Vocational education and training (VET) study provides an excellent foundation for future study at QUT. To be considered for entry to degree courses you can use an Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) award completed at TAFE or a private education provider, including:

  • certificate IV
  • diploma
  • advanced diploma.

A completed certificate III can also be considered for entry to a QUT diploma.

Your VET study results are converted into a selection rank and QUT allocates higher selection ranks than QTAC for the completion of these AQF awards.

You’ll still need to meet course thresholds, subject requirements and any additional entry requirements where applicable.

If you're currently in high school and completing a VET certificate III, IV or diploma, refer to our recent secondary education applying page.

If you have done AMEB studies refer to our work and life experience applying page or to our recent secondary education applying page if you’re currently in high school.

We do not accept the following VET qualifications for entry:

  • certificates I or II
  • incomplete certificate III
  • completed certificate III for degree entry (a completed certificate III can be used for entry to diplomas only)
  • incomplete certificate IV (with the exception of Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation with completion of at least three specialisations).

A guide to entry

For most of our undergraduate courses, entry will be based on your selection rank, however there are a small number of courses that do not consider selection ranks from VET study for entry. Search our courses to find out if your VET study will be considered.

Your past school and further study results and grade point average don’t expire - they can be used to gain entry to QUT in the future.

Course thresholds can change from year to year and from semester one to semester two. A course may be harder or easier to get into, depending on its popularity and how many places we have available.

You can use our published thresholds as a guide. In some years, not everyone who achieves the guide threshold may get in, and in other years people who don't meet the guide threshold may be offered a place.

Higher thresholds don't mean a course is more difficult.

Minimum age requirements

If you have not obtained an ATAR or completed Year 12, you will be considered for entry when:

  • you are at least 18 years old by the first census date of your QUT study, and you have achieved studies or work experience acceptable to QUT, such as:
    • a completed Certificate III or higher qualification
    • studied at least 0.25 year of degree (or higher study)
    • have at least 0.5 year full-time (or equivalent part-time) work experience
    • performing arts qualifications.

Selection ranks for completed VET study

Different selection ranks are assigned to AQF courses with graded assessment and competency-based (ungraded) assessment.

Completed graded AQF Diploma or AQF Advanced Diploma

Grade Point Average Selection rank - AQF Diploma Selection rank - AQF Advanced Diploma
6.95+ 91.95 98.95
6.75 - 6.94 91.50 98.50
6.50 - 6.74 91.00 98.00
6.25 - 6.49 90.50 97.00
6.00 - 6.24 90.00 96.00
5.75 - 5.99 89.50 95.50
5.50 - 5.74 89.00 95.00
5.25 - 5.49 88.50 94.00
5.00 - 5.24 88.00 93.50
Less than 5.00 87.00 93.00
More information
  • if between one-quarter and three-quarters of the work you did in your study is assessed on an ungraded basis, you'll be allocated the higher of the ranks from this schedule and the corresponding ungraded schedule
  • if more than three-quarters of the work you did in your study is assessed on an ungraded basis, this schedule may not be used and the corresponding ungraded schedule will apply
  • if less than one-quarter of the work you did in your study is assessed on an ungraded basis, we'll use this schedule.

Completed ungraded AQF Diploma or AQF Advanced Diploma

Special Tertiary Admissions Test Score Selection rank - AQF Diploma Selection rank - AQF Advanced Diploma
172+ 91.95 98.95
171 91.95 98.00
166 91.00 96.00
162 89.00 94.00
Less than 162 or did not sit 87.00 93.00
More information

Ungraded means grades of pass/fail, competent/not yet competent, satisfactory/not satisfactory or similar.

If your qualification includes a mixture of 'competent' and 'not yet competent' grades or similar, and you haven't successfully repeated the 'not yet competent' subject, the corresponding graded schedules must be used.

If there is a mixture of graded and ungraded assessment the following applies:

  • if between one-quarter and three-quarters of the work you did in your study is assessed on an ungraded basis, you'll be allocated the higher of the ranks from this schedule and the corresponding graded schedule
  • if less than one-quarter of the work you did in your study is assessed on an ungraded basis, this schedule may not be used and the corresponding graded schedule will apply
  • if more than three-quarters of the work you did in your study is assessed on an ungraded basis, we'll use this schedule.

