Ordering and utilising preferences for QTAC application

Attention current applicants! You’re already planning your journey into higher education and you’re on top of your key dates and prerequisites. Now, the task of arranging your course preferences on your QTAC application. The order in which you list your preferred courses can significantly impact your academic path. Rest assured, we’ve compiled a quick guide to help you navigate this pivotal aspect of your application process. And remember, utilise all six preferences to maximise your chances of getting an offer.

1️⃣ & 2️⃣: Dream Big, Place First

The first two courses in your preference list should be reserved for your dream courses. Select the courses that fuel your passion and resonate deeply with your academic aspirations. These are the programs you’ve envisioned, so feel free to prioritise them accordingly.

3️⃣ & 4️⃣: Prepare for Plan B

Life is unpredictable and doesn’t always go to plan, so make sure you plan ahead. For courses three and four, consider selecting backup courses that still spark your interest. Opt for less competitive options to ensure you have solid alternatives in case your first choices don’t pan out. Choose to remain within the same field of study, offering the potential to accumulate credits for your desired course at a later stage. Alternatively, consider exploring a completely different field that piques your interest, where you anticipate excelling and securing the grades needed for a successful transfer in the future.

5️⃣ & 6️⃣: Pave Your Pathway

As you move down your preference list, think strategically. Place courses that could serve as pathways to your ultimate academic goal. These could be programs that align with your interests and lead you step by step toward your dream career. It’s all about building a comprehensive plan for success. Check what you need, is it a subject prerequisite? Is it a subject prerequisite and a higher rank? Or, is it just a higher rank?

Pro Tip: Visit qtac.edu.au/preferences/ and explore the preferences how-to guide for detailed insights on optimising your preferences. This resource is your key to making informed decisions and boosting your chances of securing a spot in your desired program.

Quick Reminder: Check out qtac.edu.au/course-search to easily find your courses and their QTAC course codes. This will streamline your application process and ensure you’re on the right track to academic success.

Key Insight: Before finalising your preferences, visit: qtac.edu.au/the-atar-selection-rank-profile/ and explore the minimum selection thresholds for programs. Craft strategic backup preferences aligned with your strengths for a well-informed application.

Important Date: Visit qtac.edu.au/key-dates/ for all the upcoming important dates. The key date to update your preferences for consideration in the next offer round on 11 January 2024 is 11.45 pm on 4 January. Mark your calendars and ensure your preferences are in order by this deadline to maximise your chances of success.

In the dynamic world of university admissions, staying organised and informed is your secret weapon. So, maximise your chances, plan your options, and kickstart this next phase of your journey towards a brighter future.

If you need help, call us on 1300 467 822. 

Need to consider alternative options into university

Exploring your options, beyond the traditional path to university!

The journey to university isn’t always a straight line. Sometimes, it’s about finding alternative paths that suit YOU. Here’s some food for thought:

1️⃣   Employment: Your work experience could be your ticket to university, and most of the time it doesn’t have to relate to what you are applying for.

Find out further information on employment experience and documenting your employment on your application.

2️⃣   Bridging courses: Most institutions offer bridging units or courses to meet subject prerequisites.

Find out about the various purposes bridging courses may be useful, and specific institution programs.

3️⃣   VET: Consider Vocational Education and Training study for practical, hands-on learning. But check with the institution what they may consider.

4️⃣   Tertiary: Explore different programs for a higher selection rank to transition into your dream course.

Visit Course Search to explore your options, and check the Selection Rank Profile page for minimum selection thresholds for specific programs.

5️⃣   STAT: The Special Tertiary Admissions Test can be a quick way to get or increase your selection rank. Check institution rules and if STAT is right for you before registering.

Remember, everyone’s journey is unique! Embrace the possibilities and discover the path that aligns with your goals and aspirations.

If you need more help, call us on 1300 467 822. 

Zander: Navigating the Uncertainties with Determination

Join us in celebrating the accomplishments of another inspiring student who was one of this year’s TSXPO Prize Pack winners, Zander Vollenhoven from Ferny Grove State High School.

