Admission levels

Admission to most CQU programs is based on general academic achievement determined from formal educational attainment or from an assessment of experience, achievements and non-formal study. Certain programs require prerequisite knowledge. In particular circumstances, or in line with policies or initiatives of the University, other criteria may be taken into account in the determination of the Admission Level for the selection of students.

Admission to undergraduate programs offered by CQU is based on the admission level of applicants and limited by the targets, quotas or sub quotas determined by the University.

Students may also be admitted to award programs under equity schemes, sponsorship or funding arrangements approved by the University.

The admission level is the basic measure of academic merit for tertiary admission purposes, as issued by the Queensland Studies Authority (QSA) or derived from approved schedules or other processes.

A schedule is a table or list of conversions, which is accepted by the University for use in selection for admission. Schedules include rules applying to their use.

The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) processes applications for almost all undergraduate admissions to CQU. Most schedules used by CQU are based on standard QTAC schedules.

The University uses two different formats of the admission level:

The numeric ranges of these formats of the admission level are:

Minimum admission requirements expressed within the Student Education Profile system or in ranks will be as determined by the University to achieve equitable admission arrangements among the various categories of applicants in accordance with University policy. Minimum admission requirements may vary for different categories or sub-categories of applicants as may be determined by the University.

How to apply

There are a number of ways to apply for entry into CQU programs.

Application to undergraduate programs - domestic

If you are an Australian citizen, permanent resident, or a New Zealand citizen entry to most undergraduate programs is through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC). If you are an international student, application is direct to the University although international students who are currently completing Queensland Senior or another Year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, may choose to apply through QTAC.

All applicants for admission to undergraduate programs are regarded as first year students and must apply for a quota place.

Applicants seeking advanced standing (credit transfer) should apply for first year entry. Consideration of credit or exemption will only be given after the acceptance of a quota place.

There are two different types of QTAC application categories, each with two separate means of making an application:

Applicants may list up to six program preferences on the QTAC application form. These must be listed in strict order of preference and should only include programs for which an applicant would accept an offer.

An offer is made for the highest preference program for which the applicant is eligible. The application is then no longer considered in that round of offers in respect of any program listed as a lower preference.

Applicants must meet the prerequisites for any program for which they apply.

Applications should be received at QTAC by the nominated closing date. Late applications must be accompanied by a non-refundable late fee.

QTAC compiles and publishes a comprehensive and informative guide on Queensland tertiary programs (http://www.qtac.edu.au).

Some undergraduate programs may require applicants to provide additional information or conduct an interview/audition.

Those wishing to apply for the Central Queensland Conservatorium of Music need to apply to QTAC and the Conservatorium by the last Friday in September of the year preceding entry. Application forms for the Conservatorium may be obtained by calling 07 4940 7800.

Application to undergraduate programs - international

If you are an international student, that is a student who is not an Australian or New Zealand citizen or a permanent resident of Australia, you may study at CQU on a full fee-paying basis.

International students can direct enquiries about CQU programs to CQU International through their website http://www.international.cqu.edu.au or by email to int-recruitment@cqu.edu.au.

Postgraduate Admission

The University offers postgraduate programs across all Faculties. All applications for postgraduate study are made directly to CQU.

Information on application procedures for international students including postgraduate certificates, diplomas, and masters programs may be obtained from CQU International.

Research Higher Degrees

Applications for admission to the degree of Doctor of Philosophy, Doctor of Education or the Masters Degree by Research may be submitted at any time of the year on an application form obtained from the Office of Research (Ph: 07 4923 2607 Fax: 07 4923 2600). Intending Applicants are advised to discuss their research proposal in the first instance with the Associate Dean (Research) responsible for their area of interest.

* Applications for The Professional Doctorate should also be submitted to this office. Information and an application form can be obtained by calling 07 4923 2570.

Admission Criteria (QTAC) - Domestic

An applicant may apply for a quota place in a program of study on the basis of one or more of the following criteria.

Standard Admission (Queensland School Leavers - Overall Position Eligible)

The Admission Level for applicants who complete Queensland Year 12 by full-time schooling in 1992 and afterwards will be based on the Student Education Profile issued by TEPA. The Student Education Profile will consist of an Overall Position (OP) and Field Positions (FP) in some of the fields A, B, C, D or E.

Selection

Step 1: Applicants who have satisfied the stated prerequisites and have obtained an OP band will be considered in order of OP band, band 1 (the highest) being considered before band 2, down to the absolute/designated cut-off band/score.

Step 2: All qualified applicants in each OP band above that required to fill the quota will be offered places.

