2015 Year 12 students Your QTAC application

What is QTAC? The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) is A non-profit, public company. We process your application for 16 institutions. Our institutions decide their own admission requirements. We ensure their admission rules are used correctly in your application.

What is QTAC? Self managed institutions We also publish course information for other institutions. Apply directly to institutions that manage their own admissions, not through QTAC.

Institutions Find out which institutions you apply through QTAC for and which you apply to directly. Note, information contained in the rest of this presentation relates to your QTAC application only. For information about how to apply to self managed institutions, contact the institution directly.

What is tertiary study? Tertiary study is the level of formal education beyond secondary education.

Who can apply through QTAC? Domestic Year 12 students apply through QTAC. International students studying Year 12 in Australia - check with the institution whether to apply directly or through QTAC.

10 steps to tertiary study 1 Find out about OPs/QTAC selection ranks 2 Find courses, entry requirements and cut-offs 3 Discover ways to improve your application 4 Find out about study costs 5 Get your documentation together 6 Know your rights and responsibilities 7 Find out when to apply 8 Order your preferences correctly 9 Fill out your application 10 Respond to your offer

Step 1: Find out about OPs/ QTAC selection ranks You can lodge your QTAC application without knowing your Year 12 OP range or QTAC selection rank. Getting an estimate beforehand though can help you decide which courses to apply for. Talk to your school guidance counsellor about an estimate. Note that you may have extra qualifications that can also be given a rank, refer to QTAC Guide, page 20.

Step 1: Find out about OPs/ QTAC selection ranks OP students Find out how the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) calculates your OP. Receive your OP mid-December. OP ineligible students We calculate your OP ineligible rank. Find out your OP ineligible rank from late December.

Step 1: Find out about OPs/ QTAC selection ranks All other Year 12 students We give your Year 12 results a QTAC selection rank when we process your QTAC application.

Step 1: Find out about OPs/ QTAC selection ranks Refer to the QTAC Guide to find out more about how your Year 12 qualification is given a rank. Find information about Page Your Year 12 qualification 13-14 Find tables about ranks OP ineligible 15-16 International Baccalaureate 17 Interstate Year 12 18 Non-standard Year 12 19

Step 2: Find courses, entry requirements and cut-offs Find courses, entry requirements and cut-offs using Course Search Our free QTAC app QTAC Guide Section 3 – apply to QTAC for these courses Section 4 – apply direct to the institution

Step 2: Find courses, entry requirements and cut-offs You can apply through QTAC for a range of course types, such as certificate diploma advanced diploma associate degree bachelor degree.

Step 2: Find courses, entry requirements and cut-offs Depending on the course, you can study full-time part-time externally / via distance education via flexible delivery (on-campus and distance education combined).

Step 2: Find courses, entry requirements and cut-offs We use two things to decide if you can get into a course: Eligibility – course prerequisites and institution admission rules. Merit – OP / QTAC selection rank. Note, entry requirements for international applicants may be different to those for domestic applicants. Check with the institution.

Step 2: Find courses, entry requirements and cut-offs Course prerequisites include Year 12 subjects, interview, portfolio, audition, UMAT, other. Institution admission rules include English proficiency, minimum age, other. You must meet the minimum course entry requirements set by the institution.

Step 2: Find courses, entry requirements and cut-offs Merit – OP / QTAC selection rank The number of course places available is usually less than the number of people applying. You must therefore compete for a place on merit. If you meet a course’s minimum entry requirements we place you in the order of merit based on your OP or QTAC selection rank.

Step 2: Find courses, entry requirements and cut-offs We make offers by going down the order of merit (highest to lowest) until all places in a course are filled. Where we stop is called the ‘cut-off’. Cut-offs are not set beforehand.

Step 2: Find courses, entry requirements and cut-offs Use previous cut-offs as a guide only. Cut-offs do not usually change much from year to year but on occasion they can. Cut-offs can also change across semesters and between offer rounds for the same semester.

Step 3: Discover ways to improve your application Financial assistance You may be eligible for financial assistance from government institutions private schemes. Refer to QTAC Guide, page 40.

Step 3: Discover ways to improve your application Special admissions schemes QTAC’s Educational Access Scheme Can help you if you have experienced circumstances that negatively affected your most recent studies. If you are eligible for EAS, you may get bonus OPs or bonus ranks. If you are eligible for the Financial Hardship EAS category, you may also get financial assistance from institutions eg scholarships or bursaries.

Step 3: Discover ways to improve your application Most institutions have special schemes to help you get into their courses, such as Year 12 subject bonus. Access and equity. Regional preference. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander admission. Other schemes. Refer to QTAC Guide, pages 23-30.

Step 3: Discover ways to improve your application Other most common ways Year 12s can improve their application Competency-based training – Certificate III or IV. Tertiary study – diploma studies or bachelor degree subjects. Professional qualifications eg music, dance, speech and drama. Refer to QTAC Guide, pages 30-39.

