CQUniversity
CQUniversity Australia Student Advice Team Level 1, Building 65 Bruce Highway ROCKHAMPTON QLD 4702 Australia
About
At CQUniversity Australia, we believe higher education should be for everyone — no matter your postcode or educational background.
That’s why we offer a wide range of up-to-date, industry-aligned courses, from TAFE certificates right through to research degrees, online and across our many locations nationally.
Real-world opportunities
We’ve designed our qualifications alongside industry to prepare you with up-to-date, real-world skills—and have been awarded five stars for employability in the globally-recognised QS Stars Rating System*.
Our award-winning teaching professionals are widely experienced with a practical approach and dedication to continual course improvements.
250+ course options
You can choose from a wide variety of courses from areas including:
• allied health
• business and accounting
• creative, performing and visual arts
• digital media, communication and arts
• education, teaching and childcare
• engineering, built environment and aviation
• English and study pathways
• information systems and technology
• law, criminology and justice
• nursing, paramedicine and health
• psychology, social work and community services
• safety sciences
• science, environment and agriculture
• service industries
• trades.
Excellent graduate outcomes
Providing positive graduate outcomes is our core focus. As one of Australia’s leading work-integrated learning institutions, with many outbound mobility programs and close partnerships with industry, our graduates are some of the most sought-after in Australia. In fact, we have excellent graduate outcomes, receiving a five-star rating for undergraduate full-time employment rates, and are ranked in the top four Australian unis for undergraduate starting salaries by the Good Universities Guide 2024.
Changemaker campus
We aspire to be the most engaged and connected university in Australia and have a strong focus on social innovation, empowering our students, staff and communities to make a difference through developing novel solutions to social programs. CQUniversity is recognised as Australia’s first and only Changemaker Campus by the global social innovation group Ashoka U.
Study local at CQUniversity
Our seamless approach to education and wide range of online and on-campus training and study options means we have a location and course to suit you. We have the biggest campus footprint across the country, so when you need access, we’ve got more locations to help you connect.– Whether you prefer to learn face-to-face, on campus by attending lectures, tutorials and workshops, or like to study when it suits you, with access to the latest in online learning techniques, you’ll get the flexibility, support and access you need to succeed when you study with CQUniversity.
* QS Stars Rating System 2024. Visit cqu.edu.au/reputation.
Important dates
Learn more about applying at CQUniversity including information on important dates, such as early closing dates for competitive-based courses, term dates, and other important admission dates at CQUniversity.
Visit key dates and fees for information on important QTAC dates.
Open days
2024 Open Day Sessions
Online Open Day Chat Session
Thursday, 25 July, 3pm – 6pm (AEST)
On-campus Open Days
For on-campus Open Day event details, visit cqu.edu.au/opendays.
Admission Criteria
To be eligible for admission to a CQU course, you must satisfy all entry requirements. These requirements include English language proficiency, subject prerequisites, entry score (ATAR/selection rank) and, for some courses, course-specific requirements. The entry requirements for CQU courses are listed on the CQU website.
Applicants are selected based on their ATAR or selection rank for most courses. A selection rank can be assigned to a range of recognised qualifications as well as admission pathways such as paid work experience and special admissions tests.
CQU will generally use the best of the ranks assigned (age restrictions and other requirements may apply for some qualifications and entry pathways, and course exceptions may also apply).
For more information, visit the CQU website.
If you have undertaken previous recognised higher education level study (e.g. AQF bachelor degree level and higher) this will be assigned a selection rank based on the level, duration and Grade Point Average (GPA) of your prior study.
You can be assigned more than one selection rank, for study and experience you hold such as your Year 12 results, vocational education and training, higher education study and even your employment history.
If you have been assigned more than one selection rank, you will generally be considered for admission based on the highest rank. Exceptions may apply to some courses and courses with additional entry requirements.
