Time is now for students to explore options for the future
Guidance on offer for how teenage students can get the most from their university application and a feel for campus life at open days
Year 12 students can make further plans for university life from next month.
Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC), which administers the application and offer processes for places at tertiary or higher education providers such as Griffith University, opens applications for 2026 on August 5.
There will also be open days at Griffith University’s Brisbane South (Nathan) and Gold Coast (Southport) campuses on August 10.
Griffith University future students and strategic communications vice president Phillip Stork said year 12 was a busy time, so while it’s helpful to encourage high school students to think about their future, it’s important not to pressure them into thinking they need to have everything figured out.
“Open day is a great chance to get a feel for university, ask questions, meet students and teachers, and get to know the campus,” he said.
“It’s great for parents too to see how their teen will be supported as they transition from school to university.
“High school results are important, but we know they’re not the only way to determine how successful someone will be at uni. Griffith’s early offers take some of the pressure off these results and give students a chance to secure a place early.
“We also recognise VET (Vocational Education and Training) qualifications as well as ATAR (Australian Tertiary Admission Rank) and IB (International Baccalaureate) results, giving more people the chance to pursue their career goals through a uni degree.”
Kate Deluca-Smith, who is studying for a bachelor of medical science degree at Griffith University, said she found open days the most helpful when deciding between universities.
“Throughout year 12, I attended many open days and each one gave me a realistic perspective on the campus, faculties and atmosphere,” she said.
“In year 12, everyone always asks you: What do you want to do next year? And to be honest, I only started to really find my interests mid-year, and that’s OK. My advice is that there’s only one way to find out what you want to do, and that is to experience it. Take all the experiences you can, talk to friends in different industries and keep your options open because your interests can change.”
Students making a QTAC application will be asked to select up to six preferences, with their first option being the degree they want to study most. Three changes are allowed for free.
Offers for undergraduate degrees are released on dates, known as offer rounds, and the earlier an application is made, the more offer rounds they’ll be considered for.
Griffith University’s early offer guarantee provides year 12 students with an early offer to study before ATAR or IB results are released.
OPEN DAYS AND KEY DATES
Here are the top six things to do at a Griffith University open day:
1 Take a campus tour;
2 Talk to current students about what they love about Griffith;
3 Ask university teachers about different study options and find out about internships and industry experiences that will prepare students for a job when they graduate;
4 Find out about what other experiences are available, such as sport and social clubs, and overseas study;
5 Visit the parents and year 12 hubs to find out about student support, scholarships, admissions and university life;
6 Take home a study guide as a handy reference for degree details and entry requirements in preparation for an application.
Key dates this year for study in 2026 are as follows:
August 5: Applications open via QTAC for Queensland tertiary institutions.
August 10: Griffith University open day, Brisbane South (Nathan) and Gold Coast.
November 7: Final date to apply for an early offer.
November 19: Last day to change preferences to preferred degree for early offers.
November 21: Final QTAC early offer round, when the majority of ATAR/IB offers are made.
For more information: visit griffith.edu.au/open-day and bit.ly/3TTEQ8g
