Although increasing numbers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants are gaining entry to the University of Queensland through the standard QTAC procedures, Alternative Entry remains an option for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who wish to take up tertiary studies. The Alternative Entry Program is administered by the Unit and provides applicants with another process for entry to the University should they not achieve the appropriate OP or other entrance score. Students who are selected will be accepted into degree courses that are the same as those taken by all other students and having completed the requirements for that degree will graduate with the same qualifications as other students. The Alternative Entry scheme has assisted many applicants in the past to gain entry to University study. Students are eligible for Alternative Entry at both the beginning of the year and mid-year intake.

The Alternative Entry selection process asks applicants to demonstrate their capacity to pursue particular areas of study. Factors taken into account include consistency in employment and academic pursuits, employment experiences, academic abilities, personal interests, self-discipline, family support mechanisms and supporting documentation. To find out more about Alternative Entry please download the Alternative Entry Application Package.

Eligibility

1. Students identifying as Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander

2. Year 12 students (or equivalent)

3. Mature age applicants

Application Process

1. Apply to QTAC

(a) a University of Queensland course should be listed as a preference with QTAC

(b) make sure that you identify as Australian Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander on your QTAC form

2. QTAC will forward your application to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit at the University of Queensland

3. The Unit will send you an Alternative Entry Application Package (or you can download it here)

4. Foward your completed Alternative Entry Application Package to the Unit following the instructions in the Package. You need to complete a personal portfolio as part of the application. Your portfolio should include the following:

(a) a completed Alternative Entry application form

(b) a letter of Aboriginality (see below)

(c) a personal resume including documented evidence for achievements and experience

(d) a brief one page statement outlining reasons for wanting to study the course chosen

5. A Unit staff member will then contact you to discuss your application

6. Unit and Faculty staff will review your application taking into account the following factors: OP/TER score (if available), consistency, employment experience, academic ability, self-discipline and relevant documentation

7. If your application is successful you will receive an offer through QTAC

Further Information

For further information, please contact Student Support Services.

Alternative Entry Program
Student Support Services
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit
The University of Queensland
Telephone: (07) 3365 6794
Facsimile: (07) 3365 6855
Email: altentry@uq.edu.au

Letter of Aboriginality Information Sheet

Request for a Letter of Aboriginality

Alternative Entry applicants are advised that they are required to provide the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit at the University of Queensland with a 'Letter of Aboriginality' when making their application through the Alternative Entry Scheme.

We are aware and sensitive to the possibility that this request may cause problems for some applicants and therefore advise that we welcome the opportunity to discuss this matter personally with anyone and assist them as much as we can.

What is a 'Letter of Aboriginality'

The letter of Aboriginality should be obtained from an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander organisation in your area and should determine Aboriginality on the basis of:

1. descent
2. self-identifying as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person
3. acceptance by the community as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person

Reasons Why

This requirement has been brought about by several factors:

1. With the recent changes to ABSTUDY some applicants/students are choosing to access mainstream government benefits rather than choose ABSTUDY for their financial needs.

2. There have been occasions when a student who has been accepted as an Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander person has had their identity officially challenged during their period of study.

3. The other and further practical advantages of having a letter of Aboriginality secured at the point of applying and therefore available during the time of study is that such a confirmation of identity is sometimes needed when applying for scholarships and cadetships or other awards.