University Without VCE
By Jim Batt
Yes it is possible, although not easy, to get into university without completing (or even starting) VCE. I have spent only a very insignificant amount of my time in high school but still wished to further my education at a university level. I began by undertaking the FAST course (Foundation Access Studies) at Ballarat University. This course is aimed at mature age students who have completed secondary education but have been out of the education system for some time before desiring to undertake tertiary study. The course is designed to prepare these students with the basic skills needed to handle university. The subjects which where taught were ones such as maths, computer skills, research and layout of work, and a first year university English subject - Language and Literacy.
After completing this course, which was a single semester, and achieving good marks in most subjects I could have continued on at Ballarat University. My main aim, however, was to get into a university in Melbourne.