High-achieving Year 11 students can apply now to undertake a first-year QUT STEM unit over the 2026-27 summer holidays.
The Start QUT (STEM Intensive) program offers the opportunity to complete a university unit in Science, Information Technology or Engineering, with ATAR adjustment and advanced standing (in QUT courses) available for successful students.
Led by our academics and assisted by current undergraduate students, Start QUT (STEM Intensive) is a full 'university experience', delivered through lectures, tutorials and exercises, lab experiments and assessments, and closed with a Program Showcase where students can share their hard work and success with the families.
The units on offer this year include:
Understanding Chemistry and Scientific Practice (SEB109)
- This unit explores a range of grand scientific challenges, primarily through a chemical science lens. Develop professional skills in scientific concepts, principles and communication, safe and sustainable labroratory practices, data recording and analysis.
Design of Computer Systems (IFB112) (female students only)
- Using Raspberry Pi computers, students will build their own small computer system, learn about how modern computer systems work, their structure and how they operate.
Engineering Design and Professional Practice (EGB101)
- Teaches you the engineering design process and provides you with ways of thinking that you can use in almost any engineering situation.
Introduction to Construction Management and Quantity Surveying (ABB121)
- This unit helps you discover how construction projects come together, introducing the foundations of construction management and quantity surveying while building your confidence, practical skills and industry awareness.
IT Systems Design (IFB103)
- Explore how apps and digital platforms are designed, from user-friendly interfaces to the system architecture that supports them.
The two-week intensive is delivered in-person on the QUT Gardens Point Campus from 11 - 22 January 2027 (excluding weekend days), plus Orientation Day on Thursday, 7 January 2027, where students will be introduced to the university, their chosen study unit and be connected to their program peers.
There are no tuition fees for this program, however places are capped in each unit. Limited financial bursaries are available to support regional-based students and the QUT Oodgeroo Unit can support any First Nations Australian student participating in the program.
Applications are now open for Start QUT (STEM Intensive) 2027, closing on 31 October 2026. Find out more and apply here.
