What are Preferences?
Your preferences are your wish list that we use in the context of your QTAC application. Our system lines up your preferences in light of your ATAR and selection rank to ensure your best chance for applying to your ideal tertiary education course.
If you fill in more options you’re more likely to obtain an offer.
With QTAC, more preferences mean more opportunities to choose your future. Using all 6 preferences maximises your chances of getting an offer.
Managing Your QTAC Preferences
When applying through QTAC, how you order and manage your course preferences can impact the chances of getting into your desired course. It’s essential to plan, whether setting up your initial preferences or making changes along the way.
Below are comprehensive guides on ordering and changing your preferences giving you the best chance when applying for your chosen course.
How should I order my preferences?
Your order of preferences firstly depends on whether you have received an offer.
If you are yet to receive your offers, ensure you are still within the dates for your desired course offer rounds. Please note: these differ according to course and institution. You can find these details on Course Search.
You can read our handout about preferences here as well as find further information on this page.
Planning your preferences
Before an Offer:
When arranging your preferences, it’s very important to order them wisely. This ensures prioritising your chosen course. Below is important information to help you be prepared with your preferences.
With QTAC, more preferences mean more opportunities to choose your future. Using all 6 preferences increases your chances of receiving the best offer.
Selection Tips:
- Use Course Search to choose your preferences
- Check for fixed closing dates – Note that courses starting in the same semester may have different offer round dates.
- If applying for courses in different offer rounds, order them chronologically according to the offer round dates. (sooner dates higher than later dates)
Other Useful Guidance:
Keep track of Key Dates
For example, knowing the most up to date dates on all the courses you plan to add in your preferences can help you better plan your application. Find Key Dates here.
Other Useful Guidance:
Stay Organised and Informed
To increase your chances of success in your tertiary admissions journey, ensure you are organised and well-informed. Our service, Remind Me, offers an excellent platform to assist you in staying on track.
Other Useful Guidance:
Frequently Check Your Options
For the best opportunities, carefully check in on your options that lead to your chosen field of tertiary education. Contact us for assistance on 1300 467 822.
Strategic Preference Ordering
We recommend the following instructions for your preferences. This helps to ensure you get the best chance for the pathways to your chosen career. Read more here.
Preferences 1 & 2
Your first two preferences are the dream courses aligning with your passions and aspirations. These are the ultimate in getting you the education to achieve your career goals.
Preferences 3 & 4
The next two preferences are your backup options. Use these preferences to include the less competitive courses within the same field or a different field that interests you.
Preferences 5 & 6
Your last two preferences are best if they are strategic pathways leading to your academic goal. You can get more of an idea of these pathways here.
Important Note: Only save your preferences when you are certain they’re final.
The first three times you click the ‘save’ button are free; subsequent changes will incur a fee.
How can I change my preferences?
You can change your preferences as many times as you like, both before and after receiving an offer.
Refer to the Offers information for guidance on how to order your preferences after receiving an offer.
Changing Preferences:
To change your preferences before receiving an offer. To manage your preferences before an offer:
- Login: Access your QTAC application.
- Edit Courses: In your Customer Portal, select “Edit Courses”.
- Modify Preferences: Add, delete, or edit your preferences.
- Confirm Changes: Once you’ve made all the changes you want, select “Confirm Changes” and follow the prompts.
Important Note: Only save your preferences when you are certain they’re final. The first three times you click the ‘save’ button are free; subsequent changes incur a change of preference fee.