Current Edition | Term 3, Week 10

QTAC will release the ATAR to students 9.00am Thursday 18 December via the ATAR Portal. A reminder students can register for their ATAR in the ATAR portal from Tuesday 5 August. 
 
ATAR Reports will be available via the QTAC School Portal for authorised users from midday onwards Thursday 18 December.

AIQS Donald Napier Scholarship - Construction Management degree students

The Donald Napier scholarship is able to support the future leaders of the Construction Management profession as they begin their university degrees. AIQS (Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors) offers a number of scholarships each year for Year 12 students and early school leavers who qualify for entry into a construction management degree that is AIQS accredited in Australia. There are four scholarships offered each year:

1. General 
2. Diversity 
3. First Nations people (Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander)
4. Disadvantaged (financial, carer, medical condition or disability, regional or remote)

Scholarships are valued ad $5,000 and click here for more information. Applications close on 1 October, 2025.

Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) Local Sporting Champions program

The Local Sporting Champions program provides financial assistance for coaches, officials and competitors aged 12-18 participating in state, national or international championships. If successful, applicants will receive $500 - $750 towards the cost of attending their championships. Applications close on 31 October 2025. Click here for more information and to read across Australia:

• Overview
• Eligibility and terms
• Application Process
• Assessment
• Case Studies
• Key Dates

Commonwealth Scholarships

There are three types of Commonwealth scholarships:

Student Start-Up Loan – Available to eligible full-time students in higher education who receive Youth Allowance, Austudy or ABSTUDY Living Allowance and you must apply.

Relocation Scholarship – This is an annual payment to help eligible ABSTUDY or Youth Allowance students with their higher education if they have relocated to, or from, a regional or remote area to study. 

Payments and support for Indigenous Australians - You may be eligible if you’re studying or training. ABSTUDY is a group of payments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students or apprentices.

Corporate Partners in Excellence Scholarship

QUT's Corporate Partners in Excellence (CPIE) Scholarship, valued at $42,000, offers students two 15-week internships with QUT corporate partners and automatic membership to the QUT College of Excellence. Applications close  on 12 October 2025.

Financial support when leaving school

Find out about Australian Government payments and loans you can get when taking the leap to further training (Apprenticeships and Traineeships) or study at university or TAFE. Click here to find out about:

• Main student payments
• Extra payments
• Payments for moving to study
• Payments to help with living costs
• Payments for study if you have disability
• Loans you can apply for

STARTUP-HELP

A STARTUP-HELP loan from the Australian Government can be used to pay for your studies when you attend university and participate in a Startup Year course. A Startup Year course is an accelerator program course designed to develop a person’s skills, capabilities and connections for startup businesses. For more information on the program, please visit Startup Year Program. Click here for more information on:

• What is a Startup Year course?
• Eligibility for a STARTUP-HELP loan
• How do I apply for a STARTUP-HELP loan?
• Indexation of STARTUP-HELP loans
• Repayment of STARTUP-HELP loans

UniSQ Scholarships

Explore what scholarships the University of Southern Queensland have on offer that you can apply for now as well as those coming soon. You can apply for more than one, so be sure to apply for all that you’re eligible for. Click here to find out about Indigenous Student Success Program.

University of the Sunshine Coast scholarships

Almost half of all students who applied for a UniSC scholarships in Semester 1, 2025 were awarded a scholarship or bursary. Their scholarships and bursaries celebrate different types of skills and support people from all kinds of backgrounds, giving you the freedom to focus on your study. The main round of Semester 1, 2026 scholarship applications will open on 1 September. Check the Scholarships Finder to see which awards are still open for application.

Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship

If you’re interested in studying STEM next year, you could consider applying for the Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship. This scholarship is a package that includes up to $15,000 for the cost of studying and/or living expenses. Plus, another $5,000 to get you to Singapore to be part of a week-long Disruptive Leaders Program. Connect with industry leaders and tech experts and get experience in communication, leadership, networking and creating cool tech. Click here for more information and application details. 