You are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the course you are applying for. This will be satisfied by the successful completion of Senior secondary subjects (or equivalent). If your course of interest has additional entry requirements these must also be satisfied.
At CQU, we recognise a number of tertiary preparation, bridging, enabling and foundation programs offered by higher education providers across Australia. If you have completed a bridging or enabling course, contact CQU for more information about how your prior preparatory study may apply to your course of interest.
As a dual-sector university, CQU offers a wide range of qualifications including Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications such as certificates and diplomas. Visit the CQU website for more information.
Competency-based and graded AQF Certificates III and IV (completed) and diplomas and sub-degree level study (e.g. associate degrees) will be assigned a selection rank. You can be assigned more than one selection rank for the study and experience you hold such as your Year 12 results, vocational education and training, higher education study and even your employment history.
If you have been assigned more than one selection rank, you will generally be considered for admission based on the highest rank. Exceptions may apply to some courses and courses with additional entry requirements.
You must also meet relevant subject prerequisites for the course you are applying for. This will be satisfied by the successful completion of Senior secondary subjects (or equivalent). Subject prerequisites are not generally able to be met through certificate-level study.
If your course of interest has additional entry requirements, these must also be satisfied.
Credit transfer
You may be eligible for credit from previous study, or for Recognised Prior Learning (RPL). Applications for credit are assessed following acceptance of an offer. This means you must first apply for your course of interest, receive an offer and then accept the offer before applying for credit.
If you would like to review possible credit based on dedicated pathways and articulations, view our Credit Calculator.
Year 12 results (ATAR) do not expire once you have left school. Whether this result is considered for an offer to a course will depend on whether you have additional qualifications (including other recognised qualifications completed while at school or post-school).
This includes formal qualifications such as Senior External Examination results, higher education study (such as Bachelor degree level and higher), VET study such as competency-based and graded AQF Certificates III and IV (completed), diplomas and sub-degree level study, and bridging and preparation courses. Other post-secondary professional and paraprofessional qualifications (including some creative arts, language and civil aviation qualifications, memberships of professional associations for which qualifying exams are undertaken and police, and emergency defence force service) will be also considered.
You may also use admission pathways such as employment experience and the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) (age restrictions apply).
If you have been assigned more than one selection rank, you will generally be considered for admission based on the highest rank. Exceptions may apply to some courses and courses with additional entry requirements.
You are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the course you are applying for. This will be satisfied by successfully completing Senior secondary subjects (or equivalent). Any additional entry requirements must also be satisfied.
Current Queensland Year 12 ATAR-eligible students are considered for an offer based on their ATAR (or other recognised qualifications undertaken while at school). Some exceptions may apply to courses with additional entry requirements.
Current Interstate Year 12 ATAR-eligible students are considered for an offer based on their ATAR (or other recognised qualifications undertaken while at school). Some exceptions may apply to courses with additional entry requirements.
Current International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma students will be assigned a selection rank based on their score from their completed IB Diploma. As agreed by admissions centres around Australia, the IB score is converted to a ‘combined rank’. The combined rank is on the same scale as the ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admissions Rank). This is then converted to a QTAC selection rank. For more information, visit International Baccalaureate (IB) studies. IB Diploma students will be considered for an offer based on this selection rank (or other recognised qualifications undertaken while at school). Some exceptions may apply to courses with additional entry requirements.
Results from Home Schooling, Accelerated Christian Education, and other non-standard Year 12 programs (with SAT tests) may also be assigned a selection rank and considered for an offer based on this selection rank (or other recognised qualifications undertaken while at school). Some exceptions may apply to courses with additional entry requirements. Contact CQU for more information.
Applicants with Overseas Year 12 Study
CQU will consider equivalent overseas Year 12 qualifications for admissions purposes. Contact CQU for more information. If you have secondary or tertiary qualifications from countries where English is not the standard language of instruction, you must provide evidence of English language proficiency.
