On this page:
- More challenges, more purpose, more possibilities
- Big benefits from your first day
- Victoria Police Real Stories: Constable Katie Walker
- Earn while you learn
- Apply straight after high school
- No need for a degree
- Automatic driver's licenses are okay
- Other career options at Victoria Police
- Getting started
About to finish high school or just finished VCE and feel like you are made for more? Or know someone who is?
Victoria Police offers an exciting career path, paid training and heaps of benefits for school leavers and graduates.
More challenges, more purpose, more possibilities
No two days are ever the same at Victoria Police, and you can apply as soon as you graduate high school.
Life as a police officer
As a police officer you will:
- receive excellent work benefits, including pay entitlements and salary progression
- experience the unique world of policing, every day you work
- be part of a diverse workforce that represents the communities we serve
- make a real difference to the community
- have the option to work all over the state
- make lifelong friends throughout both your training and your career
- be able to apply for an exciting future specialist role after just 2-4 years.
Think you've got what it takes? Take our quick interactive eligibility quiz.
Big benefits from your first day
Aside from your exciting and rewarding career, you'll get:
- paid from day one of training
- a generous salary
- nine weeks of recreation leave every single year
- shift penalties and allowances on top of your base salary
- extra tax breaks and benefits in country and regional policing roles.
Learn more about our generous police officer salaries, leave, benefits and hours.
Victoria Police Real Stories: Constable Katie Walker
Katie joined Victoria Police only nine months after finishing high school.
Earn while you learn
Initial training takes 31 weeks, and you're paid to train and learn from your very first day.
After you are sworn in at the end of week 12, as a Probationary Constable, you will earn $75,604 (plus allowances).
Check out what life at the Victoria Police Academy and police training looks like.
Apply straight after high school
No need to wait a few years after VCE - the earlier you apply the sooner you'll start your police career.
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School leavers do not need a prerequisite VCE subject selection.
But do bear in mind some subjects are more useful in your application, such as:
- communication skills
- languages
- and fitness.
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If you're about to leave high school and want to become a police officer, here are some tips on what we look for.
Work experience in a customer service environment
Example: working at McDonald's.
What it shows us: That you have communication, teamwork and conflict resolution skills.
Volunteer experience
Example: working at the local surf lifesaving club or community centre.
What it shows us: you have community mindedness and communication skills.
Sporting club experience
Example: playing for a local sports team.
What it shows us: that you have teamwork, communication and leadership skills and a healthy level of fitness.
Overseas travel
Example: a gap year or extended trip.
What it shows us: exposure to other cultures, religions, languages and fosters independence and assertiveness.
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We recommend customer service work to improve your chance of success in the recruitment process.
No need for a degree
There are no educational requirements to become a police officer. This includes ATAR and VCE prerequisites.
If you have a relevant bachelor’s degree, you may be exempt from sitting the police entrance exam.
Automatic driver's licenses are okay
You do not need to have a manual driver's license to apply to be a police officer.
You have to have an Australian Driver Licence, and it doesn't matter if it is manual or automatic.
A probationary licence is also accepted.
Other career options at Victoria Police
Life as a police officer not for you? There are heaps of other options at Victoria Police, such as:
- Life as a protective services officer (PSO) with flexibility and good work-life balance.
- The crucial role of a police custody officer (PCO) in the management and welfare of people in custody.
- The invaluable assistance to both the frontline and community any of our Victorian Public Service (VPS) roles offer.
Interested? Explore your role and career options with Victoria Police.
Getting started
Check you're ready and capable to be a police officer by taking our interactive 10 question quiz.
You can also attend one of our information sessions for police roles.
Apply to be a police officer
Are you made for more? Take the first step in your exciting new career.
Reviewed 04 December 2023