QACI Kelvin Grove: Complete Guide to Queensland Academy for Creative Industries Entry
QACI entry guide — Queensland Academy for Creative Industries at Kelvin Grove. Year 10 entry, EduTest format, and IB pathway.
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Quick Answer: The Queensland Academy for Creative Industries (QACI) at Kelvin Grove selects Year 10 students via the same five-component EduTest-facilitated Entrance Test used across the Queensland Academies — Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, and Written Expression — plus an engagement activity or interview for shortlisted candidates. QACI delivers the IB Diploma in partnership with QUT.
What is the Queensland Academy for Creative Industries?
The Queensland Academy for Creative Industries (QACI) is a government selective school at Kelvin Grove in inner Brisbane, built around the creative industries and partnered with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT). It is one of three Queensland Academies and the only one in the state focused specifically on film, digital media, visual arts, music, design, writing, and performance. QACI delivers the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma, so students must be both creatively talented and academically capable.
The Entrance Test does not assess creative skill directly, which surprises many families. Strong performance across Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, and Written Expression is what reaches shortlisting — creative talent is then assessed in the engagement activity or interview.
For families considering QACI entry, the process can feel unfamiliar. Unlike QASMT, which most parents associate with the Queensland Academies brand, QACI has its own identity and entry pathway. This guide explains what "creative industries" means, how the EduTest entrance examination works, what happens at interview, and how QACI compares with QASMT and QAHS. Because the same EduTest sits at the centre of the process, start with the EduTest selective school and scholarship exam hub and the EduTest exam format guide for the full component breakdown.
Inside This QACI Guide
Jump to the section most relevant to your QACI application.
A point many families overlook: the Entrance Test is tightly timed, and neither the Academies nor EduTest publish per-section question counts. Pace practice against the clock, section by section, rather than against a guessed question target. For pacing and exam-day conditions, see the EduTest test day guide.
What does creative industries mean at QACI?
"Creative industries" at QACI refers to a defined cluster of disciplines sitting at the intersection of creativity, technology, and communication. These are not hobby subjects — they are the professional fields QACI builds its senior pathway around.
The creative industries disciplines at QACI include:
- Film and Screen Production: scriptwriting, cinematography, editing, documentary, and narrative filmmaking
- Digital Media: interactive media, web design, animation, digital storytelling, and emerging technologies
- Visual Arts: painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, and contemporary art practice
- Music: composition, performance, music technology, sound design, and musicology
- Design: graphic design, product design, spatial design, and design-thinking methodologies
- Writing and Literature: creative writing, journalism, editing, publishing, and literary analysis
- Theatre and Performance: acting, directing, stagecraft, devised theatre, and performance studies
What makes QACI distinctive is not merely that these subjects are offered — many schools teach art and music. It is that the academy culture is built around creative practice. Your child works alongside peers who take creative work seriously, taught by specialists with professional experience, in a setting where creative ambition sits alongside academic rigour.
Preparing for QACI Year 10 Entry? Braintree Coaching Australia can help
Structured EduTest preparation covering all five Year 10 Entrance Test components — Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, and Written Expression — with timed practice tests, detailed performance analysis, and targeted skill-building for Queensland Academies applicants.
How does the QUT partnership help your child at QACI?
The QUT partnership gives QACI cohorts access to a professional creative environment because the academy is co-located within QUT's Kelvin Grove Creative Industries Precinct. The partnership is practical rather than symbolic.
Co-location means QACI students have access to:
- University-grade facilities: recording studios, film production suites, digital media labs, performance spaces, and exhibition galleries
- Mentorship from QUT academics: engagement with lecturers, researchers, and creative practitioners from QUT's Creative Industries Faculty
- Exposure to university-level work: student exhibitions, performances, and research projects that normalise the university creative environment
- Networking and industry connections: QUT's creative network extends into Brisbane's broader arts, media, and design sectors
- A transition pathway: students continuing to QUT or other creative programmes arrive understanding university-level expectations and studio practice
Most selective schools partner with universities at arm's length. At QACI, the university campus is next door. You can confirm current facilities and programme details on the official QACI website, and our guide to the IB Diploma at the Queensland Academies explains the senior pathway in detail.
What is the IB Diploma at QACI?
The IB Diploma at QACI is a two-year senior secondary qualification (Years 11 and 12) recognised by universities worldwide and known for its breadth, rigour, and emphasis on independent research. All three Queensland Academies deliver it.
