Zoie Mearns
Future business owner. START QUT graduate. Uni ready.When Zoie Mearns heard about the START QUT program, she jumped at the chance to study a university subject while in high school.
With permission from her school and parents, she attended classes with first-year QUT students and loved being around people who were passionate about the same things - psychology and business.
There were no fees to pay and Zoie received a QTAC selection rank adjustment. When she started uni full time, Zoie already felt like she belonged.
What is START QUT?
START QUT gives you the best chance of finding a course you'll enjoy by trying out university subjects while you're in:
- Year 12
- Semester 2 of Year 11.
You can trial potential study areas, experience the university lifestyle and learn about the differences between high school and university. You’ll be part of the student community and attend lectures, tutorials or workshops with other QUT students.
Get the real QUT experience and set yourself up for future success.
START QUT gives your child the opportunity to study up to two university units, in the same classes as current QUT students, while completing either:
- Year 12
- Semester 2 of Year 11.
They can select two units from across the university, and study one unit each semester.
This is a great opportunity for them to get a head start on their chosen undergraduate course, or to try out study areas they’re interested in.
They’ll mingle with our students, attend real classes, complete real assessment and get an amazing head-start when they finish school and come to uni.
START QUT gives your students the opportunity to study up to two university units, in the same classes as current QUT students, while completing either:
- Year 12
- Semester 2 of Year 11.
They can select two units from across the university, and study one unit each semester.
This is a great opportunity for them to get a head start on their chosen undergraduate course, or to try out study areas they’re interested in.
They’ll mingle with our students, attend real classes, complete real assessment and get an amazing head-start when they finish school and come to uni.
What's involved?
Overview
High-achieving Year 11 and 12 students have an opportunity to extend their studies in their final year of high school. Access all of QUT's facilities and enjoy campus life in the same way as current university students.
You can select two units from across the university, and study one unit each semester.
This is a great opportunity to get a head start on your chosen undergraduate course, or to try out study areas you're interested in.
Once completed, you can receive advanced standing (credit) for your studies, putting you ahead of your peers and setting you up for future success.
| Applications open | 31 March 2020 |
Applications close | 31 May 2020 |
Start month | July 2020 Check the academic calendar to see semester dates. |
Delivery | On campus:
External (Justice and selected Education units only) |
Course contact |
|
Details
What do you receive?
If you successfully complete your units and Year 12, you'll receive:
- advanced standing (credit) for these units towards a related bachelor degree at QUT
- an adjustment of up to two selection ranks, one for each START QUT unit successfully completed, added to your selection rank through our Year 12 subject scheme
- up to four credit points towards your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), if applicable.
How much will it cost?
We will cover the cost of your tuition fees. You'll be responsible for any other incidental costs, including:
- textbooks
- printing
- transport.
Things to consider before applying
Do you have support from your parents or guardians?
You need the support of your parents or guardians to be able to submit your application, so you need to discuss with them whether the program is suitable for you.
You should talk about:
- the extra workload involved in the program
- travel time to and from your chosen campus (if applicable)
- additional costs (such as textbooks and transport)
- how you plan to handle all of your commitments.
Do you have support from your school?
A staff member from your school must approve your participation before you can submit your application form. They'll assess whether you're able to handle the workload involved in the program. Your school will also need to have approval from your parents or guardians before they can endorse your application.
Can you realistically manage your involvement with the START QUT program?
Once you've found a unit you're interested in, make sure you also think about:
- which campus the classes are held at and how you plan on getting there and back
- how many hours you'll need to dedicate to your START QUT studies. Most units have 3 hours of classes (contact hours) and 7 hours of self-directed study each week; some science, dance and engineering units have 4 or more contact hours each week
- the types of assessment you'll have to do, and how that might affect your workload
- whether or not you can fit START QUT into your life.
The timetable for Semester 1, 2020 is now available to search via the QUT website.
Once you've decided what unit you'd like to study, you can check its timetable to see if it suits your school and personal schedule.
You'll be able to decline your place in the program if the timetable for the unit you choose doesn’t fit in with your personal schedule.
Expectations
As a START QUT student you will be expected to:
- view your virtual orientation sessions before semester starts
- regularly check your QUT student email for correspondence from QUT staff
- engage with the START QUT Blackboard throughout the semester
- adhere to the rules and policies of QUT, as outlined in the QUT Student Code of Conduct
- attend your classes (you may be marked on attendance and participation)
- contribute to group-work assignments and presentations and complete all your assessment on time (including attending exams)
- complete your high school studies to the best of your ability, with high school remaining your priority over university work
- stay in touch with your school contact and seek advice about workload, assessment or support, if you need it.
