The USQ Headstart program is an academic extension opportunity for high-achieving students in Years 10, 11, and 12. This program allows students to experience university while completing one university subject per semester.
Why Study Headstart?
Students choose Headstart because it offers:
✔ A taste of university life.
✔ Credit towards a related USQ degree.
✔ Guaranteed entry into a related USQ degree (if prerequisites are met).
✔ 2 Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE) points per unit.
✔ The first course is free (additional courses are discounted).
✔ A wide range of course options.
🔗 For more details, visit the USQ Headstart website.
Commitment & Expectations
Before enrolling in Headstart, students and families must understand the commitment required:
10-15 hours of study per week.
Completion of learning and assessment set by USQ.
Maintaining passing grades in all school subjects.
Staying on track to complete the QCE.
Springfield Central SHS supports students through the Senior Pathways Team.
Study Line & Independent Learning
Upon enrolment, students must drop one school subject to allow time for university coursework.
Students will receive an Independent Study Line (ISL) to manage their workload.
Students are expected to be self-motivated and manage their time efficiently.
Failure to meet expectations may result in being withdrawn from the course and returning to structured classes.
School Expectations
Students undertaking a Headstart course represent both themselves and Springfield Central SHS. All students must uphold the school’s core values:
Respect | Responsibility | Relationships | Resilience
✔ Submit coursework on time.
✔ Communicate with staff when support is needed.
✔ Attend classes on time.
✔ Wear correct school attire.
✔ Report absences to the Pathways Office.
Eligibility Requirements
To apply for Headstart, students must:
Submit their most recent graded report card.
Have at least three (3) senior school subjects.
Maintain a minimum B average (or 70% or higher).
Acceptance into the program is determined by USQ.
Ranking Pathway Option
Students in Years 11 and 12 can undertake Headstart as part of the Ranking Pathway.
Students in this pathway may choose up to three General subjects (including General English).
No ATAR is required for university entry through this pathway.
Entry is only guaranteed to USQ upon successful completion—not other universities.
Interested students should contact the Senior Pathways Office for further guidance and application support.