26 September, 2025
If your teen is planning to study at university, it’s important to understand the different types of entry requirements that may apply to their chosen course. Meeting these requirements ensures they can apply through QTAC with confidence.
Qualifications and selection rank
Generally your teen will need to meet the ATAR or selection rank threshold. Your teen may have an ATAR or a selection rank, or both. Selection ranks are assigned to qualifications other than ATAR, and are considered the same way for entry, and are on the same scale.
People usually think of Year 12 results and an ATAR when they think of university entry, but VET qualifications like a certificate IV, diploma or advanced diploma are also considered for entry to QUT degree courses. For example, if your teen completed a diploma at school, they would have a selection rank for QUT of 87.00. For entry to QUT’s diploma courses, we’ll also consider a completed certificate III.
Students who complete university subjects while still at school through START QUT (or equivalent programs), may also use these results, provided they have completed at least two subjects equivalent to 0.25 of a full-time year of study. If they achieve passing grades, they’ll have a minimum selection rank of 75.00.
Results from a completed International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma will be converted to a selection rank. If your teen completed the IB Career-related Certificate or did not complete their IB studies, they can be assigned a selection rank that can be considered for QUT diploma courses.
It’s good to know that recognised performing arts credentials like school-based seventh grade AMEB, can also provide a selection rank for entry to QUT.
If your teen has both an ATAR and another qualification that provides a selection rank, QUT will always use the stronger of the two. It is also worth remembering that entry thresholds vary from year to year. A course may be harder or easier to get into depending on how popular it is and how many places are available. Thresholds from previous years are a helpful guide but not a guarantee, and a higher threshold does not mean the course itself is more academically demanding—it simply reflects demand for places and the academic capability required to succeed.
Offer guarantee and VET guarantee
To provide more certainty, check the offer guarantee or VET guarantee for your teen’s course. Unlike the thresholds which can change from year to year, if your teen meets the offer guarantee ATAR/selection rank, or has the specified VET qualification, they are guaranteed an offer in the course in the Semester 1 offer rounds, up to the main offer round in mid-January. They still need to apply via QTAC and meet any other entry requirements.
Assumed knowledge and prerequisites
Understanding the difference between assumed knowledge and prerequisites is vital when planning senior subject choices.
Prerequisites are compulsory. If a course lists specific Year 12 subjects as prerequisites, your teen must complete them (or their recognised equivalent) to be considered for entry. For example, our education degrees and Bachelor of Science Advanced (Honours) have prerequisite subjects.
Assumed knowledge, on the other hand, refers to subjects or skills that QUT expects students to have a minimum level of understanding in before starting the course. For example, a science degree may assume Chemistry knowledge. Students who haven’t studied the subject can still apply, but may need to complete a bridging course or undertake extra study to keep up.
Additional requirements
Some courses go beyond subject and rank requirements. Depending on the degree, students may need to submit an audition such as our Bachelor of Creative Arts (Acting). These activities usually follow strict timelines that cannot be altered, so it’s important to check the course details early and ensure your teen is prepared well ahead of deadlines. Nursing single and double degrees also have specific English language requirements.
Supporting your teen
As a parent, you can help by encouraging your teen to research entry requirements for their preferred courses as early as possible. Check how they are progressing in Year 12, explore other pathways if their ATAR doesn’t meet the threshold, and keep an eye on deadlines for applications and auditions. If gaps in prerequisites exist, consider bridging courses or additional support.
By understanding the different types of requirements—selection ranks, prerequisites, assumed knowledge and course-specific assessments—you can help your teen make informed subject choices, stay on track during their final school years, and apply with confidence when the time comes.
Read our step-by-step guide to applying to QUT, check out the entry options for Year 12 students, or find out what to do if your teen doesn’t get the ATAR they expected.