Experience Griffith University while finishing high school
Griffith University Head Start At-School is an excellent opportunity for motivated senior high school students to experience Griffith University by undertaking up to two courses (subjects) while completing Years 11 and 12. With study options in the sciences and academic writing, courses cover many of the topics taught in the senior school curriculum and can provide credit transfer toward related Griffith degrees.
Guaranteed Admission to Griffith University
Completion of a Griffith University Head Start course and Year 12 studies guarantees admission to one of more than 70 single and double degrees across a range of areas. To give you certainty about your future, completion of our Head Start program may also make you eligible for an offer to study at Griffith before you receive your ATAR or IB diploma results.
What you can study
Science courses
The course 1118ICT Introduction to Cyber Security and 1701ICT Creative Coding is available for Merrimac State High School students only.
Academic Writing course
High school students interested in other Griffith University courses should visit Griffith University Head Start On-campus or Online for details.
How you will learn
Students interested in Griff Chem and Griff Phys courses, will study the course content over two years in Years 11 and 12.
The majority of the coursework is taught at your high school or through online modules.
Griffith Eng students may be required to attend on-campus exams as part of your course.
Key application dates and course details
Griff Chem and Griff Phys courses begin in Term 1 of Year 11. However, some can begin in Term 2 or 3 of Year 11. You will study throughout your high school terms.
Be sure to familiarise yourself with requirements of the course you are applying for and when to apply.
| Enrolled in | Apply for this intake | When to apply | Course name | Select this course | Campus | Applications open | Applications close | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 11 | Commencing 2024 | Apply in Year 11 | Griffith Chem | Griffith Chem P1 for Year 11 (9000ENV_P1) | Online | 5 February 2024 | 21 June 2024 | Open |
| Year 11 | Commencing 2024 | Apply in Year 11 | Griffith Phys | Griffith Phys P1 for Year 11 (9306NSC_P1) | Online | 5 February 2024 | 21 June 2024 | Open |
| Year 12 | Continuing 2025 | Apply for Year 12 | Griffith Chem | Griffith Chem (1000ENV) | Online | Early July 2024 | End December 2024 | Closed |
| Year 12 | Continuing 2024 | Apply for Year 12 | Griffith Phys | Griffith Phys (1306NSC) | Online | Early July 2024 | End December 2024 | Closed |
| Year 12 | Commencing 2025 | Apply for Year 12 | Griffith Eng | Griffith Eng (1000ENG) | Online | July 2024 | End December 2024 | Closed |
Note: The Year 11 courses (Griffith Chem 9000ENV_P1, Griffith Phys 9306NSC_P1) are now being run through the school. To apply for these courses please complete the online application form; Griffith Chem & Griffith Phys - Application Form (for Year 11 students) (office.com).Year 11 Griffith Chem and Griffith Phys applicants will be given access to online content as soon as they have been approved.
If you successfully pass Stage 1 in Year 11, you will qualify for Stage 2 of the course, which you will complete in Year 12. For Stage 2 of the course, you will be required to submit a full application and complete the Griffith University enrolment process. Information on how to do this will be provided to students who successfully pass Stage 1 in Year 11.
Year 12 Merrimac State High School students please note that application for 1118ICT Introduction to Cyber Security for Trimester 1, 2024 have now closed. Trimester 1, 2025 applications are to be received by Thursday 6th February 2025.
Eligibility
Year 11 and 12 students applying for 2024
You are eligible to apply for a Griffith University Head Start course if you are:
- an ATAR or International Baccalaureate Diploma-eligible student
- achieving a minimum grade of C across all subjects, including a General or Applied English*, or equivalent grades in interstate ATAR or IB Diploma subjects
- a non-ATAR VET pathway student completing an AQF Certificate III or above
- and undertaking VET study in combination with 4 QCAA General and/or Applied subjects or equivalent acceptable non-standard curriculum such as Steiner or Toowoomba Christian College
- and achieving a minimum grade of C (or equivalent passing grade) across all subjects including a General or Applied English* (or equivalent)#, and passing VET study
- a non-standard curriculum student completing the New Zealand Certificate of Steiner Education NZCSE or senior studies at Toowoomba Christian College
- and undertaking a minimum of five subjects which contribute to the completion of your senior qualification or certificate
- and achieving a passing grade across all subjects including the subject that meets the English Subject Prerequisite#.
- and meet any other subject prerequisites.
| Head Start At-School course | Additional subject prerequisites |
|---|---|
| Griffith Chem | Achieve a minimum grade of C (or equivalent passing grade) in Chemistry (or equivalent subject) |
| Griffith Phys | Achieve a minimum grade of C (or equivalent passing grade) in Physics (or equivalent subject) |
| Griffith Eng | Achieve a minimum grade of C (or equivalent passing grade) in Mathematical Methods (or equivalent subject) plus one of Chemistry, Engineering, Specialist Mathematics or Physics (or equivalent subject) |
[*] QCAA General subjects that meet the English prerequisite include English, Literature, English as an Additional Language, English and Literature Extension. The QCAA Applied subject that meets the English prerequisite is Essential English.
[#] For subject prerequisite equivalents visit the prerequisites and assumed knowledge website.
The support of your parents or guardian and the school will also be required to ensure you have the resources to be successful at tertiary study while completing your secondary studies.
