Thomas Homer starts USC Headstart program at the age of 14

The Sunshine Coast’s own young Einstein, who has an IQ better than 99.9 per cent of the population, is fast-tracking his high school education and studying a uni degree.

Child prodigy Thomas Homer has started university despite being only 14-years-old, while also fast-tracking his high school education through homeschooling.

The Sippy Downs teen whose IQ is within the 99.9th percentile of the population is studying a Bachelor of Engineering as part of University of the Sunshine Coast’s Headstart program, typically reserved for advanced Year 11 and 12 students.

Thomas said he was always told to slow down during his schooling.

Even as a prep student his teacher recognised he was advanced and would sign him up for university excursions usually for Year 5 students or older.

His mother Maini said he was always a bright child but they realised the extent of his gift after he took an IQ test.

Thomas Homer and his proud mum Maini.

Thomas sat the Australian Mensa IQ test in August 2022 which found he had an IQ of 147 at the age of 13.

It means he has a higher IQ than 99.9 per cent of the global population.

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Mrs Homer said it was a tense two-hour wait while he took the test and she worried it could end in disappointment.

But when he eventually walked out he said, “well, that was easy”.

Thomas was offered scholarships with three private schools but opted for homeschool provider Euka instead so he could fast-track his education.

Since starting in April he has advanced to Year 10 assessments which they expect he will finish by the end of the year.

Thomas attends university on campus to study design and engineering, starting his degree with other students several years older than him.

The Headstart program is generally offered to students from Year 11, meaning Thomas has to be chaperoned on campus.

Thomas Homer has been able to race through his school work since he started with Euka’s homeschooling program. Picture: contributed.

Once he completes his Queensland Certificate of Education he can concentrate on his degree full time.

Thomas hopes to work in design and engineering for motorsports and has already been looking for software engineering apprenticeship opportunities for when he finishes his studies.

Mrs Homer said when Thomas was given a goal he would fixate on it and “go as hard as he can” to achieve it.

“He blows me away with his knowledge everyday,” she said.

“It’s the kind of kid he is, his motivation, his determination, his ‘never give up’ attitude just blows me away.

“He really is a kid genius and I’m just so proud of him for being accepted into university at such a young age.”