Helping parents to understand university
Career planning
Students don’t have to know exactly what they want to do after they finish school, but having a sense of career options will make it easier to choose courses, and career pathways and put studies into a career context.
Step 1 – Self awareness
- Interests: What do you love doing?
- Values: What is meaningful to you?
- Skills: What are you going to offer an employer?
- Resources: Government website, My Future, provides a career and exploration service
Step 2 - Help to make career decisions
- Carry out self assessment – what do you enjoy or what are you good at?
- Research school subjects and their career pathways
- Resources: Government website, Target Your Career - Bullseye!, provides a career and exploration service
Step 3 -The latest career trends
- Skills/qualifications required for the job
- Salaries and conditions
- Recruitment processes
- Resources: Industry profiles, graduate destinations (statistics), job search advice for specifically for graduates on the My Future website and Graduate Careers website
Planning for university
Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC)
QTAC manages the admission process for all Queensland universities, TAFE and a number of private education providers. The QTAC system ensures fairness and transparency in the admission process.
Applying to university
- Current Year 12 students should lodge their application through the Twelve To Tertiary (TTT) online application service available at QTAC
- Students not currently enrolled in Queensland Year 12 or students completing an alternative education program should lodge their application through the Apply by Web Service, also available at QTAC.
Admission
Admission is the first step to gaining entry. Note: Admission is separate from enrolment.
Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE)
The QCE is Queensland's senior school qualification, which is awarded to eligible students usually at the end of Year 12. The QCE recognises broad learning options and offers flexibility in what, where and when learning occurs. For more information, visit the Queensland Studies Authority website.
Overall Positions (OP)
The OP is a student’s statewide rank based on overall achievement in Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) approved Subjects. It indicates performance in comparison to all other OP-eligible students in QLD.
Bands
Students are placed in OP bands from 1 (highest) to 25 (lowest). More than 90 percent of students achieve an OP in the 2–21 range.
Eligibility
Students must study at least 20 semester units of Queensland Studies Authority subjects, including at least three subjects for four semesters each and must also sit the Queensland Core Skills (QCS) test.
Calculation
The OP is calculated on performance in the student’s best five QSA subjects – the 20 semester units in which they receive the highest achievement. All subjects are treated equally.
OP v Rank
- In the broadest context, OPs and ranks are the same.
- Both represent a 'score' that can be used for university admission.
- Every applicant other than a current Year 12, OP-eligible student has a rank for university admission.
- OPs and ranks equate on a percentile scale.
OP/rank cut-offs for university entry
- Each university offers places in a number of degree programs. The OP/rank cut-offs for entry are determined by the number of places available in a particular program, the number of applicants for that program and the merit of each applicant.
- A high OP/low rank entry cut-off does not reflect program quality. All Australian universities and degree programs are accredited by the Commonwealth.
- Lower entry cut-offs reflect demand for the program in the current admission period. Periods of economic growth correspond to lower demand for university places.
Queensland Core Skills Test
Each year, the Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) conducts a common statewide test designed for Year 12 students. The test is also available to other eligible candidates.
The QCS Test contributes information for the calculation of Overall Positions (OPs) and Field Positions (FPs), which are used to rank students for tertiary entrance.
A student's individual QCS Test result is not used on its own in the calculation of their OP. Instead, group results are used as part of the statistical scaling processes. A student's individual result on the QCS Test (from A to E) is reported on the student's Senior Statement or Statement of Results.
Purpose
The QCS contributes information for the calculation of Overall Positions (OPs) and Field Positions (FPs) at the whole of QLD Year 12, not the individual student level.
Results
The student’s individual QCS test result (A to E) is indicated on their Senior Statement.
Assesses
The test assesses generic skills identified in the Queensland senior curriculum. These skills are known as the Common Curriculum Elements (CCEs).
Preparation
Students prepare for the QCS Test through everyday learning in class. Most schools provide preparation guidance to students.
When?
2–3 September 2008 in school.
Recommended prior study
Recommended prior study refers to the Year 11 and 12 subjects (or equivalent) the University recommends students study before commencing a particular degree program. This is not a prerequisite subject, but a recommendation about the knowledge students should possess in the subject area. For example, recommended prior study for the Bachelor of Science (Sport and Exercise Science) is English, Maths and one or more of the sciences, preferably Chemistry, Physics or Biology.