Step 4: Find out about study costs Course fees can vary greatly. Check fee type when choosing your preferences. Find approximate costs in Course Search. Note, costs listed could be the indicative first year cost, cost of the entire course or cost per subject.

Step 4: Find out about study costs Commonwealth supported places (CSP) The Australian Government subsidises courses at Public universities Australian Maritime College Some courses at Christian Heritage College.

Step 4: Find out about study costs CSP You pay some of the course cost. CSPs are for Australian citizens Permanent resident visa holders New Zealand citizens *Subject to passage of legislation, some NZ Special Category Visa holders can access HELP loans. Other NZ citizens and holders of some permanent visas do not have access to HELP loans and must pay their student contributions or tuition fees upfront.

Step 4: Find out about study costs CSP Note: Subject to the passage of legislation, changes will also be made to Commonwealth subsidies and student contributions. Find more information at StudyAssist.

Step 4: Find out about study costs TAFE Qld course fee types Full fee – you pay total cost of course. VET FEE-HELP, FEE-HELP or payment plan may be available. Subsidised – course cost is subsidised reducing the cost for eligible students. Concession – cost of the course is further reduced for students with relevant concession card. For more information visit www.tafeqld.edu.au or contact TAFE Queensland in your region on 1300 308 233.

Step 4: Find out about study costs CQUniversity Australia VET courses You contribute to the cost of training and assessment services. Fees may vary between locations and courses. Upfront fees may apply and there may be other material and administration costs. For more information, contact CQUniversity.

Step 4: Find out about study costs Private higher education providers In most cases you pay full fees. Fees vary between providers. Contact the institution for details.

Step 4: Find out about study costs International students Contact the institution for course costs.

Step 5: Get your documentation together Documentation is required to get the rank you deserve and satisfy entry requirements. Whether you need to submit documents depends on your qualifications. In most cases, we can obtain your Year 12 and tertiary study results directly from your education provider. If we can obtain your results you will not need to provide documentation. If, however, we try and are unable to obtain your records we will ask you to provide them.

Step 5: Get your documentation together If you need to provide documentation Follow the documentation instructions. Submit the required documents as listed for your qualifications. Submit your documents by the specified date. Attach the relevant cover sheet to each document. Avoid the extra documentation fee – submit the correct documents by the specified date.

Step 6: Know your rights and responsibilities Get the most out of your QTAC application Know your rights and responsibilities before you apply.

Step 7: Find out when to apply Key application dates Mid-June Course information available at www.qtac.edu.au. 4 Aug Applications open. 29 Sep If paying by BPAY® we must receive your payment by today for Early Bird Price. 30 Sep On-time date for applications. Many courses with fixed closing dates close today. 1 Oct Application fee increases today. ® Registered to BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518

Step 7: Find out when to apply Important notes about QTAC dates ‘Due dates’ give you assurance: applications and documentation submitted by the due date for the relevant offer round will be assessed in time. You can apply or submit documents after the due date but your application may not be assessed in time. Dates listed as ‘final’ are final. You cannot change your preferences after the final date to change preferences for the relevant offer round, for example.

Step 7: Find out when to apply Semester 1, 2016 For offer round date 30 Nov Due date Apply for EAS & submit EAS documents All sem 1 offers Submit all other documents 14 Jan† 9 Dec Apply 6 Jan Final date (11.59pm) Change preferences 14 Jan 20 Jan 4 Feb 21 Jan Submit documents 28 Jan † Major offer round for most semester 1 courses, except most creative and performing arts

Step 7: Find out when to apply Semester 2, 2016 For offer round date 20 May Due date Apply & submit documents 2 Jun‡ 26 May Final date (11.59pm) Change preferences 2 Jun Apply 16 Jun 6 Jun Submit documents 9 Jun Final date (9.29pm) ‡ Major offer round for most semester 2 courses

Step 8: Order your preferences correctly When choosing your preferences Use the QTAC Guide and our website for course information. List 6 preferences. Make sure you meet the minimum entry requirements for each course preference you list. Include a range of courses with varying levels of competitiveness ie cut-offs. Check fixed closing dates – some courses close early or have other fixed dates you need to follow.

Step 8: Order your preferences correctly When choosing your preferences Note that offers are made in order of offer round date. List your preferences in order of major offer round date. You can apply for courses starting semester 1 or 2, 2016.

Step 8: Order your preferences correctly What if I need a break? Apply for semester 1 and, if allowed, defer your offer ie start studying later, or List semester 2 preferences only. Note: Semester 2 courses often have higher cut-offs ie are more difficult to get into.

Step 8: Order your preferences correctly Ordering your preferences before you receive an offer is a two-step process: Step 1:  List the courses you want to apply for in the order of 'ideal - realistic - foot-in-the-door' Step 2:  Make sure your preferences are in the order of major offer round date

Step 8: Order your preferences correctly Plan your preferences before you apply Print the preference planner from our website or find it in the QTAC Guide, page 42.

