CQUniversity

Campus Locations

Events

Important Dates

For more information about important dates, including early closing dates for competitive-based courses, term dates, and other key admission timeframes at CQUniversity, visit cqu.edu.au/apply.

2026 Open Days and Expos:

Open Day online chat: Thursday 23 July 2026, 3 – 6 pm (AEST)

Bundaberg: Thursday 6 August 2026, 4 – 6 pm AEST

Cairns: Thursday 27 August 2026, 4 – 6 pm AEST

Gladstone: Thursday 20 August 2026, 4 – 6 pm AEST

Mackay: Thursday 30 July 2026, 4 – 6 pm AEST

Rockhampton: Sunday 16 August 2026, 9 am – 12 pm AEST

Townsville: Thursday 13 August 2026, 4 – 6 pm AEST

CQU also hosts a range of online webinars where you can learn more about your preferred study discipline and how to get started.

For more information about CQU Open Day events and webinars, visit cqu.edu.au/opendays. 

Upcoming Events

Student Outcomes

The student outcomes display the overall undergraduate results for the institution.

Positive Student Experience

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Graduate Satisfaction

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Overall Employment

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Median Graduate Salary

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Data source: ComparED website

No QILT data available for this institution.

For further information visit ComparED website

Policies and Services

Admission criteria

All applicants

To be eligible for admission to a CQU course, you must satisfy all entry requirements. These requirements include English language proficiency, subject prerequisites, selection rank (ATAR/selection rank) and, for some courses, course-specific requirements. The entry requirements for CQU courses are listed on our course webpages.

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 admissions tests.

If you have more than one qualification, CQU will generally use the qualification with the highest selection rank when allocating offers (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.

Applicants with higher education study

If you have undertaken previous recognised higher education level study (e.g. AQF bachelor degree level and higher), you 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.

Applicants with a completed bridging or enabling course

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.

Applicants with vocational education and training (VET) study

As a dual-sector university, CQU offers a wide range of qualifications including Vocational Education and Training (VET) qualifications such as certificates and diplomas. For more information, visit cqu.edu.au/tafe. 

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.

Applicants with work and life experience

Year 12 results (ATAR/selection rank) 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 Skills for Tertiary Admission 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). If your course of interest has additional entry requirements, these must also be satisfied.

Bridging and enabling course entry

Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS)

Skills for Tertiary Education Preparatory Studies (STEPS) is an enabling course designed to provide a pathway for people to access university, prepare for study, and build confidence as a learner. Whether you’re returning to study, don’t yet meet entry requirements, or want to strengthen your academic skills, STEPS helps you get ready for university. You’ll learn how to study effectively, develop confidence, and prepare for success in university study.

STEPS can be tailored to you. It can also help you meet prerequisites or assumed knowledge. You can study on campus or online. You can choose to study full-time or part-time in Terms 1, 2 or 3, depending on unit availability. 

After successfully completing STEPS, you can apply for entry into eligible CQUniversity diploma or degree courses through the direct entry process. You also have the flexibility to apply through QTAC or other state‑based tertiary admissions centres for courses at CQU or other institutions.

For more information, visit cqu.edu.au/steps or phone 13 27 86.

Applicants with recent secondary education (within the past two years)

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.

Selection Rank Related Adjustments

Current Year 12 Applicants

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.)

Assistance Schemes - Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine)

When applying for the Bachelor of Medical Science (Pathway to Medicine), applicants may be eligible to receive adjustments for CQU’s Subject Incentive Scheme and Rural Access Scheme.  

*Bachelor of Education courses do not have any adjustment factors applied from either of the above schemes.

Contact CQU for more information about these schemes.

Non-Year 12 Applicants

CQU caps the overall number of adjustments 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.

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 apply individually to their relevant tertiary admissions centre (QTAC, UAC) for a confidential assessment of their circumstances. Overall adjustment factors are capped at a maximum of 10 selection ranks from these schemes.

*Bachelor of Education courses do not have any adjustment factor points applied from either of the above schemes.

Contact CQU for more information about these schemes.

