Study at Griffith while you finish high school and gain credit transfer towards a degree
Our Griffith University Head Start program is designed to give you the opportunity to study a course (subject) at Griffith while completing your high school studies. With the tuition fee covered by the University, the program lets you sample university life at Griffith, learn from industry leaders and stretch your academic boundaries. If you are a motivated student who is looking to challenge yourself, consider applying for a Griffith University Head Start program On-Campus or Online.
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.
Eligibility and entry requirements
You are eligible to apply for the Griffith University Head Start program if you are in Year 11 or 12 and are one of the following types of students who meets the related entry requirements:
The support of your parents or guardian and the school approval is required to ensure that you have the resources available to be successful at tertiary study while completing your secondary studies.
Choose a course to suit you
As a Griffith University Head Start student, you can choose from a variety of courses either on-campus or online.
You can study one course per trimester (maximum of two courses or 20 credit points in total). There are four available intakes and students can apply to undertake the Griffith University Head Start program from Semester 2 of year 11.
Selecting a course that is related to your future career goals puts you in a unique position to experience the study area early and complement your senior subjects. If you're interested in studying Education, you may also complete a course that meets the Science prerequisite for Primary Education.
Selecting a course
You can preference up to three courses on your application from the available selection below. You can complete up to two courses, but no more than one 10 credit point (10CP) course per trimester. On your application, you may select courses for two intakes at a time. To confirm that the course falls under the degree you are interested in, refer to the program on the Degree Finder and view the Degree Structure under the Degree Requirements.
If the timetable for your intake is not yet available, refer to the previous year’s timetable. The days or hours of delivery may vary, however it will provide you with an idea of the on-campus commitment or the contact hours required during the week if online. Note that some online courses still require you to attend at specific times in order to actively participate in classes.
Some courses have a strict quota as indicated below. Late applications for courses with quotas may not be accepted. Contact Admissions prior to submission.
Please note that some study areas do not offer courses to Griffith University Head Start program, such as Nursing and specific courses from competitive programs.
When to apply?
| Trimester 1 2024 | Year 12 students only | Applications are now closed |
| Trimester 2 2024 | Year 11 and 12 students | Applications are open now |
| Trimester 3 2024 | Year 11 students only | TBC |
Applications may still be considered after the closing date if places are still available in the study area of your choice. Please contact Admissions to discuss course availability prior to submitting your application. However, no applications will be considered once the trimester has commenced.
For information on trimester start and finish dates, refer to the Academic Calendar. Some Trimester 3 courses are taught in intensive mode, and these may not be suitable if they commence before completing Year 11. Check the course description for specific dates.
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.
If you have any questions when selecting a course, please call 1800 677 728.
How you'll learn
You will learn through on-campus tutorials, workshops, lectures and group assignments. Your projects and classes will have you researching, investigating, critically analysing and writing effectively. To successfully complete a 10 credit point course, you will need to attend approximately two to four hours of lectures and tutorials each week. This commitment is required in addition to your school study load.
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.