There are many pathways to university – just ask St Mary’s College Year 12 student Isabella Muza who has already completed a university-level subject as part of her plan to become a primary school teacher.

Isabella is among a group of senior high school students from the Fraser Coast who attend lectures and tutorials at USC’s campus at Hervey Bay through its Headstart program.

It allows Year 11 and 12 students to complete USC subjects to gain credit towards their Queensland Certificate of Education and work towards a degree at the same time.

On Thursday 19 September, USC will host an information session at its Fraser Coast campus from 4.30pm to 6pm for interested school students from Year 10 to 12 and their parents.

They can talk with staff about the application process, eligibility, costs and available courses and hear current students share their Headstart experiences.

Other topics include advice on applying for university and choosing the right study program, help with completing QTAC applications and insights from current students on how to succeed at tertiary study.

The information session will also cover university entry options, including USC’s Early Offer Guarantee scheme which provides Year 12 students who meet certain criteria an early and guaranteed offer at USC before finishing school in November.

Seventeen-year-old Isabella has applied for USC’s Early Offer Guarantee scheme to study Primary Education at USC Fraser Coast next year.

The St Mary’s Cleary House captain said completing the Headstart program, combined with studying a Certificate III in Early Childhood and applying for the Early Offer Guarantee, had provided her with different entry options to university.

“I have opted not to go for an OP (Overall Position score) so these programs help me cover my bases and ensure I am still eligible for tertiary study.”

The 17-year-old, who completed USC’s core subject Communication and Thought through Headstart, said she would recommend the program to all Year 11 and 12 students.

“Experiencing university study first-hand alongside undergraduate students while still in high school was very positive and educational, she said.

“You had to be independent and responsible for your own assessment however there were so many resources available, along with dedicated support.”

She said the program had helped to improve the overall quality of her school work.

“It also expanded my communication and research skills, which I have found to be beneficial in the workplace and throughout everyday life as well.”

With no tuition fees for the first subject and a reduced fee for a second, Headstart saves on the overall cost of a USC degree. USC scholarships are also available.