Current Edition | Term 3, Week 3

Australian Defence Force Upcoming Events

The Australian Defence Force holds in person and virtual information sessions across Queensland. They can be general in nature or more specific to an ADF career path. Visit their event page for more details. If you are interested in joining the ADF follow their Facebook page to receive updates about the upcoming events.

• 4 August 2026 - Brisbane Defence Careers Information Session
• 10 August 2026 - Health Careers Information Session

TAFE at School Apprenticeship Courses Opening and Closing Next Week! Don't Miss Out!

Get career ready at high school with TAFE at School. If you're in Year 10, 11 or 12 you may be able to complete a TAFE Queensland qualification while you're still at school. Choose from a variety of Certificate I to Undergraduate Certificate courses from a range of study areas from construction to community services, hospitality to health care and everything in between!

How to apply? Most applications open on 3 August 2026. It's ‘first in best dressed’ so put it in your diary and don't miss out - get in early!

Submit an application here and follow the instructions below (the course code is in the book). Note that you will need to apply yourself, your school can't do it for you. Of course, your school can help if you get stuck.

You'll need:

• Your Learner Unique Identifier number (LUI) Don't know it? Ask your VET coordinator
• A Unique Student Identifier number (USI). Don't have one? Apply here.
• The application code for the location and course you're applying for. Check the local guide here (scroll down) 
  • Greater Brisbane - applications open 3 August 2026 - pages 59-67

What is a School-Based Apprenticeship?

School-based apprentices and trainees are trained in their chosen apprenticeship or traineeship, in the workplace and through a training organization, while continuing to study towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) at school. To commence a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship (SAT), a student must have the support of the employer, the school, a supervising registered training organisation and their parent/guardian. The Queensland Government has information on:

• Start a school-based apprenticeship or traineeship
• Understand how school-based apprenticeships and traineeships work
• Requirements
• Roles and responsibilities
• Wages and entitlements
• Costs and financial help
• Manage your school-based apprenticeship or traineeship
• Complete your school-based apprenticeship of traineeship
• Forms, guides and policies

Opening of QTAC Admission 2027

Year 12 students can start their 2027 QTAC application from 4 August applying through the QTAC Application Portal for courses in 2027. Use your personal email address, not your school email! Key things to know:

• QTAC applications cost $75 before 30 September 2026, or $159 from 1 October 2026.
• Your application isn't submitted until it's paid.
• You can pay by Mastercard, Visa, direct debit or EFTPOS (debit card).
• If you're paying by debit card, pay by 25 September to allow time for the payment to clear.
• If you're having trouble paying or can only pay with cash, speak to your guidance officer or school counsellor.
• Save or print your payment receipt as proof of payment.

Good news: Registering to receive your ATAR is free. Click here for more information.

Year 12 QTAC Course Guide - Online Only

The Year 12 QTAC Guide is now only available online here. Scroll down to the bottom of the Guide and click on the Download. This makes it easier to read. Good hunting!

QTAC information sessions

Year 12 students interested in applying to university in 2027 have been invited to attend QTAC sessions in week 3 and 4 during school time.  Any student who is eligible for an ATAR and/or has a Certificate III or higher will be in attendance.

Open Days

University open days are coming up in July and August.  Please check this link for individual open days across Australia: Open Days 2026 | myfuture

Pathways into ACU

ACU offers several pathways into the university including:

• ACU Guarantee – Early offer program
• Adjustment Factors
• I am Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• I am an elite athlete or performer
• I didn't get my ATAR/rank score
• I am an international student

Click here to read about these pathways as there may be an option for you in 2027.

Revision Webinars in August

ACU are hosting the following Revision Webinar to assist you with your revision for your final exams. Find out more about and register for the following here:

• 17 August 2026 - Year 12 Biology revision webinar
• 18 August 2026 - Year 12 English revision webinar
• 19 August 2026 - Year 12 Legal Studies revision webinar
• 19 August 2026 - Year 12 General Mathematics revision webinar
• 20 August 2026 - Year 12 Study of Religion revision webinar

2026 September Holiday Academic Bootcamps

Griffith’s Academic Bootcamps are four-day courses run in the September school holidays, designed to help Year 12 students prepare for their final external exams. They aim to improve confidence and understanding in senior Science and Maths subject areas and prepare them for future tertiary study. Camps will be held in person at the Gold Coast, Logan and South Brisbane (Nathan) campuses. Subjects included in the bootcamps are:

• General Maths
• Maths Methods
• Chemistry
• Physics
• Biology
• Psychology

Registrations are now open and offer an early bird cost up to 1 August 2026. Click here for more information and registration details.

Auditions for Queensland Conservatorium

To be considered for a place in a bachelor's degree at the Queensland Conservatorium, you will need to apply for an audition. International students must apply via the international application process. There are three steps in the application process:

Audition submissions for study in Trimester 1 2027 open 5 August and close on 4 September 2026.

