A guide for high school parents

2017 Outstanding graduates Why choose We’ve received five stars in the prestigious QS Stars ratings for graduate employability. At Griffith, students gain the academic Griffith? knowledge you’d expect from a world- class university, as well as the skills and confidence that employers want, giving them an edge in the job market. Our graduates can be found in every field of endeavour, from leading politicians to Since its beginning, Griffith has been gold-medal winning athletes, and gifted deeply connected to the Asian region, musicians to groundbreaking medical environmentally aware, open to the researchers. Across the globe, Griffith community and industry focused. graduates are using their skills, knowledge Ranking in the top three per cent of and passion to make a positive contribution universities worldwide, Griffith hosts to the world around them. 50,000 students across five campuses in South East Queensland. Australia’s top teachers In recognition of their commitment to their Ranked in the top students and their expert knowledge, our 3% worldwide teachers feature prominently in Australia’s Created to be different Griffith ranks among the world’s best national teaching awards and citations. Griffith was created to be a different kind universities. We continue to improve Griffith is the leading university in Australia of university—challenging conventions, our international standing, and in five of for citations and fellowships from the responding to trends and pioneering the largest and most credible world Australian Government’s Office of Learning solutions through innovative teaching university rankings, we’re ranked in the and Teaching. Since 2007, we have won: and research. Its high quality degrees are top 400—placing us in the top three specifically designed to prepare students per cent worldwide. • t h r e e Australian University Teacher of for the future, and are developed in the Year awards consultation with industry, based on • Times HE World University Rankings: • nine awards for Teaching Excellence cutting-edge research, and taught by 251–300 • four awards for Programs that Australia’s most awarded teachers. • CWTS Leiden Ranking: 302 Enhance Learning • QS World University Rankings: 325 • 42 Citations for Outstanding • Academic Ranking of World Universities Contributions to Student Learning (ARWU): 317 • seven National Teaching Fellowships • University Ranking by Academic Performance (URAP): 317 Relevant degrees and hands-on learning Support for students Griffith maintains strong links with industry Parents, guardians and friends provide to ensure we develop and deliver relevant essential support to students. You can help degrees based on the latest market trends your son or daughter make a decision about and employer demand. Our students university by investigating their options learn the latest trends from industry with them, encouraging them to attend professionals, and meet the requirements key events such as Open Day, and getting for professional registration in Australia informed about Griffith yourself. and overseas.

Students put what they learn in the classroom into practice, through internships, industry projects and fieldwork, and graduate with valuable contacts and the skills, knowledge and experience employers want.

1 | Griffith University Flexibility and control • We award bonus ranks for subjects and Generous scholarship studies completed in high school that Griffith teaches across three trimesters, require a high level of skill and knowledge. program rather than two semesters. This model Current year 12 students can receive Our scholarships, which are some of offers students increased flexibility and two bonus ranks (up to a maximum of six the most rewarding and supportive in control over their study. Students will have under this scheme) for passing a range Australia, make studying at university access to additional industry engagement of subjects, including Biology, Chemistry, easier. Each year, Griffith University and opportunities and, for some degrees, the Physics, Maths C, LOTE and Information its partners provide more than $40 million opportunity to accelerate their study and Technology Systems. Current Year 12 in direct financial support to help new and graduate sooner. Alternatively, students students includes equivalent Interstate continuing students successfully complete may be able to spread their study load Year 12 and applicants currently their degrees. Almost 700 scholarships across three trimesters in order to maintain undertaking their External Senior studies. are available, and they can cover tuition a balance between their studies and work fees, education and related travel costs, commitments. With this new model, • The Griffith OP 1–6 (or equivalent) and living expenses. We offer academic students will have more opportunities Guarantee rewards applicants with scholarships (based largely on grades), throughout the year to start study—for a guaranteed place in most Griffith equity scholarships (that consider your example, our business, commerce, science, degrees, whatever the published background and financial position) and information technology, engineering, cut-off. Prerequisites and additional sport (for high-level athletes). We also psychological science and counselling entry requirements still apply. offer some scholarships specifically to degrees can be started in February, July, support Aboriginal and Torres Strait or October. This means that if students • Students living in Gold Coast City; Logan Islander students. Students can submit want to take a break from study after City; Redland City; Ipswich City; Scenic one application and be considered for school, they can still start university in Rim; ; ; Ballina multiple scholarships. Find out more at 2018. Students will not be required to Shire; ; ; Richmond griffith.edu.au/scholarships study in all three trimesters and not all Valley; ; Glenn Innes degrees will be available in Trimester 3. Severn and Clarence Valley (defined by postcode) who have not studied at Bonus entry options university before will be given a bonus We offer a range of schemes that give of one OP band or two Ranks when they students the opportunity to boost their apply for degrees at the Gold Coast and entry score and improve their chances of Logan campuses. Students don’t need getting in to their chosen degree. to apply for bonuses—they just need to complete their QTAC or UAC application and bonuses will be applied automatically.

