Returning To Study
Returning To Study
Returning to study?
If it’s been a while since secondary school, don’t fret; the life experiences you’ve gathered since could open doors to tertiary education. If you have a specific career goal in mind and are considering tertiary study, applying through QTAC can provide the confidence and clarity to plan more than one way to navigate the future.
QTAC utilise more than your high school admissions rank to help institutions see you’re a great candidate to study with them. One QTAC application can be used to apply to one of our 17 Institutions and you can plan for direct and/or pathway entry into a course, helping you achieve your goals.
QTAC use a combined approach to creating a QTAC Selection Rank, giving you more than one way to choose your future. The following can be added to your high school admissions rank to obtain entry and meet requirements:
STAT and employment pathways are other qualifications you can use to apply for further study.
Enabling programs and bridging courses help satisfy a subject prerequisite or improve selection ranks.
Competency-based training demonstrates your ability to perform a certain task.
Queensland Senior External Exam allows you to receive a Year 12 qualification if you didn’t finish high school.
Tertiary study is when you study a different tertiary course to improve your selection rank.
Professional qualifications and defence and emergency services may give you a selection rankReturning to study holds more significance for you—it’s not just about the course but the tangible benefits you seek for career growth.
Your life experience adds up! From here – you can begin window-shopping by starting your application, just click Apply Now.
Enabling programs and bridging studies
If you have concerns you won’t meet admissions criteria for entry into tertiary study, there are multiple options for you to consider. These include Pathways, Enabling Programs and Bridging studies.
Enabling programs and bridging studies provide opportunities for students to meet entry requirements for their desired courses. They also serve as pathways to advanced studies, preparing students for tertiary education by developing essential skills and knowledge. These programs can bridge gaps, facilitate transitions, and set students on the path to academic and career success.
Admissions criteria
Admissions criteria encompass the essential requirements and evaluative measures used to determine an applicant’s suitability for a course. This includes eligibility factors like English Language Proficiency, subject prerequisites, specific course prerequisites, as well as merit-based assessments of academic and extracurricular achievements. For Queensland Year 12 students, it involves receiving an ATAR from QTAC, while other applicants are given a selection rank based on their qualifications. These criteria ensure that candidates are matched with courses that best align with their strengths and goals.
Admission Criteria apply to each Course and vary from Course to Course and Institution to Institution. You will always have to meet Admissions Criteria to gain entry to a course. With one QTAC Application, you can apply to multiple Institutions. Remember there is more than one way to get into tertiary study – if it’s been a while since you’ve studied, your ATAR equivalent and possibly your profession or other qualifications will equate to a Selection Rank, which will help you meet Admissions Criteria.
Tertiary study
Studying another tertiary-level course can improve your selection rank, increasing your chances of getting into your desired course. Tertiary-level study includes diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree, bachelor’s degree, honours degree, master’s degree, PhD, and higher degree-level accredited study.
If you are looking to utilise tertiary study in a pathway approach to entering your preferred course, ensure you consult with the institutions you wish to study through, as you build pathway plan and before you submit your QTAC Application.
If you had started studying a degree (or higher) level of qualification you and you are looking to pathway (to another course), change or return to study then you may or may not have a higher selection rank than when (and if) you first studied straight out of high school. This means you have more than one set of criteria a selection rank can be based or built on.
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First-order Ranks
You may have more than one attributing qualification (including employment experience, professional qualifications, VET, etc), your First-order Rank is especially important if you’ve completed or even attempted some tertiary-level study. For instance, if your Year 12 results were solid but your tertiary study wasn’t as strong, we use specific institution policies to determine which rank will be your first-order rank. For more details on institution policies about first-order ranks, get in touch with the institution you’re interested in attending.
Selection Ranks for those who have started tertiary
Not all tertiary study has equal value in the selection rank system. If you have a higher-level qualification or studied one full-time year or more, you will usually receive a higher rank. However, there are different policies across the institutions for how tertiary study is assessed, including if there’ve been multiple attempts at tertiary study.
In general, you should check assessment policies directly with the institution.
Incomplete first-year tertiary studies can give you a selection rank
If you’ve completed less than one full-time year of study, including a diploma or advanced diploma, you may still receive a selection rank. Please note, this may not be a high enough rank to secure a place in your desired course.
One full year of tertiary study does give you a Selection Rank
If you complete the equivalent of one year of graded full-time tertiary study, you will receive a selection rank. One year of full-time study typically equals eight credit points or eight subjects. However, it’s best to contact both the institution you attended and the one you want to study at to ensure your course load is considered full-time for tertiary entrance purposes.
Calculating your Selection Rank
First, you need to acquire your Grade Point Average (GPA). This involves contacting both the institution you attended and the one you want to get into. Please note: if your course is assessed as ‘competent’ or ‘not yet competent,’ it means that the study is competency-based and not graded.
Once you have your GPA, contact QTAC or the institution you want to get into for an estimate of your rank
Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma and advanced diploma
If you complete a graded Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) diploma, or AQF advanced diploma, this will contribute to give you a selection rank. Contact us for more information.
English Language Proficiency
To ensure you are ready for tertiary study, you will need to show adequate ability in using English.
You must be able to speak, write, read and comprehend English to a certain standard to be accepted into a course offered through QTAC. This applies if English is not the applicant’s first language and they haven’t completed a course taught entirely in English at the required level and standard in an institution-approved country. English Language Proficiency is a core element of Admissions Criteria, you’ll be asked to provide this in your application in a form that is most suitable as advised by the institution. We list some helpful information on the tests institutions may recognise.
To meet the English language proficiency requirements, applicants must either provide evidence of previous studies or qualifications or pass a relevant English language test and submit their results.
Preferencing
What are Preferences?
Your preferences are your wish list that we use in the context of your QTAC application. Our system lines up your preferences in light of your ATAR and selection rank to ensure your best chance for applying to your ideal tertiary education course.
If you fill in more options you’re more likely to obtain an offer.
With QTAC, more preferences mean more opportunities to choose your future. Using all 6 preferences maximises your chances of getting an offer.
