Early Entry Scheme
Rewarding achievement locally
At USC, we are committed to supporting school achievers in our local region to gain access to higher education, whether they are studying towards an OP or not. If you are currently completing your Year 12 studies at a school in the University of the Sunshine Coast Regional Preference* area, this commitment offers special benefits for you.
Benefits of early entry
USC’s Early Entry Scheme rewards you for your achievements and guarantees your eligibility for early admission to a USC undergraduate degree or associate degree program (normal subject pre-requisite and admissions requirements apply).
Knowing you have a place in your chosen degree in mid-December means you don’t have to wait until January to find out if you are offered a place at university. It allows you to proceed with confidence in your planning and preparation for university study commencing in mid-February. You can enjoy your break without the anxious wait.
In addition we’ll help you plan and prepare for university study. You’ll be invited to attend an information session on campus to help you get started.
You may be successful in securing one of the available places in December in your program of choice based upon your academic achievements and a recommendation from your school Principal. A panel of academics review each application on an individual basis. You will be advised whether you are eligible for early entry in mid December.
But don’t worry if you don’t gain early entry, you are still eligible for the large number of places available for each program after OPs are released and offers are made at the traditional time in January. The Early Entry Scheme will have no impact on your application to university in subsequent offer rounds and the usual QTAC process applies.
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Selection criteria
If you meet all of the following criteria you may be eligible for the USC Early Entry Scheme:
- You are currently completing Year 12 studies (obtaining a Queensland Certificate of Education) at a school in the University of the Sunshine Coast Regional Preference area.*
- You have completed three semesters of study in both Year 11 and Year 12 and achieved consistently at an above-average level, including at least a sound level of achievement in English. You may or may not be working towards an OP.
- You are an Australian or New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or Permanent Humanitarian Visa holder.
This scheme is not available to students on an international Student Visa. International students should contact USC International for application information by telephone +61 7 5430 2843 or email admissionsint@usc.edu.au.
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How to apply
To apply for the USC Early Entry Scheme, complete and submit the Early Entry Scheme Application (PDF 362KB) *, along with the required supporting documentation, by the closing date—Friday 30 October 2009.
You must have a current application lodged with QTAC and provide your QTAC Application number. Selection is based on academic achievement and the recommendations of your school Principal (or delegate) in relation to your performance and potential to succeed in university study.
You will be advised in writing by USC of the outcome of your application by 11 December 2009.
If your Early Entry Scheme application is successful, and a USC program is your highest eligible preference on your QTAC application, the offer will be made through QTAC in the offer round on 17 December 2009. If you have higher preferences at other institutions, the offer will be made in accordance with the usual QTAC application process.
Applying for the USC Early Entry Scheme does not prevent you from changing your QTAC preferences. You may change to another USC program or another program at a different institution, in accordance with the usual QTAC Change of Preference options.
As with all USC students, you may choose to defer the commencement of your USC program for up to two years should your circumstances change.
If you are unsuccessful for the USC Early Entry Scheme, you will still be considered through the regular QTAC application process and will receive an offer based on your OP score in the January QTAC offer round.
Additional consideration may be given if you have experienced educational disadvantage, such as:
- physical or other medically identified disability
- living in a rural or isolated area
- being part of a minority group
- personal issues impacting upon your achievement
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Scholarships
The University of the Sunshine Coast offers a range of scholarships for commencing students. These scholarships range in value from $3,500–$12,000.
To be considered for a scholarship, a separate Scholarship Application must be submitted by the relevant closing date. Visit www.usc.edu.au/scholarships for more information.
More information
Contact Student Administration:
Tel: +61 7 5430 2890
Email: information@usc.edu.au
To print information, download a copy of the Early Entry Scheme brochure (PDF 462KB) *
To apply, complete and submit the Early Entry Scheme Application (PDF 362KB) *
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