How and When to Apply for SUN

Applying for SUN is easy. Follow the below steps, and ensure you have your parental and school consent, and you'll be starting uni before you know it.

Before you apply

  1. Talk about your interest in SUN with your parents or guardians, and a school support person (like your parents/guardians).
  2. Check your grades. Work out your grade point average (GPA) to see if you meet the SUN requirements. Use the points table and calculator provided below to help you.
  3. Read the SUN Procedure with your parents/guardians and school support person so you understand what SUN involves and what is expected of you.
  4. Use the SUN Guide to explore the available units (subjects) and decide which one(s) you’d like to study. If you’re unsure, the SUN team can help you choose.

What You Need for Your Application

As part of your application, you'll need to include the following:

  • your Learner Unique Identifier (LUI)
  • your signed Start Uni Now Authorisation Form. Please note that forms with typed signatures are not accepted.

  • a copy of your most recent graded semester school report card issued by your school. This report must show that:
    • you have achieved at least a C grade in English (or an equivalent subject), and
    • you are achieving a 4-point average for your best five subjects (which may include any completed Certificate II or IIIs indicated on your report card/s).
    Please note: interim report cards, TrackEd profiles, or percentage‑only results cannot be accepted. 

    Please make sure the details submitted in the application match the SUN Authorisation form

How to work out your Grade Point Average (GPA):


1. Add together the points from your best five subjects (which may include any completed Certificate II or IIIs indicated on your report card/s).
2. Divide the total subjects (5).
If your final number is 4 or higher, you are eligible for SUN

GradePoint Equivalent
A5
B4
C3
D2
E1
Completed Cert II4
Completed Cert III or higher5


Example

English = C, Math = B, Science = B, HPE = B, Cert II in fitness = 4 

(3 + 4 + 4 + 4 + 4) / 5 = 3.8


Based on this calculation, the student would not be eligible.  We encourage students to maintain their high school studies and consider reapplying for a future term if their GPA is a 4 or higher.

If you're undertaking a non-standard curriculum (EG Home-schooling, Steiner Education, Big Picture, Australian Christian Education), you will need to provide the following:

  • Evidence of home school registration (if applicable); 
  • Documentation demonstrating completion of school-based study (i.e. graded academic report card), or  
  • Documentation demonstrating progress or completion of external study (including VET qualifications, Open University study, online courses) 
  • Documentation demonstrating passing grade in English or equivalent (i.e graded academic report card), or completion of Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) test, with achievement of minimum level 4 (a Unique Student Identifier is required to complete the BKSB test).

How to Apply

Ready to apply? 

Submit your application directly to CQU via our Apply Online portal. 

As part of your application, you'll need to attach your signed Start Uni Now Authorisation Form and a copy of your most recent graded school report card. Without these, your application cannot be assessed. 

Term and Application Dates

Term 2 2026

  • Application due date: Monday 22 June 2026 (midnight)

  • Term starts: Monday 13 July 2026

  • Term ends: Friday 9 October 2026

Term 3 2026

  • Application due date: Monday 19 October 2026 (midnight)

  • Term starts: Monday 9 November 2026

  • Term ends: Friday 12 February 2027

For further key date information, please refer to the following pages

Apply for SUN

If you're ready to apply to start SUN in high school, use the Apply Now button to apply. You can submit your application and all supporting documents online.

Apply Now

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Explore More About SUN

Download our SUN Guide

Find out more about SUN including which units are available to study in our SUN Guide.

SUN in Your State

You may be eligible for credit towards your high school certificate or ATAR after completing SUN units. Explore what is available in your state.

Study After SUN

Learn more about the Direct Entry process with CQUniversity. What it is, which courses are eligible, and how you can apply.