Study STEM over summer
Applications open in August, 2026START QUT (STEM Intensive) delivers a first-year QUT STEM unit in a two-week intensive study program during the summer holidays in January 2027. This unique program is designed for current Year 11 students entering Year 12 in 2027.
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.
You can participate in one of our study units to see the differences between high school and university while gaining insight into STEM studies in a safe and supportive environment.
There are no tuition fees for successful applications. Limited places are available in each unit, students are enrolled on a first-come basis and you will be notified 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, discussion, exercises, lab experiments and assessment. Learnings start with a face-to-face orientation session prior to the program commencing 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.
The intensive unit will be led by our academics and assisted by 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.
Limited places are available in each unit. Students are enrolled on a first-come basis, and you will be notified if your preferred unit is not available.
| 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.
Support includes hosting the First Nations Australian students from outside of Brisbane in our accommodation and providing breakfast, lunches and dinners for the duration of the program. Students will also participate in social activities outside class hours with other START QUT participants, Oodgeroo Unit student ambassadors and staff.