Zander has a clear vision for his future – he aspires to study engineering at university but is unsure whether his ATAR will meet the entry requirements for entry. Instead of letting that deter him, he’s taking proactive steps to explore alternative pathways to success.

Zander has explored his alternative route to university, considering diploma study as a stepping stone to bridge the gap between his current qualifications and the requirements for engineering at university.

TSXPO not only helped him work out where his passions lie, but taught him a valuable lesson about options – different universities can have varying ranks and entry requirements for admission for similar degrees. This information can be crucial in making an informed choice about your educational path.

We applaud Zander for his proactive approach to achieving his future study goals. Regardless of where you are in your academic journey, keep in mind that determination, exploration, and making the most of available resources can help you reach your goals. So, future students, embrace your journey, and may it guide you toward a bright and successful future.

If you’re like Zander and you’re considering entry into university, but you’re unsure whether you will get the ATAR you anticipate, don’t panic! You may still get an offer. Here are a few things you can consider and check first:

  • Offer dates: Most offers for Semester 1, 2024 will be released 11 January 2024. However, participation in early offer rounds is done at the Institution’s discretion and normally only considers a small pool of highly eligible applicants. You can view the Course Offers and Vacancies page for information on offer rounds coming up. If you wish to change your preferences, the due date for consideration is 3 January 2024, so you have time are your ATAR is released.
  • Check your options: There are plenty of upgrading pathways, see what options there are to get into your desired course of study.
  • Competitive courses: If you are applying for a highly competitive program and you fear you may not get in, make sure you utlilise all of your preferences. Consider alternative programs with a lower rank requirement just in case, you could apply for something completely different or something similar and receive credits for the following year.
  • New ATAR: If you wish to continue a Year 12 study pathway to accumulate further QCE subjects towards a new ATAR, here are a few points you need to know:
    • To be eligible for a new ATAR you will need to take a course of study that meets the ATAR eligibility requirements. Check the guidelines in the ATAR Factsheet – Qualifying for a New ATAR.
    • Look at different providers who offer an alternative to doing year 12 at school.
    • Whatever pathway you choose – Any subjects that you study must be recognised by the QCAA as equivalent to the QCE subjects.
    • If you want to a specific program, at some universities you may need to be a current year 12, so check your pathway for further study carefully before applying.

Our QTAC customer service team is ready to help.

Call us on 1300 467 822. 

Hot Tips: Your ultimate guide to a successful QTAC application

Looking to make your QTAC application a smooth success?

Here are valuable tips from our Assessment & Information Services Team to give you the best chance of securing an offer for your preferred preference*.

  • Research Wisely: Explore course options and admission criteria using QTAC’s Course Search.
  • Eligibility Check: Ensure you meet all course requirements, including prerequisites and selection rank thresholds.
  • Be Deadline Savvy: Keep track of early or fixed closing dates for your desired courses.
  • Set Up Your Account: Create your QTAC account through Application Services.
  • Completeness Matters: Fill in all application sections thoroughly before submission, most importantly listed all of your qualifications, even if they are yet to be completed.
  • Document Early: Submit all required documentation promptly to avoid delays.
  • Be Prepared: Fulfill eligibility requirements (e.g., portfolios, subject prerequisites, personal statements) before course-specific deadlines.
  • Prioritise Preferences: Order your course preferences carefully to avoid missing out on top choices. If you’re unsure whether you might get into your top preference, take advantage listing all six preferences.
    • Preference 1 – 2: Desired courses. These are the courses you want to study most, and entrance requirements are more competitive
    • Preference 3 – 4: Back-up courses. These are alternative courses you’d like to study with less competitive entrance requirements (e.g., courses with a lower ran requirement)
    • Preference 5 – 6: Pathway courses. These are bridging and enabling courses that can help you get into the course you want and prepare you for tertiary study.
  • Double-Check: Review your application after completion by logging into your QTAC account through Application Services.
  • Stay Responsive: Respond promptly to any requests for additional information or documents from QTAC.
  • Plan Ahead: Make necessary changes to your application and preferences well before offer rounds – refer to Key Dates for deadlines.
  • Stay Informed: Keep an eye on course offer dates and vacancy information from individual institutions.
  • Act Swiftly: Respond promptly to offer notifications; your timely response can impact further offer rounds. Don’t let offers expire!
  • Lastly: If you receive an offer and have already responded, firstly congratulations! Make sure you check your offer details, including institution enrolment dates and deadlines. Keep in mind that competitive courses fill up quickly, so act promptly to secure your spot.