Youth Allowance

The Australian Government provides financial help if you’re 24 or younger and a student or an Australian Apprentice, or 21 or younger and looking for work:

• 16 to 21 and looking for full time work
• 18 to 24 and studying full time
• 16 to 24 and doing a full time Australian Apprenticeship
• 16 to 17 and independent or needing to live away from home to study
• 16 to 17, studying full time and have completed year 12 or equivalent

Click here to read more about Youth Allowance for students and Australian Apprentices and Youth Allowance for job seekers.

The Educational Access Scheme (EAS) can help you if you have experienced circumstances that have negatively affected your most recent studies. If you are assessed as eligible for an adjustment to your ATAR or QTAC selection rank under EAS, it will be combined with other adjustments you may be eligible for. Check with the institution/s you are interested in for the maximum adjustments allowed. If you are eligible for the Financial Hardship category, you may also get financial assistance from institutions, such as scholarships or bursaries. This category applies to your current and recent personal and/or family financial circumstances.

You apply for EAS when you are applying for tertiary study through QTAC. You must complete a cover sheet for each category that you feel you are eligible for and provide written evidence to support your application. EAS will not be able to compensate you for things such as not completing secondary school, changing school subjects by choice or missed time from school for activities that are a personal choice (for example, sport, musical, holidays or cultural activities) etc. The EAS eligibility categories are:

• Financial Hardship
• Home Environment and Responsibilities
• English Language Difficulty
• Personal Illness or Disability
• School Environment

If you nominate to apply to EAS and DO NOT go ahead with your application, you MUST enter your application and untick the EAS option otherwise QTAC will think your application is incomplete. It is suggested that you only tick to apply for EAS, once you have gathered all the necessary documentation.

Adjustment Factors

Adjustment factors boost your Selection Rank/ATAR positioning and can improve your chances of gaining a place in your preferred degree at Griffith. The maximum adjustments that you can receive at Griffith Uni under all pathways is capped at eight (8). Click here for more information including:

• How do Adjustment Factors Work
• Available schemes   
  • Year 12 subject adjustment
  • Location Adjustments
  • Educational Access Scheme
  • Elite Athlete Support Policy
  • Incremental Adjustments for the Bachelor of Medical Science
  • Advanced Study - University courses

Check out Griffith during the school holidays

You can check out the various Griffith campuses with a free tour during these spring school holidays. Explore their teaching spaces, libraries and facilities for learning and research. Find out more and book a tour here.

Head Start Program online and on campus

Griffith University's Head Start program is designed to give you the opportunity to study a course (subject) at Griffith while completing your high school studies. With the tuition fee covered by the University, the program lets you sample university life at Griffith, learn from industry leaders and stretch your academic boundaries. Completion of a Griffith University Head Start course and Year 12 studies guarantees admission to one of more of 70 single and double degrees across a range of study areas. Click here for more information on:

• Eligibility and entry requirements
• Available courses
• How to apply
• Frequently Asked Questions

Key Dates:

• Applications for Trimester 3, 2025 for Year 11 students only close on 20 October 2025
• Applications for Trimester 1, 2026 for Year 12 students only close early February 2026

Prerequisites and Assumed Knowledge

To enable you to successfully complete the first year of some degrees, it is assumed that through your senior school studies, or equivalent, you will have achieved a minimum level of knowledge in certain subjects. Most Griffith degrees require you to meet an English subject prerequisite for admission. Assumed knowledge is not assessable, however, some degrees recommend you have foundational knowledge in one or more of the following Queensland Year 12 General subjects: General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics or Psychology. Click here to find out more about:

• Subject prerequisites
• What is assumed knowledge?
• Finding equivalent subjects and bridging courses
• Which bridging course should I take?

Don't miss out on the course you really want just because you haven't done your research!

Vertical Double Degrees

Griffith has a new suite of vertical double degree programs where you complete a packaged Bachelor and Master degree in as little as four years. The advantages of this pathway are:

• Attractive to higher achieving students
• Develop advanced, specialised knowledge
• Streamlines options and saves time
• Provides competitive employment opportunities
• Commonwealth Supported places for Masters degree

Click here for more information.