Managing Your QTAC Preferences
When applying through QTAC, how you order and manage your course preferences can impact the chances of getting into your desired course. It’s essential to plan, whether setting up your initial preferences or making changes along the way.
Below are comprehensive guides on ordering and changing your preferences giving you the best chance when applying for your chosen course.
Read more on how to plan and order your preferences as well as FAQs
How should I order my preferences?
Your order of preferences firstly depends on whether you have received an offer.
If you are yet to receive your offers, ensure you are still within the dates for your desired course offer rounds. Please note: these differ according to course and institution. You can find these details on Course Search.
You can read our handout about preferences here as well as find further information on this page.
Planning your preferences
Before an Offer:
When arranging your preferences, it’s very important to order them wisely. This ensures prioritising your chosen course. Below is important information to help you be prepared with your preferences.
With QTAC, more preferences mean more opportunities to choose your future. Using all 6 preferences increases your chances of receiving the best offer.
Selection Tips:
- Use Course Search to choose your preferences
- Check for fixed closing dates – Note that courses starting in the same semester may have different offer round dates.
- If applying for courses in different offer rounds, order them chronologically according to the offer round dates. (sooner dates higher than later dates)
Planning your preferences
Before an Offer:
When arranging your preferences, it’s very important to order them wisely. This ensures prioritising your chosen course. Below is important information to help you be prepared with your preferences.
With QTAC, more preferences mean more opportunities to choose your future. Using all 6 preferences increases your chances of receiving the best offer.
Selection Tips:
- Use Course Search to choose your preferences
- Check for fixed closing dates – Note that courses starting in the same semester may have different offer round dates.
- If applying for courses in different offer rounds, order them chronologically according to the offer round dates. (sooner dates higher than later dates)
Strategic Preference Ordering
We recommend the following instructions for your preferences. This helps to ensure you get the best chance for the pathways to your chosen career. Read more here.
Preferences 1 & 2
Your first two preferences are the dream courses aligning with your passions and aspirations. These are the ultimate in getting you the education to achieve your career goals.
Preferences 3 & 4
The next two preferences are your backup options. Use these preferences to include the less competitive courses within the same field or a different field that interests you.
Preferences 5 & 6
Your last two preferences are best if they are strategic pathways leading to your academic goal. You can get more of an idea of these pathways here.
Important Note: Only save your preferences when you are certain they’re final.
The first three times you click the ‘save’ button are free; subsequent changes will incur a fee.
How can I change my preferences?
You can change your preferences as many times as you like, both before and after receiving an offer.
Refer to the Offers information for guidance on how to order your preferences after receiving an offer.
Changing Preferences:
To change your preferences before receiving an offer. To manage your preferences before an offer:
- Login: Access your QTAC application.
- Edit Courses: In your Customer Portal, select “Edit Courses”.
- Modify Preferences: Add, delete, or edit your preferences.
- Confirm Changes: Once you’ve made all the changes you want, select “Confirm Changes” and follow the prompts.
Important Note: Only save your preferences when you are certain they’re final. The first three times you click the ‘save’ button are free; subsequent changes incur a change of preference fee.
Offers
Reaching the offer stage in your tertiary application journey is an exciting moment filled with possibilities! As you await your offer, it’s important to understand how you’ll be notified and how to respond quickly to secure your place. It’s important to know what options are available to you and how you will respond if you receive an offer.
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How we notify you of your offer
We notify you of your offer by email, and may also notify you by SMS.
You only get one offer each offer date. This is for your highest eligible preference (ie the highest preference for which you have met the admission criteria and selection rank requirement, if applicable).
Find out about how entry requirements determine who gets an offer.
Responding to offers
Respond to your offer by the date and time specified on your offer letter so that it does not expire.
To respond to your offer:
- Log in to Application Services.
- Select your response option (ie Accept, Reject, Defer – if deferment is an available choice) button.
- Select the offer response again, and confirm your choice.
Responding to an offer
An offer round is when eligible applicants receive offers from institutions. When you have participated in an offer round, you will learn the outcome of your participation and then need to take action and respond in a timely manner. You will need to respond to an offer before the final deadline, or if you didn’t receive an offer, adjust your plan or preferences in preparation for the next offer round. There are many reasons you may not have received an offer.
QTAC conducts over 30 offer rounds throughout the admissions cycle, not including smaller daily rounds. Institutions choose how many rounds to participate in, with the two busiest rounds occurring at the end of the year and the beginning of the following year, during which most institutions make offers. Applicants can participate in multiple offer rounds, providing them with every opportunity to receive an offer for their preferred courses.
Accept
I’m happy and ready to enrol
Check with the institution for enrolment details and dates.
Conditional Response
I’d like to be considered for my higher preferences
By selecting a conditional response, you indicate that you would like to be considered for a higher preference.
Defer
I’m happy and not ready to enrol yet
Rules for course deferral vary by institution. Please visit our deferment page on our website for institution policies.
Decline
I no longer wish to study
By declining your offer outright, you notify QTAC that you no longer wish to study or be considered for any other preferences.
You have three response options:
- Outright
- Conditional, with no change of preference
- Conditional, with a change of preference
For each of the response options, you can accept, reject or defer your offer (if deferment is available for your chosen course).
To Conditionally respond to an offer, please follow these steps:
- Respond Outright: Choose one of the options above to respond to your offer.
- Rearrange Preferences: Go to the Dashboard and adjust your preferences. Place the responded to offer in the lowest preference place and reorder any other courses according to your preference.
- Confirm Changes: Click “Confirm Changes.” The system will adjust your offer status to say your conditional response.
Offers made that aren’t your first preference will be given an additional response, asking if you would like to ‘Reserve the offer, but still wish to be considered for higher preferences’ after you respond with Accept, Decline or Defer. This is the same as Conditionally Responding to the offer, and the status will adjust accordingly in the application.
Please note: You lose your right to an offer when you: receive a new offer for the same semester start, reject an offer or allow an offer to expire.
offer round actions
Display support
If your application is in the process of assessment
If you find your application status marked as ‘Pending’, we encourage clicking the ‘Details’ button next to your preferences to see a list of all entry requirements. Clicking this button, you will see either: ‘Processing of this information has not commenced’, ‘Not yet determined’, or ‘Decision Pending’, which means your application may still be undergoing assessment or you have outstanding documents, check your ‘Alerts’ tab. If you’re unsure which documents, or you’ve already submitted the required documents, you can call us on 1300 467 822 or contact us here.
