THOUSANDS of rural Victorian university hopefuls will today learn their fate as first-round tertiary offers are revealed.
More than 40,000 places at universities, TAFE institutes and independent colleges are up for grabs.
But experts stress there is still hope for those who miss out.
Arts and science at the University of Melbourne are the most sought-after courses. Medicine and commerce have also proved popular.
Mount Macedon 18-year-old Arielle Tickner-Smith can't wait to find out if she has gained entry to a double degree in environmental engineering and commerce at Monash University.
The John Monash Science School graduate hopes the course will help her fulfil a dream of finding an ecological and commercially viable way of removing plastics from the sea.
"If it helps me to reach my dreams and make a difference in the world then that is what I want to aim to do," she said.
Deakin University admissions expert Andrea Turley said those who missed out on their chosen course need not panic but keep in contact with the relevant institution.
The Victorian Tertiary Admissions Centre would release Round 2 offers on February 6 and those who decided on a different course could apply for a negotiated offer.
Alternative pathways included an associate degree, TAFE or mid-year entry.
"Never say never," Ms Turley said.
Higher Education and Skills Minister Peter Hall said the new Victorian Skills Gateway website could also help students.
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