Step 1: Apply via QTAC and select your preferred degree and/or specialisations:

• 251811 Bachelor of Music
• 251782 Bachelor of Acting
• 251772 Bachelor of Musical Theatre 

Step 2: Pay a non-refundable audition fee via GriffithPAY by the closing date 4 September 2026, to be guaranteed an audition in the first audition round.

• Bachelor of Music—$50 each
• Bachelor of Acting—$90 each
• Bachelor of Musical Theatre—$90 each

Step 3: Submit a recorded audition/folio and supporting documents

Click the link for your degree program/s below to view the requirements.

• 251811 Bachelor of Music audition requirements
• 251782 Bachelor of Acting audition requirements
• 251772 Bachelor of Musical Theatre requirements

Click here for more details. 

Get prepared for putting together your portfolio, audition and/or interview for application

In Griffith's webinar hub you will find webinars where you can find in-depth information about their degrees, support services, admissions and career pathways. Plus, gain valuable tips from experts, hear industry insights and discover a wealth of knowledge to help guide your academic and professional journey. Find webinars here for the following courses:

• Bachelor of Visual Arts Application
• Bachelor of Film and Screen Application
• Bachelor of Contemporary Australian Indigenous Art Application
• Bachelor of Acting Application
• Bachelor of Musical Theatre Application
• Bachelor of Music Application 

Year 12 Early Offer Guarantee Webinar

This webinar is great for students and parents. It explains the early offer process including how and when to apply. Check it out and don't miss out (scroll down)!

Year 12 Subject Adjustment Scheme

Subject adjustments can boost your selection rank and improve your chances of getting into Griffith. If you complete eligible QCE or IB Diploma subjects in high school, adjustment factors are automatically added to your ATAR when you apply to Griffith through QTAC in the year after Year 12. Click here to see the list of eligible subjects.

Bachelor of Creative Arts (Acting) Webinar

Join Dr Andrea Moor on 18 August for a webinar covering key information for Semester 1 2027 entry to the Bachelor of Creative Arts (Acting). Learn about the audition process, course structure and what to expect when studying acting at QUT.  Register and more info here.

Changes to Bachelor of Creative Arts

QUT have made changes to their Bachelor of Creative Arts. This degree will help you curate your career with a flexible structure that allows you to expand your creative practice. The degree features:

• Six common units that develop key creative, critical and professional skills that interconnect the creative arts
• An eight-unit major, focused on developing your skills and practicing your craft
• Eight complimentary units that allow you to either:
  • extend your creative skills through a suite of creative arts specialisation electives
  • or diversify your skills through studying a second creative arts major or a combination of university wide majors and minors.
• QUT You units, an innovative new university-wide curriculum designed to prepare you for a rapidly changing future
• Situated creative practice units: real-world, public-facing projects in your final year that connect you with industry as a creative practitioner.

To apply, choose one of the following first majors and then expand your skillset with a second major, minors and/or extensions and electives to customise your degree to suit you.

• Bachelor of Creative Arts (Animation)
• Bachelor of Creative Arts (Creative Writing)
• Bachelor of Creative Arts (Drama)
• Bachelor of Creative Arts (Film and Screen)
• Bachelor of Creative Arts (Music)
• Bachelor of Creative Arts (Visual Arts)

Early Offer Scheme

QUT's Year 12 Early Offer Scheme can offer you a place in your nominated degree in November. The scheme includes more than 80 single and double degrees from a wide range of study areas including business, creative arts, engineering, health and science. Click here to read more about:

• Important dates
• Am I eligible?
• Required school results
• What courses are included in the scheme?
• Applying and receiving an offer
• Supporting documentation
• Other things to consider
• Contact us

Note: 23 October is the final date to complete your QTAC application to be considered for an early offer invitation. First round of approved applicants will be notified by QTAC email on 13 November.

New Bachelor of Arts

How are technology and culture shaping what comes next? The Bachelor of Arts at QUT allows students to explore these ideas through a flexible degree and ten majors. With a guaranteed work placement, this course is designed for those interested in people, ideas and change. The course builds practical skills that translate across industries and is also available as a double degree with Law (Honours). Find out more here.

New Major Coming for the Bachelor of Design

Launching in Semester 1 2027, Strategic Design is a new major within QUT's Bachelor of Design, focused on solving complex real-world challenges through systems thinking and human-centred design. This major is suited to students who enjoy big-picture thinking and want to use design to address issues such as sustainability, equity, health and social change.
 
Interaction Design, another major option in QUT's Bachelor of Design, will be renamed Experience Design from Semester 1 2027. While the content for this major remains the same, the name change better reflects the content being taught.

