Pathways to further education

Options for further education and training include:

• tertiary study—higher education qualifications (primarily offered through universities, although some higher vocational education and training (VET) qualifications are available)
• VET study—training directly related to getting a job or progressing in your career or further education
• short courses, skill sets and micro-credentials—to learn new skills, update knowledge, or keep up to date with new technologies.

Get help to find a course.

Tertiary study

Tertiary study is available to anyone whether you:

• left school some years ago
• are in Year 12 now
• need to finish your senior education.

However, unless you're in Year 12 now, you may be required to complete some additional study before applying for a tertiary qualification. The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) handles most tertiary applications.

Learn more about studying at university.

After Year 12

If you are applying for tertiary study as a Year 12 student, you will generally be assessed on your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). The ATAR indicates your position relative to other students and is used to compare students across Australia when they apply for tertiary places. It is calculated differently in each state and territory. The ATAR for Queensland Year 12 students is calculated and issued by the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).

You must register to receive an ATAR. Registering also allows QTAC permission to provide your ATAR to interstate admissions centres if you apply for an interstate tertiary place.

The ATAR replaced the Overall Position (OP) from 2020. If you received an OP, you can still use it for tertiary entry as they don’t expire.

Didn't get an ATAR (or OP)

You can still be assessed for tertiary entry if you are a Year 12 student but did not study the subjects needed for an ATAR (or OP).

QTAC will consider results from your other subjects (including approved VET) to determine your selection rank.

Read more about eligibility admission criteria.

Adult pathways

If you didn't complete Year 12, there are other pathways to tertiary study.

Alternative entry

Alternative entry lets you use other qualifications, life and work experience to help with your tertiary application.

Not all tertiary institutions accept alternative entry for all of their courses. Check with your preferred university.

It's recommended that you sit for the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) if you are applying via alternative entry. The STAT is a 2-hour aptitude test to check your readiness for tertiary study.

Tertiary preparation courses

Enabling and bridging programs can help adults get the skills and qualifications needed for tertiary study.

TAFE Queensland offers the Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation which gives successful students a ranking that QTAC uses to assess their suitability for tertiary study.