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Comprehensive answers to all your Queensland Academies questions. From application requirements to test preparation, entry points, and campus selection for QASMT, QACI, and QAHS.
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Queensland Academies is a network of three prestigious state selective-entry high schools offering the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme. The three campuses are: QASMT (Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology) in Toowong Brisbane, QACI (Queensland Academy for Creative Industries) in Kelvin Grove Brisbane, and QAHS (Queensland Academy for Health Sciences) on the Gold Coast. Each academy specializes in a different field while all deliver IB curriculum for Years 10-12.
Queensland Academies applications typically open in Term 3 for the following year. For 2027 Year 7 entry at QASMT, applications are currently open and close Wednesday August 20, 2025 at 4pm. Year 10 entry applications for 2027 typically open early-mid 2026. Check the official Queensland Academies website (qa.eq.edu.au) for exact dates as timelines vary by entry point and campus.
Each Queensland Academy serves approximately 400-600 students across Years 7-12 (QASMT only) or Years 10-12 (all campuses). QASMT has the largest enrollment with around 600 students including Year 7-9 cohorts. QACI and QAHS each have approximately 400-450 students in Years 10-12. Class sizes are small with approximately 25 students per class for personalized learning.
The Edutest entrance exam for Queensland Academies consists of four core sections: Verbal Reasoning (30 minutes, 30 questions testing vocabulary and logical thinking), Numerical Reasoning (30 minutes, 30 questions testing mathematical logic and patterns), Reading Comprehension (30 minutes, 30 questions analyzing passages), and Mathematics (30 minutes, 30 questions at year-level curriculum). Year 7 entry also includes Written Expression (15 minutes). Total test time is approximately 3 hours.
The Queensland Academies Edutest entrance exam takes approximately 3 hours total. It includes: Verbal Reasoning (30 min), Numerical Reasoning (30 min), Reading Comprehension (30 min), Mathematics (30 min), plus breaks between sections. Year 7 entry students also complete Written Expression (15 min). Students should plan for a half-day commitment including check-in and breaks.
Queensland Academies does not publish cutoff scores or release individual test results to families. Selection is holistic, considering test performance, school reports, NAPLAN results, and interviews. Competition is intense with thousands of applicants for limited spots. Focus on performing your best across all sections rather than a specific score. Braintree students achieving 75th percentile or higher on our mock exams have strong placement success.
Queensland Academies receives thousands of applications annually for limited places. QASMT Year 7 entry typically has 8-12 applicants per spot. Year 10 entry across all campuses is similarly competitive with approximately 10-15 applicants per place. Only the highest-performing students are offered interviews, and final acceptance rates are approximately 10-15% of total applicants. Early preparation is essential.
Queensland Academies has an acceptance rate of approximately 10-15% across all campuses. This means only about 1 in 8-10 applicants receive placement offers. The high selectivity reflects the limited spots available (approximately 100 Year 10 places per campus, 120 Year 7 places at QASMT) compared to thousands of applications. Competition requires comprehensive preparation starting 12-24 months before application.
Register through the Queensland Academies online application portal (qaportal.aucrm.com). You will need: recent photograph, birth certificate details, citizenship documentation, two most recent semester school reports, all available NAPLAN results, and any medical/giftedness documentation. Application fee is $250 (domestic) or $270 (international), non-refundable. Complete all sections carefully as applications cannot be edited after submission.
Queensland Academies registration typically opens in Term 3 (July-September) for the following calendar year entry. Year 7 QASMT entry applications usually open earlier, often in Term 1-2. For 2027 entry, Year 7 applications are currently open until August 20, 2025. Year 10 applications for 2027 are expected to open early-mid 2026. Subscribe to Queensland Academies updates or check qa.eq.edu.au regularly.
Apply when in Year 5 for QASMT Year 7 entry (two years before starting). Apply when in Year 8 for any campus Year 10 entry (one year before starting). For example, if you want to start at QASMT in Year 7 in January 2027, apply during your Year 5 year in 2025. For Year 10 2027 start, apply during your Year 8 year in 2026.
If you miss your scheduled Edutest date, you cannot reschedule within the same application period. Testing occurs over two specific days (Saturday and Sunday) in September, and students are automatically assigned a date - you must be available for both published dates. Missing the test means your application will not be considered for that year. You can reapply in the following year application cycle.
The Queensland Academies application fee is $250 for domestic students, $270 for international students, and $300 for late applications. This is a non-refundable fee regardless of outcome. Remote testing incurs additional fees (contact remote@edutest.com.au for costs). Once admitted, Queensland Academies are public schools with no tuition fees for domestic students, though some materials and excursions have costs.
No, you can submit only ONE application for Year 10 entry per year across all three campuses. You must choose either QASMT, QACI, or QAHS based on your interests and career aspirations. QASMT Year 7 entry is a separate application and does not prevent Year 10 applications to other campuses later. Choose carefully as you cannot transfer between campuses mid-program.