Additional tips for your application

  • USI: If you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or hold a permanent humanitarian visa, a Unique Student Identifier (USI) is a must-have for the application process. No USI yet? Create a USI here. Forget your USI? Recovering your existing USI here.
  • UCAT: Heard of the University Clinical Aptitude Test (UCAT)? If not, you probably won’t need it. Keep this field blank and continue through your application. But if it’s required for your dream course, check the UCAT website or Course Search for your program Admission Criteria. The only Queensland programs that require UCAT are:
    • Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine), Central Queensland University
    • Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine), Central Queensland University
    • Bachelor of Dental Health Science, Griffith University
    • Bachelor of Dental Science (Honours), The University of Queensland
    • Doctor of Medicine (MD) (Provisional Entry for School-Leavers), The University of Queensland
    • Bachelor of Biomedical Sciences (Medicine Pathway), University of Southern Queensland
  • Rural Access Scheme: Applying to CQUniversity, Griffith University, The University of Queensland, or University of the Sunshine Coast? You might receive details about the Rural Access Scheme. If you’re not from a rural area, you can safely disregard this automated message and proceed with your application.
  • Consent: We can only discuss your QTAC application with you directly, or someone you authorise. If you want a family member or guardian to access your application and act on your behalf, simply enter their details in the authorised contacts section of your application.

Register for your ATAR: Queensland Year 12 applicants, remember to also sign up in the ATAR Portal for your Queensland ATAR separately.

Note: The consent to share your ATAR with interstate TAC’s is part of the mandatory consent in the ATAR portal and QTAC application registration.

Your path to success begins here – follow these tips to navigate your academic journey smoothly!

Our QTAC customer service team us ready to help.

Call us on 1300 467 822.

*Disclaimer – These are general guidelines only. Because of the complex nature of individual institutional course requirements, QTAC takes no responsibility for individual outcomes based on this advice. All applicants should thoroughly research and check their applications after submission. 

Regional student reaches for the skies

2022 Year 12 graduate Gwyneth will be making the big move from Port Douglas to Brisbane to follow her dream of becoming an airline pilot. Gwyneth received an offer from Griffith University for her first preference, the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Aviation. She said that what attracted her to that particular course was that it offered the engineering qualifications along with the aviation ones in the double degree. It was the actual course, more so than the university, that was most important to her. Although, if she had not got into her first preference, she was positive about the alternatives, “I would’ve still been excited to be going to uni and studying what interests me.” 

 

Gwyneth’s offer came in November 2022 as an early offer, before the major offer rounds in December. With the numbers of early offers1 being made by institutions in Queensland on the increase, receiving an early offer can be a great relief to students because it takes some of the pressure off during the final months of Year 12. Early offers are generally conditional, however, and students still have to focus on their final exams, meeting those course prerequisites, and getting good QCE results and their ATAR.  

There are always other opportunities, your ATAR isn’t everything. Just work hard, be organised and especially make sure you have fun.

When asked what motivated her during her senior studies Gwyneth replied, “the thought of retiring young and earning lots of money!” She added, “my Year 12 year was challenging and really busy at times, but also rewarding. I learned to prioritise well. I can’t think of anything I’d change about my Year 12 year. While it had both good and bad moments but I made the most of the experience.”

Gwyneth acknowledges her family as being her greatest support during Year 12. While regional students might face the challenge of more limited facilities and resources in their schooling, what comes through strongly from the student experience is that by staying at home during  Year 12,  students reap the benefits of that all-important support from family and their school community. 