We’ll support you
Our staff are available to answer any questions you have about the program, areas of study and course content. We can guide you through the application process, and make sure you’re looked after once you’re enrolled at QUT.
We’ll keep in touch to make sure you’re aware of all important dates and requirements while you’re studying here. And we’ll maintain regular contact with your school to make sure you’re being looked after.
Units
You can enrol in one unit per semester, in addition to your school studies. You don't need to list your chosen unit on your application form. Instead, you'll choose your unit once you've been offered a place in the program.
You can choose a unit from a different study area in each semester (for example, a science unit in Semester 1, and a business unit in Semester 2). This might be a good option if you are looking to study a double degree.
If you're hoping to receive advanced standing (credit) toward a degree for the units you complete, it's best to select those related to your chosen future study area. Your START QUT studies, including the grades you achieve, will be included as part of your official QUT record.
Requirements
Am I eligible?
You must be:
- minimum age of 16
- either a Year 11, Semester 2 or a Year 12, Semester 1 or Semester 2 student when you participate in the START QUT program
- a Queensland-based school student on an ATAR or International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD) pathway.
In the semester before you apply, you must have maintained:
- a minimum of a B in English, Literature, English and Literature, or English as an additional language (or equivalent IBD subjects)
- a B average across a minimum of five ATAR or IBD subjects.
- The following grade combinations examples are a B average;
- one A, three B and one C;
- one A and four B;
- two B+, one B and two B-
- The following grade combinations examples are below a B average
- three B and two C;
- one A, two B and two C;
- four B and one B-
- Median grade is not used
- The following grade combinations examples are a B average;
You must:
- be capable of undertaking university level study on top of your high school workload
- have the support of your parent(s) or guardian(s)
- have permission from your school to participate. A staff member (guidance officer, career counsellor, curriculum head, dean of studies, academic dean, gifted students coordinator, principal, deputy principal or other similar position) must approve your participation
- be able to attend classes at the designated QUT campus, either at Kelvin Grove or Gardens Point (excluding external justice or education students).
If you don't meet these entry requirements it is best that you don't submit an application - your priority should be achieving the best results you can in your school studies.
Course Requirements
To remain in the START QUT program you must:
- remain enrolled in an ATAR or IBD pathway
- have ongoing support from your parent(s) or guardian(s)
- have ongoing permission from your school to participate
- if you can change schools you musts provide a school approval proforma (refer to the How to apply tab) from your new school
To undertake a second START QUT unit you must also
- have passed your first unit of study
QUT will revoke your enrolment in START QUT should you not meet any of the above requirements.
How to apply
Applications for Semester 2, 2020 are now open.
Step 1: School approval
Request that your school completes and signs the school approval proforma (PDF file, 137.8 KB) and provide you with a copy.
Step 2: Apply online
Complete the START QUT online application form.
You must have the following to apply:
- your school email address to create your QUT account. This is the first part of the application process.
- a Learning Unique Identifier (LUI)
- school results on school letterhead for the previous semester
- the completed and signed school approval proforma.
When to apply
Applications for Semester 2 close on 31 May.
Applications for Semester 1, 2021 will open on 6 August and close on 31 October.
We won't consider late applications.
What happens next?
If your application is successful, we'll send you an email to offer you a place in the START QUT program. The email will let you know how to:
- accept your offer
- choose your units
- get started at QUT.
If your application is unsuccessful we'll also email you to let you know.
We may also email you to request more information or supporting documents. Make sure you upload this documentation within 10 working days.
All emails we send you will be sent to the email address you provide in your application. Make sure you provide us with your personal email address and not your school email, because we might contact you over the school holidays.
You'll be able to decline your place in the program if the timetable for the unit you choose doesn’t fit in with your personal schedule.
What's involved?
Overview
High-achieving Year 11 and 12 students have an opportunity to extend their studies in their final year of high school.
Students can sample university life and trial up to two different areas of interest before committing to further study.
They'll access all of QUT's facilities and enjoy campus life in the same way as current university students.
Once completed, students can receive advanced standing (credit) for their studies, putting them ahead of their peers and setting them up for future success.
| Applications open | 31 March 2020 |
Applications close | 31 May 2020 |
Start month | July 2020 |
Delivery | On campus:
External (justice and selected education units only) |
Course contact |
|
Details
What will your child receive?
