As a parent, watching your child prepare to embark on their university journey is both exciting and a bit overwhelming. Supporting your child with their university application through the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) can make a significant difference. We’re here to guide you through the process, ensuring you and your child feel confident and prepared.
QTAC simplifies the university application process in Queensland, allowing students to apply for multiple programs across different universities with one application. This centralised service streamlines the process, making it more manageable. Here’s how you can support your child through it.
Step 1: Choose a program
First things first, your child needs to pick what they want to study. Start by exploring different courses and universities with your child. Discuss their interests, strengths, and career aspirations. University websites and course guides are fantastic resources. UniSC, for example, over 150 programs, so there's plenty to choose from! If they’re not quite sure yet, we’ve got some handy tips to help them decide.
Step 2: Check entry requirements
Next, make sure your child meets the entry requirements for their chosen program. This means they need to have completed any subject prerequisites and have an ATAR or selection rank that meets the minimum threshold. All the details are on the relevant program page on the UniSC website.
Step 3: Gather info for the QTAC application
Before diving into the application, gather all necessary info and documents. Your child will need:
- Names of the degrees they want to apply for.
- The semester or study period they’re applying for (when they want to start).
The documentation applicants need to provide depends on their qualifications. Find out more about documentation required via QTAC.
If your child is applying for special entry schemes or scholarships, gather those documents too.
Step 4: Complete the QTAC online application
Now it’s time to get the application done! Most undergraduate applications go through QTAC, so your Year 12 student will need to submit theirs online. They’ll create a QTAC applicant account, fill in all required info, and pay the application fee.
Under the current QTAC application process, there is no official 'closing' date for applications. Instead, each offer round has its own due date to apply and submit documents. It's best to encourage your child to complete their application as soon as possible, so QTAC has plenty of time to complete the assessment process. For more information visit the QTAC key dates page.
Step 5: List preferences
Your child can list up to six degree preferences on their QTAC application, with their favourite as the first preference:
- Preferences 1 and 2: Ideal programs – the ones they really want.
- Preferences 3 and 4: Realistic programs – alternative pathways to their desired career.
- Preferences 5 and 6: Backup options – programs they’re okay with if the top choices don’t work out. The Tertiary Preparation Pathway (TPP) is a great backup.
Step 6: Apply for an early offer
If your child is in Year 12, they might be eligible for an early offer through UniSC’s Early Offer Guarantee. This means they could get an early offer based on the school Principal’s recommendation, without needing an ATAR.
Step 7: Change preferences (If needed)
After submitting the QTAC application, your child can change their preferences up to three times for free. They can still make changes after that, but there will be a fee.
Step 8: Check application progress
Your child can monitor their application by logging into QTAC’s application services to see if they meet entry requirements, need to provide more info, or have received an offer.
Step 9: Receive an offer
Offers are released on specific dates and QTAC will notify your child by email if they get an offer, and UniSC will send an official offer with instructions on how to accept and enrol.
Celebrate with your child when they receive an offer, and help them accept it through their QTAC account. If they don’t get their first preference, remind them that QTAC will continue to consider their other preferences in future offer rounds.
Step 10: Enrol at UniSC
Once they’ve accepted an offer from UniSC, they’ll receive enrolment instructions. Guide them through the enrolment steps to secure their place. This is an exciting milestone, marking the beginning of their university journey
Providing emotional support
Throughout this process, your emotional support is invaluable. Be there to listen, offer encouragement, and celebrate their achievements. This transition can be stressful, and your reassurance will help them feel more confident and less anxious.
If you or your child have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. Whether it’s advice on course selection, application queries, or just a bit of reassurance, we’re here to support you both.
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