Completed graded AQF Certificate IV

To apply for our courses based on this type of study, you must be aged 17 or older when QUT classes start, or have completed Australian Year 12 (or equivalent).

Grade Point Average Selection rank - AQF Certificate IV
6.95+ 89.95
6.75 - 6.94 89.50
6.50 - 6.75 89.00
6.25 - 6.49 87.00
6.00 - 6.24 86.50
5.75 - 5.99 86.00
5.50 - 5.74 85.00
5.25 - 5.49 84.00
5.00 - 5.24 82.00
4.75 - 4.99 80.00
4.50 - 4.74 79.00
4.25 - 4.49 76.00
Less than 4.25 74.00
More information
  • if between one-quarter and three-quarters of the work you did in your study is assessed on an ungraded basis, you'll be allocated the higher of the ranks from this schedule and the corresponding ungraded schedule
  • if more than three-quarters of the work you did in your study is assessed on an ungraded basis, this schedule may not be used and the corresponding ungraded schedule will apply
  • if less than one-quarter of the work you did in your study is assessed on an ungraded basis, we'll use this schedule.

Completed ungraded AQF Certificate IV

To apply for our courses based on this type of study, you must be aged 17 or older when QUT classes start, or have completed Australian Year 12 (or equivalent).

Special Tertiary Admissions Test Score Selection rank - AQF Certificate IV
167+ 89.95
166 89.00
165 87.00
162 85.00
160 83.00
157 81.00
155 79.00
154 77.00
151 75.00
Less than 49 or did not sit 74.00
More information

Ungraded means grades of pass/fail, competent/not yet competent, satisfactory/not satisfactory or similar.

If your qualification includes a mixture of 'competent' and 'not yet competent' grades or similar, and you haven't successfully repeated the 'not yet competent' subject, the corresponding graded schedules must be used.

If there is a mixture of graded and ungraded (with all grades of competent or similar) assessment the following applies:

  • if between one-quarter and three-quarters of the work you did in your study is assessed on an ungraded basis, you'll be allocated the higher of the ranks from these schedules and the corresponding graded schedules
  • if less than one-quarter of the work you did in your study is assessed on an ungraded basis, these schedules may not be used and the corresponding graded schedules will apply
  • if more than three-quarters of the work you did in your study is assessed on an ungraded basis, we'll use these schedules.

Completed AQF Certificate III

To apply for our diploma courses (only) based on this type of study, you must be aged 17 or older when QUT classes start, or have completed Australian Year 12 (or equivalent).

A selection rank of 68.00 will be given for both grade and competency completed certificate regardless of GPA or STAT result.

Selection ranks from other higher education study

You may also achieve selection ranks from higher education study, such as partial degree study, associate degrees and sub-degree qualifications, as well as past school results or paid work experience.

Past school and post-secondary results don't expire when you've finished studying, and you can use them to get into uni for many years afterwards. We’ll generally use your best selection rank when considering your application.

Offer guarantee

Most QUT courses across a range of study areas are guaranteed at certain ATAR or selection rank, so you can assess your eligibility for an offer as soon as you know your ATAR or selection rank.

Check if your course is included.

See the guaranteed offer ATAR/selection ranks

Other VET pathways and considerations

QUT Diplomas

Studying a diploma through the QUT College will fast-track your entry into the second year of our Bachelor of Business or Bachelor of Engineering degrees. Applications are made through QTAC.

You will learn through university-style lectures, tutorials and workshops with a focus on developing your independent learning skills, all while enjoying a complete university experience. Smaller class sizes and more contact hours mean you get more individual attention from your teachers to help you become more confident with your university studies.

QUT Diploma pathway programs

Dual awards

In collaboration with TAFE Queensland – Greater Brisbane, we offer dual awards that lead to the award of a diploma from TAFE followed by guaranteed entry into an eligible QUT bachelor degree. Applications are made through QTAC.

During the first semester of your TAFE study, you'll be automatically offered a place in the related QUT course and upon successful completion, you can then accept your QUT offer and commence in the bachelor degree without having to reapply through QTAC.

You'll receive advanced standing (credit) for your TAFE study, allowing you to complete your degree studies sooner.

Dual award study options

You can complete any of the following TAFE Queensland - Greater Brisbane courses for entry to QUT courses.