At QACI, students select six IB subjects across prescribed groups, complete an Extended Essay (a 4,000-word independent research piece), engage with Theory of Knowledge (TOK), and fulfil Creativity, Activity, Service (CAS) requirements. The distinctive element is the strength of the arts-related subject offerings, which typically include:
- Visual Arts — studio practice and comparative study
- Film — production and critical analysis of cinema
- Music — performance, composition, and musicology
- Theatre — devised and text-based performance
- English Literature — with a creative and analytical emphasis
Students still take subjects across the full IB range — including sciences, mathematics, and humanities — so they graduate with a broad, balanced qualification. The creative industries focus shapes subject selection and the Extended Essay, but it does not narrow the academic programme.
How do you apply to QACI?
Applying to QACI follows the shared Queensland Academies process, with several rules that distinguish it from other selective school applications in Australia. Understanding them early is essential for planning.
Key rules you must know
Year 10 entry only. QACI does not accept students at Year 7. The sole entry point is Year 10, the pre-IB year before the Diploma begins in Year 11 — confirmed on the Queensland Academies Year 10 enrolments page. Families typically begin planning during Year 8 or Year 9.
One application per year across all three campuses. You may apply to only one Queensland Academy per year — QASMT, QACI, or QAHS. You cannot apply to QACI and QASMT simultaneously. If you are weighing campuses, our comparison of Brisbane State High versus the Queensland Academies puts the choice in context.
No Year 9 QASMT → Year 10 QACI/QAHS transfer. The Academies state there is no transfer from the end of the QASMT Middle School programme (Year 9) into Year 10 at QACI or QAHS. Do not assume a broader mid-programme campus-swap pathway exists — confirm any other transfer question directly with the academy.
A non-refundable application fee applies. The fee is charged regardless of the outcome. Confirm the current amount on the Year 10 enrolments page, as published fees can change between intakes.
QACI Application Process — Step by Step
1.Confirm QACI is the right fit
Research the creative industries focus, visit the campus if possible, and confirm your child is genuinely drawn to creative practice alongside academic work. Because only one academy can be chosen per year, weigh QASMT and QAHS before committing.
2.Prepare and submit your application
Complete the online application through the Queensland Academies portal. Gather required documents including school reports and proof of identity, and pay the non-refundable application fee. Applications typically close mid-year — confirm current dates with the academy.
3.Sit the EduTest entrance examination
Your child sits the Queensland Academies Entrance Test — an EduTest-facilitated assessment with five components for Year 10 applicants: Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics (each 30 minutes), and Written Expression (15 minutes). Timed testing totals 165 minutes; allow about three hours including check-in and breaks.
4.Attend an interview if selected
Shortlisted candidates from the Entrance Test are invited to an engagement activity or interview. This lets the academy assess your child beyond the test — their creative interests, motivation, and suitability for the QACI environment.
5.Receive and respond to your offer
If your child receives an offer, accept it within the specified timeframe and begin preparing for the transition to Year 10 at QACI, including any orientation the academy provides.
What does the QACI entrance test cover?
The QACI entrance test is the same EduTest-facilitated Queensland Academies Entrance Test used for Year 10 entry at QASMT and QAHS. It has five timed components: Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics (each 30 minutes), plus Written Expression (15 minutes). Timed testing totals 165 minutes; the Academies describe the sitting as approximately three hours including check-in and breaks. Per-section question counts are not published by the Academies or by EduTest.
The five test components
1. Verbal Reasoning — 30 minutes. Assesses vocabulary, verbal logic, analogies, and the ability to identify relationships between words and concepts. It measures language-based reasoning — recognising patterns in language, understanding subtle distinctions between words, and drawing logical conclusions from verbal information.
2. Numerical Reasoning — 30 minutes. Evaluates mathematical reasoning, number patterns, sequences, and working with quantitative information logically. This is not a straightforward calculations test; it emphasises pattern recognition, logical deduction, and applying numerical concepts in unfamiliar contexts.
3. Reading Comprehension — 30 minutes. Tests reading, understanding, and analysing written passages. Questions involve inference, identifying main ideas, understanding vocabulary in context, and evaluating an author's purpose. Strong readers who engage with varied text types are well-prepared.
4. Mathematics — 30 minutes. A curriculum-aligned assessment covering content expected at the applicant's year level — operations, fractions, decimals, percentages, geometry, measurement, algebra, and data interpretation. The content aligns with the Australian Curriculum maintained by ACARA. Calculators are not permitted in any EduTest sitting.
