Frequently Asked Questions

Applying to complete an Extension Program subject in addition to your other commitments is a decision that needs to be carefully considered. The following questions and answers may assist with your decision.

How do I apply?

A full step-by-step guide on how to apply is located on our How to apply page.

I’m studying the International Baccalaureate (IB), can I apply for the University of Melbourne Extension Program?

Students studying the International Baccalaureate (IB) are not eligible to be enrolled in the University of Melbourne Extension Program with the VCAA and are not eligible to receive an ATAR contribution. IB students wishing to apply for the Extension Program should e-mail the Extension Program office at extension-program@unimelb.edu.au to discuss our IB eligibility requirements.

I am having trouble with my application

You will not be able to submit an application after the submission deadline. If you are unable to submit your application after this date; this is the reason why. If you are having troubles within the application period, and are receiving an 'error' message; try and submit your application in a new browser like Internet Edge, Internet Explorer, Google Chrome or Firefox. Be sure to clear your cache and cookies also whilst doing this.

If the above does not work, please email us on extension-program@unimelb.edu.au. Include as much detail as possible about your application including your User ID Number, your name, a screenshot (if applicable) and an overview of the problem you are experiencing.

Where are classes held?

Mathematics and Hebrew are delivered at approved School Centres around Melbourne.

All other subjects are delivered on the University of Melbourne campus.

Who delivers Extension Program classes?

Subject areas delivered on campus are taught by University of Melbourne academics, lecturers and tutors. Classes at School Centres are delivered by secondary teachers who have been trained by the University to teach the Extension Program subject.

When are classes held?

Classes in most subject areas are available after normal school hours (after 4:00pm), although this cannot be guaranteed. Subjects with a practical component may require attendance during school hours or holidays. Extension Program students have priority access to classes when preferencing in MyTimetable.

Subjects delivered on campus follow the standard University timetable. For subjects delivered off campus, the School Centre determines the timetable and hours of study per week.

Please note that the timetable is likely to change between Semester 1 and Semester 2.

What are the attendance requirements?

Students are expected to physically attend classes.

The number of classes and the time commitment each week depends both on the subject area studied and where classes are held. It is important to note that many subjects have a compulsory attendance requirement, particularly for tutorials. In addition to formal class time, all subjects require several hours of private study each week.

Students studying in a School Centre are expected to attend their classes as scheduled.

How are Extension Program subjects assessed?

Assessment can include assignments, essays, tutorial work, practical work and exams. Assessment is normally conducted by University academic staff and varies between subject areas.

If Extension Program assessment tasks or exams clash with your VCE or IB assessment tasks or exams, the Extension Program coordinator may organise for these tasks to be rescheduled so they do not compromise your existing school commitments.

What costs are involved?

There are no tuition fees for the Extension Program. Some School Centres may charge a small administrative fee which, if applicable, is listed against the relevant subject.

What if I become ill or experience other circumstances that affect my study?

If you experience illness or any other circumstances that adversely affect your Extension Program studies you can apply for special consideration from the University. You may be granted an extension of time to complete a piece of assessment or be allowed to sit an exam at a different time.

Students with a disability or long-term medical condition may be eligible for assistance from the University’s Student Equity and Disability Support service. Please contact the Extension Program office for more information.

What if I withdraw or fail?

Students who withdraw from the Extension Program will not experience any disadvantage when subsequently applying to study at the University of Melbourne or at any other tertiary institution.

Students who wish to withdraw must formally notify the University using the online withdrawal form. Students can withdraw at any time however it is strongly suggested that students withdraw before August of the year they are completing the Extension Program.

Students who fail an Extension Program subject will be automatically withdrawn from the program without penalty. Students who fail in Semester 1 will not proceed to Semester 2.

A student who withdraws from or fails to satisfactorily complete the prerequisite or preparatory VCE subject/s (where they are completing this alongside their Extension studies, during Year 12) will not be eligible for an increment in their ATAR calculation, regardless of their performance in their Extension Program studies.

Will the Extension Program give me University credit?

Students who successfully complete subject areas as part of the Extension Program and subsequently enrol in a University of Melbourne undergraduate course may be granted advanced standing for that unit, if the completed subjects can be taken as part of the chosen degree.

Being granted advanced standing provides the option of accelerating through a course, or of having a slightly lighter study load at some stage during the degree. In certain cases, an exemption will be awarded to students, in place of credit (which means students will have their prior study recognised but do not receive a contribution to their GPA).

Credit for Extension Program Mathematics studies

More information about credit for students who have completed Extension Program Mathematics is available from the Extension Program Mathematics page.

What if I don’t meet the published entry requirements for the subject I am interested in?

Unfortunately, offers cannot be made to students who do not meet the published entry requirements.

What is the Language Placement Test?

The Language Placement test (LPT) is required for all applicants to Japanese, Advanced Japanese, Further Advanced Japanese, German and Advanced German, French and Advanced French, Indonesian and Italian.

The LPT is not a test you can pass or fail. The LPT is an online test and your opportunity to demonstrate your proficiency in your chosen language. You will receive an email outlining how to complete the LPT after the application closing date, should you meet all other entry requirements.

What will happen after I sit a Language Placement Test (LPT)?

You will receive an email with the University-level language subject you are best suited to complete. You must forward this email to the Extension Program admission team by the required deadline.

If the LPT places you at a level outside of the subject offering of the Extension Program, you may or may not receive an offer to the Program.

Can I apply for more than one subject area?

No, students are only able to apply for one Extension Program subject area. Applicants who submit more than one application will be asked which application they wish to progress, and additional applications will be withdrawn.

How will my Extension Program application be assessed?

You will be assessed according to the entry requirements of the subject area for which you apply.

Your performance in your prerequisite and/or corequisite subject will be considered, and where a prerequisite has been completed, this will take precedence over a corequisite.

Your performance in all non-prerequisite and non-corequisite Unit 1 and 2 and Unit 3 and 4 subjects completed is also assessed. Students need to achieve a B+ average across these subjects (not a B+ in every subject, but as an average across these subjects).

The University takes into consideration your high schools own grading scale when calculating this average, which means you need to provide this when you apply. An internal calculator is then used to derive your non-prerequisite and non-corequisite average.

Who will be required to sit the Physics Selection test?

The Physics Selection test is required for all Physics applicants who a) are VCE applicants who have not completed both VCE Unit 3 and 4 Physics, and VCE Unit 3 and 4 Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics, or b) are completing the IB.

Our Physics Selection Test will require you to demonstrate your proficiency in mechanics and electricity calculations as per your VCE Unit 1 and 2 Physics studies. Upon completion of the test, your results will be assessed, and you will be contacted regarding the outcome of your application.

What is the Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES)?

The Centre for Higher Education Studies (CHES) has been established to provide senior secondary students from government schools across the state with opportunities for stretch, challenge and acceleration in their studies. CHES has partnered with the University of Melbourne to offer courses in Economics, Literature, Mathematics, Physics and Psychology to eligible Year 12 students in government schools. Students apply directly with CHES for these courses. Students from government schools who enrol in these courses through the University of Melbourne Extension Program may elect to study their course through CHES. There is no cost to students or their schools for students to enrol in a Higher Education Study through CHES.

All CHES programs include access to the university’s course portals, lectures and materials and access to a weekly tutorial with other secondary school students held in person or online at CHES and led by a member of the university teaching staff. In addition, CHES students will have access to a range of enrichment activities, masterclasses and special events offered through CHES. These events are intended to provide students with information about cutting edge research, pathways options and access to leading university academics and programs.

Please visit the CHES website for further information.

https://ches.vic.edu.au/