Education: About the VCE Pathway
The VCE is the certificate most students in Victoria receive on satisfactory completion of their secondary education. It is an outstanding qualification that is recognised around the world. VCE provides diverse pathways to further study or training at university or TAFE, and to employment.
When can you start your VCE?
VCE is usually conducted across Years 11 and 12, but can be started in Year 10 as Accelerated VCE. About half of Victorian Year 10 students undertake 1 or more VCE units.
What studies can you choose?
There are over 90 VCE studies, or subjects, and over 30 VCE-VM programs to choose from. In Year 10 at St Bede’s College there is a limited number of subjects available for accelerated studies. You will find complete lists of VCE studies on the VCAA website. To be awarded the VCE, students must satisfactorily complete a minimum of 16 Units. Each Unit equals a semester length study.
Acceleration Requirements
Students wishing to begin VCE in Year 10 must apply to take one Unit 1-2 sequence, in place of two elective subjects.
In order to be eligible to undertake a Unit 1-2 sequence in a subject in Year 10, students must meet the following criteria:
To be eligible for acceleration, students must have demonstrated high achievement in their 2026 studies. It is preferable for students to have:
a. Achieved an overall mark equal to or above 80% in English;
b. Achieved an overall mark equal to or above 80% in two of the following subjects: Maths, History/Geography, or Science. If you are doing Year 9 Accelerated Mathematics, the mark needs to be equal to or above 70%;
c. Achieved an overall mark equal to or above 80% in two of your other subjects (for example your electives, RE or PE).
It is vital that students demonstrate high positive Learning Habits; this reflects an approach to learning that is conducive to achieving their highest possible outcome.
Undertake an interview process where study habits, performance and aspirations are discussed.
Receive endorsement from relevant teachers at St Bede’s College. Students will be provided with the paperwork for this once they have completed their online application.
This is a student-led process. Students will be notified as to whether their acceleration application has been approved by email Wednesday 5 August 2026. Students may only complete their subject selection online after they have received their acceptance email. Subject Selections are due by Friday 7 August 2026.
Please Note
Not all VCE subjects are available for acceleration.
Places for acceleration are limited due to demand for subjects.
Applications that do not meet the eligibility criteria above will not be considered, with the exception of extenuating circumstances. In this case, the application will be considered ‘pending’ and the student will be advised during Term 4, pending availability of a place.
Even if approval has been granted to undertake accelerated VCE, students should be aware that priority for places in subjects is given to Year 11 students and may be denied due to class size.
To apply for an Accelerated VCE Unit 1-2 Course in 2027 please complete the online application form on the landing page of the Year 10 2027 Subject Selection Hub. Please note Accelerated VCE applications need to be submitted by 4.00 pm Tuesday 28 August. Should you have any questions or concerns, please email Mr Brenden Mair (bjm@stbedes.catholic.edu.au).
go to the Year 10 VCE Accelerated structure ->