Head Start

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find out more about Head Start?

For further information, please feel free to contact the Head Start Administrator by phoning +61 7 4631 1736 or 1800 269 500 or email HeadStart@usq.edu.au. Also keep an eye out for details on information sessions and expos. A detailed list of events can be found at www.usq.edu.au/school-liaison/events

What makes me eligible to participate in Head Start?

If you are an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or an Australian permanent resident and are currently completing Year 11 or Year 12, you are eligible to apply for Head Start. If you are a Year 10 student you are eligible to apply for Head Start Semester 3. If you are an international student currently enrolled at an Australian High School for Year 12, you are eligible to apply for Head Start. For your application to be successful, you will need to have a B average on your latest report card. A copy of this report card will have to accompany your application.

How do I know if I am suited to the Head Start program?

You will be more likely to succeed in your Head Start studies if:

you have a strong interest in one of our courses on offer
you consider yourself capable of undertaking further study on top of your current workload
you have the support of your school and your parents/caregivers.

Will Head Start impact on my senior studies?

This is a matter that requires careful consideration of your current commitments, workload and dedication. It may be best for you to concentrate on your senior studeis and achieve the best OP possible for entry into uni. We recommend giving the decision to study a Head Start course the same amount of consideration as other commitments you may undertake in your final years of school, such as paid employment or participation in sporting or cultural activities. Studying a Head Start course in Semester 3 may be an appropriate choice if you are heavily committed during Semester 1 and 2. However, there is a very limited range of courses offered in Semester 3.

How much will it cost?

You will not be charged any tuition fees for your first Head Start course. You will need to meet the costs that may be associated with the course of your choice. Such costs will typically be for items such as textbooks, and depending on the course you choose, some specialised equipment like lab coats and field trips.

You are able to study additional Head Start courses for a reduced fee of $395 each and will also incur a Student Amenities Fee.

If I complete a Head Start course, do I still have to apply to QTAC receive an offer for a place at USQ?

Yes, your guaranteed entry into a related program at USQ will be awarded once you successfully complete a Head Start course. You will still need to meet the programs prerequisites for the related program. You will still need to apply via QTAC, putting your preferred related USQ program as your first preference.

Does USQ have special classes for high school students in the Head Start program?

No. As a Head Start student, you will be integrated into USQ’s mainstream first-year classes alongside our first year undergraduate students. The 'intensive teaching' workshops in Semester 3 Head Start courses may consist soley of Head Start Semester 3 students.

How many hours per week should I dedicate to Head Start studies?

We recommend that you allocate about 10 hours per week of study time for your Head Start course. This time includes any on-campus sessions, reading activities and assignment work that you may be required to do. If you wish to study on-campus, a timetable of available sessions can be found at www.usq.edu.au/currentstudents/timetables.

When do Head Start students begin lectures?

As a Head Start student, you will follow the same timetable as all our other students in Semester 1 and 2. If you are studying in Semester 3 you may have the opportunity to attend some 'intensive teaching' workshops. Details of these workshops will be available on the Head Start website.

Can I enrol in two courses in the same semester?

No. To ensure that that the added commitment of Head Start does not disadvantage your school results and OP, you will only be able to enrol in one at a time. If you wish, there is the option to enrol in another course in later semesters.

What if I find my course too difficult?

If you are having difficulty with your course, or feel that your school results are suffering, you should contact the Head Start Administrator as early as possible to ensure that the appropriate steps can be taken to avoid having a ‘fail’ recorded on your academic record at USQ. There are final dates to drop without penalties. You and your school coordinator will be reminded of these dates throughout the semester.

Can I change into a different course after I have applied?

If your circumstances change, you may be able to move into a different course before the semester has commenced (where there are places available). Once classes have commenced you will not be able to change into another course.

I am an international student. Can I do the Head Start program?

Yes. If you are an international student studying at an Australian high school, you will be required to submit the following documentation at the time of application:

A certified copy of your visa
A certified copy of all your previous Senior/High School qualifications
A certified copy of all your previous English language tests
A statement from your school which includes: the duration of studies you have undertaken in Australia in English. Detailed comment on your English capability and ability to achieve an IELTS score level of 6.0. Please note the English entry requirement for Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Education, and Bachelor of Law is IELTS 6.5
If you are an international student, and under the age of 18, your principal will need to sign the Application Form to confirm that all required guardianship arrangements have been, and will continue to be, monitored by the school
Overseas home address from country of origin.

Can I defer or take a gap year after finishing High School and still receive guaranteed entry?

Yes. We recommend that you still apply through QTAC when you are in Year 12. When you respond to your QTAC offer you will have the option to defer your place for up to a year. If you apply to QTAC during you gap year, please phone 1800 269 500 or email study@usq.edu.au to ensure you receive your guaranteed entry.

For Semester 3 intensive sessions, can I stay on-campus at Toowoomba?

Yes. You can stay on-campus at our Residential Colleges. For more information, please phone +61 7 4631 2650 or email accommodation.officer@usq.edu.au.

Can I study the program if I am homeschooled?

Yes you can; however, the following requiremtns are necessary:

A Certificate of Registration from the Queensland Home Education Unit
A formal report showing the B average entry requirement being met
Guaranteed entry will only be given if the pre-requisites of the program are met.

If you are not a Queensland resident, please contact us. Theapplications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis in consultation with the Queensland Home Education Unit.