Step 8: Order your preferences correctly Important notes Most semester 1 courses have their major offer round in January. A small number of semester 1 courses have their major offer round in December. If you apply for some courses that have January as their major offer round and some that have December as their major offer round…

Step 8: Order your preferences correctly …you must list the December major offer round courses above the January major offer round courses, like this: Preference Course Title Start Month Major Offer Date 1 Brisbane Uni – B Acting Mar 2016 17 Dec 2015 2 Metro Uni – B Acting Feb 2016 3 Brisbane Uni – B Commerce 14 Jan 2016 4 Metro Uni – B Commerce 5 Accounting Institute – D Accounting 6 Accounting Institute – D Business

Step 8: Order your preferences correctly If, in the December offer round, you are made an offer, for example in Brisbane Uni – B Acting; You can ‘conditionally accept’ this offer and rearrange your preferences to be considered for your other preferences in January.

Step 8: Order your preferences correctly You are only considered in future offer rounds for courses listed above your offered course. Preference Course Title Start Month Major Offer Date 1 Brisbane Uni – B Commerce Mar 2016 14 Jan 2016 2 Metro Uni – B Commerce Feb 2016 3 Accounting Institute – D Accounting 4 Accounting Institute – D Business 5 Metro Uni – B Acting 17 Dec 2015 6 Brisbane Uni – B Acting Conditionally accepted offer in Dec 2015

Step 8: Order your preferences correctly Applying for semester 2 To give yourself the best chance of getting the offer you want, list six semester 1 preferences in the first instance. Do not lodge a second application for semester 2. If you do not get an offer for semester 1, change your preferences for semester 2. If you do get an offer for semester 1 but want to apply for semester 2 as well, conditionally accept your semester 1 offer (and even begin that course), and change your preferences. List the semester 2 courses above your semester 1 offered course.

Step 9: Fill out your application Check your computer has the recommended computer settings and software before you start your application.

Step 9: Fill out your application Create your QTAC account You will need a valid email address and password. When you have created your account we will send you a confirmation email. Click on the link in the email to validate your email address.

Step 9: Fill out your application Now fill out your application To do so you will need to Know your student number. Confirm your personal details and contact information. Confirm your qualifications. Add your extra qualifications, if you have any. Give permission for someone to act on your behalf, if you want to. Indicate if you are applying for EAS. Supply information required by the Australian Government. List your course preferences.

Step 9: Fill out your application QTAC fees Application fee for 2015 Australian standard Year 12s 4 Aug 2015 — 30 Sep 2015 Early Bird $36 1 Oct 2015 — 31 Jan 2016 $134 1 Feb 2016 — 18 Feb 2016 $36 19 Feb 2016 — 9 July 2016 $67 Changes of preference First three changes free Fourth and each subsequent change Documentation Separate submission of documentation

Step 9: Fill out your application Three ways to pay for your application Credit card online – when you apply. BPAY® - we must receive payment by 29 September for Early Bird price. If we receive your BPAY payment after this date, you will be charged the higher amount. Prepayment Voucher (your school or institution may arrange). Payment must be received before we will start to process your application. ® Registered to BPAY Pty Ltd ABN 69 079 137 518

Step 10: Respond to your offer You only get one offer in an offer round. This is for your highest eligible preference. We notify you by email if you have received an offer. Log in to Application Services to find your offer. Respond to your offer within Application Services. Respond by the date specified. If you do not respond you lose your right to that offer and will not be considered for any other courses.

Step 10: Respond to your offer You have three response options: Outright response. Conditional response - with no change of preference. Conditional response - with change of preference. Within each response option you can accept, reject or defer your offer.

Step 10: Respond to your offer Offer date Respond to your offer (by 9.59am) 26 Nov 3 Dec 17 Dec# 28 Dec 14 Jan† ■ 21 Jan 4 Feb† ■ 11 Feb 18 Feb 25 Feb 3 Mar 10 Mar 17 Mar 24 Mar 31 Mar Offer date Respond to your offer (by 9.59am) 5 May 12 May 2 Jun‡ ■ 9 Jun 16 Jun‡ ■ 23 Jun 30 Jun 7 Jul 14 Jul 21 Jul 28 Jul # Major offer round for most sem 1 start creative and performing arts courses † Major offer round for most sem 1 courses, except most creative and performing arts ■ Course vacancies available at www.qtac.edu.au

Application services after you have applied – check and change After you have applied, use Application Services to Check if you are meeting entry requirements. Check if we have received your documentation. View correspondence about your application. Pay QTAC fees. Respond to your offer. View and print your OP ineligible rank (Year 12 students not eligible for an OP).

Application services after you have applied – check and change After you have applied, use Application Services to Change your preferences, but as this process is different before and after you are made an offer, it is recommended you read more on changing your preferences before doing so. Refer to QTAC Guide, pages 42 and 45.

Application services after you have applied – check and change After you have applied, use Application Services to Change contact details such as your postal and home addresses, phone number, email address. Change your password. Change your security questions. Change authorised person details.

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Good luck All the best with your Year 12 studies and your QTAC application!