UQ cut-offs higher as a result of demand

UQ cut-offs higher as a result of demand

Increased demand for courses at Australia's 1998-99 University of the Year, the University of Queensland, has resulted in higher cut-off scores for many courses, according to Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay.

"The University of Queensland has remained the most popular destination for applicants," he said.

"This year the University increased its State lead in the highest number of Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) first preference applications for places at tertiary institutions."

The University increased its share of first preferences by more than 500 at the January 3, 1999 QTAC deadline, to 13,132, almost 2000 more than its nearest Queensland competitor. The University made 8500 offers in the January 15 major round and a further limited number of 500 offers at the final QTAC offer round on February 3 before posting a "full house" sign in all but a limited number of courses.

This year the University expects to enrol 6900 first year students and have a total student enrolment approaching 29,000.

The number of places available at the University of Queensland was no higher than in 1998, so the increase in demand was reflected in higher cut-off scores in some courses. The cut-offs represent Overall Position (OP) scores, the system used for Queensland school leavers.

The largest increase in demand for University of Queensland courses was in the broad field of study covered by business management, commerce and economics. The minimum OP score required for entry to business management increased from 8 to 6; for commerce from 10 to 7; and for economics from 11 to 8.

Minimum scores required for entry to the most highly sought after professional courses remained at the very high levels of previous years. An OP 1 was required for entry to physiotherapy; OP 2 for pharmacy and veterinary science; OP 3 for law, occupational therapy and speech pathology, although there were insufficient places for many with OP 3 scores to gain entry to these courses.

Professor Hay said the University of Queensland offered places for the first time this year at the new Ipswich campus, with offsetting reductions in intakes to other courses. These had been increased temporarily pending completion of the facilities at the new campus.

"Demand for entry to the courses offered at Ipswich is expected to build steadily over the next two years as students become familiar with the excellent facilities available there and the high quality and innovative nature of the newly developed courses on offer," he said. "Further opportunities for entry to Ipswich will be available mid-year."

For further information, contact University Planning officer Lindsay Parker, telephone 07 3365 1315.