While not mandatory, structured preparation significantly improves Queensland Academies success rates. The Edutest format differs from regular school tests, and competition is intense with 8-15 applicants per spot. Braintree students achieve 95% placement success with our comprehensive Edutest preparation. Coaching builds familiarity with test format, improves time management, develops reasoning skills, and reduces test anxiety.
Optimal preparation timeline: 18-24 months for QASMT Year 7 entry (start early Year 5), and 12-18 months for Year 10 entry (start early Year 8). Minimum effective preparation is 6-9 months. Braintree's structured program includes foundation building (3-6 months), intensive practice (3-6 months), and final refinement (2-3 months). Earlier preparation allows time to identify and strengthen weaker areas.
Start preparing 18-24 months before test date for QASMT Year 7 entry (begin in Term 1 of Year 5). For Year 10 entry, start 12-18 months early (begin in Term 4 of Year 7 or Term 1 of Year 8). Earlier preparation builds stronger foundations in reasoning, comprehension, and mathematics. Braintree offers age-appropriate programs for students starting at different preparation stages.
Queensland Academies preparation costs vary. Braintree online programs start at $199 for foundation courses, with comprehensive annual packages from $997-$1,497 including unlimited practice tests, expert coaching, and performance analytics. This represents significant savings compared to traditional tutoring ($80-120/hour weekly = $4,000-6,000 annually). Quality preparation is an investment in your child's future with Queensland's top selective schools.
Yes, online coaching is highly effective for Queensland Academies preparation. Braintree's online platform achieves 95% placement success with students across Queensland and nationwide. The Edutest is computer-based, so practicing online perfectly replicates test conditions. Benefits include: flexible scheduling, unlimited practice access, AI-powered analytics identifying weaknesses, comprehensive Edutest format mock exams, and expert coaching via video.
Best Queensland Academies preparation resources: (1) Braintree Coaching online platform with exact Edutest format tests, (2) Official Queensland Academies website (qa.eq.edu.au) for application information, (3) Edutest sample questions and practice materials, (4) IQRA test preparation books for reasoning practice, (5) Online critical thinking and logic puzzles, (6) Reading comprehension practice with complex texts. Braintree provides the most comprehensive Edutest-specific preparation.
Three months is possible but challenging for Queensland Academies preparation. Success depends on student's current ability level and preparation intensity. With Braintree's accelerated program, students can cover essential Edutest skills, but 6-12 months is recommended for optimal results. Three-month preparation requires: daily practice (1-2 hours), intensive weekend mock exams, focused skill development, and strong baseline abilities. Earlier preparation significantly improves success rates.
QASMT (Toowong Brisbane) specializes in Science, Mathematics & Technology with focus on STEM fields and Year 7 or Year 10 entry. QACI (Kelvin Grove Brisbane) focuses on Creative Industries including visual arts, design, and media with Year 10 entry only. QAHS (Gold Coast) specializes in Health Sciences preparing students for medical and healthcare careers with Year 10 entry only. All three deliver IB Diploma Programme in Years 11-12.
Queensland Academies and Brisbane State High School (BSHS) are equally selective and competitive. Both use Edutest entrance exams with similar difficulty. The main differences: BSHS offers traditional Queensland curriculum with focus on ATAR excellence (Australia's #1 ATAR school), while Queensland Academies offer specialized IB programmes. Both have 10-15% acceptance rates. Choice depends on curriculum preference (ATAR vs IB) and specialization interests.
Yes, the Queensland Academies Edutest is significantly more challenging than NAPLAN. While NAPLAN tests grade-level curriculum knowledge, Edutest assesses cognitive abilities, advanced reasoning, and problem-solving beyond regular curriculum. Verbal and Numerical Reasoning sections test abstract thinking and patterns not covered in standard schoolwork. Students scoring in top NAPLAN bands still need dedicated Edutest preparation to succeed in Queensland Academies selection.
Once enrolled at QASMT Year 7, you cannot transfer to QACI or QAHS for Year 10. Queensland Academies does not permit mid-program campus transfers. If you start at QASMT Year 7, you complete Years 7-12 at QASMT only. Choose your campus carefully based on your long-term interests and career goals. QASMT is ideal for students passionate about STEM throughout their secondary education.
Yes, all three Queensland Academies (QASMT, QACI, QAHS) use the same Edutest format entrance exam for Year 10 entry: Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, and Mathematics. QASMT Year 7 entry uses the same format with an additional Written Expression section. Despite specialized focuses (STEM, Creative, Health), the core Edutest assesses general academic aptitude and reasoning abilities applicable to all programs.