If you did not get an offer, it could be because:
- you did not meet the entry requirements, look closely at your course requirements
- you needed to compete for a place and your selection rank did not meet the cut-off
- you did not pay your application fee
- you ordered your preferences incorrectly
- you applied after the due date, or too close to an offer round, and we could not assess your application in time.
If you are unsure why you did not get an offer, please contact us.
What next?
If you did not get an offer because you did not meet the entry requirements, there are other options to consider:
- changing your preferences for the next offer round
- upgrading pathways, to improve your chances of entry in the future
- the institution may contact you about pathway offers.
If you HAVE NOT meet all of the entry requirements
If you have not met all of the entry requirements, you will see ‘Not Satisfied’ next to your preference. Clicking the ‘Details’ button you should see ‘No’ next to the entry requirement you have not met, and will not be considered for an offer. Ensure you have supplied the correct Documents for your application. Ensure that you have utilised your preferences, included a Pathway option and met Admissions Criteria.
If you HAVE met all of the entry requirements
If you have met all of the entry requirements, you will see ‘Satisfied’ next to your preference. Clicking the ‘Details’ button you should see ‘Yes’ in each row. However, meeting these minimum entry requirements doesn’t mean you are guaranteed an offer, you will be considered for an offer based on merit in subsequent offer rounds, depending on course vacancy. Useful pages to check:
The selection rank profile: Once on the page, select minimum selection thresholds. The minimum selection threshold is the minimum adjusted score (rank) that was required for an offer of a place.
Key Dates: Check you have applied by the due date of 8th December 2024. If you have applied after this date, you could be considered in subsequent offer rounds through January and February, but there are no guarantees on the assessment of your application, it will depend on course vacancy. Here you will find a list of upcoming offer rounds, but be sure to check Course offers & vacancies too for the most up-to-date info for specific institutions.
Course offers & vacancies: This is the most up-to-date page for subsequent offers coming up. It will detail institutions opting into further offers and is dependent on course vacancy. If a course is closed, full, or no longer offering, you will see this information published here.
Change courses within the same institution
If you want to change to a different course within the same institution, check with your institution whether you can transfer internally.
If not, you will need to change your preferences by logging in to Application Services.
Move to another institution
To apply for a course at a different institution, you will need to change your preferences by logging in to Application Services.
Assistance schemes
Empower Your Educational Journey with Assistance Schemes
At QTAC, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential. Assistance schemes support you to overcome challenges providing the tools and resources needed for you to succeed in your tertiary education journey. Many students have already transformed their futures with the help of these schemes—now it’s your turn to thrive.
Explore the various schemes available and see how they can empower your educational journey.
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Elite Athlete Adjustment Scheme
The Elite Athlete Adjustment Scheme considers the impact of an applicant’s sporting demands on their educational outcomes in the past 2 years. Elite athletes, coaches, and referees applying through QTAC to eligible courses offered by Griffith University, Queensland University of Technology and University of the Sunshine Coast (UniSC) may be eligible to receive adjustments to their selection rank or ATAR via this scheme.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) can help you if you have experienced circumstances that negatively affected your most recent studies.
If you are eligible for EAS, you may get adjustments to your selection rank to help you to get into a course, and/or financial assistance from institutions.
Financial Assistance
There are several government, institution and private schemes that can provide financial assistance to students.
Rural Access Scheme
The Rural Access Scheme exists to recognise the challenges that are often faced by students from Rural and Remote backgrounds.
Some institutions offer courses with a number of places reserved for applicants from rural and remote backgrounds. This is part of the Rural Access Scheme, designed to support students like you.
The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) can help you if you have experienced circumstances that negatively affected your most recent studies.
Applications Services
Welcome back! Whether you’re returning to view your application or just starting your QTAC journey, we’re here to support you every step of the way. For those logging in again, your application is safely stored, and you can pick up right where you left off. If you’re new, we’ve got all the guidance you need to begin your QTAC Application and explore the pathways available to you.
Read more - starting your application
Ready to start your QTAC Application?
Before starting your QTAC application, it’s important to be familiar with the following:
Create an account: Create an account with a personal email and a secure password. Only you can authorise a contact to access and support you in your QTAC Application experience.
Personal Information: Be ready to provide your personal details, educational background, and (if required) any relevant work experience.
Course Preferences: You can see courses inside the application portal. Decide on the courses you wish to apply for and arrange them in order of preference.
Documentation and Fees: Gather necessary documentation (some QTAC can obtain but others you will be required to supply (see Documentation) and be prepared to pay the application fee online prior to submitting your application.
Save your login details, as you’ll need to access your application multiple times to complete, submit, adjust preferences, respond to alerts or offers, and ensure you’re ready for the offer rounds when your preferred courses are available.
Ensure you use a personal email address: Use an email address that you will have access to in the next few months (not a work, institution or school email address) when you sign up to the QTAC Application portal. This means you can easily help yourself regain access if you forget your password, you’re in control of your password reset. You can only unlock your account by verifying your identity over the phone with QTAC.
Logging back into your QTAC Application?
Remember, utilise your preferences wisely, ensure you meet admissions criteria and rather than leaving preferences blank, place in a pathway option. QTAC run multiple offer rounds throughout the admissions year and you need to check back in on your application and some key pages on our website to ensure you’re ready for offer rounds, daily rounds and any updates to your institution’s participation.
You can log back in later to:
- Change your preferences
- Upload documentation
- View and respond to offers
- Check if we’ve received any extra qualifications (for Year 12s)
- View correspondence about your application
- Verify if you’re meeting entry requirements
- Pay your QTAC application fee
- Update your postal or home address, email address, phone number, password, security questions, or authorised person details
Can’t get into the portal due to maintenance? If you encounter a splash page logging out or, if you see one when attempting to log in, don’t worry! Your application is safe, and we’ll reopen the portal as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience during maintenance and upgrades and are here to assist with any enquiries in the meantime. Call 1300 467 822 if you have any urgent enquiries.