As a hardworking, motivated and organised student, getting her black belt in judo during her senior school years is an achievement Gwyneth is particularly proud of. She was also able to make use of this sporting achievement in her QTAC application by applying for the Elite Athlete Adjustment Scheme. The scheme is one of many ways some institutions recognise the impact of an applicant’s sporting demands on their educational outcomes. This is usually done by adding adjustments to a student’s selection rank to help them meet the course threshold rank. 

Gwyneth is preparing for university and looking forward to meeting new people and learning about things that interest her. Her parting advice to other regional students who are looking to achieve well to follow reach their study goals, “take every opportunity.” 

 

If you have an inspiring and interesting story to share about how you (or someone you know) got to university or further study, or how your study went – we’d love to hear from you. 

First-in-family students pave the way to university success

With the start of the new academic year, across Queensland thousands of students will be starting university for the first time. Many high-achieving Year 12 graduates from 2022 will be reaping the rewards of their academic success and taking up a place in one of the sought-after, high-demand courses or their ‘dream’ course.  Others may not have topped their class or achieved a high ATAR, but with hard work and dedication have graduated high school and secured a place in their preferred university course. We will also see non-school leavers who have been in the workforce for a while, courageously returning to study to get them that step closer to reaching their educational and career ambitions.  

I started studying Social Science online… at the start of this year, mainly because I’ve long been interested in helping people and I thought that if I don’t do this now I never will.

Joe (58)*

Entering university for the first time is a big step for anyone, but for one group it can be even more daunting. These are the ‘first in family’ students who will become the first members of their immediate family to go to university, thus gaining ‘first-generation’ status. First in family is defined as someone who does not have a parent/guardian who already holds a university-level qualification and who also may not have any siblings or relatives who have gone to university. 

So, who are our first in family students and where do they come from? Only about one-in-four Australian adults hold a bachelor-level or higher qualification and a young person with a university-educated parent is twice as likely to enrol in university than someone who does not. 

There wasn't a lot of talk about university in my home growing up… and the general view in my circle was that uni was good if you were super brainy.

Melinda (33)*

In 2022 between 13% and 55% of new undergraduates in Australia were the first in their families to go to university, depending on where they enrolled (Patfield, 2022). Some regional universities enrolments are made up of over 55% of first in family while the metropolitan universities tend to have fewer. First in family students are more likely to be Indigenous and are more likely to come from socio-economically disadvantaged communities and/or rural and remote areas. 

The research shows that first in family students often face complex and multiple forms of disadvantage that shape their schooling and transition to university. Going to university can be daunting new territory for these students, their families and even their communities.  

I really wanted generational change… to show my kids by example.

Ryan (35)*

The Australian government is starting to recognise the importance of broadening access to higher education by offering funding to universities to support the inclusion of first in family students. To help address the challenges that first in family students experience, and to provide an equal opportunity, some universities offer selection rank adjustments for first in family applicants. These adjustments are university and course-specific, so applicants should check with their institution or QTAC before making an application. To assist first in family students in their transition to tertiary study, universities also offer support services such as accommodation services, language support, counselling services, learning and study workshops, and financial support. 

Government-supported national research projects have explored how universities can support first-in-family students more effectively and has led to the development of useful resources, such as the First-in-Family website which has some motivational stories. 

Our grandson Paulo has just started university. He is the first of all the children and the grandchildren to come to university and we are very, very proud of him.

Nonna (67)*

Despite the move to mass higher education, university access continues to be strongly associated with parental education level. While first in family status is becoming more recognised and supported, recent research makes a case for the inclusion of first-generation status as a targeted equity group (Patfield, Gore & Weaver, 2022).

*You can read our students’ full inspirational stories from the First-in-Family research website.

Author: Dr Janet Buchan

 

Sources:
  • Jaremus et al. (2022) Aspirations, equity and higher education course choice: The path travelled. NCSEHE. Curtin University. Perth. Available from https://www.ncsehe.edu.au/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/Jaremus_UON_Final.pdf.
  • Patfield, S. (2022) ‘They don’t expect a lot of me, they just want me to go to uni’ ‘: December 16 2022. The Conversation.
  • Patfield, S., Gore, J. & Weaver, N. (2022) On ‘being first’: the case for first-generation status in Australian higher education equity policy. Aust. Educ. Res. 49, 23–41 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13384-020-00428-2.
  • First in Family (2023) First in Family students and stories. University of Wollongong. Available from http://www.firstinfamily.com.au/stories.php.

