Start TAFE Now Requirements and How to Apply Information

Congratulations on your decision to broaden your skills and capacities through undertaking a Start TAFE Now course.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, our Start TAFE Now team is here to help you every step of the way. Please contact stn@cqu.edu.au and our team will provide you will help on applying for your chosen course.

Eligibility Requirements and How to Apply

Before you submit your Start TAFE Now application, make sure to dive into the details below and stay updated on the application dates for your chosen course.

To participate in the Start TAFE Now program students must:

  • complete the online basic key skill builder (BKSB) pre-enrolment language and literacy (LLN) testing
  • be a minimum of 15 years-of-age
  • be in Year 10, 11, 12*
  • provide a copy of all previously completed certificate qualifications
  • remain enrolled in and attend a Queensland school throughout the duration of the program
  • identify the Start TAFE Now program in their Senior Education and Training (SET) plan.

*Some courses may require students to meet additional eligibility requirements. Please visit the relevant CQU course page for more information. Not all qualifications can be accessed if you are in Year 12, depending on the course duration.

Follow these simple steps to ensure you are prepared for the Start TAFE Now:

  1. Discuss your interest in Start TAFE Now with your school Careers Officer, Year Level Coordinator or Guidance Officer and your parents/guardian.
  2. Read the Start TAFE Now Eligibility Requirements to make sure you meet the program requirements.
  3. Decide what course you want to complete by looking at the courses available on the course options web page.
  4. Complete your Start TAFE Now Authorisation form.
  5. Have your Unique Student Identifier (USI) and Learner Unique Identifier (LUI) (obtain this from your school) ready for your application.
  1. Visit your desired course web page 
  2. Follow the How to Apply prompts 
  3. Select the 'Apply' button and start your application in Apply Online
  4. Attach your Authorisation Form
  5. Submit your application 
  6. Complete your Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) testing

After submitting your application, you will receive the following emails:

  1. Application acknowledgement.
  2. Request to complete BKSB.
  3. Outcome of your application.

If your application is successful you will also receive a welcome email with the confirmation of your enrolment and Start TAFE Now resources.

Your application will not be assessed until completed in full with all supporting documentation and completion of BKSB.

After you submit your application, you will be emailed a link to complete Basic Key Skills Builder (BKSB) numeracy and literacy assessments. The BKSB assessments are online, self-paced and take approximately 20-40 minutes to complete with the option to leave and come back if required. Your responses are not used to determine your entry acceptance, they will help us to determine your level of competency and what support you may need in your TAFE course so you can succeed.

Follow the Basic Key Skills Builder Instruction Sheet for assistance completing your testing.

UEE22020 - Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) is a highly competitive course with limited places available each intake, therefore extra application requirements will need to be met by students wishing to study the course. Applications for the February 2025 Intake open 9 am on Tuesday 27 August 2024 and will close on Friday 13 September 2024. Please note applications submitted before 9am will not be accepted.

Applicant requirements

  • To be considered for entry into this course, students must be:
  • Commencing Year 11 or Year 12 in 2025*;
  • Enrolled in/intending to enrol in one English subject AND one of the following Mathematics subjects - General Mathematics, Mathematical Methods or Specialist Mathematics.
  • Minimum C grade achieved in English and Maths as per most recent school report card;
  • Reside within the regions specified below:
    • Gladstone Region including Mt Larcom, Miriam Vale, Agnes Water/1770, Calliope, Monto and Biloela
    • Rockhampton Region including Yeppoon, Gracemere and Mount Morgan

Students must also submit all of the following documentation at the time of application to be considered for entry into the course: 

  • Completed Start Now Study Authorisation form (with student, parent/guardian and school signatures);
  • Personal statement from the student which should include – Reason for interest in the course, current career goals/aspirations, work experience (if applicable); and
  • Most recent graded report card (must include reported behaviour, effort and attendance – interim report cards not accepted).
  • Once you are ready to apply visit the course page and start your application.

Application Review

Applications will close on 13 September 2024.

Students will be notified via email if they have been selected to progress to the next stage of the application process (BKSB pre-enrolment testing). BKSB testing is recommended for all applicants however please note that completion of the BKSB does not guarantee a place in the course. BKSB testing is an integral part of the admission process for entry into any Vocational Education and Training (VET) courses.

Application Outcomes

Offers will be released progressively after the application review period. All applicants (both successful and unsuccessful) will be notified of the outcome of their application via email at the commencement of Term 4.

Footnote: *Students must demonstrate commitment to course attendance and progress in order to successfully complete the course by the end of year QCE deadline. 

Start TAFE Now Application Dates

2025 Intakes and Application Dates

Starting at 9 am on Tuesday, 27 August 2024, applications for 2025 Start TAFE Now will be open. Please note that this year, we have new application dates, and any submissions received before the opening time will not be considered. UEE22020 - Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) will follow different application dates, refer to the tab Applying for UEE22020 - Certificate II in Electrotechnology (Career Start) above for more information.

Commencement dates will vary depending on the course. Please refer to your welcome email for your official commencement date.

Start TAFE Now 2025 Application Dates

Intake

Last Day to Apply 

Last Day to Supply Documents

February 2025

10 January 2025

17 January 2025

March 2025

7 February 2025

14 February 2025

April 2025

14 March 2025

21 March 2025

July 2025

13 June 2025

20 June 2025

October 2025

12 September 2025

19 September 2025