In 2016, the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University teamed up with Queensland Ballet for a sell-out song and dance spectacular.

The performance, ‘Music and Dance’, which gave the students in the Queensland Conservatorium Symphony the incredible opportunity to collaborate with a professional arts company, is just one example of the unique learning experiences available through Griffith’s industry connections. Conservatorium Symphony concert master, violinist Eliza Scott, said it was a fantastic opportunity for all the musicians. ‘It is pretty rare to get the chance to perform with dancers while you are still studying,’ she said.

A guide for high school parents | 2 Overseas study Unique student Griffith offers a wide range of opportunities for students to absorb and encounter a different life and culture in a new opportunities learning environment while gaining credit towards their degree. Students can spend from one week to one year overseas with opportunities such as student exchanges, global internships, short courses, placements, research practicums, Mentoring and volunteering, international conferences leadership programs and workshops. Scholarships, government grants and loans are also available to help Mentoring is an important part of learning students finance their travel. Find out more at Griffith. Depending on their study at griffith.edu.au/go-global area, students may be able to find a mentor to support and guide their career development. Griffith Honours College Griffith is the first Australian university to Motivated students may be able to join one establish an honours college for outstanding of our leadership programs. For example, undergraduate student leaders. Applicants the Griffith Business School Student should have a minimum OP result of 1–3 (or Leadership Program offers students the equivalent ATAR or IB result). Members take opportunity to participate in a range of part in specially designed and sponsored leadership development and mentoring leadership and community activities in activities and contribute to University Australia and overseas. As graduates, they events. Students have the chance to help become leaders in their fields. Find out communities through volunteering and more at griffith.edu.au/honourscollege receive formal recognition for participating in the program. Griffith Sports College Griffith understands the demands of elite Student accommodation sport. The Griffith Sports College enables On-campus student accommodation is student athletes to perform at optimum available at the Gold Coast, Nathan, Mt levels in both their chosen sport and their Gravatt and Logan campuses. Griffith studies. They are also eligible for a suite of can also provide information on how to unique awards, benefits and flexible study find off-campus accommodation. For arrangements and receive personalised more information visit griffith.edu.au/ expert support and advice from highly accommodation experienced staff to ensure their success. For more information, visit griffith.edu.au/ griffith-sports-college

Griffith is proud to be an Official Partner of the Gold Coast 2018 Commonwealth Games. Through this partnership, hundreds of Griffith students, like Bachelor of Business student Tan Nguyen, have had access to exclusive internships and the opportunity to be involved in the biggest event in Australia this decade.

3 | Griffith University Campuses

Our five thriving campuses in South East Queensland each have distinct areas of expertise, and are deeply engaged with their local communities. Students have access to diverse study options and unique learning opportunities, leading to exceptional outcomes upon graduation.

Gold Coast Nathan Our most comprehensive campus, the Gold Coast offers teaching Nathan, our foundation campus, is situated in tranquil, native bushland and research across nearly all disciplines, supported by a range on the edge of Toohey Forest. It offers degrees across a range of of state-of-the art facilities. Co-located with the Gold Coast disciplines and is home to world-class expertise in the environment, University Hospital and the 2018 Commonwealth Games Village, corporate sustainability, Asian studies, the emerging biosciences, it is the most exciting education precinct in Australia. and nursing and midwifery.