Key application dates
Most courses begin in Term 1 of Year 11. However, some can begin in Term 2 or 3 of Year 11. You will study throughout your high school terms.
Be sure to familiarise yourself with when you can study and the application closing dates for Head Start At School programs. There are set times when you can submit your application each trimester.
| Apply for this intake | When to apply | Course name | Select this course | Applications open | Applications close | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Trimester 1 2021 | Apply in Year 11 | Griffith Chem | Griffith Chem P1 for Year 11 (9000ENV_P1) | 1 February | 30 June | Open |
| Griffith Phys | Griffith Phys P1 for Year 11 (9306NSC_P1) | 1 February | 30 June | Open | ||
| Trimester 2 2021 | Apply in Year 11 | Griffith Eng | Griffith Eng for Year 11 (9000ENG) | 1 July | 30 September | Open |
Note: Year 11 Griffith Chem and Griffith Phys students applying will be given access to online content as soon as they have been approved and enrolled. Griffith Eng students complete two intensive experience days and do not have access to online content.
Students do not need to submit another application for Year 12. If you successfully complete and pass Stage 1 in Year 11, you will automatically be enrolled in Stage 2 in Year 12.
Eligibility
You are eligible for a GUESTS At-School course if you are:
- an ATAR or International Baccalaureate Diploma student
- studying subject prerequisites for the course
- a motivated student.
You will also need approval from your school and the support of your parents or guardian.
How to apply
Step 1. Select a course
The Griffith University Head Start At-School program offers courses to align with your senior school curriculum.
The Science courses on offer are Griffith Chem, Griffith Phys or Griffith Eng.
1118ICT Introduction to Cyber Security is available for Merrimac State High School students only.
1029LHS Foundation of Academic Writing can be undertaken online or on campus at Gold Goast, Brisbane South (Nathan) or Logan campuses.
See Key application dates and course details’ section to find the course code and details you need to include in your application.
Step 2. Gain approval and submit
If applying for the Griffith University Head Start At-School program, you need to check with your Guidance Officer and parents/guardian to ensure you will have support and approval to participate in these courses. Make sure you have your Learner Unique Identifier (LUI)* number handy (QLD students only).
*Ask your school for your LUI if you do not know it.
Ready to apply?
1. Commence your online application and download the school approval form
2. Upload your signed school approval form and your most recent official school report
3. Once completed, submit your application online.
NOTE: The process for Year 11 students to apply for Griffith Chem and Griff Phys has changed, if you are interested in commencing studies into either of these courses please use the following link to be directed to the online application form: Griffith Chem & Griffith Phys - Application Form (for Year 11 students).
Step 3. Access and enrolment
Once you have been approved to participate in the program, you will receive a Starting@Griffith email that includes your personalised link to set up your email and access for myGriffith. You will be required to enrol into the first class for your course. For subsequent trimesters, staff will enrol you based on your achievement each trimester of the program. Ensure that you maintain your Griffith email – this is the university’s preferred method of communication.
Note: If you are a Year 11 applicants applying for Griff Chem and Griff Phys - once your application has been processed and approved, you will receive an email that includes instructions on how to access the online course site, and complete Stage 1 (Year 11) of the course.
Choose a course to suit you
Course benefits
No course fee*
Build skills and confidence
Receive recognition on your QCE
Eligible for guaranteed admission^
Receive two adjustments**
Gain credit transfer
Earn Griffith Credentials
Griffith Credentials are a suite of digital badges that visually represent your achievements at Griffith University. As part of the Griffith University Head Start program you will:
- earn a Griffith University Head Start Member digital badge upon enrolment
- earn a Griffith University Head Start Achiever digital badge following successful completion of the course
- be able to share your digital badge on LinkedIn, Twitter and other social media as well as share it over email or embedded in your digital resume, personal website and email signature
- be able to access Labour Market Insights to view job listings based on the skills you have gained through your Griffith University Head Start Achiever badge as well as which employers are hiring, salary ranges and more
Griffith University Head Start Member
Griffith University Head Start Achiever
To find out more visit Griffith Credentials.
After successful completion of your course, you will be:
- awarded a Griffith Credentials Griffith University Head Start Achiever badge
- eligible for Guaranteed Admission to one of more than 70 single and double degrees and may be eligible for an offer to study at Griffith before you receive your ATAR or IB diploma results
- eligible for two (2.00) adjustments when applying for admission into eligible Griffith undergraduate degrees**
- eligible for credit transfer for a Level 1 course (subject) at Griffith University (up to 20 credit points).
[*] You will need to meet your personal study costs for items such as textbooks, stationery and photocopying.
^ Refer to Guaranteed admission scheme for list of participating programs.
[**] Subject adjustments do not apply to the Bachelor of Medical Science and the Bachelor of Dental Health Science. The maximum adjustment that you can receive under all pathways is capped at eight (8.00).
For further information refer to the Adjustment factors.
Students completing the Queensland Certificate of Education
If you successfully complete your Griffith University Head Start course, Griffith University will provide your grades to the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) for recording on your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). Your Griffith University Head Start course will be recorded as two credits of advanced courses of study; it does not count towards the calculation of your ATAR.
Contact us
Griffith Chem and Griffith Phys Convenor
Science on the GO!