What is Queensland Academies Schooling? QASMT, QACI and QAHS Guide for High-Achieving Students in Queensland

Queensland Academies are selective-entry Queensland government high schools designed for highly capable students who want a challenging high school education. They offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, commonly known as the IB Diploma, as a pathway for students preparing for university and future careers.  

Unlike a standard local high school pathway, Queensland Academies focus on academically motivated students. Students usually start the IB program in Year 10, which acts as preparation for the IB Diploma in Years 11 and 12.  

For families looking for an academically rigorous school option in Brisbane or the Gold Coast, Queensland Academies can be an excellent choice.

There are three Queensland Academies campuses, each with a different academic focus. The campuses are located across Brisbane and the Gold Coast.  

1. Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology — QASMT

Location: Toowong, Brisbane
Best suited for: Students interested in science, mathematics, technology, engineering, medicine, data, research and innovation 

QASMT is a strong option for students who enjoy STEM subjects and want to be challenged in a university-style learning environment. It is often chosen by students considering future study in fields such as medicine, engineering, biotechnology, computer science, mathematics or scientific research. 

High-achieving students can enroll in QASMT from Year 7. They will work towards the IB Diploma while developing advanced academic, analytical and research skills. 

2. Queensland Academies Creative Industries — QACI

Location: Kelvin Grove, Brisbane
Best suited for: Students interested in creative industries, design, media, visual arts, performance, communication and innovation 

QACI is a selective-entry independent state high school for students who want a rich academic curriculum combined with creative and collaborative learning experiences. Students study towards the IB Diploma, which is internationally recognised as a pre-university qualification.  

This campus is a good fit for students who are both academically capable and creatively driven. It may suit students interested in design, film, media, visual arts, theatre, creative entrepreneurship or communication-focused careers. 

3. Queensland Academies Health Sciences — QAHS

Location: Southport, Gold Coast
Best suited for: Students interested in health sciences, medicine, biomedical science, psychology, research and allied health 

QAHS is located on the Gold Coast and is associated with health science learning opportunities. Education Queensland International describes QAHS as being co-located with Griffith University within the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct, giving students access to a learning environment connected to health, research and tertiary pathways.  

This campus may suit students who are considering future study in medicine, nursing, biomedical science, pharmacy, physiotherapy, public health, psychology or related health fields.

Queensland Academies are designed for students who want more than a traditional senior school experience. The learning environment is academically demanding and encourages students to think independently, conduct research, communicate clearly and engage with global perspectives. 

One of the key reasons families choose Queensland Academies is the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The IB Diploma is recognised internationally and is often valued by students who want strong university preparation or who may consider studying overseas in the future.  

Queensland Academies may be suitable for students who: 

• perform well academically  

• enjoy independent learning  

• are motivated by challenge  

• want to prepare early for university  

• are interested in STEM, creative industries or health sciences  

• want to study the IB Diploma instead of a standard Australian senior curriculum pathway  

• are ready for a selective-entry school environment

Entry into Queensland Academies is selective. Students must apply through a formal application process, and entry is based on merit rather than local school catchment. 

Students need to sit in an entrance test, which is a selective, computer-based assessment conducted by Edutest. The 3-hour exam covers Verbal Reasoning, Numerical Reasoning, Reading Comprehension, Mathematics, and Written Expression.  

After passing the Edutest, high-achieving students will be shortlisted for an interview. If they perform well in the interview session, they will be invited to enroll in Queensland Academies.  

The main entry point for QASMT is Year 7 while QACI and QAHS open enrolment from Year 10. This gives students time to adjust to the learning environment before beginning the IB Diploma in Years 11 and 12. Education Queensland International states that students must commence their studies at Queensland Academies in January of Year 10 to prepare for the IB in Years 11 and 12.  

Because places are competitive, families should start researching early. Students should also consider which campus best matches their interests and long-term goals. 

Queensland Academies are government schools, but they are different from standard state high schools in several important ways. 