Logan South Bank Mt Gravatt Logan, our community-focused campus, Located in Brisbane’s cultural heart, Adjacent to Nathan campus with panoramic is recognised as a national showcase of the South Bank campus is renowned for views to Brisbane, our Mt Gravatt campus social inclusion in higher education through excellence in the creative and performing is also situated on the edge of the Toohey innovative partnerships, industry arts. The campus encompasses the Forest. This campus is a leader in its focus engagement and degree pathways. Queensland College of Art, Queensland on crime prevention and intervention and It is a leader in flexible learning options Conservatorium, Griffith Film School is the base for our social sciences and and has strong connections with the local and Griffith Graduate Centre. humanities teaching and research. community, hosting numerous sporting and cultural events.

A guide for high school parents | 4 Choosing a degree Study at Explore our website You can help your son or daughter find a degree by encouraging them to search Griffith our degree finder to see what’s on offer at Griffith. Search by degree, career or course and find out everything you need to know, from prerequisites and course options to fees and how to apply. Visit degrees.griffith.edu.au Study options Double degrees Talk to us A double degree offers the opportunity for Find out more about our degrees and meet students to multiply their career options the people who teach them at events such as without doubling their study time. Students Open Day and TSXPO (Tertiary Studies Expo). complete two degrees simultaneously, usually over four or five years, which is Students can also talk to us at any time of the less time than it would take to complete year to find out more about their options. one after the other. With a double degree, students can combine two different areas Open Day of interest and graduate with a unique Open Day offers the chance for students Degree structure skill set. to explore our campuses and find out more At Griffith, students learn in and out of the about opportunities at Griffith. classroom, with teaching methods tailored In 2018, we’re introducing a range of new to suit the needs of each degree. Here’s a double degrees that are specially designed Visit us at Open Day on Sunday 23 July  general overview of how a typical Griffith industry-related combinations of study at our Gold Coast, Nathan and  degree might be structured. areas that will help graduates stand out South Bank campuses. in the job market. Foundation: 1st year Find out more at griffith.edu.au/openday The first year of study is a foundation Double majors year. Students explore the core skills and Some degrees offer the option of choosing Student recruitment team concepts relating to their chosen study two areas of specialisation, known as Contact us for advice about study options area. This gives them a chance to try majors. This is called a double major. and to find out more about studying at different courses before they choose an Students still graduate with one degree, for Griffith, including student support and area of specialisation that suits them. example, a Bachelor of Business, but they scholarships. It’s also a great time for students to get have the knowledge and expertise from • Phone: 1800 677 728 (toll free) to know their peers—the students they’ll two majors, for example, Marketing and • Search frequently asked questions: study alongside for most of their degree. Management. Students can use a double griffith.edu.au/ask-us major to become a specialist by combining Specialisation: 2nd year onwards two similar areas, or choose two different Resources From second year onwards, students focus areas and broaden their options. A range of other resources can help on their chosen specialisation or major. They students choose the right degree and right also have the chance to put what they learn Online study university for them. in the classroom into practice. This could be For almost two decades, Griffith has • Explore career opportunities for through work placements, overseas field trips, been offering online study. We are one different industries at myfuture.edu.au industry projects for real clients, or laboratory of Australia’s leading providers of online • Learn more about student fees and studies in our state-of-the-art facilities. education and a founding member of tertiary options at studyassist.gov.au Open Universities Australia. Almost all our Capstone: Final year degrees have some online components, Find out more the application process and (3rd or 4th year) offering students flexibility in their learning. key dates at: • Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre In their final year, students continue to Depending on their degree, students may (QTAC): advance their knowledge and skills in their be able to study online, on-campus, or a qtac.edu.au • University Admissions Centre area of specialisation. Some degrees include combination that suits their needs. (UAC, for NSW students): a fourth year of study, which is often an uac.edu.au honours or research year. Students work closely with a supervisor on a research project relating to their specialisation.

