Term 3, Week 6

QTAC applications

QTAC applications are open. Please ensure that all applications are submitted and paid for by 30 September to avoid additional fees.

Sign up to QTAC Remind Me and they’ll let you know when it’s time to apply:  QTAC Remind Me Sign Up - QTAC 

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 on Thursday 18 December.

Join QTAC's live online session designed to give you the inside edge on submitting a successful application. Whether you're applying straight from Year 12, returning to study, or changing direction, QTAC experts will walk you through key tips for a successful application. Don’t miss your chance to get insider advice straight from the source. Register your interest via the link below!

QTAC Student Information Night

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.

ACU Year 12 General Subject Revision Webinars

ACU are hosting free revision webinars for some General subjects in preparation for those final exams. Click here for more information and to register for the following revision webinars:

• 18 August - Biology Revision Webinar
• 19 August - English Revision Webinar and Western Civilisation Webinar
• 20 August - General Mathematics Revision Webinar
• 21 August - Study of Religion Revision Webinar

Adjustment Factors

ACU has a number of adjustment factor schemes that can improve your chances of gaining a place into an ACU course.

Adjustment factors applied automatically for you include:

• Year 12 subjects -  5 points max
• Access ACU   
  • School relationship - 5 points max 
  • Campus Program - 5 points max
  • Regional school - 5 points max

A maximum of five adjustment factors applies across the school relationship, campus and regional school programs. Adjustment factors you need to apply for include:

• Educational access scheme (EAS) - Number of points applied varies for individual circumstances
• ACU Elite Athlete and Performer Program - 5 points

You can receive up to a maximum of 12 adjustment factors from ACU. Click here for more information.

Pathway Diplomas

If you don't have the ATAR or rank to gain admission into your chosen course at ACU, you could consider studying a diploma first or a foundation studies course. When you successfully complete a pathway Diploma you will receive one year of credit towards the related ACU Bachelor course. Check ACU website for intake and campus availability and information on: 

• Is a pathway certificate or diploma for me?
• How their pathway courses work   
  • Choose your pathway course - including pathways to Bachelor degrees
  • Move on to an advanced degree
  • Get extra credit 
  • Choose a course provider 
  • Apply

Pathway Programs into Bond

Bond has several pathways for students who do not meet the entry requirements for Bond degree programs. These are:

• Bond Diploma Preparation Program – This program is designed to give students the academic and digital literacy skills required to enter a Bond University Higher Education Diploma Program.
• Bond University Diplomas - Program Finder – Deciding on a degree or program is a personal choice and it’s about choosing the right program for you, your interests and your future.

Don't have the Maths Prerequisite for Teaching?

If you don't have the Maths prerequisite for entry into the Bachelor of Education, you can:

• Talk to someone at Griffith Uni to be sure that the Bridging Maths for Aspiring Educators is a good option for you
• Apply for either the Bachelor of Education or Diploma of Education
• Register for the Bridging Maths for Aspiring Educators via this link

The January 2026 course registration opens soon and runs from Tuesday 6 January to Friday 13 February 2026. For commencement in a Griffith Education program in Trimester 1, 2026. For more information or support in applying, please email futurestudents@griffith.edu.au.

This is a new pathway program if you do not meet your desired course entry program. The program is:

• Free - 4 core courses, 2 electives
• Builds academic skills
• Guaranteed admission into a Griffith degree upon completion
• Can be studied full time/part time/online

Click here for more information.

How to preference Undergraduate Diplomas

If you are wanting to apply to one of Griffith Uni's Undergraduate Diplomas, it is best to follow the following steps:

1. Apply online through QTAC
2. Where an undergraduate diploma is an option: 
   1. Select desired Griffith Bachelor degree as highest preference
   2. Select the Griffith Undergraduate Diploma that is matched to desired Bachelor degree as next highest preference
3. When nearing completion of Diploma, GU Admissions will contact you and manage your transition to the second year of the Bachelor degree via direct admissions process

Click here for more information including a list of undergraduate diplomas offered at Griffith.