Applying for courses interstate

If you are thinking about applying to a university outside Queensland, you need to apply to the relevant Tertiary Admission's Centre (TAC). Find course information on the TAC websites below. You can have multiple applications running at the same time through different TACs but you need to be sure that you understand and follow the application process as it can vary from TAC to TAC. In the case of high demand courses such as medicine, veterinary science and dentistry, students often apply nationally. The different tertiary admissions' centres are: 

• UAC        New South Wales and ACT
• VTAC      Victoria
• SATAC    South Australia and Northern Territory
• TISC        Western Australia
• UTAS      Tasmania (you apply directly to the University)

Sept and Dec, Gardens Point & Kelvin Grove 

Join us for guided tours of our campuses and community spaces with current QUT students. Tours are being offered on multiple dates in September and December and registration is required.   

QUT - Campus tours

2026 New Vertical Double Degree

QUT’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Master of Biomedical Systems and Technology, launching in 2026, is tailored for students who are interested in advancements in healthcare technology innovation. Be prepared to step into high-impact roles such as Bioprocess Development Engineer, Design Engineer, Medical Device Assessor and Rehabilitation Engineer, which drives real-world change in the biomedical field. Check course requirements and find out more. 

Course updates for the Bachelor of Creative Industries double degrees and diploma pathway

Changes to the delivery of the Bachelor of Creative Industries, related double degrees and diploma pathway have been announced: 

• the Bachelor of Creative Industries will be available in full-time mode only from 2026 onwards 
• the Bachelor of Creative Industries double degrees with business and information technology will also be available in full-time mode only from 2026 onwards 
• the Bachelor of Creative Industries double degrees with business and information technology will have their last intakes in Semesters 1 and 2, 2026 
• the Bachelor of Creative Industries double degrees with human services and laws will be discontinued from the end of 2025 and not offered in 2026 
• QUT’s diploma pathways into the Bachelor of Creative Industries will cease at the end of 2025. Semester 2, 2025 will be the last intake of students into the QUT diploma courses with an articulation pathway into the Bachelor of Creative Industries. 

Pathways to careers in sport and exercise

Now is a good time if you are considering a career in sports with the upcoming 2032 Brisbane Olympics. If you live and breathe sports and can think of nothing better than a career in sport and exercise, check out your study options at QUT. If you’re interested to know what it’s like working with athletes, how sports roles sit within communities and which courses can get you to your ideal career, you can hear from students and graduates here.

QUT You—Choose Your Uni podcast interview

QUT You is a new curriculum as a part of all undergraduate courses at QUT. The program is designed to prepare you for a rapidly changing future and includes units and experiences as part of your course that develops your skills in areas such as critical and creative thinking, self-awareness and digital fluency. Hear directly from QUT’s Professor Gene Moyle on the Choosing Your Uni podcast.

Update on QUT medicine program

QUT continues to progress through the rigorous accreditation process with the Australian Medical Council (AMC). Unfortunately, accreditation timing is complex and not always predictable. To ensure the program meets the highest standards before students commence, their target start date is now 2028 (subject to accreditation). The following links will be of assistance in your ongoing planning:

• The FAQs are available and address common questions about QUT Medicine.
• Patient care courses and upgrading pathways into competitive Health programs.

Admission schemes and adjustment factors/points

Admission schemes can boost your selection rank and improve your chances of getting into your preferred program. You may be eligible for UQ's admission schemes based on:

• your background and personal circumstances
• where you live
• the subjects you studied at school.

Many of the admission schemes use 'adjustments' to boost your selection rank. If you're eligible for adjustments, your entry score/ATAR will be converted to a selection rank and any adjustments will be added onto this rank. Each adjustment is equivalent to 1 rank. You can receive a maximum of 5 adjustments across all the following schemes.