If your child successfully completes their QUT units and Year 12, they'll receive:
- advanced standing (credit) for these units towards a related bachelor degree at QUT
- and adjustment of up to two selection ranks, one for each START QUT unit successfully completed, added to their selection rank through our Year 12 subject scheme
- up to four credit points towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), if applicable.
How much will it cost?
We will cover the cost of tuition fees. Students will be responsible for any other incidental costs, including:
- textbooks
- printing
- transport.
Things students should consider before applying
Do you support your child's study?
Your child will need your support to submit their application, so you need to discuss with them whether the program is suitable.
You should talk about:
- the extra workload involved in the program
- travel time to and from their chosen campus (if applicable)
- additional costs (such as textbooks and transport)
- how they plan to handle all of their commitments.
Does your child have support from their school?
A staff member from your child's school must approve their participation before they can submit their application form. Your child's school must have your approval before they can endorse the application. They'll assess whether your child is able to handle the workload involved in the program.
Can your child realistically manage their involvement with the START QUT program?
Once your child has found a unit they're interested in, make sure they also think about:
- which campus the classes are held at and how they plan on getting there and back
- how many hours they'll need to dedicate to their START QUT studies. Most units have 3 hours of classes (contact hours) and 7 hours of self-directed study each week; some science, dance and engineering units have 4 or more contact hours each week
- the types of assessment they'll have to do, and how that might affect their workload
- whether or not they can fit START QUT into their life.
The timetable for Semester 1, 2020 is now available to search via the QUT website.
Once your child has decided what unit they'd like to study, they can check its timetable to see if it suits their school and personal schedule.
They'll be able to decline their place in the program if the timetable for the unit they choose doesn’t fit in with their schedule.
Expectations
As a parent or guardian of a START QUT student you will be asked to:
- support your child with their involvement in the program
- raise any concerns over your child's progress with their school's START QUT contact or career adviser.
Information for parents about guiding your child through to university
START QUT students are expected to:
- view their virtual orientation sessions before semester starts
- regularly check their QUT student email for correspondence from QUT staff
- engage with the START QUT Blackboard throughout the semester
- adhere to the rules and policies of QUT, as outlined in the QUT Student Code of Conduct
- attend classes (they may be marked on attendance and participation)
- contribute to group-work assignments and presentations and complete all assessment on time (including attending exams)
- complete their high school studies to the best of their ability, with high school remaining a priority over university work.
We’ll support you
Our QUT Student Recruitment team is available to answer any questions you have about the program, areas of study and course content. We’ll guide your child through the application process, and make sure they’re looked after once they’re enrolled at QUT.
We provide regular contact with START QUT students throughout the semester to ensure they are aware of key dates and requirements. We also maintain regular contact with the participating schools to ensure your child's welfare is being looked after from both a university and school perspective.
Units
Students can enrol in one unit per semester, in addition to their school studies.
Your child can choose a unit from a different study area in each semester (for example, a science and mathematics unit in Semester 1, and a law and justice unit in Semester 2). This might be a good option if they're looking to study a double degree.
If they're hoping to receive advanced standing toward a degree for the units they complete, it's best to select those related to their chosen future study area. Your child's START QUT studies, including the grades they achieve, will be included as part of their official QUT record.
Requirements
Who is eligible?
Your child must be:
- minimum age of 16
- either a Year 11, Semester 2 or a Year 12, Semester 1 or Semester 2 student when they participate in the START QUT program
- a Queensland-based school student on an ATAR or International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD) pathway.
In the semester before they apply, your child must have maintained:
- a minimum of a B in English, Literature, English and Literature, or English as an additional language (or equivalent IBD subjects)
- a B average across a minimum of five ATAR or IBD subjects.
Your child must:
- be capable of undertaking university level study on top of their high school workload
- have the support of their parent(s) or guardian(s)
- have permission from their school to participate. A staff member (guidance officer, career counsellor, curriculum head, dean of studies, academic dean, gifted students coordinator, principal, deputy principal or other similar position) must approve their participation
- be able to attend classes at the designated QUT campus, either at Kelvin Grove or Gardens Point (excluding external justice students).
If your child doesn't meet these entry requirements, it is best that they don't submit an application - their priority should be achieving the best results they can in their school studies.