Key dates for the QLD Conservatorium, Film school and College of Art and Design

• 29 August - Queensland Conservatorium QTAC applications close 
  • Bachelor of Acting
  • Bachelor of Music
  • Diploma of Music/Bachelor of Music
  • Bachelor of Musical Theatre
•   3 October - Queensland Film School portfolio admissions applications due
•   5 September - Queensland College of Art and Design portfolio due

Check the links for more details.  

Support your Year 12 students in pursuing the best path to study at JCU. Whether they're not quite on track to achieve the ATAR they had hoped for, or don’t meet the subject prerequisites for their preferred course, there are various pathway options available to help them gain entry into their dream degree.

Join the JCU Pathways team on Thursday 28 August for the Pathways Webinar where we’ll discuss the different study options and support services available, application processes, course credit and more. Plus, hear directly from a current student as they share their own pathway journey.

Webinar Details:

• Date: Thursday 28 August 2025
• Time: 7 pm - 8 pm (AEST)
• Join via: Zoom. Watch the webinar via phone, tablet, or other computing device (no webcam needed)

Register here.

Bachelor of Creative Arts (Acting): Key Application Deadlines

The following are key dates for applying to the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Acting): 

• On or after 5 August 2025 - apply through QTAC. 
• 5 August 2025 - audition submissions open. 
• 7 October 2025 at 5pm - deadline for applications and audition submissions. Requests for applications or submissions after this date will not be considered. 

Find out more about the audition and application requirements here.

START QUT Applications Open Now

In Year 11 and interested in studying a university subject in Summer (STEM Intensive) or Semester 1 2026, receiving a selection rank adjustment and gaining potential credit towards a future degree at QUT? Applications for START QUT are open now and close on 31 October 2025. 

Thinking of Going to Uni in 2026?

Choosing what to study at university is a big decision. Students applying through QTAC can book a 30-minute phone appointment to explore entry pathways, discuss course options and get information on QUT scholarships, services and support before deciding. Click on the following links for more information.

• Book an appointment
• Undergraduate applying: a step-by-step guide
• Assumed knowledge and prerequisites
• Helping you get into your course 
• Scholarships
• Year 12 Early Offer scheme 
• Adjustment schemes
• Support for students
• Uni social life

University Preparation Program

QUT are offering a free University Preparation Program (UPP) for 2026 entry. Successful completion of the program with a passing grade point average will give a selection rank of 75.00. Higher selection ranks can be achieved with higher grades, up to a maximum of 86.95. The course also covers the prerequisite subjects for QUT’s Bachelor of Education . Applicants must have completed Year 12 (QCE or equivalent) or be 18 years old at the first QUT census date. Check their 2026 Study Guide for guaranteed entry to specific courses. The program has changed to provide a selection rank that can be used for entry across QUT’s undergraduate courses. Check their website to find out more.

Jobs you can get with Communication, Media and Experience Design 

UQ have put together information to answer all those questions about the outcomes after completing particular degrees. Click here to find out about their Communication, Media and Experience Design careers including:

• What jobs can I get with a communications degree?
• Is a journalism degree worth it?

Senior Mathematics Study Days

Build your confidence, gain additional tips and skills and get that extra edge for your assessments and exams with UQ's Senior Maths Study Days. Their September session is designed for Year 12 students and delivered face to face and online. You will explore concepts in Mathematical Methods through exercises, lectures and workshops which include exam-style questions. The session provides an opportunity to enrich your mathematical understanding of senior mathematics curricula and prepare you for tertiary mathematics studies. Click here to find out more about the Year 12 Mathematical Methods day being held on 1 October at the St Lucia campus or online including registration details.

