20 February 2018
Some senior students just can't wait to start university. If your child is one of them, USC's Headstart program might be the answer.
What is Headstart?
Headstart is a transition program that allows Year 11 and 12 students to study USC courses while still completing high school. The program gives high-achieving students an opportunity to challenge themselves and get a taste of university life.
Students can choose their Headstart courses from a wide range of study areas, including engineering, graphic design, languages, psychology and law. It's a great way for your child to try out the degree they're considering, or to study an area of interest that isn't offered by their school.
What are the benefits of my child completing Headstart?
Headstart students study on campus, in the same classes as current undergraduate students, and complete the same coursework, assignments and exams. As a result, completing Headstart courses may give your child credit toward a USC degree, which can reduce their study load when they come to university full time.
Headstart can also reduce the overall cost of your child's degree. Because USC subsidises the cost of Headstart courses, commencing Headstart students do not pay tuition fees for the first course they complete, and only $400 for the second course. (Scholarships are available to eligible applicants to cover this tuition fee.)
Completed Headstart courses do not impact your child's OP, but can contribute toward their QCE: one course (with a required standard of achievement of grade of 4 on a 7-point scale, or a Pass grade) counts for 2 QCE credits.
How does my child apply?
To apply for Headstart, your child will need to be doing well at school (achieving at least a B-grade average), and have the skills and motivation to manage additional study alongside their schoolwork and other commitments. They will also need to get the support of their school's Headstart coordinator, who can help them understand what to expect.
For advice on how to choose a Headstart course and what to expect, register for USC's Parent Info and Headstart Information sessions on Tuesday 20 March at USC Caboolture (4pm-6pm) or Thursday 22 March at USC Sunshine Coast (4pm-7pm) or USC Fraser Coast (4pm-6pm). You and your child can speak to our staff and learn about the process and key dates for applying.