How do I apply for uni after I’ve already left school?

If you’ve been out of school for a while, applying for a degree in construction management, engineering or architecture can be a transformative journey into a successful career in construction. Whether you have taken a break from study, completed VET courses, or have already been working in the industry, there are options for you.

The steps below will help you understand your options for applying for uni when you don’t have teachers to guide you.

1. Research: Start by deciding the unis and courses that interest you. Consider factors such as the program’s content, entry requirements, campus facilities, and location.
2. Course entry requirements: Check the requirements you will need to meet for the course you want to study. Non-school leavers might have different requirements than recent high school graduates. Look for alternative ways to meet the requirements, like having work experience, VET qualifications, or completing bridging programs. A bridging program is a short course to give you knowledge when you don’t meet the requirements for the course you’re applying for.
3. Contact the university: Get in touch with the admissions office of your preferred uni. Talk to them about your eligibility and ask for help with the application process. They can give you useful advice and answer any questions you have.
4. Online application: When you’re ready, go to the official website of the uni and find the admissions section. Fill out the online application form with your personal information, education background, and other entry requirements. Depending on your situation, you might need to provide extra documents like your official school results, certificates, recommendation letters from your work or other organisations you’re involved with, or a personal statement. Make sure to collect these documents first so that there are no delays to your application. Complete all the sections and submit the application before the due date.
5. Receive offers and respond: If your application is successful, the uni will contact you with an offer of admission. Review the offer and make sure you accept it before the due date.
6. Accept offer and enrol: Once you have accepted an offer, follow the instructions provided by the university to secure your place. This typically involves completing enrolment forms, paying any required fees, or submitting your HECS-HELP documentation (HECS is an Australian Government loan scheme to pay your uni fees upfront so that you’re not out of pocket).

1. Understand QTAC: The Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) is a central application portal for people who want to apply for multiple courses across different unis in Queensland. By using QTAC, you can submit a single application and select the courses and universities you want to apply for – all in one go!
2. Research courses: Explore the QTAC website for courses you’re interested in applying for. Not all universities in Queensland use QTAC for their admissions – some universities have separate application processes, so make sure you know how your chosen universities want you to apply.
3. Create a QTAC account: Sign up for a QTAC account on their website. Provide your personal information and choose the programs you want to apply for. Make sure you take note of the entry requirements and deadlines for each course. Got questions about QTAC? You can use your Google Home or Alexa device to ask specific questions about QTAC or call the QTAC customer service number on 1300 467 822.
4. Submit supporting documents: Prepare and submit any required documents along with your application. These documents might include your official school results, certificates, recommendation letters from your work or other organisations you’re involved with, or a personal statement. Make sure to collect these documents first so that there are no delays to your application. Complete all the sections and submit the application before the due date.
5. Monitor your application: After submitting your application, regularly check your QTAC account to monitor the progress of your application.
6. Receive offers and respond: If your application is successful, you will receive offers of admission either through QTAC or directly from the universities. Review the offers and make sure you accept or decline them before the due date.
7. Accept offer and enrol: Once you have accepted an offer, follow the instructions provided by the university to secure your place. This typically involves completing enrolment forms, paying any required fees or submitting your HECS-HELP documentation (HECS is an Australian Government loan scheme to pay your uni fees upfront so that you’re not out of pocket. Read more about HECS-HELP in the link above), and enrolling in classes (‘units’).

Whether you choose to apply directly to the uni or use QTAC, applying for uni can lead to an exciting career in the construction industry, from construction management, to engineering or architecture.