Glossary

 

Academic Record

An official record of all subjects and results gained from secondary, postsecondary or tertiary studies.

Associate Degree

An award usually requiring two years full-time or the equivalent part-time study.

Assumed Knowledge

The minimum level of achievement in Senior studies considered necessary for successful first year tertiary study. Students lacking the assumed level of knowledge are not prevented from enrolling; however, they may be disadvantaged unless they undertake recommended bridging, preparatory or introductory subjects prior to or during first year of study.

Bachelor Degree

An award usually requiring three or four years full-time or the equivalent part-time study.

Certified Copy

A photocopy of an original document that has been signed by a Justice of the Peace, Commissioner for Declarations, the issuing authority, a QTAC staff member, or other approved person stating that the photocopy is a true copy of the original.

Combined/Double/Dual Degree

A degree course combining two fields of study. In some cases this results in the awarding of two degrees. In other cases one award is granted encompassing two fields of study.

Commonwealth Higher Education Student Support Number (CHESSN)

Allocated to students to facilitate and monitor Commonwealth assistance.

Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP)

Commonwealth supported courses, which attract a student contribution fee, previously known as HECS. The student contribution is variable, depending on subjects chosen; see individual courses as well as the tables on the Study Costs page.

Credit Transfer

Where a student is granted exemption from particular course requirements in recognition of previous studies.

Cut-Off

The minimum OP or QTAC selection rank required for entry to a course in a particular year. Cut-offs are not predetermined and vary from year to year.

Deferment

Postponement of the commencement of a course for a maximum of one year. Not all institutions grant deferment.

Enrolment

The registration of a person with an institution or education provider for the purpose of undertaking a program or course. Shortly after they receive their offer, successful applicants receive a separate enrolment package from the institution, not from QTAC.

Exclusion

A student is excluded when their tertiary institution terminates their enrolment. Each institution differs with respect to their exclusion policies.  It is vital that you consult your university to obtain details of the rules that apply to the institution where you undertook study.  Students can be excluded as a result of academic failure over a specified period of time, or because of non-academic reasons.  If you are excluded, your eligibility for applying for future tertiary study at the same or other institutions could be affected.  It is important that you contact the institution where you undertook study to obtain more information regarding the processes that you should follow to appeal your exclusion.

Fee

Fees for courses set by private institutions or courses without a CSP equivalent. Depending on the institution the fees must be paid up-front, either per semester, per year, or in total.

Field Positions (FP)

Indicate a Year 12 student's rank order position based on overall achievements in Authority subjects in up to five fields. Field Positions are only relevant to current Qld Year 12 students who are eligible for an OP.

Flexible Delivery

A combination of study types offered as an alternative to on-campus study. Usually includes a combination of distance education and ongoing on-campus workshops.

Honours

A higher qualification than a pass degree, gained after more advanced or specialised study. An honours degree frequently involves one more year of study than a pass degree.

Institution Admissions Rules

Institution rules including an applicant's proficiency in the English language, whether they have been excluded from previous tertiary study and quota management that affect an applicant's eligibility to be considered for an offer in a course.

Internal Year 12 student

A student completing an accredited Year 12 program in Australia, including International Baccalaureate students but excluding Senior External Examination, Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation, and Accelerated Christian Education students.

Major/Specialisation

An area of specialisation within a course or degree focusing on a particular field of study, eg history.

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum requirements an applicant must satisfy to be considered for entry to a particular course. This may include, for example, Year 12 subject prerequisites completed to a specified level of achievement, a portfolio or audition, employment, or a completed qualification such as a diploma. It also encompasses institution admissions rules such as English Language proficiency, quota management and exclusion which can also affect eligibility.

Mode

The way a course is delivered, either full-time, part-time, distance education (external study), or flexible delivery.

Offers

The allocation of available tertiary places to eligible applicants. Offers are made in several rounds throughout the admissions period.

OP/Selection rank

The minimum OP or QTAC selection rank required for entry to a course in an offer round. These OP/selection ranks are not predetermined and vary from year to year.

Overall Position (OP)

A number (1 to 25) that indicates an internal Queensland Year 12 student's statewide rank order position based on overall achievement in Authority subjects.

Partially Government Funded (PGF) TAFE Queensland courses

TAFE programs that receive a partial subsidy but the level of subsidy can vary between programs. Students are required to contribute to the cost of their program in all offerings.

Postgraduate Courses

Courses that are generally only available to people who have graduated at a tertiary level.

Program

A complete series of study leading to a degree or diploma.

Quota

The estimated number of places available in a course.

Recommended Study

Although the stated subjects are not compulsory, it is strongly recommended that the applicant have knowledge of these subjects.

Standard Offering (SO)

TAFE programs that attract a government subsidy.  Students are required to contribute to the cost of their program in all offerings.

Selection Rank

A numerical score used to compare different qualifications on the same scale for the purpose of tertiary entrance. Selection ranks range from 1 to 99, with 99 being the highest.

Subject Prerequisites

Subject prerequisites are expressed as achievement in specific Year 12 subjects, for example:  English (4,SA) indicates that the Queensland Studies Authority subject English (or equivalent) must have been studied over four semesters (ie Years 11 and 12) and an overall Exit Assessment of Sound Achievement or better obtained.

Undergraduate Courses

Courses which are open to all eligible applicants.

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