• School Opportunity Scheme - Depending on the school you attend, you may be eligible for up to 4 rank adjustments.
• Rural Access Scheme - If you've lived in a rural area in Australia, you may be eligible to receive 2 adjustments towards your selection rank for all undergraduate programs.
• UQ Link Program - If you’ve experienced significant financial disadvantage, you may be eligible to receive 5 adjustments towards your selection rank and a $3000 scholarship.
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Admission Pathway - If you're an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person, you may be eligible for support to help you get into your preferred UQ program.
• Undergraduate Law Admission Scheme - If you're from an educationally disadvantaged or culturally diverse background, you may be eligible for support to help you get into our undergraduate law programs.
• Subject Incentive Scheme - If you're a Year 12 student studying certain subjects at school, you may be eligible for up to 5 adjustments towards your selection rank.
• Educational Access Scheme - QTAC's Educational Access Scheme can provide additional support if you've experienced difficult personal circumstances that have negatively affected your most recent studies.

Enhanced Studies Program Information Session

If you are in Year 11 or 12 in 2026 you can kick-start your university studies with UQ’s Enhanced Studies Program. The program provides you with an opportunity to extend your knowledge, skills and abilities by completing one university subject during Year 11 or 12. In this online webinar, find out available courses, walk through the application process step by step and hear practical tips from UQ staff and current participants. The webinar will be held on 17 September form 6 - 7pm. Click here for more information and to register.

Global Politics Discovery Day

Year 10 and 11 students are invited to the Global Politics Discovery Day where they will tackle a disaster simulation while exploring negotiation, policy and decision making in government. This event will be held on 14 October from 9:30am - 2:00pm in Terrace Room, Level 6 Sir Llew Edwards Building (#14) St Lucia. Click here for more information and to register.

Pathways to Law at UQ

If you don't think you'll get the ATAR required to study law at UQ, you may be eligible for other pathway options. Click here to read their flyer, Pathways to law at UQ for more information.

Spring into Engineering Holiday Program

This 3-day program run by UQ’s Women in Engineering is for Year 10-12 girls wanting to explore Engineering with hands-on workshops, behind-the-scenes lab tours and an industry day. It will be held during the September holidays from 29 September to 1 October. Click here for more information and to register

Using your VET Certificate and diploma qualifications Tertiary Rank for entry into UQ

Starting Semester 2, 2025, recent Year 12 graduates with a Certificate III, IV or Diploma VET qualification can use it to apply for entry to UQ. This offers a flexible pathway for students who apply for their desired programs mid-year. Click here for more information.

Access UniSC Adjustment Schemes

Under this scheme, applicants to UniSC undergraduate courses can be awarded up to six selection ranks or adjustment factors across the following programs:

• QTAC’s Educational Access Scheme – up to 6 selection ranks
• Elite Athlete Adjustment – up to 6 selection ranks
• Regional Preference Adjustment – 2 selection ranks
• Disadvantaged School Adjustment – 2 selection ranks
• Participating in the Smith Family Learning for Life program – 2 selection ranks
• Year 12 Subject and Headstart adjustment factors for Specialist Mathematics, Languages other than English (LOTE), Physics, Biology, Chemistry and Headstart subject – 2 selection ranks per subject

Visit the website for further details of UniSC’s regional preference scheme.

Early Offer Guarantee program

With Early Offer Guarantee you'll receive an offer to study at UniSC as early as September, long before ATARs and final results are released. The offer is made based on your school principal's recommendation and is independent of your Year 12 results. Gain a guaranteed place at Uni with an Early Offer Guarantee by making UniSC your first preference and submit your application. Click here for more information and application details. Applications close on 7 October.

Brisbane City Council Apprenticeships

Brisbane City Council runs an apprenticeship program providing apprentices with skills, training and experience to graduate as a qualified tradesperson. The program includes on-the-job training (for your chosen trade), as well as training in leadership, communication, negotiation, resilience, career management and mental health and wellbeing.