Course Requirements
To remain in the START QUT program you must:
- remain enrolled in an ATAR or IBD pathway
- have ongoing support from your parent(s) or guardian(s)
- have ongoing permission from your school to participate
- if you can change schools you musts provide a school approval proforma (refer to the How to apply tab) from your new school
To undertake a second START QUT unit you must also
- have passed your first unit of study
QUT will revoke your enrolment in START QUT should you not meet any of the above requirements.
How to apply
Applications for Semester 2, 2020 are now open.
Step 1: School approval
Your child's school will provide your child with a completed and signed school approval proforma (PDF file, 137.8 KB).
Step 2: Your child applies online
Your child must complete the START QUT online application form.
Your child must have the following to apply:
- a Learning Unique Identifier (LUI)
- school results on school letterhead for the previous semester
- the completed and signed school approval proforma.
When to apply
Applications for Semester 2 close on 31 May.
Applications for Semester 1, 2021 will open on 6 August and close on 31 October.
We won't consider late applications.
What happens next?
If your child’s application is successful, we'll send them an email to offer them a place in the START QUT program. The email will let them know how to:
- accept the offer
- choose their units
- get started at QUT
- view their online orientation session.
If their application is unsuccessful we'll also email them to let them know.
We may also email your child to request more information or supporting documents. Make sure any documentation is uploaded within 10 working days.
All emails we send will be sent to the email address provided in the application. Make sure that address is a personal email address and not a school email, because we might contact your child over the school holidays.
Your child will be able to decline their place in the program if the timetable for the unit they choose doesn’t fit in with their personal schedule.
What's involved?
Overview
High-achieving Year 11 and 12 students have an opportunity to extend their studies in their final years of high school.
Students can sample university life and trial up to two different areas of interest before committing to further study.
They'll access all of QUT's facilities and enjoy campus life in the same way as current university students.
Once completed, students can receive advanced standing (credit) for their studies, putting them ahead of their peers and setting them up for future success.
| Applications open | 31 March 2020 |
Applications close | 31 May 2020 |
Start month | July 2020 |
Delivery | On campus:
External (justice and selected education units only) |
Course contact |
|
Details
What will your students receive?
If your students successfully complete their QUT units and Year 12, they'll receive:
- advanced standing (credit) for these units towards a related bachelor degree at QUT
- an adjustment of up to two selection ranks, one for each START QUT unit successfully completed, added to their selection rank through our Year 12 subject scheme
- up to four credit points towards their Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), if applicable.
How much will it cost?
We will cover the cost of tuition fees. Students will be responsible for any other incidental costs, including:
- textbooks
- printing
- transport.
Things students should consider before applying
Do your students have the support of their parents?
Your students will need their parents' support to submit their application, so you need to discuss with them whether the program is suitable.
They should talk about:
- the extra workload involved in the program
- travel time to and from their chosen campus (if applicable)
- additional costs (such as textbooks and transport)
- how students plan to handle all of their commitments.
Does your school support the student's involvement?
Your students' participation must be approved by the school before they can submit their application form. The school will need to have the approval of the student's parents or guardians before they can endorse the application. You'll need to assess whether the student is able to handle the workload involved in the program.
Can your students realistically manage their involvement with the START QUT program?
Once your student has found a unit they're interested in, make sure they also think about:
- which campus the classes are held at and how they plan on getting there and back
- how many hours they'll need to dedicate to their START QUT studies. Most units have 3 hours of classes (contact hours) and 7 hours of self-directed study each week; some science, dance and engineering units have 4 or more contact hours each week
- the types of assessment they'll have to do, and how that might affect their workload
- whether or not they can fit START QUT into their life.
The timetable for Semester 1, 2020 is now available to search via the QUT website.
Once your student has decided what unit they'd like to study, they can check its timetable to see if it suits their school and personal schedule.
They'll be able to decline their place in the program if the timetable for the unit they choose doesn’t fit in with their schedule.
Expectations
As a participating school, you will be asked to:
- nominate only those students who have the ability, motivation and basic knowledge to successfully undertake the program and who meet the entry requirements
- ensure that students applying for the program have parent/guardian support
- nominate a START QUT school contact or mentor who will:
- provide care and support for the students enrolled in the program
- meet with students regularly to monitor their progress
- identify any problems and report them to QUT
- work with students who withdraw or fail a START QUT unit to ensure they are able to make up any lost credits for the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) if required.
