Change of Preference

Change of Preference

There's a place for you at JCU

The Change of Preference period

With the arrival of Year 12 exam results and receiving your ATAR, comes the beginning of the Change of Preference period.

Why change your preferences?

Change of Preference gives you the opportunity to adjust your study choices before offers are made. If you’re thinking of changing your mind and re-ordering your preferences, rest assured you’re not alone.

How it works

Chat with our team about your course choices and explore the many pathway options available to you. JCU is here to help you get the best result from your result, so you can be ready today for tomorrow.

Change of Preference period 2023

Feel confident about your future, no matter your result

The 2023 Change of Preference period commenced at 9 am on Friday 15 December. JCU Advisors are standing by ready to help you navigate your next steps, support you in updating your QTAC preferences and answer any questions you may have regarding your individual circumstances. This may include:

  • Advice on alternative degrees or pathway options if you didn't receive the ATAR you had hoped for.
  • Support if you have changed your mind with regards to the course you would like to study next year and would like to update your QTAC preferences.
  • Guidance if your ATAR was higher than expected and you would like to explore course options that you had previously ruled out.

Get in touch

  • Email - study@jcu.edu.au
  • Phone - 1800 246 446
  • Text - 0483 922 299 (send us an SMS and we'll call you back)*

*Please text us your full name and the course you are interested in.

If you have any general queries regarding the JCU enrolment process, scholarships, accommodation, or anything else related to the JCU student experience, you can call us Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm (AEST) [excluding public holidays] and we'll be happy to assist.

Key terms

Change of Preference period

The Change of Preference period begins when Queensland applicants receive their ATAR result (8–9 am, Friday 15 December 2023) 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 21 December 2023. The deadline date to change your preferences in advance of this offer round is 12 pm on Monday 18 December 2023.

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.

FAQs

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 backup 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 backup. You should be sure you are going to receive an offer for these courses.

More information is available on the QTAC website.

Please note, you can only change your preferences on QTAC three times without charge. Each time after this will incur a small fee.

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

If you don't quite get the ATAR result you need, don't panic. Depending on your ATAR score and individual circumstances, you may be offered a QTAC Packaged Offer, where you receive an offer into JCU Prep and your preferred Bachelor’s course at the same time. Alternatively, there may be another JCU degree with similar outcomes, or you may explore other pathways to university to gain entry into your preferred degree.

JCU Prep is a flexible, fee–free** program set in a supportive learning environment where you can gain the skills and knowledge you need to enter your preferred Bachelor's degree.* Study can be completed in as little as three months. Take only the courses you need to satisfy subject prerequisites, such as Essential Maths (General Maths prerequisite), Preparatory Maths (Maths Methods prerequisite), Essential Science (General Science prerequisite) and Preparatory Chemistry (Chemistry prerequisite).

If you would like to talk to someone about your options, JCU Advisors are available to take your call (1800 246 446).

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 change 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. If you want to update your preferences please visit the QTAC website.

*For students wishing to apply to the Bachelor of Dental Surgery; Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery; Bachelor of Physiotherapy; or Bachelor of Veterinary Science (Honours), JCU Prep can only be used to fulfil subject prerequisites, not ATAR entry requirements.
**Students are only required to pay a Student Services and Amenities Fee (SSA Fee).

Pathways to university