They employ a diverse range of trade apprentices across Brisbane and within various industries, including Automotive, Construction and Horticulture. Click here for more information including:

• Benefits for Council apprentices
• Hear from Council apprentices
• Eligibility information
• How to apply

Council's bulk intake for apprenticeships is usually advertised in September each year. View their current vacancies and employment program opportunities on Council’s careers page and stay connected by joining their talent community.

Key Apprenticeship Program

The Key Apprenticeship Program offers up to $10,000 in financial support to apprentices commencing or recommencing their careers in the clean energy or housing construction sectors. The program is designed to build a pipeline of skilled workers in priority industries by supporting apprentices to develop the expertise needed for jobs of the future. This initiative will grow Australia’s clean energy and housing construction workforce supporting national infrastructure goals now and into the future.

The KAP contains two streams, the New Energy Apprenticeship (NEA) stream and the Housing Construction Apprenticeship (HCA) stream. Click here for more information about:

• New Energy Apprenticeship (NEA) stream
• Housing Construction Apprenticeship (HCA) stream
• Payments
• Be part of building the workforce Australia needs for the future
• What is meaningful exposure, experience, and work in the clean energy or housing construction sector?
• What occupations are eligible?
• How to sign up

Fee-Free TAFE in 2026

New funding has been announced for Fee-Free TAFE courses commencing in 2026. High-priority areas include aged care, blockchain, community services, cyber security, early childhood education and healthcare. With a range of skill sets, certificates and diplomas available, now’s the time to get job ready with Fee-Free TAFE. Click here to see the TAFE courses that are included in the Fee-Free funding package.

Australian Film, TV and Radio School (AFTRS)

• The following short courses are being offered by AFTRS through in person and online courses:
• Videomaking Intensive | 22 Sept to 26 Sept | AFTRS 
• Production Accounting Intensive | 22 Sept to 26 Sept| AFTRS 
• Camera and Sound Workshop | 25 Sept to 26 Sept | AFTRS 
• Mobile Content Creation | Dates from 1 Oct 29 Oct | Online 
• Creating a TV Series Bootcamp | 6 Oct to 14 Dec | Online 
• Podcasting For Your Brand | 7 Oct to 21 Oct | Online 
• Screenwriting for Film Bootcamp | Dates from 13 Oct to 21 Dec| Online 

Jazz Music Institute: September 2025 and Summer 2026 Jazz Clinics

• The clinics are a short course in jazz performance delivered by JMI’s esteemed faculty. Ideal for anyone looking to either start learning how to play jazz or build upon the knowledge they already have. They are delivered in a fun and relaxed environment conducive to learning and growth and are perfect for musicians of all ages and abilities, from young musicians looking for extra musical development to mature age musicians looking to spark their passion for jazz. Clinics are run from 26 - 28 September 2025 and in January 2026. Click here for more information and to register.

SAE Creative Media Institute opportunities

SAE Creative Media Institute offers courses in a wide range of creative arts that may be of interest to you including:

• Animation
• Audio
• Creative Industries
• Creative Technologies
• Design
• Film
• Games
• Music

Click here to read more about SAE University College.

SAE University College Scholarships & Bursaries

SAE offers a wide range of scholarships and bursaries to support passionate and talented students as they begin their creative journey. Designed to make study more accessible, these opportunities recognise excellence, leadership and potential across disciplines such as Animation, Audio, Film, Games, Music, Design, VFX, Computer Science, and Creative Industries. Click here for more information and application details.

 SAE University College's Create for a Day: One Day, Endless Ideas

Open to students in Year 10 and above Create for a Day is your chance to experience life as an SAE University College student in a one-day, hands-on workshop across Animation, Audio, Film, Games, Music or Design. Guided by industry experts and using cutting-edge facilities, you’ll collaborate with like-minded peers while building your own creative project. It includes practical skills, collaboration, a certificate of participation and lunch on the day. Spaces are limited, so don’t miss your chance to create, learn, and get inspired! You can attend on either 20 September or 11 October. Click here for more information and to register.