- immediately notify QUT if the student's intended learning outcomes (ILO) change (e.g. expected completion of Year 12, no longer on an ATAR/IBD pathway).
You will receive advice outlining the students who have been accepted into the program by the third week of the university semester
START QUT students are expected to:
- view their virtual orientation sessions before semester starts
- regularly check their QUT student email for correspondence from QUT staff
- engage with the START QUT Blackboard throughout the semester
- adhere to the rules and policies of QUT, as outlined in the QUT Student Code of Conduct
- attend classes (they may be marked on attendance and participation)
- contribute to group-work assignments and presentations and complete all assessment on time (including attending exams)
- complete high school studies to the best of their ability, with high school remaining a priority over university work.
We’ll support you
Our QUT Student Recruitment team is available to help school contacts with questions about the program, areas of study and course content. We can guide your students through the application process, and make sure they’re looked after once they’re enrolled at QUT.
We provide regular contact with START QUT students throughout the semester to ensure they are aware of key dates and requirements. We also maintain regular contact with the participating schools to ensure the student's welfare is being looked after from both a university and school perspective.
We’ll provide you with:
- a list of students accepted into the program to confirm their enrolment
- advice throughout the semester, if a student is struggling or not participating to their full capacity feedback about the student's progress and results.
Units
Students can enrol in one unit per semester, in addition to their high school studies.
Your students can choose a unit from a different study area in each semester (for example, a science and mathematics unit in Semester 1, and a law and justice unit in Semester 2). This might be a good option if they're looking to study a double degree.
If they're hoping to receive advanced standing toward a degree for the units they complete, it's best to select those related to their chosen future study area. The student's START QUT studies, including the grades they achieve, will be included as part of their official QUT record.
Requirements
Who is eligible?
Your students must be:
- minimum age of 16
- either a Year 11, Semester 2 or a Year 12, Semester 1 or Semester 2 student when they participate in the START QUT program
- a Queensland-based school student on an ATAR or International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD) pathway.
In the semester before they apply, students must have maintained:
- a minimum of a B in English, Literature, English and Literature, or English as an additional language (or equivalent IBD subjects)
- a B average across a minimum of five ATAR or IBD subjects.
All applicants must:
- be capable of undertaking university level study on top of their high school workload
- have the support of their parent(s) or guardian(s)
- have permission from their school to participate. A staff member (guidance officer, career counsellor, curriculum head, dean of studies, academic dean, gifted students coordinator, principal, deputy principal or other similar position) must approve their participation
- be able to attend classes at the designated QUT campus, either at Kelvin Grove or Gardens Point (excluding external justice students).
If your students don't meet these entry requirements, it is best that they don't submit an application - their priority should be achieving the best results they can in their school studies. We may reconsider if there are special circumstances that negatively impacted their studies, and for which the school couldn't make suitable adjustments.
Course Requirements
To remain in the START QUT program you must:
- remain enrolled in an ATAR or IBD pathway
- have ongoing support from your parent(s) or guardian(s)
- have ongoing permission from your school to participate
- if you can change schools you musts provide a school approval proforma (refer to the How to apply tab) from your new school
To undertake a second START QUT unit you must also
- have passed your first unit of study
QUT will revoke your enrolment in START QUT should you not meet any of the above requirements.
How to apply
Applications for Semester 2, 2020 are now open.
Step 1: School approval
Complete and sign the school approval proforma (PDF file, 137.8 KB) and provide a copy to the student.
Step 2: Student applies online
Your student must complete the START QUT online application form.
Your students must have the following to apply:
- a Learning Unique Identifier (LUI)
- school results on school letterhead for the previous semester
- the completed and signed school approval proforma.
When to apply
Applications for Semester 2 close on 31 May.
Applications for Semester 1, 2021 will open on 6 August and close on 31 October.
We won't consider late applications.
What happens next?
If your student’s application is successful, we'll send them an email to offer them a place in the START QUT program. The email will let them know how to:
- accept the offer
- choose their units
- get started at QUT
- view their online orientation session.
If their application is unsuccessful we'll also email them to let them know.
We may also email applicants to request more information or supporting documents. Make sure any documentation is uploaded within 10 working days.
All emails we send will be sent to the email address provided in the application. Make sure that address is a personal email address and not a school email, because we might contact applicants over the school holidays.
Your students will be able to decline their place in the program if the timetable for the unit they choose doesn’t fit in with their personal schedule.