What Should You Study at University? (For Year 10–12 Students)

Andy Li
Dec 21, 2025
2 min read

If you’re in Years 10–12, it can feel like everyone expects you to already know what you want to study at uni. The truth is — most students don’t. What matters is making a smart, informed choice, not a perfect one.

Here’s how to narrow it down.

1. Use Your Current Subjects as a Clue

Your VCE (or equivalent) subjects are the best indicator of what you’ll enjoy and succeed in at uni.

Strong in Maths Methods or Specialist → Engineering, Data Science, Actuarial Studies
Enjoy Biology or Chemistry → Health, Biomedical Science, Medicine
Like English and Humanities → Law, Arts, Teaching, Communications
Prefer Applied Computing or IT → Computer Science, IT, Cybersecurity

If you struggle with a subject now, uni will usually be harder — not easier.

2. Check Prerequisites Early (Especially in Year 10–11)

Many competitive degrees have specific VCE subject requirements:

Engineering → Maths Methods (often Specialist recommended)
Medicine & Biomed → Chemistry
Science → Maths Methods

Missing a prerequisite can limit your options, so planning early matters.

3. Pick Degrees That Keep Options Open

If you’re unsure about a specific career, choose a degree with flexible pathways:

Science
Commerce
IT
Arts (with clear majors)

You can specialise later once you understand what you enjoy.

4. Don’t Choose Based on ATAR Alone

A high ATAR doesn’t mean you should choose a high-pressure degree. Choose something you can stay motivated in for several years — that’s how students actually succeed.

5. Changing Degrees Is Normal

Many uni students transfer courses or change majors. Your first choice doesn’t lock you in forever, so don’t panic about “getting it wrong”.

How Academic Peak Tutoring Helps

At Academic Peak Tutoring, we help Year 10–12 students:

Strengthen prerequisite subjects
Improve study skills for senior school
Maximise ATAR options
Build confidence before university

Stronger results now = more choices later.

Written by Andy Li, 21/12/2025