2022 ATAR Report release

The 2022 ATAR Report was published by QTAC on 31 January 2023 and is now available on the QTAC website. Download your copy here.  

The annual ATAR Report provides an overview of the calculation of the ATAR and scaling outcomes for the previous year’s Year 12 student cohort. In line with the 2020 and 2021 ATAR Reports, the 2022 Report contains a summary of subject enrolments, the outcomes of the inter-subject scaling process for each subject, as well as the allocation of students to ATAR bands. The format and overall content of the report has been kept the same as in previous years to make it easy for people to follow trends and to make comparisons across the years.  

For more information about the calculation of the ATAR, see the Calculating the ATAR in Queensland: Technical Document available on the QTAC website.  

2022 ATAR Insights at a glance 

The summary below compares key ATAR statistics for the 2020, 2021 and 2022 Year 12 cohorts – the first three years of the introduction of the Queensland ATAR.

27,245 students qualified for a Queensland ATAR in 2022. At 52.9%, this was marginally higher than in previous years. 

Qualifying for the ATAR

From 2020 to 2022 there has been an increase in the number of students qualifying for the ATAR on schemes other than with 5 General subjects. The number of Year 12’s qualifying for an ATAR through the schemes  4 General + 1 Applied subject is up 1.38%, and those getting their ATAR under the 4 General + 1 VET qualification is up 2.49%. 

8,548 students, or 31.3% of the ATAR-eligible cohort, received an ATAR based on their VET or Applied subject in combination with 4 General subjects. There has been a corresponding decrease in those qualifying with 5 General subjects. This is a positive indication that the ATAR scheme is encouraging students to follow study pathways other than with only General subjects. 

Subjects and Qualifications studied

The most studied subjects in 2022 for each subject type were English (General), English and Literature Extension (General Extension), Chinese (Senior External Examination) and Essential English (Applied). The most frequently completed VET qualifications for each AQF Level were the Certificate III in Fitness, the Certificate IV in Crime and Justice Studies, the Diploma of Business and the Advanced Diploma of Professional Dance (Elite Performance). 

Summary of key statistics across the first three years of the ATAR in Queensland 
ATAR Distribution

During the ATAR calculation process the allocation of ATARs to different bands is done according to the set formula. As can be seen from the table below, the ATAR distribution is similar year on year, and the small changes in numbers of students fitting into the different ATAR distribution bands reflect the changing population of ATAR–eligible students.  

ATAR Scaling

When compared against the previous two years, the 2022 scaling outcomes for individual subjects confirm that the cohort achievement and scaling for subjects changes from year to year and to varying degrees. The Distribution of Raw and Scaled Results for all subjects in 2022, as presented in Tables 7, 8 and 9 in the ATAR Report, show that while there is similarity in scaling outcomes across the years, there is no set pattern or ‘predictability’ in how different subjects might scale when compared to previous years.  

**When reading this report and interpreting the data, it is imperative to observe the following: 

  • Inter-subject scaling is the process undertaken to map each QCAA subject and completed VET qualification to a common scale. This allows raw results in different subjects to be compared fairly. 
  • Subject Scaling is a comparative measure based on actual subject achievement data and is expected to be different from one year to the next based on the capability of the student cohort for each year. QCAA subject results are the true achievement levels. 
  • The performance of students in each subject, each year determine the scaling of a subject. Students should not select subjects based on predicted scaling outcomes but should choose subjects they enjoy, are good at and which meet any prerequisites for courses they want to apply for. 
  • QTAC does not endorse any ATAR calculators to help identify whether a student is on track to receive a particular ATAR. Calculating the ATAR is a data-driven process and schools need to be wary of calculators, as those calculators will not have access to the actual data which is used to calculate final ATARs. Although trends will form, schools, students and parents are advised not to use historical scaling data to predict future outcomes. 