First, they are selective-entry schools for highly capable students. Second, they focus on the IB Diploma rather than the usual senior schooling pathway. Third, each campus has a specialised academic identity: science, mathematics and technology at QASMT; creative industries at QACI; and health sciences at QAHS. 

This makes Queensland Academies a more specialised option for students who are confident in their academic ability and ready for a demanding senior school experience.

The IB Diploma is widely known as a challenging academic program. Students are expected to manage multiple subjects, complete research tasks, think critically and maintain consistent study habits. 

However, the challenge can be beneficial for students who are well suited to this style of learning. The IB Diploma can help students build skills that are very useful for university, including academic writing, research, time management, problem-solving and independent thinking. 

Students considering Queensland Academies should be honest about their learning style. The program may suit students who enjoy depth, complexity and academic discussion. It may be less suitable for students who prefer a lighter workload or a less structured study routine. 

While the Queensland Academies curriculum is challenging, students who are interested in the Academy and eager to challenge themselves will benefit greatly

The best Queensland Academy depends on the student’s strengths, interests and future goals. 

Students who enjoy science, mathematics, engineering or technology may be best suited to QASMT. Students who are creative, innovative and interested in design, media or the arts may prefer QACI. Students who are interested in medicine, health, biomedical science or allied health may find QAHS the best match. 

Families should consider the campus location, subject interests, learning environment and long-term university goals before applying.

Queensland Academies are often described as a bridge between high school and tertiary study. Their programs are designed to help students prepare for university-level learning, especially through the IB Diploma’s focus on research, independent study and global perspectives.  

For students who already have strong academic interests, Queensland Academies can provide a focused pathway into competitive university courses. This may include areas such as medicine, engineering, science, technology, creative industries, law, business, design, psychology and health sciences. 

Especially, the IB program is globally recognised. It allows Queensland Academy students to study higher education abroad after high school graduation. 

Queensland Academies schooling offers a unique opportunity for high-achieving students in Queensland. With three specialised campuses, selective entry and the internationally recognised IB Diploma, Queensland Academies provide a challenging but future-focused pathway for students preparing for university. 

For families comparing senior schooling options, Queensland Academies are worth exploring early. Choosing between QASMT, QACI and QAHS should depend on the student’s academic strengths, personal interests and future study goals. 

A student who is curious, motivated and ready for a rigorous learning environment may find Queensland Academies to be one of the most rewarding schooling pathways in Queensland.

What are Queensland Academies? 

Queensland Academies are selective-entry Queensland government high schools for highly capable students. Students study the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (Year 11 and 12) as preparation for university. 

How many Queensland Academies are there? 

There are three Queensland Academies: QASMT in Toowong, QACI in Kelvin Grove and QAHS in Southport on the Gold Coast.  

What is QASMT? 

QASMT stands for Queensland Academy for Science Mathematics and Technology. It is located in Toowong, Brisbane, and is suited to students interested in STEM-related pathways. 

What is QACI? 

QACI stands for Queensland Academies Creative Industries. It is located in Kelvin Grove, Brisbane, and is suited to students interested in creative industries, design, media, arts and innovation. 

What is QAHS? 

QAHS stands for Queensland Academies Health Sciences. It is located in Southport on the Gold Coast and is suited to students interested in health sciences, medicine, biomedical science and related careers. 

What year level does students enter Queensland Academies? 

The entry point depends on each Queensland Academy school. The main entry point for QASMT is Year 7 while that for QACI and QAHC is Year 10. Students usually begin in January of Year 10 to prepare for the IB Diploma in Years 11 and 12.  

Are Queensland Academies selective? 

Yes. Queensland Academies are selective-entry schools. Students must apply through an application process and meet entry requirements. Normally, students must pass an entrance exam and an interview to be got in.  

Do Queensland Academies offer ATAR? 

Queensland Academies focus on the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. Families should check current conversion and university entry arrangements when planning senior study pathways.