AFTER SUBMITTING YOUR APPLICATION
After submitting your application, regularly check back to:
- Monitor your application status and updates.
- Respond to offers and requests for additional information promptly.
- Make any necessary changes to your preferences, documentation, or personal details.
- Staying engaged with your application will help ensure you don’t miss any important updates or opportunities.
Making changes to your personal information
If you need to make changes to your personal information inside your QTAC Application, you will be able to update your email address and your password without assistance. For instances where you have entered your personal information incorrectly or your circumstances have changed, you will need to call us on 1300 467 822 for assistance.
Changing your password
if you’re having trouble resetting your password, follow the steps below:
- Delete all QTAC emails in your inbox
- Refresh your browser
- Go to Applicant Log in and enter your email address and your usual password
- Select ‘resend temporary password’
- Copy the temporary password from your inbox to the black space on the QTAC website
- Enter a new password, adhering to the password requirements (ie at least six characters, one upper-case, one lower-case, one number, and one special character eg Qtac1234!)
- Retype this password; you should now be able to log in.
You can then change your password again after you log in.
Changing your email address and other contact details
- Go to Applicant Log in.
- Log in with the email address listed in your application and your password.
- Once in your application go to ‘My Account’.
- Next, go to ‘Account information’ and click ‘View or Edit’.
- Click ‘Edit’ to change your email address.
- Click ‘Save’.
You will find your key contact information is editable for you to update your application as your circumstances change.
Changing other informaiton
Phone us on 1300 467 822 to change your:
- name
- date of birth
- citizenship status
- gender
- Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Maori, Pasifika or Australian South Sea Islander status
- qualification details.
Are you using assistive technology or do you require accessibilty support?
Our portals and online resources may not be fully compatible with all assistive technologies. However, we want to reassure you that our call centre offers phone support to enable you to you can achieve your tertiary education goals and benefit from our products and services.
Dedicated Assistance: Our call centre team members provide clear, practical help wherever possible, tailored to your needs; for example, step-by-step guidance prior to your application. We can assist with any accessibility issues you may face in navigating our processes, platform, resources or portal with you over the phone.
Call us on 1300 467 822
Are you experiencing display issues due to the hardware, software, or device you are using?
Mobile phone users:
Are you using a mobile phone? If so, the QTAC Application Portal may not be displaying correctly on your mobile device. Our portals are not mobile compatible. We recommend using a desktop.
View Application Services technical requirements.
Desktop users:
Why is the Applicant Log In not displaying?
PC users
You may need to update to the latest version of your browser.
Mac users
If you are using a Mac and Safari, you need Safari v. 7 or above to run our new application services.
Your OS X will need to be at v. 10.9 (Mavericks) to use Safari 7.
You should be able to upgrade for free to OS X Yosemite that will also update your Safari to v. 8.
Technical requirements
We recommend the computer settings and software below.
Others may work but not all combinations have been tested.
While you can lodge an application with a tablet device, QTAC’s Application Services is not compatible with mobile phones.
Monitor screen resolution
The recommended minimum screen resolution is 1024 x 768.
Tablet device:
If you are using an Android tablet, we recommend Chrome to access our services.
Compatible browsers:
Application FAQs
Read more for information on support and guidance
DISPLAY SUPPOrt
Display support
How to apply
To apply, you must first create a QTAC account.
Unique Student Identifier (USI)
A key part of preparing for tertiary study is your Unique Student Identifier (USI). A USI is required for all students enrolling for study in 2024 and beyond. This includes both vocational education and training (VET) and university.
Students will need a USI if they are:
- studying a nationally recognised Vocational Education and Training (VET) course,
- seeking a VET student loan,
- a higher education student seeking a HELP loan or Commonwealth Supported Place,
- a higher education student graduating in 2023 or beyond.
Courses, admission criteria and minimum selection thresholds
Use Course Search to find out what courses you can study, as well as their admission criteria and minimum selection thresholds.
Make sure you also visit institutions’ open days and career expos for more course advice.
Documentation
If you need to provide documentation, we will let you know. To ensure a smooth application process, make sure you follow the documentation process correctly.
ATAR/selection ranks
You can apply without knowing your ATAR or selection rank. However, it is recommended that you register in the ATAR Portal to receive your ATAR.
2024 Year 12 students
ATAR’s will be released on December 13 2024. If you are not going to receive an ATAR, please talk to your school guidance counsellor about your application or call us on 1300 467 822.
Students applying interstate or overseas
All Queensland students who are applying interstate need to sign up to the ATAR portal and provide consent for us to share your ATAR with interstate Tertiary Admission Centres. You can also download a copy of your ATAR to share with overseas and other non-QTAC institutions.
Everyone else
Call us on 1300 467 822 for information on selection ranks.
The minimum selection threshold required for admission is based on the previous year’s Semester 1 intake period. It varies from year to year. To find out more click here
VET Qualifications for Tertiary Entrance
Institutions may consider completed VET qualifications (at Certificate III level and higher) as a basis of tertiary admission on their own, including for non-school leavers applying for tertiary study.
Institution-specific information and schedules:
- Australian Catholic University
- Bond University
- Christian Heritage College
- CQUniversity Australia
- Griffith College
- Griffith University
- James Cook University
- JMC Academy
- Queensland University of Technology
- Southern Cross University
- TAFE Queensland
- The University of Queensland
- Torrens University
- University of New England
- University of Southern Queensland
- University of the Sunshine Coast
Performing Arts Qualifications for Tertiary Entrance
Non-AQF performing arts qualifications, such as AMEB awards, are not included in the ATAR calculation. However, some institutions may consider these qualifications on their own (including for non-school leavers) as a basis for admission to tertiary study.
Institution-specific information and schedules:
- Australian Catholic University
- Christian Heritage College
- CQUniversity Australia
- Griffith College
- Griffith University
- James Cook University
- JMC Academy
- Queensland University of Technology
- Southern Cross University
- TAFE Queensland
- The University of Queensland (for non-current school leavers)
- Torrens University
- University of New England
- University of Southern Queensland
- University of the Sunshine Coast
Institutions that will not accept performing arts qualifications as a basis of admission for any category of applicant:
- Bond University
Application dates
Preferences
You must order your preferences correctly so you don’t miss out on an offer unnecessarily.