UQ Skills Diploma of Agribusiness Management

UQ Skills offers applied education and training programs that will equip you with the high-calibre skills you need to work in agriculture and rural operations. They deliver nationally accredited and unaccredited training online, face to face at UQ's Gatton and St Lucia campuses and at partnership locations Australia wide. They offer courses in the following study areas:

• Agriculture and rural operations
• Business and leadership
• Health
• Information technology 
• Maritime
• Animal and veterinary care
• Manufacturing 
• Maritime
• Traineeships

Click here for more information.

Want to 'help people'? There are many different job options:

Allied Health is the biggest and fastest growing industry area in Australia. According to Allied Health Professions Australia, allied health professionals are made up of Arts Therapists, Audiologists, Diagnostic Radiographers/Medical Imaging Technologists, Chiropractors, Dietitians, Exercise Physiologists, Genetic Counsellors, Music Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Optometrists, Orthopedists, Orthotist/Prosthetists, Osteopaths, Perfusionists, Physiotherapists, Podiatrists, Psychologists, Rehabilitation Counsellors, Social Workers, Sonographers and Speech Pathologists. Read more about allied health professions here and also do a search on the myfuture website (you can ‘Sign up’ for free). 

What does a nurse practitioner do?

Nurse Practitioners provide advanced and extended nursing care to patients, such as ordering diagnostic tests, undertaking diagnosis and health assessments, prescribing patient care management, medicines and therapies, as authorised in relevant nursing legislation, and referring to specialist Medical Practitioners and other Health Professionals in a range of health, welfare and community settings. Click here to find out more including:

• Day-to-day tasks
• Who it may be suitable for
• Considerations
• Earnings
• Demand

Career spotlight: Programmer

Programmers write, test and maintain computer programs to ensure that the computer application meets the needs of the users of the computer system. It’s a job that’s in high demand, meaning future employment prospects are good. If you are logically minded, have a sharp eye for detail and excellent critical thinking skills click here to read five reasons you might want to consider being a programmer:

1. It’s a great way to be creative
2. You can learn a new language
3. It promotes logical thinking
4. It’s a stimulating job
5. It’s the profession of the future

Careers in computer industry

The computer industry is very diverse and growing. The following are jobs that you may not have heard of but find interesting:

• Information Security Analyst
• Web Developer
• Software engineer
• Systems Analyst
• Computer programmer
• Database Administrator
• IT Manager
• Network Architect
• Software developer
• Computer scientist
• Technical support
• Video game developer
• AI Engineer
• Application Analyst
• Applications Developer
• Computer hardware engineer
• Information technology Officer
• Web Designer

Clay, Concrete, Glass and Stone Processing Machine Operators

Clay, Concrete, Glass and Stone Processing Machine Operators operate machines to manufacture and finish a variety of clay, concrete, glassware and stone products by extruding, shaping, mixing, grinding, cutting and other processes. General tasks include:

• Monitoring the flow of clay and other raw materials and products into machines, and adjusting valves and controls to specifications
• Positioning clay and stone on machines to be cut and worked
• Operating concrete mixing, stacking and splitting machines
• Setting up and installing moulds and other machine fixtures
• Setting up and operating glass-making machines to produce molten glass, and regulating temperature of molten glass
• Pressing and blowing glass into moulds to form glassware products
• Collecting and examining samples for conformity to specifications and adjusting machine settings accordingly
• Setting grinding and cutting edges
• Using hand tools to cut, inscribe and polish roughly hewn stone to finished condition

Click here for more information.

Jobs you might like if you enjoy Maths

They say that 75 per cent of the fastest growing jobs require STEM skills! Australian Mathematical Science Institute (AMSI) has put together a list of industry areas and jobs that use Maths:

• Science and Environment 
• Business and Marketing 
• Technology 
• Sports and Recreation
• Health and Society
• Transport and Logistics 
• Biostatistics and Bioinformatics 
• Engineering and Resources
• Education
• Finance and Money
• Security and Defence