Choosing your VCE subjects is one of the most important academic decisions you’ll make in high school. The subjects you select can shape your university options, influence your ATAR, and affect how confident and motivated you feel during Years 11 and 12.
At Dr. Study, we understand how overwhelming this decision can be. That’s why we offer personalised guidance, academic assessments, and expert tutoring to help you make informed choices that align with your strengths, interests, and future goals.
1. Start with Your Future in Mind
The first step in choosing the right VCE subjects is understanding where you want to go. Do you have a university course or career in mind? If so, check whether there are any prerequisite subjects you need.
Examples:
- Engineering, IT or science degrees usually require Mathematical Methods and one or more science subjects (e.g. Chemistry or Physics).
- Health sciences or nursing may require Biology, Health and Human Development, or English.
- Arts, law or humanities-based pathways often look for English, History, or Languages.
You can use the VTAC prerequisite and course explorer to check what’s required for the university courses you’re considering.
2. Explore All Your Options
Beyond the core subjects, VCE offers a wide range of subject choices, including:
- Sciences: Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Psychology
- Humanities: History, Legal Studies, Sociology, Global Politics
- Arts & Languages: Studio Arts, Drama, Music, Languages Other Than English (LOTE)
- Commerce: Accounting, Economics, Business Management
- Technology & Health: Food Studies, Product Design, Health and Human Development, PE
- English Variants: English, English Language, Literature, EAL (English as an Additional Language)
Each subject has a different style of learning and assessment. For example, Literature is highly analytical and essay-based, while Psychology blends scientific concepts with memory, behaviour, and biological systems. Make sure to choose subjects that suit your learning style and interests—not just your desired ATAR outcome.
At Dr Study, we offer personalised tutoring services across all VCE subjects. Our expert tutors specialise in catering to each student’s needs and understand that every learner may require different study techniques. Contact us today to learn more about our VCE tutoring.
3. Understand the VCE Maths Pathways
Maths is a key area where students often need extra clarity. VCE offers four distinct maths subjects:
|
Subject |
Difficulty |
Focus |
Best For |
|
Foundation Maths |
Entry Level |
Practical maths, real-world skills |
Students not requiring maths for further study |
|
Further Maths |
Moderate |
Applied maths, data, finance |
Students needing general numeracy or business support |
|
Maths Methods |
Moderate to Highest |
Algebra, calculus, statistics |
Students pursuing science, health, or commerce |
|
Specialist Maths |
Highest |
Vectors, complex functions, proofs |
Students planning STEM degrees or advanced study in maths |
Learn more about our VCE Maths tutoring programs here.
4. Think Beyond Scaling
Many students feel pressure to choose subjects that scale up. While this is worth considering, you’ll perform best in subjects you enjoy and are confident in. A subject that scales well won’t help if you’re struggling to keep up or lack interest.
Our Diagnostic Assessments help identify which subjects match your strengths and learning style—allowing you to make informed decisions with long-term benefits.
Book a Free Assessment
5. Get Personalised Advice
Don’t make these decisions alone. At Dr. Study, we offer expert academic consultations to help students select the most suitable subjects. Whether you’re feeling stuck between Literature and English, unsure about whether to take Physics or Psychology, or overwhelmed by maths choices—we’re here to guide you.
Our VCE Subject Selection Counselling service helps students understand the demands, expectations, and potential benefits of each subject, tailored to their goals.
Final Thoughts
Choosing your VCE subjects is more than just ticking boxes—it’s about shaping your learning experience and setting yourself up for success. The right mix of subjects can boost your confidence, open up more tertiary pathways, and make your VCE years more enjoyable and rewarding.
Need support with choosing your subjects or mastering the ones you’ve already chosen? Book a free consultation with Dr. Study today and let us help you make the most of your VCE journey.
Author
Dr. Olga Abeysekera
Dr Olga Abeysekera, founder of Dr Study Tutoring and the Dr Progress Group Pty Ltd, is passionate about transforming education through innovative and personalised tutoring. With a PhD in Management from Monash University and a background in both academic research and private tutoring, she has a deep commitment to helping students excel.
Her holistic approach at Dr Study Tutoring emphasises not only academic success but also the development of lifelong skills, ensuring that each student receives the best education and support possible. Dr Olga’s dedication to continuous improvement drives her mission to inspire a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