QUT course TAFE Queensland - Greater Brisbane course
Bachelor of Business
  • Diploma of Accounting
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
  • Advanced Diploma of Engineering
  • Associate Degree in Civil Engineering
Bachelor of Human Services
  • Diploma of Community Services
Bachelor of Information Technology
  • Diploma of Information Technology
Bachelor of Social Work
  • Diploma of Community Services
Bachelor of Science
  • Diploma of Laboratory Technology
Bachelor of Games and Interactive Environments
  • Diploma of Information Technology

Adult Tertiary Preparation (ATP)

The Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (ATP) (13097NAT or 10765NAT) is offered by most TAFE Queensland campuses and other private education providers, and if successfully completed, is equivalent to an Australian Year 12 high school qualification. To maximise your opportunities for entry you're encouraged to complete the whole course, however you can complete a minimum of three specialisations and be considered for entry.

Completed 10397NAT/10765NAT Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (ATP)

STAT GPA below 4.00 GPA = 4.00 - 4.25 GPA = 4.26 - 4.75 GPA = 4.76 - 5.25 GPA = 5.26 - 5.75 GPA = 5.76 - 6.25 GPA = 6.26+
167+ 89.95 89.95 91.95 93.95 94.95 95.95 98.95
166 88.00 89.95 91.00 93.00 94.00 95.00 98.00
162-165 85.00 89.00 90.00 92.00 93.00 94.00 97.00
159-161 83.00 88.00 89.00 91.00 92.00 93.00 96.00
157-158 80.00 87.00 88.00 90.00 91.00 92.00 95.00
155-156 78.00 86.00 88.00 89.00 90.00 91.00 94.00
153-154 75.00 86.00 87.00 88.00 90.00 91.00 93.00
152 73.00 85.00 86.00 88.00 89.00 90.00 92.00
150-151 70.00 85.00 86.00 87.00 88.00 89.00 91.00
149 68.00 84.00 85.00 86.00 88.00 89.00 91.00
147-148 66.00 79.00 85.00 86.00 86.00 86.00 91.00
146 63.00 79.00 81.00 82.00 84.00 86.00 91.00
144-145 58.00 79.00 81.00 82.00 84.00 86.00 91.00
143 53.00 79.00 81.00 82.00 84.00 86.00 91.00
Below 143 50.00 79.00 81.00 82.00 84.00 86.00 91.00
Did not sit 45.00 79.00 81.00 82.00 84.00 86.00 91.00

More information

  • only completed 10397NAT ATP or 10765NAT ATP is assessed on this schedule. Contact HiQ for advice if you have completed a previous version of ATP.
  • to be awarded 10397NAT ATP or 10765NAT APT, you must complete:
    • the specialisation Language and Learning Skills
    • the unit Plan and Prepare for Study
    • six other elective units, the majority of which must be within completed specialisations (which comprise two or three elective units of equal weighting).
  • where you have studied more than eight elective units in the 10397NAT ATP or 10765NAT ATP, only the best eight elective units will be used to calculate your GPA. Where the same elective unit has been attempted on more than one occasion, only the best attempt will be considered. The elective Plan and Prepare for Study is not included in the best eight elective units
  • where elective unit weightings are provided, these will be used in the calculation of a GPA. Where elective unit weightings are not provided all elective units will be assumed to have equal weighting
  • where: H=6.5, J3=6.5, JH=6.5, C=5, J2=5, JC=5, P=4, J1=4, JP=4, R=1.5, M=1.5, N=1.5 and M1=0
  • STAT score refers to any version of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test designed by the Australian Council for Educational Research Ltd and administered since April 2010.

Incomplete 10397NAT/10765NAT Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (ATP): completion of 4 specialisations

To apply for our courses based on this type of study, you must be aged 17 or older when QUT classes start, or have completed Australian Year 12 (or equivalent).

