Important dates

		2026 SWTAFE VET DSS Critical Dates Have a question, don't hesitate to email the SWTAFE VET DSS team on vetdss.mailbox@swtafe.edu.au
30th of January		Schools to finalise any outstanding online application or enrolment forms. VET DS students must be enrolled before attending classes.
2nd - 6th February		First day of VETDSS delivery -Monday at the Colac TTC, Tuesday in Hamilton Campus, Wednesday in Colac Campus and Colac Trade Training Centre, Thursday at Brauer College, Glenormiston, Sherwood Park, Warrnambool and Portland Campuses and Friday Automotive at Cobden Technical School (internal program run by SWTAFE).
6th March		Census Date - Final cut off day for reimbursement of student withdrawals from SWTAFE contract.
18th March		SWTAFE to supply schools with final contract schedules for 2026 - DOE Standard VETDSS Purchasing and Auspicing Contracts. School to check the students carefully and note and amendments.
18th March		SWTAFE VET DSS Student Enrolment Summaries emailed to the schools for ready VASS entry.
27th March		All 2026 DOE VET DSS Purchasing and Auspiced Contracts were emailed to schools for signing along with letters to Principals and Business Managers notifying of the 2026 VETDSS payment schedules and final costs.
1st April		2026 DOE VET DSS Purchasing and Auspicing Contracts to be returned to SWTAFE
2nd April		Invoice schools 25% of the total 2026 amount, based on students listed on the contract after Census Date. (First Payment).
Reminder		Auspice Schools to upload completed student assessments to the VETDSS Portal. Results will not be entered without evidence of participation, attendance roll and student assessment document.
3rd -19th April		Term One school holidays break.
3rd April		Good Friday Public Holiday.
6th April		Easter Monday Public Holiday.
27th April		Scored Assessment Plans to be emailed to the schools. Students requiring scored assessment are confirmed by the school. Ensure SWTAFE teachers are aware of all students undertaking a scored program.
1st May		Deadline for VETDSS enrolments on the VASS database for funding purposes. Last day for unit 3-4 entry onto VASS.
29th May		Try a Career Day - Sherwood Campus/Warrnambool Region.
1st June		Try a Career Day - Sherwood Campus/Warrnambool Region.
Reminder		Auspice Schools to upload completed student assessments to the VETDSS Portal. Results will not be entered without evidence of participation, attendance roll and student assessment document.
8th June		Kings Birthday Public Holiday.
12th June		Try a Career Day - Portland and Glenelg Region.
16th June		Hamilton Campus VET Taster Day (1/2 day session).
23rd June		SWTAFE VET DSS Students' Mid-Year Reports be available on Sentral for schools and parents to read.
23rd June		Hamilton Campus VET Taster Day (1/2 day session).
24th June		Invoice schools 25% of total 2026 amount, based on students listed on the contract after census date. (Second Payment).
26th June		The 2027 SWTAFE VET DSS Program Course Menu will be released to schools.
Reminder		Auspice providers to upload completed student assessments to the VETDSS Portal. Results will not be entered without evidence of participation, attendance roll and student assessment document.
1st - 12th July		Term Two school holidays break.
13th July		2027 SWTAFE VET DSS Program Booklet will go be live on the website. Program Booklets will be distributed to schools commencing 13th of July.
July/August		SWTAFE VET DSS team are available to attend your schools subject selection evenings. If you like one of the team members to attend please reach out via vetdss.mailbox@swtafe.edu.au.
7th August		Try a Career Day - Colac and Otway Region.
10th August		SWTAFE VETDSS Applications portal open for 2027 VETDSS 1st year and 2nd year Student Applications - VETDSS \| South West TAFE VetDSS (swtafe.edu.au) password (the vetdss team will update in due course).
25th August		2026 Third-Term Student Reports be available on Sentral for parents and schools to review.
7th September		Invoice schools 25% of total 2025 amount, based on students listed on the contract after census date (Third Payment).
9th September		SWTAFE VET DSS team to follow up with schools regarding 2026 SBAT students and check student progress with SWTAFE departments.
Reminder		Auspice Schools to upload completed student assessments to the VETDSS Portal. Results will not be entered without evidence of participation, attendance roll and student assessment document.
19th September - 4th October		Term Three school holiday break.
4th October		SWTAFE to commence processing 2027 2nd year VET DSS enrolments.
6th - 8th October		2027 VET DSS Student Orientation/Information Sessions across all regions
13th October		SWTAFE sends indicative scores to the required schools by out due VASS 17th of October.
12th-16th October		Last week for SWTAFE VETDSS first and second year delivery.
20th October		SWTAFE will email schools the 2025 VETDSS Student Achievement Award nominations form to be returned by the 30th of October.
21st -27th October		SWTAFE staff and auspiced teachers have to finalised all VET DSS student results in SMS.
28th October		Schools will commence received VET DSS and SBAT students' Statement of Attainment results via EQUALS.
29th October		Send out scored assessment results - due on VASS 14th November.
2nd November		Invoice schools final 25% of total 2026 amount, based on students listed on the contract after census date (Final Payment).
5th November		SWTAFE will finalise Statement of Attainment results issued to schools via EQUALS.
7th November		SWTAFE to email schools thier students Scored Assessment Results - last day for entry due on VASS 15th November.
10th November		SWTAFE to commence emailing Auspice Providers with their 2027 students PTR & LLN results ready to complete PTR Evaluations for enrolment.
13th November		2025 VET DSS Finalising Day Meeting. Schools to collect thier VET DSS Student Achievement Awards and copies of thier students certificates.
17th November		Invoice schools final 25% of total 2026 amount, based on students listed on the contract after March 1st. (Final Payment).
18th November		SWTAFE to commence processing 2027 1st year VET DSS enrolments.
19th November		Last day for student results to be entrered onto VASS.
19th November		SWTAFE staff to commence finalising VET DSS classes for 2027. If not before. SWTAFE VET DSS team to commence emailing student enrolment forms to be signed by schools.
20th November		Delivery of Certificates and Statement of Attainments to student's home address.
1st December		Last day for SWTAFE to notify schools of student VET DSS placements.
18th December		2026 SWTAFE Christmas/New Year shutdown. SWTAFE will re-open on Monday 4th of January 2027.