5. Written Expression — 15 minutes. A short writing task assessing clear expression, structure, grammar, and ideas under time pressure. Year 10 candidates sit the same Written Expression component as Year 7 candidates; what differs is the year level the material is pitched at.
QACI Year 10 Entrance Test Structure
Five components — 165 minutes timed testing (approximately three hours including check-in)
- 30 min
- Verbal ReasoningAnalogies, word relationships, verbal logic
- 30 min
- Numerical ReasoningPatterns, sequences, quantitative logic
- 30 min
- Reading ComprehensionInference, analysis, vocabulary in context
- 30 min
- MathematicsCurriculum-aligned maths at year level; no calculator
- 15 min
- Written ExpressionStructure, clarity, grammar, and ideas
Does Year 10 include Written Expression?
Yes. The Year 10 enrolments page lists the same five components and the same 165 minutes of timed testing as Year 7, Written Expression included. What changes is the pitch of the material — Year 10 candidates are further through school than Year 7 candidates. The engagement activity or interview then provides a further chance to assess communication, creative thinking, and suitability for the programme. To benchmark your child's reasoning level early, work through a Year 5 EduTest sample paper and a set of free mock tests under realistic timing, then scale the difficulty up toward Year 10 standard.
What happens at the QACI interview?
After the entrance test, top-performing candidates are invited to an interview — a stage that distinguishes QACI from many other selective school applications in Australia. The interview lets QACI staff assess qualities a written test cannot capture:
- Creative passion and engagement — does your child genuinely care about creative work, and can they articulate what they love about their chosen discipline?
- Motivation and self-awareness — why does your child want to attend QACI specifically, and what do they hope to gain?
- Communication and presence — can your child express ideas clearly, listen thoughtfully, and engage in genuine conversation?
- Fit with the QACI community — will your child thrive among creative, academically capable peers?
The interview is not a creative-skills test or a formal portfolio review. It is a conversation designed to assess whether the student suits the QACI environment and will contribute to the community. Encourage your child to reflect on their creative interests and recent projects, and to speak honestly — authenticity matters more than rehearsed answers. For broader guidance on interpreting practice results in the lead-up, see the EduTest results guide.
How does QACI differ from QASMT and QAHS?
QACI differs from QASMT and QAHS primarily in focus and culture: QASMT (Toowong) centres on science, mathematics, and technology; QAHS (Gold Coast) centres on health sciences; QACI (Kelvin Grove) is built around the creative industries. All three deliver the same IB Diploma, but the lived experience at each campus is genuinely different. This distinction matters because of the one-application-per-year rule.
Compare the three Queensland Academies to find the right fit for your child
| Feature | Option 1 | Option 2 | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Kelvin Grove, Brisbane (QACI) | Toowong, Brisbane (QASMT) / Gold Coast (QAHS) | QACI and QASMT both in Brisbane |
| University Partner | QUT — Creative Industries | UQ (QASMT) / Griffith (QAHS) | All three are major Queensland universities |
| Academic Focus | Creative Industries: film, media, arts, music, design, writing | STEM (QASMT) / Health Sciences (QAHS) | Choose based on your child's passion |
| Year 7 Entry | No — Year 10 only | Yes for QASMT only / No for QAHS | Only QASMT offers Year 7 entry |
| Year 10 Test Components | Five components including Written Expression | Same five components including Written Expression | Identical Year 10 test format across campuses |
| Interview Stage | Yes — engagement activity for shortlisted candidates | Yes — engagement activity for shortlisted candidates | All three include a shortlist stage |
| IB Arts Subjects | Strong arts offerings: Visual Arts, Film, Music, Theatre | Sciences emphasis (QASMT) / Health focus (QAHS) | QACI publishes the strongest arts IB subject set among the three academies |
| Campus Culture | Creative, collaborative, studio-based | STEM research (QASMT) / Clinical (QAHS) | Distinct cultures — visit to compare |
The most important distinction is cultural. QASMT students are immersed in scientific inquiry; QAHS students in health sciences; QACI students in creative practice — making, performing, designing, and storytelling. If your child lights up when talking about a film they watched, a design they created, or a story they are writing, rather than a maths problem or a science experiment, QACI is likely the better fit.
What careers follow from QACI?