Other admission pathway options

Start Uni Now (SUN) Program

Start Uni Now (SUN) allows students in Year 10*, 11 and 12 to enrol in units from a wide range of course areas available at CQU. SUN units can be studied either on-campus (face-to-face) or online allowing students to choose a way of studying that suits them best. Students gain university experience, QCE credits and may receive credit towards a relevant CQU undergraduate course. The first unit is offered free (new students only) with subsequent units offered at a subsidised rate.

Students may also be eligible for direct entry into relevant CQU undergraduate courses provided they have met the prerequisites, have a QCE and pass at least one SUN unit. Direct entry is not available for admission into Bachelor courses that are quota managed.

Applicants must be enrolled in Year 10*, 11 or 12. They must be achieving an average B (HA) grade as per their most recent report card and passing all subjects. It is highly recommended that students are achieving a B (HA) in General English and undertaking senior studies that will support meeting course prerequisites.

To apply, you’ll need your Learner Unique Identifier (LUI), a signed Start Uni Now Authorisation Form, and your most recent school report card. Find the relevant links to apply and the Authorisation form on the CQU website. 

*Year 10 students are eligible for Term 3 enrolment only.

Principal's Recommendation Scheme (PRS)

At CQU, we believe senior schooling results are an important factor leading to student success. We also recognise that other elements and attributes, such as motivation, talent, and passion, have a key role to play as well.

Our PRS is an early offer scheme that allows Year 12 students to apply to an undergraduate CQU course based on their high school principal's recommendation rather than ATAR. Open to all Year 12 students, the Scheme is designed to assist capable students to access entry to CQU; it in no way provides relaxation of the quality and academic standards students must meet to complete their degree successfully.

Most of CQU’s undergraduate courses are included in the Scheme, and there's no need to wait for your Year 12 results to be released or to receive an ATAR to submit your application. Find out more about the PRS including application opening and closing dates, how to apply and what to include on your Principal’s recommendation letter.

Criteria that may apply in addition to ATAR/Selection Rank

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 the Requirements section of individual course pages. For more information, visit cqu.edu.au/courses.

Additional information for applicants

Privacy

For more information, including our privacy statement, visit cqu.edu.au/policy. 

First Nations applicants

Students who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin can access support via Indigenous Student Advising Specialists within the Student Service SPOT. For more information, visit cqu.edu.au/support.

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 in the Requirements section of individual course pages. For more information, visit cqu.edu.au/courses.

Domestic applicants 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.

How to apply

Undergraduate Courses

Domestic undergraduate students apply to the relevant Tertiary Admissions Centre (TAC) for the state or via the ApplyCQU portal. If the course is not listed, apply through QTAC.

• Apply through QTAC
• Apply through UAC
• Apply through ApplyCQU

For more information, visit cqu.edu.au/apply/undergraduate-degrees.

Postgraduate Courses

In most instances, students considering postgraduate study will apply direct to CQU. Some postgraduate courses may require an application via a TAC.

For more information, visit cqu.edu.au/apply/postgraduate-degrees.

TAFE Courses

Students looking to complete a TAFE course apply direct to the CQU. For more information, visit cqu.edu.au/apply/tafe-certificates-and-diplomas.

Other Courses

For all other courses, refer to CQU’s How to Apply webpage.

International Students

International students apply direct to CQU.

Enrolment

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 March and June and Term 3 offers between August 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 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 and recognition of prior learning

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

We believe a quality education can be for everyone – regardless of background, location, or life circumstances. That’s why we offer a variety of scholarships and bursaries to cater for all student needs. 

For more information, visit cqu.edu.au/scholarships.

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. 

For more information, 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 backgrounds.

Whether you’re starting uni for the first time, returning to study or pursuing a postgraduate degree, CQUniversity has a range of support services to help you along your journey. Services include orientation to assist your transition to university life, ongoing assistance through the Student Mentor Program, counselling services, course advice, career planning services, support for students with a disability or medical conditions, Indigenous student support, financial support options, and more.

For more information, visit cqu.edu.au/support.

Career advice

CQU 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.

For more information, visit cqu.edu.au/careers.

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

At CQUniversity, 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). STEPS is a free, enabling course that provides a pathway to gain entry into and succeed at university. 

Where to get further information

• ComparED
• CQU website
• CQU appeals and grievances processes
• Tertiary Education Quality Standards (TEQSA) National Register
• QTAC
• UAC
• VTAC
• QILT
• Study Assist