Key dates

University, TAFE & college dates

Australia’s academic year for tertiary level study runs from February to December. Applications for many courses close in October of the previous year. Some institutions also offer a mid-year (July) commencement for courses. Check application closing dates with your chosen institution.

English language courses like ELICOS can help you to meet the prerequisite English proficiency for course entry. ELICOS courses are generally 6 months long and start dates vary.

Vocational, TAFE and private college key dates will vary from institution to institution. Check key dates with your chosen college.

Public Holidays in Victoria

On public holidays you may find education institutions, shops, cafes and restaurants are open as usual. Banks and government offices are usually closed on public holidays. Check with your institution and local newspapers for a guide to what’s open on public holidays. 

Summer time and daylight saving

Australia has three time zones.

Eastern states (including the cities of Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra, Brisbane and Hobart) are on Australian Eastern Standard Time (AEST).

In the lead-up to summer, the states of Victoria (VIC), New South Wales (NSW), Tasmania (TAS) and the Australian capital territory (ACT) move to Eastern Daylight Time. This is called 'daylight saving' time. Transport timetables, opening hours and schedules followed by local people will follow 'daylight saving' time.

At the start of daylight saving, clocks move forward one hour at 2.00am. At the end of daylight saving, clocks move back one hour at 3.00am.

Victorian daylight saving will start Sunday 2 October 2011. At 2:00am standard time (Eastern Standard Time) move clocks forward one hour to 3:00 am summer time. Daylight savings ends on Sunday 1 April 2012. At 3.00am move clocks back one hour to 2.00am.