14 October 1998

Early data shows UQ scores highest QTAC first preferences

Australia's 1998 University of the Year, the University of Queensland, is leading the State in the highest number of Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC) first preference applications for places at tertiary institutions.

Preliminary QTAC data for 1999 presents a positive picture for the University, according to Vice-Chancellor Professor John Hay.

Professor Hay said data as of October 12, 1998 indicated that the University of Queensland's first preference applications had increased by 8 percent - or 928 students - on the corresponding figure for October 12, 1997.

First preference applications showed continuing growth over two years of 25.6 percent - or a total extra 2579 first preference applications on the corresponding period in 1996.

As of October 12 this year (one of the first opportunities to review preferences after the October 9 extended QTAC closing date for current Year 12s) 11,946 first preferences and 40,484 total preferences had been recorded for University of Queensland courses.

This compared with 11,018 first preferences and 35,682 total preferences at October 12 last year and 9,367 first preferences and 31,879 total preferences for the same period in 1996.

The University's first preference applications were about 2000 higher than its nearest Queensland competitor.

The figure compares with total QTAC first preference applications for all institutions for 1999 of 45,100, including 25,232 school leaver applicants.

The main QTAC offers for 1999 admissions will be made on Friday, January 15, 1999 (the major offer round); and Wednesday, February 3, 1998 (final offer round).

Professor Hay said the data were still subject to considerable fluctuation with the lodgement of late applications. In addition, all applicants could change their preferences by telephone as often as they liked until the first week in January 1998.

For further information, contact Professor Hay, telephone 07 3365 1300 or Manager, Courses and Admissions Ms Claron Driscoll, telephone 07 3365 1979.