Program prerequisites
- Most USC degree programs do not have formal Year 12 subject admission prerequisites. Previous study in particular areas is recommended rather than required.
- A small number of programs have Year 12 subject prerequisites. Applicants who do not satisfy these prerequisites are ineligible for admission to that program.
- Year 12 students seeking admission to programs with formal prerequisites should consider an alternative non-prerequisite program as a possible alternative entry/upgrading pathway.
Regional Preference Scheme
Under the University of the Sunshine Coast's Regional Preference Scheme, an additional OP score of one, or two selection ranks is granted to applicants who:
- currently undertake full-time study, and
- reside or attend school in the Sunshine Coast region and
- apply to the University of the Sunshine Coast through QTAC.
Therefore, if you are a:
- current Year 12 student and are OP and Regional Preference Scheme eligible, your OP score will be improved by one (eg an OP 9 will be deemed as an OP 8).
- If you are an OP ineligible student and are Regional Preference Scheme eligible, your rank will be improved by two (eg a rank of 77 will be deemed 79).
- non-Year 12 student currently studying at TAFE and are Regional Preference Scheme eligible, your selection rank will be improved by two (eg a rank of 77 will be deemed 79).
Sunshine Coast regions
Under the University of the Sunshine Coast's Regional Preference Scheme, an additional OP score of one, or two selection ranks is granted to eligible applicants who reside or attend school in the following Sunshine Coast regions:
- Sunshine Coast South region: south to Pine Rivers, west to Kilcoy and north to Caboolture/Bribie Island
- Sunshine Coast North region: south to Beerwah, west to Maleny and north to Noosa
- Wide Bay South region: south to Gympie, north to Maryborough and Hervey Bay
- Wide Bay West region: west to Nanango and Gayndah
Pathways to university
There are a range of pathways to entry to the University of the Sunshine Coast. Students from low or non-OP backgrounds can gain admission through a number of pathways.
Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP)
- provides an alternative admission pathway and is suitable for low or no OP students
- applicants must be a minimum of 17 years of age
- satisfactory completion of TPP guarantees entry to most USC degree programs.
VET/TAFE study
- Students who do not gain admission to USC can use VET/TAFE completed Certificate III and IV programs as an admission pathway to degree programs.
- A completed Certificate III will result in admission to most degree programs.
Upgrading
TPP and VET/TAFE study will result in admission to most degree programs. After students have completed one semester of study, upgrading to another program internally may be possible.
Program change
- Many USC students change their program of study once enrolled as their interests change.
- USC has an internal program change system that allows students to move between degrees.
Deferral
- A number of USC students choose to defer their studies for at least one year.
- Deferral is possible in all programs and must be indicated to QTAC when the offer is made.
- USC allows students to defer for up to two years which allows for a GAP year and an additional work/travel year.
Costs associated with study
When planning for university, consider these costs:
- Tuition fees
- Living expenses
- Study-related costs
Other costs
Additional costs to be considered include textbooks, photocopying, laboratory clothing hire, field trips and transport to and from industry placement sites.
It is recommended that students allow an additional A$300-500 per semester for these costs.
HECS-HELP
University degree programs are classified into 4 Higher Education Contribution Scheme (HECS) bands. The Commonwealth government contributes most of the cost of university education with students contributing the remainder through the HECS-HELP (Higher Education Loan Program).
Student contributions are calculated on enrolment each semester. Payment can be made upfront with a discount or can be deferred for later repayment through the taxation system. Most students choose to defer payment.
Annual HECS ranges for 2008
| HECS ranges for 2008 |
Amount |
| National Priority Band (Nursing and Education) |
A$3,998 |
| Band 1 (Arts and Humanities) |
A$4,996 |
| Band 2 (Science and Engineering) |
A$7,118 |
| Band 3 (Law, Medicine and Business) |
A$8,333 |
Financial support
AusStudy/Youth Allowance may be available depending on parent and/or student income levels. Guidance is available from Centrelink.
Scholarships and bursaries
Financial support in the form of scholarships and bursaries can provide much-needed assistance. Community and government funds help pay tuition fees, purchase textbooks and equipment, pay for accommodation and meet general living expenses. Individual USC faculties also offer support and reward student excellence through prizes and awards.
In 2008, the University of the Sunshine Coast will support approximately 560 undergraduate students with scholarships and bursaries worth more than A$1.62 million. Future student should consider applying for a scholarship and bursary.
More information
Student Administration
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