If you’ve got your heart set on studying music in Melbourne and you’re working through your VTAC application, you’ve probably got a few questions about how the preference system works and what order gives you the best shot at securing your place at AIM.
We’ve answered the most common ones below.
How do VTAC preferences work?
VTAC lets you rank up to eight course choices across tertiary institutions in Victoria. The order you rank them matters. It’s not just a reflection of what you want most; it directly affects when and whether you receive an offer.
VTAC works through a series of offer rounds. In each round, you can only receive an offer for your highest-ranked course that you’re eligible for. So if AIM isn’t sitting at the top of your list and you’re eligible for an offer, that offer won’t come through until your higher-ranked preferences have been resolved.
Top tip: Once you’ve completed your AIM audition or submission and you’re ready to commit, move AIM to your number one preference so you don’t miss out on an offer round.
Can you change VTAC preferences after submitting?
Yes, you can update your preferences as many times as you like during each official change of preference window. These windows open before and between each offer round, giving you plenty of opportunities to adjust your list as your plans become clearer.
For the most current change of preference windows, check the VTAC Key Dates page. VTAC updates this each year.
What if I’m still waiting on my audition result?
You don’t need to wait to start thinking about your preferences. If your audition or submission is in progress, you can keep AIM in your preferences list in whatever position feels right for now and then move it to the top as soon as your outcome comes through.
Audition results are communicated directly by AIM, so keep an eye on your email. Once you hear back with a positive outcome, that’s your cue to log in to your VTAC account and lock in AIM as your first preference before the next change of preference window closes.
What if I’ve already received an offer from another institution?
If you’ve received an offer elsewhere but AIM is still your first choice, here’s what to do: accept your existing offer to secure your place for now, then log in to your VTAC account and move AIM above it in your preferences before the next change of preference window closes.
You won’t lose your existing offer by doing this. VTAC will consider AIM in the next round, and if an offer comes through, you can accept it and withdraw from your previous course at that point.
One thing to be aware of: once you receive an offer, you can move it up or down your list, but you can’t delete it. And if you actively decline an offer through VTAC, you generally can’t have it reinstated. So accept first, then reorder, don’t decline anything until you’re certain.
If you’re unsure about any of this, reach out to us or contact VTAC directly before the window closes.
What if I don’t get into AIM in the first round I apply?
Missing out in one round doesn’t mean missing out on AIM altogether, and it doesn’t put your other options at risk either. If AIM isn’t able to make you an offer in a given round, VTAC will automatically consider your next-ranked preferences in the rounds that follow. You won’t be left without options.
Offer rounds run from December through to March, so there are multiple opportunities to receive an offer. The important thing is that your preferences are in the right order before each change of preference window closes.
How to apply for the Australian Institute of Music
If you’re ready to make your mark on the music industry, you can submit your application to AIM through VTAC, or you can apply directly through our website.