STAT GPA below 4.00 GPA = 4.00 - 4.25 GPA = 4.26 - 4.75 GPA = 4.76 - 5.25 GPA = 5.26 - 5.75 GPA = 5.76 - 6.25 GPA = 6.26+
167+ 88.95 89.95 89.95 89.95 91.95 92.95 94.95
166 88.00 89.00 89.95 89.95 91.00 92.00 94.00
162-165 85.00 88.00 89.00 89.00 90.00 91.00 93.00
159-161 83.00 88.00 88.00 88.00 89.00 90.00 92.00
157-158 80.00 87.00 87.00 87.00 88.00 89.00 91.00
155-156 78.00 86.00 86.00 86.00 88.00 89.00 90.00
153-154 75.00 85.00 86.00 86.00 87.00 88.00 89.00
152 73.00 85.00 85.00 86.00 87.00 88.00 88.00
150-151 70.00 84.00 84.00 85.00 86.00 87.00 88.00
149 68.00 83.00 83.00 84.00 86.00 87.00 88.00
147-148 66.00 81.00 82.00 83.00 85.00 86.00 88.00
146 63.00 77.00 79.00 81.00 84.00 86.00 88.00
144-145 58.00 66.00 70.00 76.00 80.00 83.00 88.00
143 53.00 66.00 70.00 76.00 80.00 83.00 88.00
Below 143 50.00 66.00 70.00 76.00 80.00 83.00 88.00
Did not sit 45.00 66.00 70.00 76.00 80.00 83.00 88.00

More information

  • to be considered for QUT, you must have:
    • not completed 10397NAT ATP
    • completed four full specialisations, comprising results in all required elective units. Specialisations may comprise two or three elective units of equal weighting.
  • where elective unit weightings are provided, they will be used in the calculation of a GPA. Where elective unit weightings are not provided, all modules will be assumed to have equal weighting
  • where: H=6.5, J3=6.5, JH=6.5, C=5, J2=5, JC=5, P=4, J1 = 4, JP = 4, R=1.5, M=1.5, N=1.5, and M1=0
  • where you have completed five or more specialisations without a completed award, the best four specialisations will be used
  • where the same elective unit has been completed on more than one occasion, only the best attempt will be used
  • STAT score refers to any version of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test designed by ACER and administered since April 2010
  • contact HiQ for advice if you studied a previous version of ATP.

Incomplete 10397NAT/10765NAT Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation (ATP): completion of 3 specialisations

To apply for our courses based on this type of study, you must be aged 17 or older when QUT classes start, or have completed Australian Year 12 (or equivalent).

STAT GPA below 4.00 GPA = 4.00 - 4.25 GPA = 4.26 - 4.75 GPA = 4.76 - 5.25 GPA = 5.26 - 5.75 GPA = 5.76 - 6.25 GPA = 6.26+
167+ 88.95 88.95 88.95 89.95 89.95 90.95 92.95
166 88.00 88.00 88.00 89.00 89.00 90.00 92.00
162-165 85.00 87.00 87.00 88.00 88.00 89.00 91.00
159-161 83.00 86.00 86.00 87.00 88.00 89.00 90.00
157-158 80.00 86.00 86.00 86.00 87.00 88.00 89.00
155-156 78.00 85.00 85.00 86.00 87.00 88.00 88.00
153-154 75.00 85.00 85.00 85.00 86.00 87.00 88.00
152 73.00 84.00 84.00 85.00 86.00 87.00 87.00
150-151 70.00 83.00 83.00 84.00 85.00 86.00 87.00
149 68.00 81.00 82.00 83.00 84.00 86.00 86.00
147-148 66.00 77.00 79.00 81.00 83.00 85.00 86.00
146 63.00 73.00 75.00 79.00 82.00 84.00 86.00
144-145 58.00 64.00 66.00 71.00 77.00 81.00 86.00
143 53.00 66.00 66.00 71.00 77.00 81.00 86.00
Below 143 50.00 64.00 66.00 71.00 77.00 81.00 86.00
Did not sit 45.00 64.00 66.00 71.00 77.00 81.00 86.00

More information

  • to be considered for QUT, you must have:
    • not completed 10397NAT ATP or 10765NAT
    • completed three other full specialisations, comprising results in all required elective units. Specialisations may comprise two or three elective units of equal weighting.
  • where elective unit weightings are provided, they will be used in the calculation of a GPA. Where elective unit weightings are not provided, all elective units will be assumed to have equal weighting
  • where: H=6.5, J3=6.5, JH=6.5, C=5, J2=5, JC=5, P=4, J1 = 4, JP = 4, R=1.5, M=1.5, N=1.5, and M1=0
  • where the same elective unit has been completed on more than one occasion, only the best attempt will be used
  • STAT score refers to any version of the Special Tertiary Admissions Test designed by ACER and administered since April 2010
  • contact HiQ for advice if you studied a previous version of ATP.