Other Qualifications Completed in Year 12
Other recognised qualifications completed when at school such as completed competency based and graded AQF Certificates III and IV (completed), diplomas, higher education study, and some creative arts qualifications (in the areas of music, dance, and speech) will also be assigned a selection rank.
If you have been assigned more than one selection rank, you will generally be considered for admission based on the highest rank. Exceptions may apply to some courses and courses with additional entry requirements.
You are also required to meet relevant subject prerequisites for the course you are applying for. This will be satisfied by successful completion of Senior secondary subjects (or equivalent). If your course of interest has additional entry requirements these must also be satisfied.
Privacy
For more information visit: CQU’s privacy statement.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
Students who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin can access support through the Indigenous Student Engagement team.
Inherent Academic Requirements
Inherent requirements are the essential capabilities, knowledge, behaviours and skills that are needed to complete a course or unit. Students can view the inherent requirements for their course of interest on the course webpages on the CQU website.
Domestic students with overseas qualifications
Domestic students with overseas qualifications should contact CQU for information on how their qualifications will be assessed for entry.
English language proficiency
CQU requires students to demonstrate that they can speak, write, read, and comprehend English to a specified standard. Visit English language proficiency for information on CQU’s English proficiency requirements, including ways to demonstrate English language proficiency.
Timing of Offers
CQU makes year-round offers for most courses. Term 1 offers will take place between August and February, Term 2 offers will occur between February and June and Term 3 offers between July and October. Check the course web page to identify when a course is available and applications are open.
Offers
The first thing that happens after you have applied for a course at CQU is the assessment of your application, either by CQU or the relevant Tertiary Admission Centre (TAC) through which you applied. If your application meets the specific entry requirements*, you then will be issued with an offer. Offers are sent via email to the email account that you provided on your application.
*Quota based courses have a limited number of places available each intake and offers are released to competitive applicants based on merit.
Deferment
Once you have formally accepted an offer, you will not be able to defer admission, however some courses may allow you to start in a later term by enrolling into a later term of study. Not all courses will permit you to commence at a later date including competitive courses, requiring a new admission application or change of preference.
Credit transfer
You may be eligible for credit from previous study, or for Recognised Prior Learning (RPL). Applications for credit are assessed following acceptance of an offer. This means you must first apply for your course of interest, receive an offer and then accept the offer before applying for credit.
If you would like to review possible credit based on dedicated pathways and articulations, view our Credit Calculator.
Fees and Charges
Find out more about fees associated with studying at CQU including the different fee types, paying for uni and other study costs.
Commonwealth assistance (HELP loans)
For more information about ways to pay for university visit CQU’s paying for university webpage.
Tuition fee concession (vocational education students only)
Students who hold a Health Care Card, Pensioner Card or are named on the card as a dependent child/spouse, or who hold a Veterans’ Gold Card may be eligible for a concession on their tuition fees depending on their level of study. Find out more about paying for TAFE including government subsidised training and concessions.
Financial assistance
Youth and student allowance
For details on Youth Allowance, Austudy and ABSTUDY, visit Services Australia.
Scholarships
All students are encouraged to apply for scholarships to help manage the cost associated with studying at university. For more information, including scholarships available, visit CQU’s scholarships webpage.
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students at CQU. It provides data on students that commenced undergraduate study and passed the census date for semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds, across all Australian campuses, and international students studying in Australia.
| Applicant Background | Semester 1, 2024 | |
| Number of students | Percentage of all students | |
| (A) Higher Education Study (including a bridging or enabling course) | 1081 | 34.57% |
| (B) Vocational Education and Training (VET) Study | 556 | 17.78% |
| (C) Work and Life Experience (admitted on basis of previous achievement not in the other three categories) | 266 | 8.51% |
| (D) Recent Secondary Education: | ||
| Admitted solely on basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 347 | 11.10% |
| Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | 92 | 2.94% |
| Admitted on basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration, audition alone, schools recommendation scheme with no minimum ATAR scheme) | 501 | 16.02% |
| International Students | 284 | 9.08% |
| All Students | 3127 | 100% |
Notes:
< 5 – The number of students is less than 5.