Thinking of UQ

Want to know more about UQ? Click here to find out:

• Study at UQ
• Find a program
• Scholarships
• Short courses
• How to apply
• Why choose UQ
• Life at UQ
• Accessibility support

UQ Ready Session

You can join UQ online for a free informative webinar that will provide you with everything you need for a smooth transition from high school to university. The next event will be held on 3 September from 6pm to 7pm and you can click here to register and to find out more information.

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)

Electrical Apprenticeship and Uni Degree Combined

This 6-year dual qualification pathway provides you with 2 qualifications: the Certificate III Electrotechnology Electrician (UEE30820) and the Bachelor Degree of Engineering Science. You will commence both qualifications at the same time. After gaining the trade licence at the end of Year 4, you will focus on completing the degree program. Click here for more information.

First Year Apprenticeship Videos

Watch this short video showcasing some of the work of First Year boat building apprentices at INCAT, an Australian manufacturer of high-speed craft catamaran ferries. Hear about the people they work with and the training they have received in their apprenticeships.

How to find and prepare for an apprenticeship

Wanting an apprenticeship or traineeship is one thing, finding one and keeping it is another. Australian Apprenticeships have put together some steps with links, which you can follow that will assist you in preparing for and finding an apprenticeship or traineeship which will suit you and your career dreams. Click here to find out more about:

1. Do your research   
   1. Career opportunities
   2. In-demand skills and occupations
2. Make sure you're prepared 
   1. Know what financial support is available to you
   2. Know your rights and responsibilities as an apprentice
   3. Check your literacy and numeracy skills
3. Find and apply for jobs 
   1. Contact an Apprentice Connect Australia Provider
   2. Search for a Group Training Organisation
   3. Search for apprenticeship jobs
4. Sign up to start 
   1. Sign your contract and enrol

Support for Apprentices and Trainees

The Queensland Government provides support for apprentices and trainees to assist in the transition from school to the workplace. The support includes:

• Free tools for first year apprentices - check your eligibility
• Support services
• Apprenticeship Info app
• Financial help
• Travel and accommodation allowance
• Disability support
• Learning support
• Help for cancelled apprentices and trainees
• Job match service for cancelled apprentices

Want an Apprenticeship in 2026? Begin your Search Now!

Year 12s don’t wait until you finish school to start looking for an apprenticeship. Start now as many employers are recruiting now for 2025. But, which apprenticeship? The Queensland Department of Employment, Small Business and Training website has a list of Queensland apprenticeships. Click on the apprenticeships you are interested in for more information about the job. Also, talk to people already in the job and/or do work experience to help you with your decision.

Industry Profile - Mining

Mining is a small employing industry. Around 2.2% of workers have their main job in this industry. It covers the exploration and extraction of minerals, oil and gas. Activities in the Mining industry include:

• Mining preparation work
• Underground or open cut mining
• Dredging
• Quarrying
• Well operations or evaporation pans.

Most jobs are in Western Australia and Queensland. Employment is mainly in regional or remote locations like Pilbara and Gladstone. Median earnings are $2,649 per week, higher than all industries median earnings of $1,700. Click here for more information (click on Details) and downloads.

Net Zero Needs Smart Grids - 5 Jobs to Consider

As we forge towards Net Zero, the electricity networks will be transformed into smart grids. So, what are they? Australia’s electricity grids supply power to millions of homes and hundreds of thousands of businesses. Net Zero is calling for upgrades to smart grids, advanced electricity networks that mix tech and communication to make sure power is where we need it, when we need it. Click here to read about 5 jobs that will be part of the smart grid process. The jobs are:

1. Clean energy scientist or engineer
2. IoT (Internet of Things) specialist
3. Blockchain energy trader
4. Data analyst
5. Cybersecurity expert

Occupational Shortage List

The Occupation Shortage List (OSL) provides a point-in-time assessment of the shortage status of occupations in the Australian Labour market. Click here to find out which occupations are in shortage or where the shortage is confined to metropolitan areas or regional areas. For more information including FAQs, visit the Occupation Shortage Analysis page.