High school students keen to begin their tertiary studies early are invited to attend a special information session at USC from 6-7pm on Wednesday 25 March.

USC will outline its award-winning Headstart program that enables Year 11 and 12 students to study university-level subjects and gain credits towards their Queensland Certificate of Education and a USC degree at the same time.

Event organiser Jesse Shearer said the event would explain Headstart eligibility, application details, study costs and scholarships and provide an opportunity for students and their parents to meet USC staff and ask questions.

“Headstart gives high school students the chance to experience studying alongside university students and attend lectures and tutorials on campus,” he said.

“There are more than 70 different courses to choose from and if they successfully complete two Headstart courses while still at school, entry into related USC degrees is almost guaranteed.

“It also means that when they finish Year 12 and start uni full time, they are ahead of the game because they have already completed two first-year courses.”

At the information evening, second-year Bachelor of Primary Education student Madeline Stevens (pictured) will speak about her Headstart experience and will be available to answer questions.

“USC made sure I had plenty of support and I found studying the university courses actually helped my school work,” Madeline said.

“When I began studying at USC full time last year, I was already very familiar with the campus and had a lot more confidence than some of my peers because of Headstart.”

Applications to participate in Headstart in Semester 2 (starting late July) close in May.

The information session will be held in USC’s Lecture Theatre 7 in Building C. To register your attendance or for more information visit the Headstart website or call 5430 2890.

An information session for high school students in the Gympie area will be held at USC's Gympie campus at 71 Cartwright Road from 5.30-6.30pm on Thursday 26 March.

— Jane Cameron