Visit the preferences page for instructions, and use the preferences plan on the same page.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS)
The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) can help you if you have experienced circumstances that negatively affected your most recent studies.
If you are eligible for EAS, you may get adjustments to your selection rank to help you to get into a course, and/or financial assistance from institutions.
Assistance schemes, admission pathways and bridging courses
If you don’t meet the entry requirements or anticipated cut-off, then there are plenty of ways you can improve your chances of being accepted into a course.
These include:
- assistance schemes – Schemes that may add adjustments to your ATAR/selection rank
- upgrading pathways – Other qualifications you can use to apply for tertiary study. Generally not available to current Year 12 students
- bridging courses – Courses that help satisfy a subject prerequisite or improve selection ranks
- competency-based training – Study an ungraded certificate or tertiary-level course to improve your rank
- Queensland Senior External Examination – Year 12 subjects that satisfy subject prerequisites or improve selection ranks
- tertiary study – Study a different graded tertiary course to improve your selection rank
- professional, defence and emergency services qualifications – Your experience may improve your selection rank.
Checking/changing an application
Log in to Application Services to check or change your application. Here, you can:
- track your application’s progress
- change your details
- change your preferences
- view and respond to offers.
Offer responses
If you receive an offer, you’ll have a set time to respond to it. Our key dates and fees page tells you the offer round dates throughout the year. Course Search tells you the offer round dates for your course. If any early offers are going to be made, the dates will be displayed in your application. View the Responding to Offers video for more information.
Nursing and Midwifery courses
Before you can be considered for a place in a Nursing or Midwifery course, the Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) requires that all applicants demonstrate their English language proficiency. For more details click here.
Teacher Entry
For entry to initial teacher education (ITE) courses, you will need to meet both the academic and non-academic entry requirements. For more information click here.
Study costs
You can find estimated course fees in Course Search. You’ll be told full course costs and other costs by your institution once you’ve been accepted into a course.
Course costs can be expensive, but don’t worry, financial assistance is available if you need it.
Rights and responsibilities
Before you apply to study or for your ATAR, you must know the rights and responsibilities you have as an applicant.
Assistance schemes, admission pathways and bridging courses
You can have your qualifications formally assessed to find out what rank they will be given.
An Assessment of Qualifications can assist if:
- you are planning future study at a non-QTAC partner institution
- you are applying to Queensland Fire and Emergency Services.
Click here for more information.
How to apply interstate
All Queensland Year 12 students who are applying interstate need to sign up to the ATAR portal and provide consent for us to share your ATAR with interstate Tertiary Admission Centres. You can also download a copy of your ATAR to share with overseas and other non-QTAC institutions.
You can apply for most interstate courses through state-based tertiary admissions centres:
- New South Wales – apply through UAC
- Northern Territory – apply though SATAC
- South Australia – apply through SATAC
- Tasmania – apply direct for University of Tasmania
- Victoria – apply through VTAC
- Western Australia – apply through TISC; apply direct for The University of Notre Dame Australia.
Application processes and fees vary, so visit the relevant state’s tertiary admissions centre or institution website for more information.
Preparing to submit your application
Really consider reviewing How to Apply and spend itme exploring your preferred courses, and understanding the frequency you’ll need to check in on your application to make important decisions and progress your journey to your future in tertiary education.
See the key information we deem as Essential and ensure you have read up on Application Services before starting your QTAC Application.
Employment experience
You can use your employment experience to contribute to your QTAC selection rank, improving your chances of getting into your chosen course. Your employment experience doesn’t necessarily have to relate to the course you wish to study. It can be used on its own or combined with the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).
QTAC can only accept the specific types of documentation that will enable us to allocate a selection rank value for your employment experience; (based on skill level and duration of employment) – using the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). Depending on the course you are applying to, you may find employment documentation is or is not included in the assessment of your application.
Employment experience is validated by specific types of documentation. You will need to ensure you have or can obtain the specific documentation outlined for your industry. Employment experience is still applicable if you are self-employed, or employed on the grounds of a trade qualification. You may have qualifications you obtained you can provide documentation for such as employment in Emergency services (Fire or Ambulance), Police Services, or Defence Forces.
We ask you to ensure you obtain the correct Documentation.
Please be aware that some institutions have age restrictions or other policies that might affect whether you can use employment as an admission pathway. Make sure to check the specific policies of the institutions you’re interested in regarding using employment experience for admission.
Read more -
Including employment experience in your application
For most courses, it is optional to include employment experience in your application. There are some courses in which employment experience is an entry requirement.
Employment Documentation FAQ
Read more on the types of Employment documentation and qualifications QTAC will accept in your application on our Documentation page.
How employment experience is assessed
We allocate a selection rank value for employment experience based on skill level and the length of service. To determine skill level, we use the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).
We can assess a minimum of six months of full-time (or equivalent) paid employment, whether in Australia or overseas. This can include continuous employment with one employer or various periods of employment in the same role with different employers. Self-employment periods are also considered.
We can’t assess:
- unpaid work experience
- volunteer work
- the time-at-work component of apprenticeships and traineeships
Documenting your employment
Find out more about documenting your employment experience, including sample employment statements.
If you are utilising your employment history, you will be required to supply approved documentation in your QTAC Application. For most courses, including employment experience is optional, but there are some courses where it is an entry requirement.
Should you wish to use employment documentation, you will need to read up on what specifically you will need to supply in order for us to recognise:
- proof of employment,
- proof of employment after qualifying in a trade or traineeship,
- or proof of self-employment
Call us on 1300 467 822 to find out about selection ranks for professional qualifications. Your employment experience can be provided as a qualification and may be given a selection rank to assist with your application.
The most common qualifications we assess include health care qualifications, apprenticeships and traineeships, police, fire, defence and emergency services qualifications, and memberships of professional associations for which qualifying exams are undertaken.
