What is Early Entry?
Early entry programs enable school leavers to be offered an early and guaranteed place in certain universities. Offers are made before ATAR releases, often before external exams, around mid to late August. By applying through early entry programs, you will be accepted into your dream university before the ‘official’ dates.
As of 2024, most universities in Queensland have early entry programs, though not for every degree. Highly competitive courses, like medicine, dentistry and physiotherapy are unlikely to make early offers. It would be best to visit the official university websites for specific details.
So, why apply for early entry?
Here are some benefits to consider:
- Reduced stress. Early entry programs ease the pressure on senior students, allowing them to focus on their studies, instead of worrying about getting a place in university. Applications will be completed earlier in the school year so students can better concentrate on their schoolwork later.
- Better planning. Early offers give students more time to plan for their first university semester. This might mean submitting student accommodation applications early or making financial arrangements.
- More organised school year. Students with early offers can access the university’s campus facilities and resources ahead of time.
- No commitments. There are no limits to how many early entry programs students can apply for. Students may choose to decline their early offers and apply through the traditional QTAC route.
Early entry programs offered in QLD universities
Let’s consider the early entry processes and requirements for three universities in Queensland – Griffith University, the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and James Cook University (JCU).
Griffith University
Requirements
- Eligibility: you’re eligible for an early offer if you’re a Year 12 student in QLD or Northern NSW undertaking the Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), the International Baccalaureate Diploma (IBD) or the Higher School Certificate (HSC).
- Documentation: submit your internal results. If you’re a QCE student, you can upload a screenshot of your QCAA Student Portal learner account or your QCAA Statement of Provisional IA Results.
Key dates
- 6 August – QTAC applications open.
- At the time of writing, Griffith’s early offer key dates and QTAC offer dates for 2024 are still to be confirmed. More information on Griffith’s early offer scheme can be accessed here.
Queensland University of Technology (QUT)
- Eligibility: QUT’s early offer scheme is available for all students completing Year 12 in QLD. This includes students who are doing the QCE or IB program.
- Application and requirements: List your desired QUT course in your top three QTAC preferences. Upload your high school internal results, depending on whether your course belongs to Group 1 or Group 2. Check which group your desired course belongs to here.
- Note that adjustments cannot be applied in QUT’s early offer scheme.
Key dates
- QUT follows similar timelines to other universities. Application deadlines are around late October and early offers are made shortly after. Specific dates for the 2025 intake are yet to be confirmed. Find out more here.
James Cook University (JCU)
- Eligibility: you may be considered for JCU’s early offer program if you’re a Year 12 student graduating in 2024.
- Application and requirements: you should notify your school that you would like to be considered for JCU’s early offer program. Your school can assist you with a recommendation. Submit your school reports and possibly other evidence as documentation, along with the school’s recommendation form. List JCU as your first QTAC preference.
- Exclusions: the following courses are excluded from this program.
- Bachelor of Dental Surgery
- Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery
- Bachelor of Nursing Science – Bachelor of Midwifery
- Bachelor of Physiotherapy
- Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours)
Key dates
- 6 August - complete the Early Offer Nomination Form once QTAC applications open.
- Documents are typically submitted around late October and offers are released in early November. Specific dates for JCU’s early offer dates are yet to be confirmed. For more information, visit JCU Early Offer Program.
What do universities look for in applicants?
A strong academic record is important but is not the only thing universities look for. To stand out in early offer applications, consider doing the following:
- Ensure you have leadership experience. This includes leadership roles within your school or community – for example, positions such as school captain, club president or sports team captain. Leadership experience shows your ability to manage responsibilities and communicate with team members. The more experience you have, the better.
- Engage in extracurricular activities. Include all school or non-school-based activities in your early offer applications, such as sports, music or arts. This demonstrates to the university that you have a well-rounded personality and great organisation skills, as you can balance life outside academics.
- Include awards. If you’ve received an award of a qualification that isn’t academic based, include it in your application. This is also a good indicator of your willingness and enthusiasm to learn, as you can showcase a high level of expertise across diverse interests.
- Volunteering and community service. This greatly enhances your profile as it demonstrates you are community-minded. It also indicates your commitment to making a positive mark on society.
- Write a compelling personal statement. Highlight your high school achievements, goals and plans, and most importantly, show enthusiasm for your chosen course. Be specific as to why you are passionate about your field of study and why the university should select you over other students. This is your time to shine! Endorsements such as recommendation letters from your teachers are a great way to provide valuable insights into your potential as a student.
Good luck with your early offer applications! Make sure to double-check the key dates as they get released later in the year.
Want more personalized study guidance to help drastically improve your marks? A private tutor can make the biggest difference!
This article was written by KIS Academics Tutor Andrea Chan. Andrea is studying a Bachelor of Science/Doctor of Medicine at UQ and is a tutor for various QCE subjects, including biology, chemistry, mathematical methods, legal studies and english. You can view Andrea’s profile here and request her as a tutor.
