By Alice Knox, 3 August, 2026
All your hard work in high school is paying off. Your future is so close, just a QTAC application away… So, what’s the best way to order your preferences?
Give yourself the best chance to receive an offer for a course you want to study by following these tips.
Preferences 1-2: Dream big!
These spots are for your dream courses, the ones you most want to study. ATAR thresholds are determined by demand so may shift slightly year to year.
Preferences 3-4: Follow your interests
Third and fourth preferences are for courses you are interested in but have less competitive entry thresholds.
You could use these courses to upgrade so give yourself the best chance by choosing something you’ll enjoy. Or they could just be great alternatives to your first preferences.
Preferences 5-6: Pathway preferences
These courses will get you into uni. Find courses with entry thresholds that are a sure thing.
Once you’re in you’ll find community, opportunities and support that can help you upgrade to the course you are most interested in studying.
Need more help?
It's true that some health courses are really competitive to get in to. You can find advice if you’re worried you won’t get in.
There are different courses you can explore if you’re looking for upgrading pathways in patient care courses. Or you can use this tool to check your course options to find courses and their entry thresholds.
Lots of other students have been in the same position as you. Explore FAQs for some of our popular health courses:
Finally, once everything is submitted you can find information about what happens next to get some reassurance about changing preferences, receiving offers, and accepting.
Good luck! We can’t wait to welcome you to QUT.