Any documents you supply to QTAC need to comply with our required documentation. Do not supply additional documentation outside of what is outlined as Documentation QTAC require.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is a two-hour test designed to demonstrate your readiness for tertiary studies. It consists of 70 multiple-choice questions, with half testing verbal (English) skills and half testing quantitative (Math and Science) skills. These questions may be presented in various formats, such as graphs, tables, diagrams, poems, and cartoons. The test assesses your ability to process, analyse, and comprehend information, ensuring you are prepared for the rigours of tertiary-level learning.
Eligibility: The STAT is generally not available to current Year 12 students and is intended for entry into Queensland institutions.
Recommendation: We typically recommend the STAT if it enhances your likelihood of course admission. However, if you have previously attempted tertiary study without success, this may not be the most beneficial option. Contact us to explore the best pathways forward for your situation. For entry to some institutions, you can use a STAT result to satisfy some course entry requirements like subject prerequisites and English language proficiency.
Registration: Register for the STAT here.
Preparation: As the STAT is an aptitude test, there is no specific study preparation required. However, reviewing sample questions on the ACER website can be helpful. Contact us if you need assistance accessing the online information booklet.
We typically recommend STAT if it enhances your likelihood of course admission. However, if you have previously attempted tertiary study without success, this may not be the most beneficial option for your circumstance. We are here to support you, so please contact us and we will help you in finding the best pathway forward for your situation. Please remember, the STAT is generally not acceptable for current Year 12s.
You can in some cases, depending on the policies of the institution you’re applying to, STAT result can be combined with prior tertiary study for your Selection Rank. Visit our Institution profiles or call the institution you wish to apply to for more information.
Read more - combining STAT with tertiary studies
STAT COMBINED WITH FORMAL QUALIFICATIONS
Combining a STAT result with formal qualifications for your Selection Rank
If you don’t have formal qualifications, or even if the results from your previous tertiary study weren’t strong, these alternative combinations or approaches may contribute to your selection rank when applying for your course. If any of these options sound like a good fit for you, contact the Institutions you are seeking entry to and speak to QTAC to plan your way forward. Find out more by exploring this page, and ensure you understand the specific documentation you will need to supply in order to attribute to your selection rank.
STAT + Pathways + Employment Experience
If you don’t have any formal academic qualifications, a STAT result can give you a selection rank on its own or be added to your selection rank along with your professional qualifications and employment experience, depending on institution policies. Refer below, and contact the Institution you are looking to apply to for more information.
STAT + Formal qualifications or Competency-based training
If you have completed a Certificate III or higher, you may be able to use these qualifications alongside your STAT result for admission purposes. Each institution has its own policies, so refer below, and contact the Institution for specific details on how your qualifications and STAT result can work together.
STAT + Bridging programs
A STAT result might also combine with other preparatory and bridging courses. Refer below to check specific requirements, visit our Institution profiles or call the institution you wish to apply to for more information.
STAT + QLD Senior External Subject Examination
You can in some instances, combine the STAT result with your Queensland Senior External Subject Examination (with a minimum of two and a maximum of five subjects) result. Refer below, visit our Institution profiles or call the institution you wish to apply to for more information.
Subject Prerequisites
Learn the English Subject Prerequisites you need for your chosen course
To gain entry into most courses, you’ll need to meet certain requirements in specific Year 12 subjects.
While not all courses have subject prerequisites, some may have assumed knowledge or recommended study areas. Assumed knowledge means the institution expects you to have certain subject knowledge, while recommended study suggests it would be beneficial to have covered these areas.
If you don’t have the assumed knowledge or recommended study, you can still enrol in the course but be aware that you might find some aspects of the study more challenging.
Meeting the requirements
English is the most common prerequisite for courses. If a course requires an English subject, you’ll see it listed in the course entry as ‘English, Literature, English and Literature Extension, or English as an Additional Language (Units 3 and 4, C)’. This means you need to have studied one of these Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) General English subjects (or an equivalent) and achieved at least a Grade of ‘C’ or better in Units 3 and 4, typically taken in Year 12.
English subject prerequisite and English language proficiency
The English subject prerequisite and English language proficiency are two distinct requirements. The English subject prerequisite refers to the specific subject you study in Years 11 and 12. On the other hand, English language proficiency pertains to your ability to speak, write, read, and understand English.
How to meet the English subject prerequisite
If you didn’t study or pass a General English subject up to the Year 12 standard, there are alternative ways to meet this requirement based on the policy of the institution you’re interested in.
The institution policy tables below offer guidance on how to meet the English subject prerequisite for various institutions and sometimes for specific courses. This summary provides an overview, but if you believe you meet the English requirement through other means not listed here, it’s a good idea to check directly with the institution.
Institution policies – 2024 2025 admissions
Note: Where an age requirement is listed you must be this age by a certain date. Refer to the Institution’s minimum age requirements for 2024 2025 admissions
Key & Definitions
QCAA
Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority
GPA
Grade Point Average
Passing GPA/Pass
An overall Grade Point Average of 4 or higher (on a 7-point scale where 4 = pass)
AQF
Australian Qualifications Framework
Documentation
Submitting documents for your QTAC application? We only ask for and accept the types of documents that our institutions need and recognise. Have a look at the list of accepted documentation below to make sure you’re all set for your QTAC application.
Make sure to provide the right documents as early as possible to keep your application process running smoothly. Our assessment team reviews and verifies your documents for each course you’ve listed in your preferences that may need them. This involves careful cross-checking and can be quite time-intensive. Remember, to be considered for an offer, you must not have any Outstanding Documents for the course(s) you wish to obtain an offer for.
We reserve the right to request original documents and/or certified copies if needed. If your documentation contains false, incorrect, or misleading information, your application may be cancelled, fees may not be refunded, and you could be excluded from applying to QTAC for up to two years.
How to submit your documents
The fastest way to submit your documents is through our QTAC Application Portal. Log in and upload your documents directly under Outstanding Documents. Ensure your files are below 15MB.
Having trouble uploading your documents?
The email address [email protected] is for receipt of submitted documents only and you cannot correspond to QTAC staff through there. For general business and after-hours enquiries or to correspond via email please use the contact page form.
