Internet helps with tertiary offers

Tertiary Education Minister Phil Honeywood has released this year's first round offer details by flicking the switch to commence the Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC) Internet service. This is the first time tertiary offers have been available on the Internet.

More than 60,000 calls from students are expected to be logged on VTAC'S Internet service and telephone info line.

A total of 50,315 Victorians will have the opportunity to begin tertiary studies this year following today's release of first round offers.

The total number of applications is up on last year for both TAFE and university places.

Mr Honeywood said he was particularly pleased by an 11.8 per cent jump in applications for teaching.

He also said a number of major institutions had experienced increased enrolments in science and engineering, areas vital to the state's development.

Mr Honeywood said those who missed out on first round offers would receive information on their options through VTAC.

"There will be several additional rounds of offers over the next few weeks. A number of last minute applications will also be considered as part of the second round offers."

Mr Honeywood said he was pleased with the high demand for TAFE places, an indication of the success of the Government's TAFE - Of Course! public awareness campaign.

A total of 130 lines will be available on the VTAC info line, with information available from 3pm today. The average cost will be less than forty cents with callers charged only from the time they begin receiving results.

Internet kiosks will also be set up at about 30 universities and TAFE institutes across the state providing free Internet access for students who don't own a computer.

The VTAC info line number is 1902 241 114.

First round offers will also be published in newspapers. Second round offers will be available on February 4 and third round offers February 15.

(News Release, Office of the Minister for Tertiary Education and Training, 17 January 1999)