Unilearn Ready Program

The Unilearn Ready Program offers a tertiary entrance pathway for many tertiary courses and a selection rank will apply for successful completion of the program. The subjects can also meet prerequisites and satisfy assumed knowledge.

Unilearn Ready Program: completion of 3 (or more) subjects

Grade Point Average

Selection rank

6.95+

88.95

6.90 - 6.94

88.85

6.85 - 6.89

88.75

6.80 - 6.84

88.65

6.75 - 6.79

88.55

6.70 - 6.74

88.40

6.65 - 6.69

88.30

6.60 - 6.64

88.20

6.55 - 6.59

88.10

6.50 - 6.54

88.00

6.25 - 6.49

87.00

6.00 - 6.24

86.00

5.75 - 5.99

86.00

5.50 - 5.74

85.00

5.25 - 5.49

84.00

5.00 - 5.24

83.00

4.75 - 4.99

82.00

4.50 - 4.74

81.00

4.25 - 4.49

79.00

4.00 - 4.24

76.00

Ungraded passes

76.00

3.75 - 3.99

71.00

3.50 - 3.74

67.00

3.25 - 3.49

63.00

3.00 - 3.24

59.00

2.75 - 2.99

55.00

2.50 - 2.74

51.00

2.25 - 2.49

46.00

Below 2.25

45.00

More information

  • Where HD=7, D=6.5, C=5, P=4, M = 1.5

Assumed knowledge and prerequisites

Most of our courses have assumed knowledge, and our Bachelor of Education and Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours) has prerequisites that must be met.

Find out more about assumed knowledge and prerequisites.

Boost your selection rank with the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

If you're completing an AQF competency-based (ungraded) certificate IV or higher studies, or the Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation, you should consider the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) to help improve your selection rank. The STAT is a multiple-choice aptitude test administered by QTAC, that allows you to demonstrate your potential for university study.

Find out more about the STAT

Calculating your grade point average (GPA)

If your previous VET study was a graded qualification, your selection rank may be higher depending on your grade point average (GPA).

Find out more about calculating your GPA

Contacting QTAC with changes to your VET study results

Ensure you notify QTAC with any changes to your VET study results including:

  • when you receive any delayed results and/or completion is available
  • any undeclared study
  • when any supplementary or deferred results are visible in your enrolment record.

If any of these instances apply, your application will be reconsidered for the next offer round if places are available. For top-up offer rounds, selection rank requirements can often be higher than the main offer round thresholds.

If your grade(s) change after a review of grade process, you’ll need to notify QTAC once the revised grade is visible in your enrolment record. Your application will then be reconsidered against the main offer round thresholds.

More ways to get in

Adjustment schemes

You may be eligible for an adjustment to your selection rank, which can help you get into the course you want. We offer adjustment schemes for students with difficult circumstances and elite athletes.

Explore adjustment schemes

Worried you won’t get in?

If you’re concerned that your selection rank isn’t high enough for the course you want, don’t worry - there are other admissions pathways you can take to get to your dream course.

Helping you get into your course

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students

Our Centralised Assessment Selection Program (CASP) makes it easier for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island students to come to uni, whatever your educational background.

About CASP

Apply now

Ready to apply?

When you’re ready to apply for a course, follow our step-by-step applying guide.

Apply for undergraduate courses

Apply for postgraduate courses

Other admission pathways

We believe that everyone should be able to continue their journey of lifelong learning. So we're committed to exploring all admission pathways to help you get into the course that you want.

Your VET study experience isn't the only way you can get into uni. Take a look at your options if you've done:

  • recent secondary school study
  • higher education study, including bridging and enabling courses
  • any workplace experience.

Secondary study

If you've completed high school in the last two years, find out if your results can help you get into the course you want.

Apply with recent secondary study

Higher education study

If you've done any bridging or enabling courses at any institution, or any higher education before, you can use this to apply.

Apply with higher education study

Employment experience

You can also apply to uni based on work experience you've completed. Find out how your work and life experience can help you get in.

Apply with work experience

Fast track to postgraduate study

If you've completed a diploma or advanced diploma and have relevant professional work experience you may be eligible for many QUT graduate certificates and some graduate diplomas. For most postgraduate courses, places are not limited (i.e. selection ranks are not used) and if you meet the entry requirements you will get an offer.

Explore how to fast track to postgraduate study

Contact us

Get in touch if you've got any questions about how to use your previous experience to get into uni.