If the qualification you need to provide isn’t listed in Outstanding Documents or you encounter issues uploading, you can:
- Email a photocopy of your documents to [email protected]. Include your full name and QTAC application number in the email subject line.
- Post your documents, including your full name and QTAC application number to PO Box 1331, Milton, QLD, 4064, Australia.
- Call us on 1300 467 822 for further assistance.
Please note that post is our slowest method for submitting documentation and you may miss your document due date if you have not allowed ample time for delays in postage. We cannot return your mail, please only post photocopies, not original documents.
Documentation due dates
Ensure we receive your documentation by the due date so we can assess it in time. Visit Key dates and fees for documentation due dates.
Read more - about supplying & removing documentation
Removing Employment Documentation from your QTAC Application
We cannot delete your information from your application. We can take your instruction on disregarding it, for any reason you see fit.
Please note that a notification may still show within your application; prompting you to supply documentation, however, you do not need to respond to it.
To advise QTAC that you want your Employment Documentation disregarded, you can do one or both of the following:
- Call us on 1300 467 822 and ask us to ensure it is disregarded
- Upload a Word doc or PDF in lieu of your documentation, which reads, “Please disregard, I won’t be supplying documentation,” and send a copy of this (with confirmation it has been loaded to your QTAC Application) to [email protected].
Existing qualification Documentation
Existing qualifications documentation required
The documentation required depends on the type of qualification/s or official tests undertaken. Select a qualification below for details.
Please note: Where academic transcripts are referred to below, the official academic transcript is required. Statements of attainment, results slips and award elements documents are not sufficient.
Senior Studies/Year 12
Please include your academic transcript with details of all subjects taken, results (including any fails), a key to the grading system, the name of the award, and proof of award or completion if applicable.
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)
If you sat the test before 1996 and not through QTAC, a copy of your official statement of test results.
If you sat the test from 1996, through QTAC, we will obtain your results for you.
English language proficiency tests
Your official statement of test results.
Preparation programs and bridging studies
Academic transcript showing all subjects undertaken, results (including fails), key to the grading system, name of award and proof of award/completion if applicable.
Certificates
Academic transcript showing all subjects undertaken, results (including fails), key to the grading system, name of award and proof of award/completion if applicable. Do not include certificates I or II, incomplete certificates III and IV, or courses shorter than 180 hours, as these cannot be assessed.
Tertiary
Academic transcript showing all subjects undertaken, results (including fails), key to the grading system, name of award, degree certificate and proof of award/completion if applicable.
Nursing or Health Care Qualifications
Australian nursing/health care qualifications achieved through hospital based or registration body training and/or any overseas nursing/health qualifications:
- Certificate of registration from relevant governing body. Note: Your annual nursing licence is not sufficient.
Australian nursing/health care qualifications achieved as academic qualifications (AQF qualification eg certificate III, diploma, etc):
- Academic transcript showing all subjects undertaken, results (including fails), key to the grading system, name of award and proof of award/completion from your registered training provider.
Music, Dance, Speech, Drama
Completion certificate. Note: for AMEB (Australian Music Examinations Board) grade 7 or 8 qualifications a theory certificate may also be required. Phone us on 1300 467 822 for more information.
Language qualifications
An Official award completion certificate is required for any language qualifications which may include translating and interpreting or language proficiency, or a membership of professional associations for which qualifying examinations were undertaken.
Fire or Ambulance Service
Fire or ambulance service: A letter or certificate of service from your supervisor/personnel officer/commanding officer giving length of service and occupation.
Defence Forces
Defence forces documentation needs to identify rank(s) achieved, division(s) worked in and length and dates of services for each rank. Note: Certificate of Enlistment is not sufficient.
Please provide one of the following:
- Full PMKeyS statement containing a complete service record which is available to serving members of the Armed Forces. The statement contains current rank, date of enlistment, length of service, current occupation, posting and promotion history. (You can blank out any personal information like home address and next of kin, before submitting a copy of the document.)
- A letter from your supervisor/personnel officer/commanding officer giving rank, length of service, and, if possible, occupation.
- Certificate of Service which states rank on discharge and dates of service.
Police Services
Certificate of Service that states rank on discharge and dates of service.
Marchant Marine
Certificate of competency as issued by Australian Maritime Safety Authority (AMSA)
Civil aviation, commercial pilots licence
Licence certificate.
Employment experience Documentation
Employment experience documentation required
When applying to QTAC, it’s important to understand the value and limitations of using employment experience as part of your application. Employment experience can be a valuable asset in your application, but it should only be used if it is the most likely avenue to you being given a suitable selection rank. If you have other forms of qualifications, these will potentially supersede employment documentation. Call us on 1300 467 822 for further assistance or information.
Employment experience documentation
If you decide to use employment experience as part of your application, you must substantiate it with copies of statements from your employers. Each employer’s statement must include all of the following details. Statements missing any of these details cannot be assessed:
- Official Company Letterhead: The statement must be written on the official letterhead of the company.
- Date: The date the statement was written.
- Job Title: Your job title during the period of employment.
- Duties Performed: A description of the duties you performed.
- Type of Employment: Specify whether the employment was full-time, part-time, or casual, along with the hours per week or total hours for the period of employment.
- Employment Period: Start date (mm/yyyy) and end date (mm/yyyy) of service, or a statement that you are still employed, if applicable.
- Authority and Signature: The position and signature of your employer or the person authorised by your employer to write the statement (e.g., Human Resources Officer). If multiple roles have been held within the same organisation, the start and end dates for each role must be noted.
Please note that personal resumes, curricula vitae, group certificates, pay slips, tax returns, separation certificates, employment contracts, or similar documents are not sufficient. Duties statements or job descriptions alone are also insufficient; this information must be stated in the letters.
You can find a sample of the required statement from your employer(s) here.
Self-employment experience documentation
If you have been self-employed, your self-employment must be substantiated by statements from your accountant, solicitor, or tax agent. Each statement must include all the details listed below. Statements missing any of these details cannot be assessed:
- Official Letterhead: The statement must be written on the official letterhead of your accountant, solicitor, or tax agent.
- Date: The date the statement was written.
- Type of Business: The type of business you conduct(ed).
