A new, lower level maths subject will be offered to year 12 students in a bid to boost the number of senior students studying maths and respond to employer concerns about the numeracy skills of young job seekers.

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority has confirmed it will introduce foundation maths as a year 12 subject.

This will increase the number of year 12 VCE maths subjects to four.

It's hoped the new subject will attract students who would not otherwise choose a maths subject for year 12, as well as students undertaking the state's vocational high school certificate, VCAL.