Standard Admission (Queensland School Leavers - Overall Position Ineligible)

Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools.

Central Queensland University is supportive of the Vocational Education and Training (VET) in Schools concept in place within Queensland Secondary Schools. Students undertake VET subjects embedded in Authority (formerly Board) subjects, which are reported on their Senior Certificate and included in OP calculations and issued on the Tertiary Entrance Statement. Where students undertake VET subjects as either Authority registered (formerly Board-registered) subjects, or as stand alone VET, these students may not be eligible to receive a Tertiary Entrance Statement, and therefore an OP will not be calculated.

However, students who do not receive an OP, may still be eligible to gain a place in some tertiary programs on the basis of their achievements in all subjects reported on the Senior Certificate (provided that they have studied any prerequisite Authority subjects and achieved the level specified), and if available their result in the Queensland Core Skills Test (QCST). These students may be assigned a rank based on schedules developed by QTAC. Such students are strongly encouraged to contact QTAC for further information.

Standard Admission (Queensland Previous School Leavers)

This refers to applicants who completed Year 12 as full-time secondary school students in Queensland other than in the most recent school year, or who have completed the requirements for part-time, external senior examination candidates.

The Admission Level is based on results provided by QSA, or the relevant schedules as may be appropriate. In the case of TE Scores issued by QSA, the Rank is determined by deleting the last digit of the TE Score (e.g. TE Scores 915 and 910 translate to Rank 91).

Standard Admission (Combined Mode)

This category applies to applicants who have completed Year 12 as full-time secondary school students in Queensland and obtained QSA results, and who have, additionally, successfully completed one or more external senior courses. The Admission Level is based on the relevant Schedule.

Standard Admission (Interstate School Leavers)

This category is for applicants who have completed programs of secondary study in a State or Territory of Australia other than Queensland and who seek admission on the basis of achievement at secondary school.

The Admission Level is based on the relevant QTAC Schedule for the year, state or territory in which study was completed.

Standard Admission (Australian Tertiary Achievement)

This category applies to applicants who have attempted or completed, and are not currently excluded from, programs of study at an Australian tertiary institution.

The Admission Level is based on the relevant Schedule. The section entitled "Exclusion Cases" in the Admission - Procedures & Rules section refers to applicants who have been previously excluded from any tertiary institution or tertiary program of study.

Standard Admission (Overseas Qualification)

Applicants in this sub-category are Australian or New Zealand citizens or persons holding permanent resident status in Australia, who have completed programs of secondary or tertiary studies overseas to the appropriate standard, based on the Admission Level given by the relevant schedules. Advice on these schedules is available from the University.

Applicants must also demonstrate that they have a satisfactory command of the English language to enable them to pursue the program of study to which admission is sought. English language test results or other relevant documentation should be submitted with the application.

Non-School Leavers

The University recognises that preparation for tertiary study is not restricted to formal educational attainment and that prospective students may have valuable skills, which have been gained through wide ranging "life" and work experiences.

CQU welcomes applications from persons of at least 18 years of age, who do not have formal qualifications for entry, but who seek admission to programs on the basis of their educational and skills developed through experience and informal study.

Admission may be sought on the grounds of academic, occupational, learned or other achievement or on the grounds of personal aptitude for study.

Each case is considered on its merit and the admission level is determined on the basis of evidence of achievement and of the candidate's interest in, and capacity to work in, the broad field of study to which admission is sought.

Admission is restricted to applicants who:

Applicants may include those who:

In many cases, the admission level will be determined on the basis of multiple, combined or accumulative criteria, taking account of the applicants' profiles.

Admission levels for such applicants are determined on the basis of an appropriate schedule, guidelines or, where necessary, through the exercise of discretion by the University.

Alternative Criteria

Admission under these criteria provides for factors other than formally recognised educational attainment to be taken into account to determine applicants' admission levels.

Admissions within this category may include:

In determining the admission levels for these applicants, additional information that may be considered includes:

Admission by Direct Application

Students will apply directly to the University in the following cases:

Some CQU undergraduate programs are direct entry due to their industry associations. Method of application is described under each program in this handbook.

Application forms are available by phoning the Program Enquiries Hotline on 1300 360 444 or can be printed from the web at http://www.cqu.edu.au/studinfo/admin/studadminforms/index.htm. New postgraduate and direct entry applicants are able to apply online. Go to the CQU website at http://www.cqu.edu.au/prostudent/index.htm. Cross-institutional, Single Non-Award and School-links Non-Award Program, Readmission and Change of Program applicants are not permitted to apply online.