Change of Preference

Change of Preference period

The Change of Preference period begins when Queensland applicants receive their ATAR result (8–9 AM, Friday 16 December 2022) and runs for a limited timeframe. This is your opportunity to adjust or change your QTAC preferences before some JCU course offers commence.

Admission Criteria / Entry requirements

These are the academic qualifications, subject results, and other criteria you need to meet to receive an offer to study. Each course is different, so check the entry criteria for your preferred course by visiting the course pages.

Offer rounds

QTAC send offers to students in offer rounds. These are coordinated based on the time of year and student type. The major offer round for Year 12 graduates in Queensland is Thursday 22 December. The deadline date to change your preferences in advance of this offer round is 12 PM on Monday 19 December.

For more information on QTAC’s offer rounds and deadline dates for preference changes please click here or visit the QTAC website for further information on the offer process.

Do the order of my preferences matter?

Yes, the order is important - here’s a good strategy to use:

• Preferences 1 and 2 are your desired courses. List the courses you really want to study.
• Preferences 3 and 4 are your back-up course choices. These are courses you're likely to receive an offer for as they’re something you are interested in.
• Preferences 5 and 6 are your pathway courses. These are courses you are willing to study as a back-up. You should be sure you are going to receive an offer for these courses.

More information is available on the QTAC website.

I’m missing a pre-requisite subject, can JCU help?

Yes, if you meet the entry score (ATAR or OP) for your preferred Bachelor degree but are missing one or two pre-requisite subjects you can study in short intensive block modes as part of the Certificate of Higher Education, and complete in time to start your Bachelor degree. Subjects include:

• Bridging Science for Teachers
• Essential Maths
• Preparatory Mathematics
• Preparatory Chemistry

What is a packaged offer?

A packaged offer helps you get to your chosen Bachelor degree if you’re missing some of the entry requirements. It’s a combination of two or more offers, usually a pathway course such as the Diploma of Higher Education followed by your chosen Bachelor degree. This combo provides additional support, while studying pre-requisites and meeting other entry requirements for your degree. For more information check out our packaged offers page.

You can email us any time at enquiries@jcu.edu.au

What if I don’t get the ATAR score I need?

If you don't quite get the ATAR score you need, don't panic. There may be an alternative JCU degree with similar outcomes, or a pathway course that can get you back on track to your preferred degree. The JCU Admissions team will be in contact with you following the release of Queensland’s ATAR scores on Friday 16 December. If you would like to talk to someone sooner JCU Advisors will be available via online chat or phone (1800 246 446) on the following dates:

• Friday 16 December 2022, 8 AM – 5 PM (AEST)
• Monday 19 December 2022, 8 AM – 5 PM (AEST)
• Tuesday 20 December 2022, 8 AM – 5 PM (AEST)
• Wednesday 21 December 2022, 8 AM – 5 PM (AEST)

I’ve decided that I’d like to study a different course, who should I talk to?

The Change of Preference period enables you to make changes to your course preferences and explore your opportunities further. If you would like to speak to a JCU team member about your eligibility to study a course please contact us on 1800 246 446 or click on the red ‘Live chat’ tab in the right hand corner of this webpage. If you would like to update your preferences please visit the QTAC website.