N/A – Students not accepted in this category.
N/P – Not Published: the number of students is hidden to prevent the calculation of numbers in cells with less than 5 students.
CQU caps the overall number of adjustments applied for all applicants regardless of the combination of educational access or special entry admission schemes to which they are entitled. The maximum adjustment that may be applied is 10 selection ranks (except for the Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine), which has a cap of five (5) selection ranks).
Regional Adjustment Factor Scheme*
CQU recognises that applicants from regional and remote Australia may not always have the same opportunities as applicants from capital cities. The Regional Adjustment Factor Scheme is currently administered through the Tertiary Admissions Centres (QTAC, UAC) and is open to applicants who currently reside outside an Australian capital city. If you meet this criterion, you will automatically receive an adjustment equivalent to two (2) selection ranks.
Equity Schemes*
CQU’s Equity Schemes are designed for prospective students who may have experienced difficult circumstances that have adversely impacted previous or current studies. To be considered applicants must apply individually to the relevant Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC, UAC) for a confidential assessment of their circumstances. Overall adjustments are capped at a maximum of 10 selection ranks from these schemes (except the Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) which has a cap of five selection ranks.)
*Bachelor of Education courses do not have any adjustment factors applied from either of the above schemes.
Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine)
Applicants applying for the Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) may be eligible to receive adjustments for CQU’s Subject Incentive Scheme, Rural Access Scheme and Central Queensland/Wide Bay School Adjustment Scheme.
Visit the CQUniversity Adjustment Schemes webpage for more information about these schemes.
CQU caps the overall number of adjustments applied for all applicants regardless of the combination of educational access or special entry admission schemes to which they are entitled. The maximum adjustment that may be applied is 10 selection ranks (except for the Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine), which has a cap of five (5) selection ranks).
Regional Adjustment Factor Scheme*
CQU recognises that applicants from regional and remote Australia may not always have the same opportunities as applicants from capital cities. The Regional Adjustment Factor Scheme is currently administered through the Tertiary Admissions Centres (QTAC, UAC) and is open to applicants who currently reside outside an Australian capital city. If you meet this criterion, you will automatically receive an adjustment equivalent to two (2) selection ranks.
Equity Schemes*
CQU’s Equity Schemes are designed for prospective students who may have experienced difficult circumstances that have adversely impacted previous or current studies. To be considered applicants must apply individually to the relevant Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC, UAC) for a confidential assessment of their circumstances. Overall adjustments are capped at a maximum of 10 selection ranks from these schemes (except the Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) which has a cap of five selection ranks.)
*Bachelor of Education courses do not have any adjustment factors applied from either of the above schemes.
Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine)
Applicants applying for the Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine) may be eligible to receive adjustments for CQU’s Subject Incentive Scheme, Rural Access Scheme and Central Queensland/Wide Bay School Adjustment Scheme.
Visit the CQUniversity Adjustment Schemes webpage for more information about these schemes.
CQU offers several courses where admission prerequisites may include an interview, folio, personal statement, previously completed study or other demonstration of practical skill or attribute.
Additional course entry requirements are listed under entry requirement information for each individual course on the CQU website.
