Q and A

• I didn't get the score I was hoping for- what now?
• When is my last chance to make a decision about which course to apply for?
• Why change my preference?
• How do I change my preference?
  
• Who can I ask for help making this choice?
• How do I know which course is right for me?
• What are the benefits of a university degree?
• Can I afford university?
• Can I take a gap year?
• Will I have time to work while I'm at university?
• How do I apply to ACU?
• Do I have to be Catholic to attend ACU?
• How long does it take before I am notified of an offer?
• What if I don't receive a first round offer?
• What is the university's Early Achievers' Program?
• How does the bonus point scheme work?
• Where can I find more information?
• Didn't answer your question?
  
  

I didn’t get the score I was hoping for- what now?

First of all, don't worry - there are plenty of ways to get into your dream career. Cut-offs change from year to year, so no need to remove your top preferences just yet. Visit our accessACU page to find out if you're eligible to be awarded up to 10 bonus points for entry into ACU. You may also want to research pathways and other programs that interest you and look at listing those after your top choices. Make sure you get along to our information sessions - there may be options you haven't even considered yet.

When is my last chance to make a decision about which course to apply for?

Check the cut off dates for changing your preference:

• Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC)- Thursday 5 January is the last day to change preferences if you are applying for the 12 January offer round.
• NSW Universities Admissions Centre (UAC)- If you are applying for a main round offer then your last chance to change preferences is Thursday 5 January.
• Victoria Tertiary Admissions Centre (VTAC)- Victorian students can change their preferences between 1 August and 28 October and between 28 November and 5th December depending on which round of offers you are applying for.

It is important to double check the cut-off dates for any course you are interested in. You can change your preferences by logging in to QTAC, UAC or VTAC before the cut off date.

Why change my preference?

• You've changed your mind: you may have decided on a new specialisation, a new university, or a new career path altogether. Whatever your motivation, make sure you take the time to explore your options and check entry cut-offs and closing dates for the courses you're listing.
• You didn't do as well as expected: so you missed out on your preferred courses, but there are other options - make sure you get along to our information sessions to discuss them.
• You did better than expected: Well done! If you left the courses you really want to do off the top of your list because you didn't think you'd make the cut-off, now might be the time to add them in. If you're happy with your choices, there is no need to change a thing.

How do I change my preference?

You will need to change your preferences online through your local tertiary admissions centre (UAC, QTAC or VTAC). Just log in to the system as a current applicant, or the same way you applied, and follow the prompts.

• QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre)
• UAC (University Admission Centre)
• VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre)

Please ensure you have checked the pre-requisites and extra requirements for any courses you add to your preference list.

Who can I ask for help making this choice?

Your school’s careers adviser is there to guide you through making this decision. If you have any questions about ACU courses you can contact us on 1300 ASK ACU (1300 275 228) or email futurestudents@acu.edu.au.

How do I know which course is right for me?

You are more likely to do well in a course if you choose the course based on what you are interested in, what you enjoy and what your talents are. It is helpful to gather as much information as possible, so speak to your careers advisor and try to attend an information session. You might also find our career profiling tool helpful. And make sure you visit courses to make sure you meet the entry requirements of your chosen course.

What are the benefits of a university degree?

Many careers require a university degree. On average, people who are university educated have a better rate of employment and earn more. University can add to the knowledge and interests you have gained through school. Importantly, it will also equip you with both academic and practical skills which will give you an advantage in the workplace and keep you up to date with changing technologies.

Can I afford university?

You are eligible for HECS-HELP if you are an Australian citizen or holder of a permanent humanitarian visa and you are enrolled in a Commonwealth supported place. ACU offers a range of scholarships and it may be worth checking to see if you are eligible for any.

Can I take a gap year?

You may be able to defer for up to 24 months. We also offer a gap year unit for students interested in community engagement and charity.

Will I have time to work while I’m at university?

Most uni students work part time while they study, but you may want to take extra time off to accommodate your study during exam periods or particularly busy assessment periods.

How do I apply to ACU?

Most applications for undergraduate courses are lodged through the state tertiary admissions centres (TAC) and information about the application process can be found on the relevant websites:

• QTAC (Queensland Tertiary Admission Centre)
• UAC (University Admission Centre)
• VTAC (Victorian Tertiary Admission Centre)

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