5 | Griffith University Do you have an ideal job in Tips on deciding mind, or are you thinking more of a general area you’d like to work in? what to study Some degrees can lead to a specific job title—for example, teacher, doctor, architect (this sometimes involves further It’s common for high school students to be unsure training in order to meet accreditation of what they want to study at university. Here are requirements). Students who don’t have a specific job for their future career in some questions that might help your son or daughter mind might find studying a more general start thinking about what degree might suit them. degree, like arts, business or science, can be helpful, as they’ll get to learn about different areas before choosing What subjects do you like Do you like thinking about a specialisation and be prepared for work at school? things, planning things, doing in a wide range of industries. University study offers the opportunity to things, or making things? focus on an area of interest in more depth Everyone is different. Students who like than high school allows. thinking about things, such as art theory or history, might be interested in studying What interests do you have humanities, languages and linguistics or outside of school? international relations. Those who are more There are more options at university than into planning and managing things might like at school, giving students the chance to studying business, law or IT. Students who pursue other interests they may have are hands-on learners might prefer studying picked up through sport, casual work, something like engineering or nursing, while volunteering, art, music—or other those who like making things might enjoy extracurricular activities. visual arts or design where they can unleash their creativity. How do you like to work? Students who enjoy working in a group might want to consider a career where they can work with people, such as teaching or healthcare. Independent workers might find that working in areas such as business or law will suit them. Lots of jobs involve a bit of both.

Don’t panic!

It can be helpful to remind your son or daughter that if they change their mind, or if they don’t get into their first choice, there are usually options to change their degree after they’ve started at university.

A guide for high school parents | 6 Getting into Griffith

Ordering preferences Students can list up to six preferences on their QTAC or five preferences on their UAC application. They’ll receive an offer for the highest preference they’re eligible for. Here’s a guide on how to order preferences:

1st and 2nd Desired degrees—These are the degrees that students really want to study, even if they’re not sure they’ll meet the entry requirements.

3rd and 4th Preferred degrees—These are degrees that students have a good chance of gaining entry to. These degrees could also provide another The information in this guide relates to pathway into the career students want. These degrees might also applying for university as a domestic offer the opportunity to upgrade their entry score so students can student. This includes: change degrees after a year of study. • Australian citizens • Australian Permanent Residents 5th and 6th Pathways—These are the degrees that students are prepared to (holders of all categories of study if they miss out on their other preferences. These should permanent resident visas, be degrees that are easier to gain entry to and offer a chance to including Humanitarian Visas) upgrade, or offer a pathway to another degree. • New Zealand citizens • Overseas students completing Year Useful tips 12 in Australia can apply, on a full-fee • Nominating a degree for all six preferences using the guide above gives students the basis, through QTAC/UAC, a registered best chance of being offered a place at university. representative or directly to Griffith • Students still have the opportunity to change their preferences for the main offer University. International students round after results are released in December. applying from outside Australia with • Students applying for a double degree should also list the two component non-Australian qualifications should single degrees as preferences because these are usually easier to gain visit griffith.edu.au/international entry to. Students may have the chance to upgrade to the double for information on how to apply. degree after a year of study.

How to apply Changing preferences Students can apply for most Griffith After they have submitted their QTAC or UAC application, degrees through the Queensland Tertiary students can change their preferences. This can help if Admissions Centre (QTAC). Applicants for they change their mind, or if they don’t get the OP, Gold Coast degrees can apply through ATAR or Rank they were hoping for. Visit the QTAC QTAC or the University Admissions Centre or UAC websites for more information. (UAC, for applicants). Applications need to be submitted by Friday 29 September to make the on-time deadline. Applications can be submitted after this date, but a late fee will apply. • QTAC: qtac.edu.au • UAC: uac.edu.au