Offer Guarantee and VET Guarantee for 2027

QUT’s offer guarantee and VET guarantee for undergraduate courses have been confirmed for 2027 entry. The offer guarantee applies to Semester 1 offer rounds up to the main January offer round. If you meet the offer guarantee or have completed the specified VET qualification, you are guaranteed a place in the course regardless of the final threshold in January. This means you can check your eligibility for a QUT course before offers are made. Learn more. 

Year 12 Subject Scheme

Applied and General creative school subjects can now provide an adjustment of up to 2.00 adjustment points per subject (maximum of 8.00) for the Bachelor of Creative Arts. Read more about their adjustment schemes including the Year 12 subject scheme.

A Reminder - Young Change Makers Program

Young Change Makers Program applications being held in November/December 2026 is now open. Year 11 students with big ideas and ambitions are invited to apply for the 4-day program. You'll connect with other Young ChangeMakers, think critically about local and global issues and develop leadership and communication skills. Applications close on 20 September 2026. The program includes:

• a 4-day (3-night) stay at UQ’s St Lucia campus
• a peek into university life, with a comprehensive itinerary that includes interactive faculty workshops, inspiring keynotes and cultural, sporting and social activities.

Find out more here including applications details.

Auditions for the 2027 B Music Program

B Music program commencing in Semester 1 2027, The prerequisites are:

• Queensland Year 12 (or equivalent)
• General English subject (Units 3 & 4, C)
• Audition/interview

Applications for audition close on 7 September and you must provide details to the School of Music when you arrange for your audition. The school may accept late applications to audition up to 4pm on 23 November 2026. Click here for more information on audition requirements including:

• Application formats
• Application to audition
• Live audition
• Applying for a place in the Bachelor of Music (Honours) Program
• Accepting a place in the Bachelor of Music (Honours) Program

Campus Tours

Check out UQ during a campus tour and experience first-hand what makes UQ a great Uni. Register here for the following tours:

• 25 August - 4 - 5pm
• 22 September - 10 - 11am,11:15am - 12:15pm or 12:30 - 1:30pm

UQ Fixed Closing Dates - DON'T MISS THEM!

Following are the fixed closing dates for your diary.

All applications for audition must be received by the School of Music by 24 August 2026.                                                                                                                                                                             

• Bachelor of Music (Honours)/Bachelor of Arts (723302)
• Bachelor of Music (723002)
• Bachelor of Music (Honours)/Bachelor of Education (Secondary) (723202)
• Bachelor of Music (Honours)/Bachelor of Science (723402)
• Bachelor of Music/Diploma in Languages (723502)

The following courses have an application and preference changes closing date of 30 September 2026

• Doctor of Medicine (MD) (Provisional Entry for School- Leavers) (721302)
• Doctor of Medicine (MD) Provisional Entry for School-Leavers (Bonded Medical Program) (721402)
• Bachelor of Medical Science/Doctor of Medicine 

Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours) application closing date - 30 October 2026

Applying for UQ Scholarships

UQ have hundreds of scholarships for students finishing high school or taking a gap year. You might be surprised by just how many you're eligible for. With some scholarships valued up to $60,000, it's worth checking them out to see what you can apply for.  Read about UQ scholarships and find out about:

• Scholarships explained
• Taking a gap year
• Deferring scholarships
• Application tips
• Meet a scholarship recipient

Australian Government - Payments You Can Get

Find out about payments you can get when taking the leap to further training or study at university or TAFE. Click here for more information 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
• Other loans and payments that are available

Tailored Support for Students with Unique Needs

There are a number of options available to students with unique needs for extra support during their study. Higher education providers are required by legislation to have a Support for Students Policy which outlines the resources available to help their students succeed in their studies. In addition to this, there are a number of options available to students with unique needs for extra support during your study. Find out more about:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
• Rural, Regional and Remote
• Culturally and linguistically diverse students
• Refugees and asylum seekers
• Students with disability or health condition
• Sexuality and gender diverse (LGBTIQA+) students
• Students who are parents or carers
• Students from low-income backgrounds
• Students who are the first in their family to go to university

Tertiary Access Payment

The Tertiary Access payment (TAP) helps students with the cost of moving from regional or remote areas for tertiary study and is a one-off payment of up to $5,000. This is for study after you’ve finished Year 12. To get the payment you need to meet some rules. Regional areas are places that aren’t in or near a major city. Check if your family home is in a regional or remote area using the Student Regional Area Search. Click here for more information.

The Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership – Scholarship Opportunities

The Andrew. N. Liveris Academy for Innovation and Leadership has a number of scholarship opportunities for students commencing study at UQ in 2027 including the Liveris Academy Undergraduate Scholarships Applications close on 27 August 2026. Click here for more information.

Thinking Griffith? Think Scholarships

Scholarships provide financial support while you study. You’ll also get more out of your university experience through exclusive networking events, meeting mentors and developing job-ready skills. Remember, if you don't apply, you definitely won't get one! Click here to read about Griffith's:

• Available scholarships and application details
• Scholarship application process
• One application for all scholarships
• Closing dates