- Job Title: Your job title during the period of self-employment.
- Duties Performed: A description of the duties you performed.
- Employment Period: Start date (mm/yyyy) and end date (mm/yyyy) of service, or a statement that you are still self-employed, if applicable.
- Type of Employment: Specify whether the self-employment was full-time, part-time, or casual, along with the hours per week or total hours for the period of employment.
- Service Duration: Length of time the accountant, solicitor, or tax agent has been of service to you and the relevant business.
- Authority and Signature: The position and signature of your accountant, solicitor, or tax agent.
Please note that personal resumes, curricula vitae, group certificates, pay slips, tax returns, separation certificates, employment contracts, or similar documents are not sufficient. Duties statements or job descriptions alone are also insufficient; this information must be stated in the letters.
You can find a sample of the required statement from your accountant, solicitor, or tax agent here.
Trades and traineeship documentation
This category of employment experience is only suitable for use by qualified tradespersons who undertook a paid certifide qualfication and has commenced paid work in their trade. This not suitable for somoene who has begun, but not yet completed their trade qualification or who has not yet commenced employment within their trade.
Australian trade or traineeship completed since introduction of Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) in 1995:
- Academic transcript showing all subjects undertaken, results (including fails), key to the grading system, name of award and proof of award/completion from your registered training provider.
Australian trade and traineeship completed prior to introduction of Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) in 1995:
- Certificate showing trade or traineeship completion from the relevant government or issuing body.
Overseas trade or traineeship:
- Certificate of trade or traineeship completion from relevant government or issuing body, and documents for any associated academic qualification including academic transcript showing all subjects undertaken, results (including fails), key to the grading system, name of award and proof of award/completion.
Educational Access Scheme (EAS) Documents
Documentation required for EAS depends on the EAS category you apply under.
For most categories, you must complete the relevant Educational Access Scheme cover sheet and attach supporting documentation.
Visit Educational Access Scheme for specific category documentation requirements.
How to Apply
Applying through QTAC
Admissions are now open!
Are you looking to study in 2025? Applications for 2025 admissions are now open!
Visit our Key Dates page for more information.
If you are an international applicant click here.
Pathways
Pathway are approaches that you choose, to help you transition into your preferred course. You could complete these within the same or a different tertiary institution. This method is often chosen when you do not meet direct entry requirements for a preference.
Alternative entry pathways offer additional routes to gain admission into a tertiary institution and can help you transition into your preferred course. Should it be the case that your top preferred course/s you are applying to are highly competitive and you do not receive an offer, you may consider planning one or more pathway options in your QTAC Application preferences.
Incorporating pathway options into your preferences can provide alternative opportunities and help improve your rank for entry into your chosen course. It is advisable for applicants to plan their preferences to include at least one pathway option to address the possibility of not meeting entry requirements or not receiving an offer.
Alternative entry pathways include non-traditional routes such as:
Entering a Similar Course with Overlapping Subjects: Enrol in a course that includes subjects similar to those in your desired program. This allows you to transfer credits and switch to your preferred course later on, potentially making the transition smoother and more efficient.
Improving Selection Rank through Study: By completing a year of study in a related degree program and achieving a strong GPA, you can enhance your selection rank. This demonstrates your academic ability and commitment, thereby improving your chances of being admitted to your preferred course.
To make sure you plan a pathway that works for you and your desired course, ensure that you speak to the tertiary institutions offering your desired course,
Find out more about the selection process and entry requirements here.
tips on planning your pathway options
Here are some steps to follow in planning a pathway to list in your preferences on your QTAC Application.
Identify Your Desired Course
Begin by clearly identifying the course you want to enrol in. Note the entry requirements, including the ATAR or selection rank.
Evaluate Your Current Situation
Assess your current academic standing and determine how it compares to the entry requirements of your desired course. If your rank is lower than required, consider alternative entry pathways.
Research Pathway Options
Explore the alternative entry pathways that seem most attainable and logical to you:
- Entering a Similar Course with Overlapping Subjects: Look for courses that share subjects with your desired program that you will meet entry requirements for. This can make it easier to transfer credits and switch to your preferred course later. Research the course content to ensure substantial overlap.
- Improving Selection Rank through Study: Find related degree programs that you will meet entry requirements for, where you can complete a year of study and aim for a high GPA. This can improve your selection rank and demonstrate your academic capability and commitment.
Consult with Universities
Some approaches migh be more suitable for you than what you researched, depending on the specific course and tertiary institution. It is advisable to check with the institution you wish to attend in order to determine the best way to improve your rank and gain access into your desired course.
Our Institutions are experts in providing specific advice tailored to their individual admission processes for specific courses. Reach out to the tertiary institutions offering your desired course. Ask about the best pathway approaches specific to their institution for improving your rank and transitioning into your preferred program. Share what you have researched so far, and ensure you ask as many questions as you can to understand your best way forward in planning your pathway.
Plan Your QTAC Application
Include pathway courses in your QTAC Application preferences. Make sure to prioritise your preferred courses as your first option and in your preference list, include at least one pathway appropriate course that aligns with the alternative entry options you’ve researched.
To discuss preferences or responding to an offer you can call us on 1300 467 822.
Monitor and adjust
Before and after you submit your application, check back in regularly. Respond to notifications and requests for further information quickly. Stay informed about key dates, and the status of your preferences. Be prepared to adjust your plans based on offers received and understand how to respond to an offer.
Additional Tips:
- Stay proactive: Continuously seek guidance from academic advisors and tertiary institution admissions offices.
- Keep track of deadlines: Ensure all applications and enrolments are completed on time.
- Stay committed: Maintain a strong academic performance in your pathway course to maximise your chances of transferring to your desired course.
Additional tips
If you do move forward with a pathway approach, here are some additional tips:
- Stay proactive: Continuously seek guidance from academic advisors and university admissions offices.
- Keep track of deadlines: Ensure all applications and enrolments are completed on time.
- Stay committed: Maintain a strong academic performance in your pathway course to maximise your chances of transferring to your desired course.
Essential information
Keep checking these pages, as they are date-specific, updated regularly, and contain important information that you’ll need as you plan to submit your application for each offer round.