Summer School

A not-for-profit head start program for VCE students, held each year at the University of Melbourne since 1971.

This page is for general information about the program, or high school students interested in studying at VCESS. If you are a university student looking to volunteer with VCESS, you can find more information here, or contact us at summerschool@union.unimelb.edu.au.

What is the VCE Summer School?

The VCE Summer School (VCESS) is a two-week tutoring program that takes place in January and aims to help VCE students from a range of backgrounds gain a head start on their final years of secondary education. In January 2023, there were two formats: in-person in Parkville, and a small online cohort for limited subjects. See below for details.

The program has a particular focus on creating a healthy study-life balance and providing tutoring on a wide range of subjects. In fact, in several previous years we have had tutors for each and every VCE subject students have taken, no matter how small the subject may be.

Download our VCESS 2023 student brochure (PDF) here.

How do I apply to enrol?

Applications to be a student for VCESS 2024 will open in late 2024. If you are interested in participating at the upcoming VCESS program, please add your name to our VCESS 2024 student expression of interest form: https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/K8f1CxnMJ5sJJX3pgHvMT3u?domain=communications23.typeform.com

Learn more about applications and enrolments here.

How was the program delivered in 2023?

VCESS 2023 took place January 9th – 20th, with classes and events on Monday to Friday each week. The program whad two formats: a fully in-person cohort based at the Parkville campus of the University of Melbourne, and a smaller fully online cohort with thirteen subject options. Both formats had access to a range of academic classes, wellbeing support, social activities, and tertiary information seminars.

Students unable to travel to campus each day for the in-person program are encouraged to apply our Residential Program, accommodation for rural and regional students to attend the in-person program, or for the online cohort. Students attending the program in-person will have access to online components of the program.

How much does it cost to attend the program?

The student fees for VCESS 2023 were as follows:

$250 total for the in-person (day) program, including two weeks of academic classes (6 per subject), wellbeing support, social activities (two major events), and tertiary information seminars.
$70 total for the online program, including two weeks of academic classes (3 per subject, only for certain subjects), wellbeing support, social activities (one major event), and tertiary information seminars.
$700 total for the in-person and Residential program, including the in-person program and food and accommodation on-campus at St Mary’s College for Sunday to Friday each week.

Student fees are typically due when enrolling in the program after your application is accepted. However, payment plans and bursary options can be discussed at this stage if you are not able to make an immediate payment.

The VCE Summer School believes that a student’s financial situation should not preclude them from participation in the program. We have a number of full and partial bursaries available and at our 2022 program, more than half our students received a bursary.

You can learn about our scholarship and bursary program here.

Contact

VCE Summer School welcomes any questions or queries you might have.

Email: You can reach the program directors at summerschool@union.unimelb.edu.au.

Social Media: Keep up to date with the latest from VCESS via our Facebook page, Instagram, or Youtube.