7 | Griffith University Submitting other Deferring—taking a gap year Alternative entry via applications We offer deferment for most of our degrees. Griffith College This allows students to delay the start of As well as their QTAC or UAC application, their studies, while still securing their offer. Griffith College offers one-year diplomas students may have other applications Students can defer their study for the next that provide alternative pathways to to submit, such as for scholarships, Trimester intake, the period of deferment Griffith University if students don’t get accommodation or music auditions. Online cannot exceed 12 months. Deferment is not into their chosen degree. After completing application forms and due dates can be available for degrees that involve specific their diploma, they’ll be eligible for entry found at: selection criteria—such as Music, Acting, to second year of a Griffith bachelor • accommodation: Midwifery, Physiotherapy and Dental Health degree, so they’ll lose no time in graduating. griffith.edu.au/accommodation Science. If students are unable to take up Griffith College courses are equivalent to • scholarships: their place in one of these degrees, they university-level study, and are delivered griffith.edu.au/scholarships must reapply in the following year. in a supportive and specialised learning • music auditions: environment to better prepare students griffith.edu.au/music-audition Taking a gap year gives students a chance to for success in their bachelor degree. have a break between school and university. Griffith College is situated on-campus Accepting an offer They might use it to travel, gain work at the Gold Coast and Mt Gravatt, which means students have full access and enrolling experience, or save money. Even if your son or daughter is thinking they’d like to to university facilities and are part of QTAC and UAC offers for study in Trimester 1 take a gap year, it’s still a good idea to put the Griffith community from day one. 2018 will be released progressively from in a QTAC or UAC application for university Find out more at griffithcollege.edu.au mid-November 2017. We recommend while they’re in Year 12. students accept their offer and enrol as soon as possible to secure their place. They can then select classes and create a timetable. Details on how to accept an offer and enrol will be included with a student’s letter of offer.

‘I chose Griffith College because it fitted perfectly with my lifestyle. Professors were very creative in explaining the subject. They really got students interested in studying. The course structure is created in close connection with industry requirements and gave a sample of learning from many kinds of engineering, making it clearer for me which path I wanted to take. I still use the information I learned at Griffith College in the fourth year of my degree.’

Elena Fomenko – Diploma of Engineering

A guide for high school parents | 8 Frequently asked questions How much does university cost? Most domestic students who are studying undergraduate degrees are recognised as Commonwealth supported students. This Merit means they pay a student contribution OP, ATAR or Rank cut-offs each trimester and the majority of the cost QTAC and UAC make offers to eligible of their education is met by the Australian applicants in order of OP, ATAR (other Government. The amount students Australian state and territory students) are required to pay for their student or Rank. Offers are made to students with contribution depends largely on their field the highest results first and the place where of study. The Australian Government groups they stop is called the ‘cut-off’. Cut-offs are different areas of study into ‘Bands’, and an indication of the demand for a degree, sets a maximum amount higher education and don’t necessarily reflect its quality or providers (such as Griffith University) level of difficulty. They’re set each year, and can charge for a full-time study load. can change from year to year. The previous Student contributions cannot exceed the year’s cut-offs can be used as a guide only. maximum rate set by the Government, Indicative cutoffs aren’t available for and most universities and other providers new degrees. Visit griffith.edu.au/ask-us charge the maximum rate. In 2017, student contribution bands range from $6,349 to for more frequently asked What if a student doesn’t $10,596 for a standard full-time year of questions, or phone get the score they need for study. Visit studyassist.gov.au for more 1800 677 728 to talk their preferred degree? information on student contribution bands. to our expert staff. If a student doesn’t achieve the OP, ATAR or Rank needed for their preferred degree, What financial help How are applications they may choose to study a different is available? degree that they do meet the entry Deferring study costs with assessed? requirements for and then upgrade to HECS-HELP University applications made through QTAC a different degree after a year of study Students can defer their study costs or UAC are assessed on eligibility and merit. at university. They could also choose to with HECS-HELP (the Higher Education complete a program through Griffith Contribution Scheme-Higher Education Eligibility College to upgrade their entry score. Loan Program). HECS-HELP is a government Subject prerequisites loan that, depending on a student’s Prerequisites refer to achievements in What if a student doesn’t citizenship or residency status, allows them particular Year 11 and Year 12 subjects. to defer the costs of their study and pay For many of our degrees, the only meet the prerequisites for their student contribution through the tax prerequisite is English. As well as their preferred degree? system when they are earning more money. prerequisites, some degrees have assumed If a student hasn’t studied the prerequisite Deferring costs with HECS-HELP debts knowledge or recommended study. If subjects for a degree, or studied them means that other than study materials such students haven’t studied these subjects, but didn’t pass, they may be able to as textbooks, students have no up-front they may still get in to the degree, but will complete a bridging or preparatory costs for their degree. find their study easier if they have some course at Griffith University, Griffith understanding of these subjects. College or a private provider. Scholarships We offer scholarships for students from Additional criteria different backgrounds at different stages of Some degrees, in particular ones offered What if a student changes their university career. Visit griffith.edu.au/ at the Queensland Conservatorium, require their mind about what they scholarships to find out what your son or applicants to attend an audition and/or want to study after they’ve daughter might be eligible for. submit a folio of work. Specific information started their degree? about these requirements is available at Financial assistance degrees.griffith.edu.au If a student changes their mind about what they want to study, or decides they don’t Our welfare and student liaison officers can like their degree, they may be able to apply help students plan budgets, apply for loans for an internal transfer to change to a and equity schemes (if eligible), and explore different Griffith degree. other financial options, such as Centrelink payments. Visit griffith.edu.au/welfare for more information.