A common parent question is what careers actually follow from studying creative industries. The answer is broader than many expect, because the IB Diploma keeps every university pathway open while adding a creative dimension.
QACI graduates enter a wide range of fields, including:
- Film and Television — directing, producing, cinematography, screenwriting, editing, post-production
- Digital Media and Technology — UX/UI design, game design, interactive media, digital marketing, content creation
- Visual Arts and Curation — practising artist, gallery management, art direction, art therapy
- Music and Sound — performance, composition, sound engineering, music production, music education
- Design — graphic design, product design, architecture, interior design, fashion design
- Writing and Publishing — journalism, copywriting, editing, publishing, screenwriting, creative writing
- Theatre and Performance — acting, directing, dramaturgy, arts administration, event management
- Education and Academia — teaching in creative disciplines, arts research, cultural studies
The IB Diploma is recognised for university entry across Australia and internationally, so QACI graduates keep academic pathways open — including law, business, and psychology — while adding a creative dimension. Confirm recognition details through the Queensland Department of Education.
Giving your child a strong creative foundation alongside the academic demand of the IB is a deliberate pathway choice. The EduTest is simply the front door.
How should my child prepare for QACI entry?
With demand typically exceeding places, preparation for QACI entry needs to be deliberate and sustained. The Entrance Test does not assess creative skills directly, so performing well across all five EduTest components is what reaches shortlisting. Confirm the shared Year 10 application process in our Queensland Academies admissions guide, then begin with Queensland Academies practice resources for matched five-component drills and the EduTest exam format guide for section detail. Build a phased timeline from there.
If your family is also considering Brisbane State High School, keep the pathways separate: HAST and the Academies EduTest-style sitting differ in fees, calendars and format, so practice has to be split rather than blended. That observation comes from Braintree Coaching Australia tutor intake notes across Queensland families.
QACI Preparation Timeline
Phase 1: Foundation Building
12–9 months before the test
- Establish baseline ability across all five test components
- Identify strengths and the areas needing targeted work
Complete a diagnostic assessment across verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, reading comprehension, mathematics, and written expression · Establish a daily reading habit — articles, editorials, fiction, and non-fiction — to build comprehension and vocabulary · Review and consolidate year-level mathematics, addressing any gaps · Begin regular verbal reasoning practice with analogies, synonyms, antonyms, and word relationships · Practise short timed writing tasks to build Written Expression stamina
Phase 2: Skill Development
9–4 months before the test
- Build familiarity with EduTest-style question formats
- Strengthen weaker areas while maintaining existing strengths
Work through structured practice aligned to EduTest question types · Practise numerical reasoning with pattern recognition, sequences, and logical deduction · Complete reading comprehension exercises with increasing text complexity and varied question types · Focus on mathematical problem-solving — application of concepts, not just calculation · Add weekly timed Written Expression practice with a clear plan–write–proofread rhythm · Review incorrect answers systematically to identify recurring mistake patterns
Phase 3: Test Readiness
Final 4 weeks before the test
- Build exam stamina and refine time management
- Simulate real test conditions
Complete full-length practice tests under realistic timing — 30 minutes per reasoning/maths component and 15 minutes for Written Expression · Focus on time allocation — learn when to move on from a difficult question · Practise the transition between component types to build mental flexibility · Build confidence through regular, low-pressure review of progress · Plan test-day logistics and establish a healthy routine for the testing period
Preparing for the interview
If your child progresses to the interview stage, additional preparation is worthwhile:
- Reflect on creative interests — your child should articulate what they love about their creative discipline and why
- Research QACI specifically — understand its values, the QUT partnership, and the IB programme
- Practise conversational confidence — the interview is a discussion, not a test; comfort speaking about interests and aspirations helps
- Be authentic — genuine enthusiasm and self-awareness are more compelling than rehearsed or generic answers
QACI Readiness Checklist
Daily reading of challenging material to build comprehension and vocabulary
Regular timed practice across all five EduTest components
Systematic review of errors after each practice session
At least three to four full-length timed practice tests in the final month
A confirmed campus choice — QACI, QASMT, or QAHS — before applying
Interview reflection: creative interests, recent projects, and motivation rehearsed honestly
For structured, end-to-end support, the Queensland Academies course covers all five Year 10 Entrance Test components with timed practice and detailed feedback. Matched free and paid practice materials are listed on Queensland Academies practice resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What year level does QACI accept students into?
