What is SUN?

The Start Uni Now (SUN) program is a CQUniversity initiative that allows students in Year 11 and 12 to study CQUniversity courses whilst still in high school. At CQUniversity, a ‘course’ is the word used to describe something similar to your school subjects. You can enrol in a range of CQUniversity courses, either on-campus (face-to-face) or by distance education (online), and combine them with your regular high school work.

Want to find out more?

Download the SUN Brochure

Why Study SUN?

If you are a high performing student who can take on the challenge of tertiary level study, then SUN could be for you! Some of the benefits of starting university early with SUN include:

• Sneak peak: With SUN you will get an insight into university life and be better prepared for the transition from high school to university
• Direct Entry: You may be eligible to apply for direct entry into an undergraduate degree at CQUniversity (excluding quota managed programs) – meaning you will not need to apply and wait for an offer to university through a tertiary admissions centre, e.g. QTAC. To be eligible for direct entry, you must:
  •  Pass at least one SUN course from the undergraduate degree you are applying for,
  •  Meet all the prerequisites of the undergraduate degree you are applying for, and
  •  Show evidence of Year 12 completion (QCE).

For example, the ‘Principles of University Learning’ course belongs to the Bachelor of Learning Management degree. If you study and pass ‘Principles of University Learning’ as a SUN course, complete Year 12 (QCE), and meet the entry requirements you will be eligible for direct entry into this degree at CQUniversity.

• QCE Credit: Each SUN course you successfully complete can be credited towards your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). 2 QCE credit points are granted for each 6 unit of credit SUN course passed.
• Affordable: The SUN courses are offered at a reduced price which is less than a third of the cost a regular university student pays. As a SUN student you can save anywhere between $900 – $2752 per course.
• Credit Transfers: If you enrol as a CQUniversity student after Year 12, you will be eligible to receive a credit transfer for each SUN course you have passed (providing these SUN courses are part of your degree). This means that this course will count towards your degree, reducing the number of courses you need to study when you enter university.

What Start Uni Now (SUN) Courses can I study?

Students within the SUN program study actual CQUniversity courses. These courses are from a variety of subject areas and are offered in specific terms, at specific campuses. When selecting the course you wish to apply for it is important you check the course is available in the term you hope to study and also on your desired campus (or by distance education).

Some of the many study areas available to SUN students include Allied Health (NEW!), Law (NEW!), Medical Imaging and Sonography (NEW!), Aviation Technology, Business, Education, Exercise and Sport Sciences, Music, Nursing and Psychology.

To view the full list of courses available to SUN students please visit the "What can I study" section of this page.

Am I eligible for SUN?

To be eligible to apply for SUN you must be an Australian or New Zealand citizen, permanent resident of Australia or the holder of a Permanent Humanitarian Visa, enrolled in Year 11 or 12. You must also be passing all school subjects and achieving at least B grades in both OP Board Mathematics and English (or equivalent in your previous term of study). You will also require permission from your principal/school nominee and parent/guardian.

Students not achieving this standard will be assessed on a case by case basis on application. Each application will be assessed by the Student Contact Centre to ensure the applicant meets the entry requirements.

Students applying for Year 11: note that your Year 10 report card will be acceptable. The university understands that students will not be enrolled in OP subjects in Year 10.

Wondering if you are ready for sun? Try our "Is SUN right for you" test to find out.

How to apply

Providing you meet all eligibility requirements, you can apply by filling out the SUN application form and returning to the contacts specified on the form. Please refer to the application form for closing dates. Prior to submitting your application please read the SUN program guidelines also available at this site.

Your application form must be signed by your principal/school nominee, a parent/guardian, and yourself. You must also submit an original or certified copy of your most recent report card.

SUN Program Guidelines

Please ensure that the student, their parents/guardian and school nominee read the SUN Program Guidelines before submitting an application.

When can I study SUN?

The SUN program is offered over three university terms; however, not all courses are offered in all terms. Prior to applying for the SUN program you should determine the availability of your chosen course by following the link at the ‘What SUN courses can I study’ section of this website. Select your chosen course to view its’ term and campus availability. Each term is 12 weeks in duration followed by an examination period.

University terms generally do not run at the same time as your school terms. In some cases SUN students will be studying through school holidays (e.g. September holidays and Christmas holidays). For more information on term dates you can visit the CQUniversity Academic Calendar.

Important Dates 2013

*Census Date is the last date to withdraw without financial penalty and also the last day to pay your SUN tuition fee.

How much does SUN cost?

SUN offers a discounted rate for the courses you study. As tabled below, fees are determined by which CQUniversity school the course belongs to. Fees are calculated per unit of credit. Most courses have 6 units of credit; however some courses have 12 units and are therefore double the cost.

Fees must be paid up-front and are calculated per unit of credit.Refer to the table in the “When Can I study SUN section” for fee due dates.

Where can I study SUN?

You can study SUN regardless of where you live. SUN courses can be studied either on-campus (internal) or online by distance education. You can choose the mode of studying that suits you best.

If you are interested in studying your SUN course internally, CQUniversity has campuses in Bundaberg, Emerald, Gladstone, Mackay, Noosa and Rockhampton. Prior to applying for the SUN program you should determine the availability of your chosen course by following the link at the ‘What SUN courses can I study’ section of this website. Select your chosen course to view its term and campus availability.

As a SUN student studying either on-campus or by distance education, you will require regular access to the internet and it is strongly recommended that you have internet access available at home.

On-campus Students:

As a student studying on-campus, you will be expected to attend lectures and tutorials which may occur during school hours. You will also need access to the internet as all of your course materials and resources will be available online.

Distance Education Students:

As a distance education student, you will be required to access course resources and materials online and you may require extra assistance from a teacher or staff member at your school during the course of the program. Our online teaching resources are designed to provide you with direct access to lecturers and other students for study support.

Residential Schools:

Some external courses may require compulsory residential school attendance. Residential schools require you to attend a designated campus for three to five days to undertake the practical components of your study. Details of residential school attendance can be found in the course profiles or published in the CQUniversity Student Handbook .