Skip to menu Skip to content Skip to footer
News

UQ is the first preference for Queensland's future leaders

15 January 2026
Students walk in the great court at St lucia

The Great Court at St Lucia campus

(Photo credit: The University of Queensland )

The University of Queensland is set to welcome a new cohort in 2026, with 4,311 Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) offers being made to prospective students today, bringing total offers to 11,134 - up 3.8 per cent on last year.

UQ received the most first preference applications of any university in Queensland with more than 14,000 students seeking a place to study in 2026.

  • ​​​Mathematics offers are up 14 per cent
  • Engineering offers are up 10 per cent
  • Bachelor of Arts offers are up 12 per cent
  • Science courses grew by 7 per cent
  • More than 2,361 prospective students who received 2026 offers were from under-represented groups in Queensland

Courses in demand for students include Engineering, Mathematics and Arts courses with double digit growth year-on-year.  High demand continues across Health, Medicine and Behavioural Science degrees with more than 3,250 offers in health-related degrees.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Deborah Terry AC said strong growth in these fields reflect what Queensland needs most - skilled people who can help to build a productive, fair and resilient society as our population expands, and we prepare for Brisbane 2032.

“A strong pipeline of skilled graduates is essential to Queensland’s ability to care for its growing population, deliver critical infrastructure, and ensure communities continue to thrive,” Professor Terry said.

“The increased demand for engineering and mathematics reflects the skills Queensland needs to plan, deliver and build critical infrastructure over the next decade.”

Professor Terry also reaffirmed the University’s commitment to accessible education.

“Through our Queensland Commitment, we are supporting students from diverse backgrounds to access higher education through a range of initiatives including mentoring programs, regional training opportunities and scholarships,” she said.

“More than 2,361 prospective students who received offers to study in 2026 are from under-represented groups in Queensland, and we look forward to welcoming them in February.”

For prospective students still considering study in 2026, offers will continue to be made until Semester 1 begins. UQ’s Future Students team is ready to assist with advice and options to help take the next step.

Students have until Monday 19 January to respond to today’s offers. 

Related articles

A sculpture depicting the letters UQ stacked on top of each other

UQ researchers win national awards for improving health systems, outcomes

Three University of Queensland researchers have been recognised for delivering meaningful improvements in healthcare and the lives of Australians in the Research Australia Awards.
27 August 2026
Students walk in the sunshine outside the Forgan Smith Building

UQ-Thermo Fisher Scientific partnership to advance minerals, biomedical research

The University of Queensland and Thermo Fisher Scientific have committed to accelerating clean energy, advanced manufacturing and biomedical science as part of a new Framework Agreement.
26 August 2026

Media contact

Subscribe to UQ News

Get the latest from our newsroom.