9 | Griffith University Participants at Griffith’s Future Leaders Retreat, a three-day program designed to help outstanding students entering Year 12 develop leadership skills.

How many hours do students need to dedicate to university study? A standard full-time study load is four courses (subjects) for Trimesters 1 and 2, with study in Trimester 3 optional and not available for all degrees. This means that for most degrees, full-time students will complete eight courses per year. Part-time study is typically two courses for Trimesters 1 and 2, or less than 75% of a standard full-time load. Generally, What support is available students will have three hours of scheduled for students? classes per course per week, which may We offer a wide range of support services • Disability support—we provide include lectures, tutorials and laboratory across all our campuses to help students dedicated support to enable students work. This means that fulltime students settle into university and succeed in with disabilities to access and will spend around 10–15 hours on campus their degree. participate in our learning environment. each week. They will also be expected to • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Find out more at griffith.edu.au/ commit additional time to their studies students—the GUMURRII Student student-equity-services outside of class to complete course-related Support Unit offers a safe, supportive • Learning support—the library offers activities such as assignments and weekly and culturally appropriate learning free workshops, self-help resources and readings. Classes may be scheduled during environment for Aboriginal and Torres personal consultations to help students the day and evening throughout the week. Strait Islander students. Find out more at develop their academic, computing Students are encouraged to attend as many griffith.edu.au/gumurrii and research skills. Find out more at of their classes as possible to enhance • Career advice—our Careers and griffith.edu.au/library academic success. Some courses do require Employment Service helps students kick • Personal support—welfare, counselling, a minimum attendance to avoid academic start their career from first year, offering chaplaincy, health and equity support penalty—this is outlined in course profiles. students support to find a part-time services are available to help students job while they’re studying and providing manage their life while they’re studying. them with tips for landing their first Find out more at griffith.edu.au/ graduate job. Find out more at student-services griffith.edu.au/careers

A guide for high school parents | 10 Key dates

Applications QTAC applications for 2018 admissions open early August 2017 UAC applications for 2018 admissions open early August 2017 Scholarship applications open (closing dates vary) 14 July 2017 QTAC and UAC on time applications due 29 September 2017

Events TSXPO (Tertiary Studies Expo) 15 – 16 July 2017 Griffith University Open Day 23 July 2017 Visit griffith.edu.au/key-dates for information about events, including ones for specific degrees held on-campus throughout the year, and more details about application dates.

2018 Griffith University trimester dates (proposed dates) Trimester 1 (T1) 26 February – 1 June 2018 Trimester 2 (T2) 9 July – 28 September 2018 Trimester 3 (T3) 29 October 2017 – February 2019 Visit griffith.edu.au/academiccalendar for detailed academic calendars.

Getting the best start at Griffith Orientation Family and friends Starting university is exciting, but it can also We offer a range of support services to feel just a little daunting at first. To help help new students familiarise themselves students get settled and enjoy success at with university, balance work and family university, we hold Orientation Week, or commitments with study, and feel confident O-Week, the week before each trimester and succeed in their degree. We also offer starts. It’s a great way for students find out free seminars for family and friends of more about their chosen degree, meet their new students to provide information on: classmates, get familiar with our campuses, • managing the transition from school sign up for clubs and societies and find to university out what Griffith has to offer. As well as • supporting a student’s aspirations, practical tours and information sessions, well-being and development Orientation Week includes fun activities • succeeding at university. and social events, plus live music, food stalls You’ll find information about events and and giveaways. useful resources for parents at griffith.edu.au/family-friends CRICOS No. 00233E

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