USC and Maryborough State High School have signed an agreement that will open new entry pathways into the University for Year 12 students.

In the first Fraser Coast partnership of its kind, Maryborough State High School students who successfully complete vocational programs at school may qualify for early acceptance into several USC degrees, without requiring an overall position (OP) score.

Maryborough State High School Principal Simon Done said the initiative was “a game changer” for the school’s senior students, including those completing Year 12 this semester.

Mr Done said the agreement would expand the career and educational opportunities available to students, by allowing them to choose vocational training in school, but still be eligible for entry into USC.

“This means students who previously would not have gone to university, will now do so. We will have even more students studying locally, staying locally and succeeding locally.

“Particularly with the introduction of a new tertiary entrance ranking system in 2019, this will provide certainty, and alleviate potential stress for our students.”

Year 12 student Ebony Hewitt, who is completing a Diploma of Business after deciding at the start of the year not to continue the OP path, said it was exciting to know she could still study at USC next year.

“It is a great opportunity for me as I had no idea of what I was going to do after leaving high school. But now I know that I can gain early acceptance into USC, I have so many options.”

Pro Vice-Chancellor Professor Karen Nelson said the partnership demonstrated USC’s commitment to partnering with Fraser Coast schools to ensure students had access to higher education pathways that met the community’s needs.

“We commend Maryborough State High’s initiative in working with us to offer highly relevant curriculum offerings that will help their students develop successful careers.”

Under the agreement, non-OP students who successfully complete a certificate III, certificate IV or diploma can apply for early acceptance into almost 60 undergraduate degrees at USC.

The usual process for Year 12 students to gain entry to university is based on their OP, which is their position in a state-wide rank order determined by their overall achievement in Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority subjects.

Early acceptance is not available for certain USC programs, and students must meet certain conditions, including completing Year 12, and satisfying any subject prerequisites and admission requirements for the program.

Professor Nelson said USC would advise students of their acceptance into USC’s programs as early as possible, ahead of receiving formal offers by QTAC in November.

— Clare McKay