Understanding Preferences

Ensure you stay on top of these important dates:

Queensland Year 12 Students

Other States and Territories Year 12 Students

Visit our Important Application Dates webpage for specific opening and closing dates.

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 Echocardiography and Cardiac Physiology / Graduate Diploma of Echocardiography at Brisbane which for Term 1, 2026 has an ATAR and Selection Rank of 77. Rachel receives an 83 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 lowest selection rank for the previous intake 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 the Bachelor of Echocardiography and Cardiac Physiology / Graduate Diploma of Echocardiography 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 are 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.

Visit our Important Application Dates webpage for specific opening and closing dates.