Queensland doesn’t have a long list of selective high schools like NSW. Instead it has the Queensland Academies: three state schools that choose their students through an application, a test and more. Here’s how the Queensland Academies work, when your child can apply to QASMT, what the entry test involves, and how students are selected.
What are the Queensland Academies?
The Queensland Academies describe themselves plainly: “Queensland Academies are academic selective entry schools.” There are three campuses, each with its own focus:
| Campus | When students start |
|---|---|
| Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT) | Year 7, with later entry at Year 10 |
| Creative Industries (QACI) | Year 10 |
| Health Sciences (QAHS) | Year 10 |
QASMT is the only campus with a Year 7 intake. Its enrolment page says “QASMT offers a six-year enrolment program (Years 7-12)”. Students follow the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme in Years 7 to 9 and the IB Diploma in Years 10 to 12. The Creative Industries and Health Sciences campuses take students from Year 10.
If you’re comparing states, our guide to selective schools across Australia sets Queensland beside NSW, Victoria, WA and South Australia.
Applying to QASMT for Year 7
The Year 7 round runs early. For students starting Year 7 in 2028, applications were due at “4pm, Friday 21 August 2026”, testing was on “5-6 September 2026”, and outcomes are due in “Late Term 4 2026”. Working that back, children starting Year 7 in 2028 applied and sat the test in Year 5.
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications due | 4 pm Friday 21 August 2026 |
| Testing | 5–6 September 2026 |
| Outcomes | Late Term 4 2026 |
Last checked 17 October 2026. The application fee for this round was “$270.00 (non-refundable)”. When the next Year 7 round opens, its dates and fee will be on the Queensland Academies Year 7 enrolments page, so check there before you plan, and note the closing date early.
What’s in the entry test?
For Year 7, the Academies describe “a series of tests approximately 3 hours of duration”, run by an external test provider. The tests cover five areas:
| Test | Time |
|---|---|
| Verbal reasoning | 30 minutes |
| Numerical reasoning | 30 minutes |
| Reading comprehension | 30 minutes |
| Mathematics | 30 minutes |
| Written expression | 15 minutes |
That’s a long morning for a ten-year-old. It helps to know the format in advance, to have a good breakfast and to treat the breaks as real breaks. Our post on preparing for a selective school test, calmly has ideas that work for any state.
The test isn’t the only thing that counts
Unlike NSW, where places come down to the placement test, the Queensland Academies look at more than one test. As well as the test results, selection uses:
- School reports, which show how your child has been going over time.
- NAPLAN results, from the national tests in Years 3, 5, 7 and 9. Our guide to NAPLAN for parents explains what the results mean.
- An “engagement activity”, a part of the process beyond the written tests.
Because reports and NAPLAN count too, a steady year at school matters more than a burst of practice papers. There’s no need to change your child’s normal routine.
Year 10 entry at all three campuses
The Academies also take students at Year 10. For students starting Year 10 in 2028, the test dates are:
| Campus | Test date |
|---|---|
| Health Sciences (QAHS) | Saturday 13 March 2027 |
| Creative Industries (QACI) | Saturday 19 June 2027 |
| Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT) | During Term 1 2027 |
Last checked 17 October 2026. These dates are for students who will be in Year 9 in 2027. Application details for each campus are on the Queensland Academies Year 10 enrolments page.
Is an academy right for my child?
An academy can be a wonderful fit for a child who loves a subject, enjoys a fast pace and wants to be with others who feel the same. It isn’t the only path to a great education, and many local state high schools have strong programs for keen learners. A few questions can help you decide together:
- Does my child want this? A child who is excited about science, maths, the arts or health will get far more from an academy than one who is going along with the idea.
- How will they get there? Think about the daily trip, and how tired your child will be after it.
- What would they miss? Friends, local sport and after-school activities all matter.
- Can we treat either answer as a good one? Agree before the test that both outcomes lead somewhere good.
For children still in the early years, the best foundation is ordinary: lots of reading, curious questions and playful maths at home. The test years come later.
Questions parents ask
What are the Queensland Academies?
They are three academic selective entry state schools in Queensland: Science Mathematics and Technology (QASMT), Creative Industries (QACI) and Health Sciences (QAHS). Students are selected through an application, tests and other information about their learning.
When can my child start at QASMT?
QASMT takes students from Year 7, in a six-year program for Years 7 to 12, and also tests for Year 10 entry. For Year 7 in 2028, applications closed in August 2026 and testing was in September 2026, while children were in Year 5.
What is in the QASMT entry test?
For Year 7, about three hours of tests in verbal reasoning, numerical reasoning, reading comprehension and mathematics (30 minutes each), plus written expression (15 minutes).
How much does it cost to apply to the Queensland Academies?
For QASMT Year 7 entry in 2028, the application fee was $270, non-refundable. Check the current fee on the Queensland Academies enrolment page before you apply.
Is entry to QASMT based only on the test?
No. Along with the test results, selection also uses school reports, NAPLAN results and an engagement activity.
When are the Year 10 entry tests for 2028?
Health Sciences on Saturday 13 March 2027, Creative Industries on Saturday 19 June 2027, and Science Mathematics and Technology during Term 1 2027.
Sources
- Year 7 enrolments, Queensland Academies
- Year 10 enrolments, Queensland Academies