The Queensland Academy for Creative Industries accepts students at Year 10 only. Year 10 serves as the pre-IB foundation year before the IB Diploma begins in Year 11. There is no Year 7 entry at QACI — QASMT is the only Queensland Academy offering Year 7 entry. Families typically begin planning during Year 8 or Year 9.
What does the QACI entrance test assess?
QACI uses the same EduTest-facilitated Entrance Test as the other Queensland Academies. Year 10 entry sits five timed components — Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics (each 30 minutes), plus Written Expression (15 minutes). Timed testing totals 165 minutes; the Academies describe the sitting as approximately three hours including check-in and breaks. Per-section question counts are not published. Shortlisted candidates are then invited to an engagement activity or interview. See the EduTest exam format guide and the Queensland Academies FAQ for the shared cluster breakdown.
Does QACI offer the IB Diploma?
Yes. All three Queensland Academies deliver the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme over Years 11 and 12. At QACI the IB includes strong arts-related subjects such as Visual Arts, Film, Music, and Theatre, alongside the full range of sciences, mathematics, and humanities required for a broad, balanced qualification.
Does my child need a creative portfolio or to pass an interview?
The written entrance test does not assess creative skill directly. A formal portfolio is not typically required, but top-performing candidates are invited to an interview where they discuss their creative interests, motivation, and suitability for the academy. Authentic, well-articulated enthusiasm matters more than a rehearsed presentation.
What ATAR or university pathway does QACI lead to?
QACI graduates complete the IB Diploma, which converts to an ATAR recognised by Australian universities. The qualification opens any university course — including law, business, and the sciences — not only creative degrees. Co-location with QUT also gives students an informed pathway into creative industries study.
How competitive is QACI entry?
The Queensland Academies state that the number of highly capable candidates seeking enrolment typically exceeds the number of places available. No applicant counts, offer rates, or score ranges are published for any campus. Strong, balanced performance across all five Entrance Test components matters for shortlisting, and the engagement activity or interview is an additional stage. Sustained preparation over several months, not last-minute cramming, gives families a clearer preparation rhythm.
Can I apply to QACI and QASMT in the same year?
No. A student can only submit one application for enrolment to Queensland Academies in a given year across QACI, QASMT, and QAHS, so you must choose a single campus. The Academies also state there is no transfer from the end of the QASMT Middle School programme (Year 9) into Year 10 at QACI or QAHS. Base the campus choice on where your child's strengths and interests genuinely sit.
How long should we prepare for the QACI entrance test?
Most families find four to six months of consistent preparation provides a solid foundation, with some beginning a gentle build a year out. Regular, manageable EduTest practice across all five components — reviewed carefully after each session — outperforms intensive cramming in the final weeks before the test.
QACI and EduTest Resources
Guides, courses, and tools to support your QACI preparation
A detailed breakdown of each EduTest component, timing, and structure for Queensland Academies candidates.
Study methods that build the reasoning and writing skills the five-component Entrance Test rewards.
Queensland Academies practice resources
Matched EduTest-style drills and full-length mocks for QASMT, QACI and QAHS — the family practice owner after you confirm the campus.
Structured preparation covering all five Year 10 Entrance Test components with timed practice and detailed feedback.
A free sample paper to benchmark your child's reasoning ability before scaling toward Year 10 standard.
Practise across the reasoning components under realistic timing to identify areas for targeted improvement.
Related Guides
- Queensland Academies practice resources — Matched five-component practice for QACI entry
- Queensland Academies admissions guide — Shared application process, fees and dates
- Queensland Academies campus selection — QASMT vs QACI vs QAHS
- EduTest exam format — Detailed breakdown of each EduTest component
- Brisbane State High vs Queensland Academies — Choosing the right Brisbane pathway
- IB Diploma at the Queensland Academies — What the IB pathway means for your child
Last updated: 9 September 2026
Confirm the campus and shared entry process, then use matched Queensland Academies practice across all five EduTest-style components.
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Questions parents ask about this article
What year level does QACI accept students into?
What does the QACI entrance test assess?
Does QACI offer the IB Diploma?
Does my child need a creative portfolio or to pass an interview?
What ATAR or university pathway does QACI lead to?
How competitive is QACI entry?
Can I apply to QACI and QASMT in the same year?
How long should we prepare for the QACI entrance test?
Editorial review
Reviewed by Braintree Academic Panel (Qualified teachers reviewing NSW Selective and OC content) on .
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