Upgrading means doing something so that you get a new, and hopefully better selection rank to use in the future to apply for courses that are harder to get into. It could also involve doing some form of study so as to meet the entry requirements, such as subject prerequisites, for a course.

Upgrading pathway options

Below is a list of the more popular upgrading pathways available. You should check with the institution directly to make sure you choose the appropriate pathway for the type of course you want to get into. This is because certain pathways might be more suitable if the course you want to get into has a very high ATAR/selection rank cut-off.

• STAT and employment pathways – Other qualifications you can use to apply for further study. Generally not available to current Year 12 students.
• Enabling programs and bridging courses – Courses that help satisfy a subject prerequisite or improve selection ranks.
• Competency-based training – Demonstrate your ability to perform a certain task.
• Queensland Senior External Exam – Receive a Year 12 qualification without attending high school.
• Tertiary study – Study a different tertiary course to improve your selection rank.
• Professional qualifications and defence and emergency services – Your professional qualifications may give you a selection rank.