Key Dates
| Course offer dates |
| Term 3 2024 Offers will be made on the following date:
Term 1 2025 Offers will be made on the following dates:
* First offer round for the following courses:
# First offer round for the following courses:
Term 2 2025 Offers will be made on the following dates:
* First offer round for the following course:
Term 3 2025 Offers will be made on the following dates:
Visit our Course Search for all CQU courses. |
Course Vacancies |
| Term 3 2024 Applications for all courses are closed. Term 1 2025 Applications for most courses are open. *Applications for the following courses are closed to new applications:
Term 2 2025 Applications for all courses are open. Term 3 2025 Applications for all courses are open. |
Institution Dates |
| Dates for 2025 are as follows: Term 1 2025
Term 2 2025
Term 3 2025
Further details about Orientation events can be found on the CQUniversity Orientation website. |
Open Day Online Chat
- Thursday 25 July 2024, 3pm – 6pm AEST
Mackay
- Saturday 3 August 2024, 9am – 11am AEST
Townsville
- Thursday 8 August 2024, 4pm – 6pm AEST
Bundaberg
- Thursday 8 August 2024, 4pm – 6pm AEST
Cairns
- Thursday 15 August 2024, 4pm – 6pm AEST
Rockhampton
- Sunday 18 August 2024, 9am – 12pm AEST
Gladstone
- Thursday 22 August 2024, 4pm – 6pm AEST
For more information about Open Days visit the CQUniversity website.
How to Apply
There are many ways to apply for an undergraduate degree with CQUniversity, and the best way to apply depends on the course of interest and a student’s individual circumstances.
Each CQUniversity course webpage outlines the application options available based on the course, where students may live, their past study experience and any partnership or special arrangements in place.
Campuses
CQUniversity has campuses in Adelaide, Brisbane, Bundaberg, Cairns, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Melbourne, Rockhampton, Sydney, and Townsville. We also offer a wide range of online courses with local support available at our partner Regional University Study Hubs in many locations across Australia. Visit cqu.edu.au/locations.
Student and campus services
Student facilities and services
CQU offers a range of campus facilities and services such as libraries, lecture theatres and other learning spaces, student advice centres and commercial outlets such as food and beverage vendors. These facilities and services are available for all students to access, whether they are studying online or on campus.
Student accommodation
We offer on-campus accommodation options at CQUniversity Mackay and Rockhampton.
CQUniversity Mackay student residences: Canefield College
Boasting modern residential facilities, you can choose between several room options, from individual rooms with ensuite and kitchenette facilities to those with shared kitchen and bathroom facilities. All rooms are individually keyed, air-conditioned and cleaned weekly. Internet access is available in each room, and laundry facilities are available in each block.
We have dedicated staff on site 24 hours a day, seven days a week, ready to support you.
CQUniversity Rockhampton student residences: Capricornia College
The student residential facilities at CQUniversity Rockhampton provide a range of accommodation options for up to 350 students. Set in park-like surrounds, the college is an easy walk to all University facilities including the library and gym. You’ll have options to self-cater or enjoy all meals in the dining hall in a fully catered accommodation package. The facilities are fully maintained and cleaned weekly. All rooms are individually keyed, and the residence has an onsite manager and 24-hour live-in staff. Visit cqu.edu.au/accommodation.
Student support services
Our commitment to ensuring that quality education is accessible to everyone sees us welcome students from diverse cultural backgrounds, geographic locations and socio-economic contexts and offer dedicated Indigenous student support, study support and student life activities. Visit cqu.edu.au/study/experience.
Career advice
CQUni Careers supports prospective, current, and graduates in achieving their career development and professional aspirations through career education, guidance and information. We are about building employability and job search skills as students prepare to be work ready in their chosen career.
Work integrated learning
Many CQU courses incorporate work-integrated-learning opportunities that allow students to gain experience, build connections and network with industry. Work-integrated learning takes many forms within our courses from project-based assignments, internships, research projects, industry nights, guest speakers, clinical placements, or practicums. These work-integrated-learning opportunities prepare students with relevant skills, connections, and partnerships to enhance their career opportunities upon graduation.
Entry pathways
Our enabling and entry pathway options can help you gain entry into your preferred course. If you’ve studied a certificate III, IV or diploma, you may meet the minimum selection rank for a wide range of CQU degrees. Applicants who do not meet the entry requirements for their course can apply to study our Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) program. STEPS is a free, enabling course that provides a pathway to gain entry into and succeed at university.
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