Study STEM over summer
Applications open in August, 2026Study a university STEM subject while you're still in high school. Gain hands-on experience this summer, see the differences between high school and university, learn from QUT academics and earn credit towards a future QUT degree, all before Year 12 begins.
START QUT (STEM Intensive) delivers a first-year QUT STEM unit in a two-week intensive study program during the summer holidays in January 2027.
Successful applicants pay no tuition fees. Each unit has limited places; we enrol students on a first-come, first-served basis, and we will notify you if your preferred unit is not available.
What's involved
High-achieving Year 11 students entering Year 12 in 2027 can undertake a first-year STEM unit over the summer holidays. This is an intensive program delivered over two weeks, with different units including lectures, discussions, exercises, lab experiments and assessment. Learning starts with a face-to-face orientation session before the program begins, where you will be introduced to your unit and connect with your peers. Pre-class readings and activities before and during the intensive block may also be required for your unit.
Our academics will lead the intensive unit, with support from current undergraduate students. Depending on your chosen QUT degree, you may be able to receive advanced standing (credit) for successful completion of your unit, putting you ahead of your peers and setting you up for future success.
To promote diversity in STEM, specific units in the intensive block have particular gender or attribute requirements as an affirmative action to enhance participation in those fields. If you are not eligible for a specific unit during the Summer 2 study period, you may have the opportunity to study it in Semester 1 or Semester 2.
Each unit has limited places. Students are enrolled on a first-come basis, and we will notify you if your preferred unit is not available.
Ready to apply? Check requirements
| Applications open | 1 August 2026 |
| Applications close | 31 October 2026 |
| Enrolment cut-off | 27 November 2026 |
| Orientation | Thursday 7 January 2027 |
| Program dates | 11 January - 22 January 2027 (excluding weekend days) |
| Delivery | On campus at QUT Gardens Point |
| Course contact |
Units offered
Support for regional students
Limited financial bursaries are available to support regional-based students. Regional/remote schools are defined as being outside the Queensland Education metropolitan area. You can find out if your school meets the regional requirement by checking the 'location' data for your school on My School. START QUT (STEM Intensive) Regional Bursaries offer a one-time bursary payment ($1,000) to support costs associated with attending the START QUT (STEM Intensive) program. QUT is not responsible for accommodation or travel bookings for bursary recipients.
Indigenous Australian participant support
We are committed to facilitating and supporting educational endeavours and STEM aspirations of First Nations Australians. As such, the QUT Oodgeroo Unit can support any First Nations Australian student participating in the START QUT (STEM Intensive) program.