6 December 2001

The University of Queensland continues to attract the dominant share of the State`s most academically able Queensland Year 12 students to its programs, according to figures compiled by the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre.

Of the total of 504 school leavers earning an Overall Position (OP) of 1 and enrolling in tertiary study through QTAC, 370 students, or 73%, chose to study at The University of Queensland. This was five times more than any other Queensland university.

QTAC data showed that enrolment at The University of Queensland for students receiving results in the top three OP bands was also more than three times greater than that of its nearest competitor.

A total of 1086 students (63.3 percent) with OP scores of one, two or three was admitted to The University of Queensland out of the total pool of 1715 students in these bands enrolling in Queensland universities.

University of Queensland Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay said it was no accident that the State`s most academically able students had selected UQ as their number one choice.

"The University is continuing to refine and improve its offerings, has the best and most extensive facilities, and employs the best teachers and researchers, " he said.

"Students are attracted by the University`s outstanding facilities, programs and its consistent record for having the nation`s best graduate outcomes, and above average graduate salaries."

The most attractive UQ programs in 2001 for the highest achievers (those achieving OP1) included Science (90 students), Engineering (86) and Law (58). These programs are offered by a number of universities in the State and are not exclusive to UQ.

Professor Hay said this spoke volumes for the high quality of UQ programs.

The University of Queensland is holding tertiary and study options sessions at its St Lucia and Ipswich campuses this month to help school leavers with final decision-making.

The sessions are on Wednesday, December 19 at 7pm at the Abel Smith Lecture Theatre, St Lucia Campus and on Tuesday, December 18 at 6.30pm in the foyer of Building 12 at UQ Ipswich campus at 11 Salisbury Road.

They are designed to help students learn about programs, facilities and support available at the university, as well as provide advice about QTAC applications and satisfying entry requirements.

In addition, a number of Career Planning and Decision-Making Sessions will be run for school leavers over the holidays, to help in making final decisions regarding QTAC preferences before January 4.

University of Queensland career counsellors will provide these one-hour information sessions between Monday, December 17, and Friday, December 21.

QTAC offer dates for 2002 are: Early round offers - Friday, December 7; major round offers - Friday, January 18; final round offers - Wednesday, February 6.

For more information, contact the UQ Admissions Office telephone (07) 3365 2203, email: AdmissionsEnquiries@admin.uq.edu.au or visit www.studyatuq.net

Media: Further information, telephone Jan King at UQ Communications 0413 601 248.