CAREER DEVELOPMENT
Applying to study at university in 2026
QTAC Applications
The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) is responsible for managing the undergraduate university and tertiary education admissions process in Queensland.
Queensland Year 12 students can begin their QTAC Application for courses commencing in 2026 from Tuesday 5 August. Students will need to:
- create a QTAC Account; and
- register to access their ATAR in the ATAR Portal
To stay informed about key dates and receive timely reminders, students can sign up for QTAC’s Remind Me service. Sign up now to go in the draw to win prizes such as Google Nests, Beats Headphones and more.
JCU Early Offer program
JCU’s Early Offer program is a pathway to give students some peace of mind knowing they have a place at university next year, and is one less thing to stress about during exam time. The offer they receive will be “conditional” – basically, this means it comes with conditions. For example, an offer might be conditional on achieving a certain ATAR or completing specific subjects. Students considering applying for an early offer are encouraged to make an appointment to discuss with Miss Tebble.
University key dates and events
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Date |
Event |
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Friday 1 August |
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Monday 4 August |
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Tuesday 5 August |
Year 12 QTAC Early Bird applications open |
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Thursday 14 August |
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Tuesday 30 September |
JCU Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Science dual applications due |
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Wednesday 1 October |
QTAC Early Bird Applications close (higher application fee applies) |
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Friday 10 October |
JCU Early Offer Nominations close |
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Monday 1 December |
CQU’s Principal’s Recommendation Scheme applications close |
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Monday 8 December |
QTAC due date to apply and submit supporting documentation |
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Thursday 18 December |
ATAR release |
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Tuesday 23 December |
December (early) Offer Round |
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Thursday 15 January |
January (main) Offer Round |
JCU Open Day Excursion – Year 10 & 11 Students Explore Future Pathways
We were excited to take 40 of our Year 10 and 11 students to the JCU Open Day for Schools at the end of Week 1. It was a fantastic opportunity for students to explore a wide range of study and career pathways, tour the campus, and gain a real sense of university life. From hands-on activities to engaging presentations, the day sparked curiosity and inspired future thinking. A big thank you to our students who represented the school so positively throughout the day — your enthusiasm, curiosity, and excellent behaviour made us proud.
Discover the Townsville Creative Technologies Centre (TCTC)
Unleash your imagination at the Townsville Creative Technologies Centre – where creativity meets cutting-edge tech! At the heart of Heatley Secondary College, the Townsville Creative Technologies Centre delivers nationally accredited Certificate II & III courses across creative tech disciplines like Printing & Graphic Arts, Music Production, Screen & Animation, and Game Design—all taught using industry‑standard equipment and software.
With skilled industry practitioners designing the curriculum, TCTC emphasises real‑world outputs—like graduates’ show reels and portfolios—that open doors in digital media, entertainment, and creative industries.
Here are some upcoming opportunities to explore a future in creative tech:
- Townsville Creative Technologies Centre – TCTC Information Evening
- Date: Tuesday 26 August
- Time: From 6:00pm
- Location: TCTC, Heatley Secondary College
- Explore 2026 course options in:
CII in Creative Industries - Animation
CIII in Screen and Media (Screen)
CIII in Information Technology - Game Programming
CIII in Music - Sound Production
CII in Printing and Graphic Arts
CIII in Visual Art - Photography
- Meet the teachers and tour the facilities
- See student projects and equipment in action
- RSVP: Call 4726 8333 to confirm your attendance
- Townsville Creative Technologies Centre – TCTC Taster Session
- Date: Thursday 4 September
- Time: 8:50am – 11:20am
- Experience:
- Game Design
- Music & Sound Production
- Animation
- Film & Media
- Graphic Arts
- Photography
- Expression of Interest: contact Mr Kyle or Miss Tebble to submit an EOI form
- RSVP by Wednesday 3 September
- Transportation: the School will arrange transport for students to attend this event
Morrisby Career Profiling and Career Action Plans
This week, our Year 10 students completed their Morrisby career profiling quiz as part of their SET Plan process. The Morrisby tool helps students identify their strengths, interests, and potential career pathways. It provides personalised insights and suggestions to assist with subject selection, further education options, and long-term career planning. We encourage families to talk with their child about their Morrisby results and explore the career ideas together.
To complement this, students are also completing a Career Action Plan during homeroom this week and next. This plan encourages students to reflect on their goals, skills, and career aspirations, and helps prepare them for their upcoming SET Plan interview. Families are encouraged to discuss these plans at home to support their child’s future planning.
Key Events
|
Date |
Career Event |
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Saturday 2 August |
Townsville QPS Open Day |
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Monday 4 August |
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Saturday 23 August |
TEC-NQ Open Day (places are limited, book your spot!) |
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Tuesday 26 August |
TCTC Information Evening |
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Thursday 4 September |
TCTC Taster Session |
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Saturday 6 September |
Mater Education Townsville Open Day |
For career counselling and information:
Miss Kathryn Tebble
Career Development Practitioner
4751 7300 or ktebble1@sacc.catholic.edu.au