If not accepted to Queensland Academies, excellent alternatives include: Brisbane State High School (Australia's top selective school), your local high school with extension programs, private schools with academic scholarships, and gifted/talented programs in regular schools. The skills developed during Edutest preparation (reasoning, comprehension, problem-solving) benefit any educational pathway. Students can reapply in subsequent years or focus on excelling in their current school.
All three Queensland Academies are equally competitive with 10-15% acceptance rates. QASMT Year 7 entry may appear most selective due to fewer spots (approximately 120) and high demand from families planning early. Year 10 entry competition is similar across all campuses. Difficulty depends more on fit between student interests and campus specialization. Choose based on your passion (STEM for QASMT, Creative for QACI, Health for QAHS) rather than perceived difficulty.
There are three Queensland Academies: (1) Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT) in Toowong Brisbane on UQ campus, (2) Queensland Academy for Creative Industries (QACI) in Kelvin Grove Brisbane on QUT campus, and (3) Queensland Academy for Health Sciences (QAHS) in Nathan Gold Coast on Griffith University campus. Each academy partners with its host university for enhanced learning opportunities.
Yes, you choose your preferred campus when applying. For Year 10 entry, you can apply to only ONE campus per year (QASMT, QACI, or QAHS). Choose based on your interests and career aspirations: QASMT for STEM fields (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), QACI for creative industries (arts, design, media), or QAHS for health sciences (medicine, nursing, allied health). Each campus has unique facilities and partnerships aligned with its specialization.
Queensland Academies does not publish cutoff scores or percentile requirements for any campus or entry point. Selection is holistic, considering Edutest performance, school reports showing consistent high achievement, excellent NAPLAN results (typically top bands), and interview performance demonstrating IB readiness. Competition is intense with approximately 8-12 applicants per Year 7 spot. Focus on comprehensive preparation rather than a specific score target.
Yes, all Queensland Academies students have access to their partner university facilities. QASMT students access University of Queensland (UQ) libraries, labs, and research facilities. QACI students utilize Queensland University of Technology (QUT) creative studios and equipment. QAHS students access Griffith University health simulation labs and medical resources. This university immersion provides advanced learning opportunities and smooth transition to tertiary studies.
Queensland Academies outcomes are typically released in late Term 4 (November-December). For 2027 Year 7 QASMT entry, results are expected in late Term 4 2025. Interview invitations are sent in October, followed by final offers in November-December. Outcomes are communicated via email to the address provided in your application. Merit pool candidates may receive offers later as vacancies arise throughout the year.
Queensland Academies offers are made via email based on holistic assessment of: (1) Edutest entrance exam performance (approximately 50-60% weight), (2) School reports showing consistent academic excellence, (3) NAPLAN results (top bands expected), and (4) Interview performance demonstrating IB readiness and campus fit. First-round offers go to highest-ranked candidates. Additional offers may be made from the merit pool if initial offers are declined.
The Queensland Academies merit pool is a waiting list of highly capable applicants who narrowly missed initial offers due to limited vacancies. Merit pool candidates demonstrated strong performance but campus capacity was reached. These students remain eligible for offers if spots become available throughout the year (due to declined offers or withdrawals). Being placed in the merit pool is positive recognition of your child's abilities and maintains possibility of late offers.
Queensland Academies selection decisions are final and cannot be appealed based on the outcome alone. However, you can request a review if you believe there was an administrative error or procedural irregularity in how your application was handled. Reviews do not reconsider selection decisions based on merit. If not successful, students can reapply in the following year's application cycle. The best approach is thorough preparation to maximize initial application success.
If you decline a Queensland Academies offer, the spot is offered to the next-ranked candidate from the merit pool. You cannot reverse your decision to decline. If circumstances change, you must reapply in a future application cycle. Consider your decision carefully and communicate with admissions promptly. Some families hold both Queensland Academies and Brisbane State High School offers, requiring careful consideration of which path best suits the student's interests and goals.
Yes, Access Arrangements and Reasonable Adjustments (AARA) are available for Queensland Academies applicants with verified disabilities, learning differences, or medical conditions. Provisions must be requested during application with supporting documentation from qualified professionals (medical reports, psychologist assessments). Adjustments may include extra time, rest breaks, alternative formats, assistive technology, or separate testing rooms. AARA ensures fair access while maintaining assessment integrity.
Yes, international students can apply to Queensland Academies for Years 10-12 only (not Years 7-9). International applicants must FIRST apply through Education Queensland International (EQI) and receive approval before submitting Queensland Academies application. Different timelines and earlier deadlines apply. International students pay Queensland state school international fees (approximately $15,000-16,000 per year). Contact EQI early in your planning process for specific requirements.
Queensland Academies are public state schools with no tuition fees for domestic students, so traditional tuition scholarships are not needed. However, some financial support may be available for: educational expenses (textbooks, laptops, IB exam fees), excursions and camps, and travel costs for remote students. Inquire with individual campus administration about financial support programs. Some external organizations offer general educational scholarships that can assist with associated costs.
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