How university works
If you have never been (or don't know someone who has been) to university before, getting information about what actually happens can be a challenge. Here is a very broad overview of how the process of applying, starting and studying your undergraduate (first) degree goes at USQ.
Decide what you want to do
This can be the most challenging stage. It may take you 3 months, 3 years or 3 decades - it’s up to you. Sometimes some career counselling can help you make your choice.
Choose a program
Matching a program to your choice of life or career is easy to do. Just have a look at our programs and courses guide. It is sorted by program, career and study area.
Choose a university
It is important to find a university that fits you - your goals and your personality. At USQ we believe every student is a hero - and that everyone can achieve their goals.
Apply for university
Applications can be made directly to the university - or via QTAC. More how to apply information is available.
Get an offer and accept your offer
Offers are made at lots of times during the year (if you apply via QTAC) and at any time during the year if you apply directly. You will receive an offer letter from USQ in the post. It is important to accept your offer so we know you are coming, and we don’t give your place to someone else. Information about accepting your offer will be included in your offer letter.
Then, you will continue with your USQ journey:
- apply for accommodation (on college) - if you are looking to study on campus, living at one of our residential colleges (no matter your age) can be a great way to enhance your university experience.
- enrol in courses - to start your study, you need to enrol in courses. Information about enrolling, the process and what to choose will be included in your enrolment pack.
- buy text books - each of your courses will have a textbook you need to purchase. You can do this in person at the USQ Bookshop or online (your books will be posted to you).
- receive study materials (online or in the post) - your study material will be on your Study Desk. This is your ‘virtual’ campus where your lecture notes and readings are held. Find out more about StudyDesk.
- orientation - orientation is a very important part of your university experience. It gives you a really good grounding on the processes and procedures you will encounter, information about support services, your Student Guild, your rights and responsibilities as a USQ student and study tips!
- start of semester - semesters begin in March, July and November of each year.
- study - if you are studying on-campus, you may need to attend lectures, tutorials, practicals and group study sessions - as well as completing home based individual study. If you are studying online, your study is based around StudyDesk, your forums and your week by week study materials.
- hand in assignments - this is either in paper form (on campus) or via EASE – our Electronic Assignment Submission Environment.
- exams - not all courses have exams - but if they do, you will do your exams on-campus (if you are an on-campus student) or at one of our exam centres if you are a distance or online student.
- break - holidays! (of course if you are studying by distance or online, this ‘break’ time is a good chance to catch up on study - and not really a holiday at all).
- graduate! - graduations take place twice a year on-campus and we also have several overseas graduation ceremonies.
