Change of Preference Period Explainer
There are many reasons you might want to change your university preferences - maybe your ATAR was higher or lower than expected, or perhaps you’ve had a change of mind about the course you want to study in 2026.
When your ATAR results are released, you’ll have the opportunity to update your course preferences before the main round of university offers. Unsure where to start? No worries - CQUniversity is here to support you every step of the way.
Key Dates for the Change of Preference Period
Ensure you stay on top of these important dates:
Queensland Year 12 Students
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| ATAR Results Released in Queensland | Thursday, 18 December 2025 |
| CQU’s Change of Preference Online Chat | Friday, 12 December 2025, 9 am - 11 am AEST |
| QTAC Change of Preference Deadline | Friday, 19 December 2025 (midday) |
| QTAC Main Offer Round for Year 12 students | Tuesday, 23 December 2025 (from 11 am AEST) |
| Term 1 Starts at CQU | Monday, 9 March 2026 |
Other States and Territories Year 12 Students
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Year 12 Results Released | Northern Territory: Monday, 15 December 2025 (expected) South Australia: Thursday, 18 December 2025 (expected) Tasmania: Wednesday, 17 December 2025 (expected) Victoria: Thursday, 11 December 2025 (expected) Western Australia: Friday, 19 December 2025 (expected) |
| CQU’s Change of Preference Online Chat | Friday, 12 December 2025, 9 am - 11 am AEST |
| Change of Preference Deadline | UAC applications (New South Wales or Australian Capital Territory residents): Thursday, 18 December 2025 ApplyCQU applications (Victoria, Northern Territory, South Australia, Tasmania or Western Australia residents): Applicants are required to apply at least one week prior to individual offer rounds. |
| Offer Rounds | UAC Main Offer Round for Year 12 students: Tuesday, 23 December 2025 ApplyCQU Offer Rounds commence on Wednesday, 3 September 2025 and are expected to occur fortnightly until Thursday, 19 February 2025 (see Important Application Dates webpage for courses with early closing dates and limited offer rounds). Offers are expected to be released by 1 pm AEST. |
| Term 1 Starts at CQU | Monday, 9 March 2026 |
Visit our Important Application Dates webpage for specific opening and closing dates.
Top Tips for Changing Your Preferences
How to order your QTAC Course Preferences
- Preferences 1 and 2: List your dream courses - these are the ones you’re most passionate about and really want to study.
- Preferences 3 and 4: Choose courses that align with your interests but offer a greater chance of receiving an offer. These act as solid backup options.
- Preferences 5 and 6: Include alternative degree options you're happy to study that offer a clear path to your goals. These should be courses you're confident will lead to an offer.
- More information is available on the QTAC website.
Be aware of deadlines
It is important that you consider QTAC key dates as each offer round typically has specific dates to:
- apply and supply documentation
- change preferences.
Some courses may also have early cut-off dates, so don’t miss your chance! Check if any preferences have fixed closing dates.
Offers Explained (Guide Only)
Rachel has her sights set on CQU’s Bachelor of Nursing which for Term 1, 2026 has an ATAR and Selection Rank of 70. Rachel receives a 72 and she’s ecstatic.
In the first QTAC Offer round, Rachel misses out (just). She’s met all pre-requisite requirements and the minimum Selection Rank from last year, how could this be?
It is important to remember that the minimum ATAR and Selection Rank should be used as a guide only. This is based on the pool of applicants from last year, so is subject to change year-on-year.
So, what happens next?
Rachel’s course has more than one QTAC Offer round, so there’s still a chance she’ll receive an offer to study a Bachelor of Nursing with CQUniversity.
Each offer round consists of a new pool of applicants, so whilst you may have just missed out in the first offer round, your application will be assessed against the new pool of candidates applying for your course in that offer round.
For this course (and many others), there are limited places available. So, remember, if you do miss out (in the first, or last offer round), there’s still options available.
Explore pathway options with CQU
If your ATAR wasn’t what you expected, remember that CQU offers plenty of alternative pathways to help you achieve your goals.
Apply for scholarships
While adjusting your preferences, explore scholarship opportunities to support your study journey at CQU.
Got questions?
Adjust your preferences if needed by the due date, explore pathway options with CQU and if you have questions, give us a call on 13 27 86, or book a conversation.
Important Application Dates
Visit our Important Application Dates webpage for specific opening and closing dates.
Want a Personal Chat?
Get your questions answered with a one-on-one conversation. Choose a time to connect with us via a phone or video call, email or via social media such as Facebook Messenger.