Applicant Spotlight: Regional Year 12 graduate overcomes challenges to achieve study goals

Regional students face unique challenges not usually experienced by those living in major cities. Leanne, one of our QTAC applicants and a 2022 Year 12 graduate from Innisfail in Far North Queensland, shares her story as an inspiration to other regional students. Leanne’s hard work at school and her excellent Year 12 results paid off when she received an offer for her first preference course, the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery at James Cook University in Townsville. 

Having experienced first-hand the limited health services in rural areas, Leanne says she always wanted to make a difference in rural communities. It is also why her first preference was a medicine course with a focus on rural health. “For me the course was more important than the university. If I had received my second or third preference, I would still be happy since the end goal of becoming a health professional in order to help others in times of need would be more important to me than the university.”  

One of Leanne’s biggest motivations for study during Year 11 and Year 12 was her desire to pursue a degree in health. Noting that, if she had missed out on an offer for medicine this year, her Plan B was to study Pharmacy as a pathway to Medicine. 

Studying at a small school in a regional area can be more challenging since there is often less availability of services, resources, and teachers. Leanne’s message to other rural students is that, despite the challenges you can still do well in your studies. “It is not impossible. You are more capable than what you think you are!”  

What I achieved is far greater than what I thought was possible. You are much greater than you think you are.

When asked about her Year 12 experience, Leanne said, “overall, it was quite an enjoyable year. As a regional student, studying locally meant that I got to spend my final year with the support of my family, friends, teachers, and my lovely school community at Good Counsel College, Innisfail.” 

Leanne was quick to note that she couldn’t have achieved her goal without the support of family. “My sisters were always the first to hear about my day, to kindly remind myself to keep studying and made sure that I was taking care of myself and give me a hug if I needed it. Even though my older sister was away at university, she sorted out everything for my Year 12 formal – dress, shoes and makeup!” 

Playing the piano for a school audience is daunting at the best of times, but playing for her College Masses and other events was a particularly important achievement for Leanne, who is largely self-taught player. “I began teaching myself piano from Grade 9 since my older sister, who was the main musician for the College, graduated, and so the College needed someone to fill her shoes. Music lessons were quite expensive and living in a rural area meant that there were not many music teachers available. I took up the challenge of teaching myself piano and began by choosing it as a subject in Grade 9. After learning theory and practising at home, I eventually became good enough and was able to play in front of other people for College Masses and on show days.”

Leanne will be making the big move away from home in Innisfail to Townsville to take up her place in her medicine course in February 2023. “What I’m looking forward to most is being with like-minded people and studying a course that I am passionate about. It will be amazing to hear other students’ stories and I’m looking forward to making life-long friendships.” 

High school isn't everything, and that one number (your ATAR) doesn't determine your worth as a person or the great things that you have in mind to achieve. ‘No’ just means ‘next option’ and ‘fail’ means ‘first attempt in learning’.

If you have an inspiring and interesting story to share about how you (or someone you know) got to university or further study, or how your study went – we’d love to hear from you. 

So you’ve finished Year 12. Where to from here?

So, you’ve finished year 12 and have received your QCE and ATAR results

Congratulations. No matter your pathway, achieving your ATAR and/or VET qualification is a significant achievement for those looking to study further after school.  

To help you keep on track with your QTAC application and upcoming offer rounds we’ve put together a summary of some key information. 

Offer Round dates 

You may have already received an early offer, or early conditional offer, from an institution. Keep an eye out for further communications about what to do with that offer. If you’re a QTAC applicant waiting for your offer, the 21 December 2023 is the first offer round where current Year 12 applicants can be considered for an offer based on their ATAR. 

Please note:  Not all courses will be participating in this offer round. If your course isn’t offered in December, don’t worry as most courses will participate in the 11 January 2024 Offer Round. 

For information on individual institutions’ course offer dates and vacancies please refer to the institutions’ Course Offer Dates page. If you don’t get an offer on 11 January, you have the option to change your preferences and try for something different in the offer rounds throughout January and February 2024. 

What to do if you get your offer 

Make sure you respond to your offer by the date given with your offer. Remember, you may lose your offer if you allow your offer to expire, or if you receive a new offer for the same semester. The QTAC Offers webpage steps you through how to respond to your offer and how to log in to QTAC Application Services. 

Did you get the ATAR you had hoped for or needed? 

If you did, that’s great news!  It’s not long to wait now for offers to be released. 

If you are not sure that your ATAR will get you into your preferred course – don’t panic! You may still get an offer. Entry requirements for courses are made up of more than just ATARs and institutions’ minimum selection thresholds may not yet be decided. Play it safe, add in some back up courses and make sure you follow the QTAC preferencing advice. 

Check and change your preferences 

Now you have your QCE results and ATAR result, check the course entry requirements for your preferenced courses. If you don’t meet the prerequisites or minimum selection ranks, you may need to look at changing your preferences.  Just remember, you can only change your preferences for free, three times. 

Upgrading Pathways 

If you didn’t get the ATAR or the course offer you had hoped for by the January 11 offer round, there are many ways to achieve your goals. Check out the information on upgrading pathway options. There are many pathway options which can help you work towards getting into your dream course. This could involve bridging courses, upgrading via tertiary study or tertiary preparation courses to assist with gaining a higher rank and/ or meeting subject prerequisites.  

Non-ATAR pathways 

Did you know that you can gain entry into many institutions, for certain courses, without an ATAR? Using the standalone selection ranks that VET qualifications, such as Diplomas and Certificates, can give may be a great pathway into your dream course. Check the individual institutions and specific courses for entry requirements. 

 

What about improving your ATAR if you really need to get into the course you want? 

If pathways aren’t for you, then you can consider further year 12 study. See the Factsheet on Qualifying for a New ATAR for more detail. 

 

Need assistance with your application? 

The QTAC Customer Service team are experienced in helping applicants navigate through applications and to find suitable course options and pathways. 

Call us on 1300 467 822 

Or use the QTAC Contact form to send a message to us.

IB Students and the release of the IBAS 

Congratulations to all our International Baccalaureate students on completing your IB Studies program and finishing year 12. We wish you well for your applications and for the future as you prepare for the next phase in your life.  

Here is QTAC’s latest update on the release of the IBAS. This information has also been sent out to schools.  

Early release of IBAS results to students 

IBAS results will be released to Queensland students from 12:00pm on 4 January 2023

(Previous time was 5 January 2023 from 9:00am)

QTAC is pleased to be able to offer the earlier IBAS release time to our Queensland students. This should give students time to review their QTAC applications and change their course preferences if needed. See information on Course Preferences at qtac.edu.au/preferences

Students will receive their IBAS via a personal email from QTAC.

IMPORTANT: IBAS emails will only be sent to students who have submitted a QTAC IBAS Year 12 Consent Form (to provide consent and supply their contact details) and have nominated a Tertiary Admissions Centre in their IBIS account. 

 

Students, have you submitted the QTAC IBAS Year 12 Consent Form? 

Queensland (onshore) IB students, if you want to receive your IBAS result from QTAC you will need to complete and submit the online QTAC IBAS Year 12 Consent Form before IB results are released. You also have the option to share your IBAS result with your school. 

How to get the link to the IBAS Consent Form

Contact your school’s IB Coordinator, or contact QTAC for assistance:
Email: IBenquiries@QTAC.edu.au
Call QTAC: 1300 467 822

Students, have you nominated a TAC to receive your IB results transcript? 

Please note: An IBAS cannot be calculated for anyone who has not nominated (within IBIS) a tertiary admissions centre to receive their IB results. 

Please go into your IBIS account and nominate QTAC as a recipient of your IB results. 

QTAC can only retrieve your results directly from the IBO if you nominate QTAC as a recipient of your IB results via the Results Release Service on the International Baccalaureate Information System (IBIS). This gives your permission to share IB results with QTAC (and interstate TACs) for assessing your Application. This also ensures the IBO provides IB results for the IBAS calculation.  

Useful resources: IB and your QTAC application