Contributes to your QCE
Up to 8 credits towards your Queensland Certificate of Education.
Shafston School of Business
VET in Schools
Finish school with a nationally recognised qualification, a stronger ATAR and your own way into university.
For Queensland students in Years 10 to 12.
What VET in Schools gives you
What every qualification adds to your senior certificate and your options after Year 12.
Fits your timetable
Five General subjects plus one VET subject, in one line of your timetable.
Counts towards your ATAR*
A Certificate III or higher can be one of your five ATAR results.
More ways into university*
A completed qualification can give you a selection rank of 68 to 87, separate from the ATAR. Some universities also guarantee entry to selected degrees.
Skills for work
Skills for a part-time job now and a career later.
National recognition
Qualifications from Certificate III to Diploma.
No external exams
You are assessed on projects and practical tasks.
University credit*
Some universities award up to one year of credit towards a related degree.
* Counts towards your ATAR: A completed Certificate III or higher may be used as one of five inputs in a Queensland ATAR, subject to QTAC eligibility rules. Indicative ranges from QTAC ATAR Reports 2023–2025: Certificate III 38.00–39.11; Certificate IV 51.84–52.28; Diploma 58.72–59.14. Scaled results are set by QTAC each year and may differ. A VET qualification does not guarantee any change to a student’s ATAR.
* More ways into university (selection rank): Indicative only, based on ranks published by Queensland institutions (e.g. QUT, Griffith, UniSC, UniSQ, CQU). Each institution sets its own ranks, which may change annually. Some institutions, including UQ, may not accept VET qualifications for entry in the year immediately following Year 12. Prerequisites and other entry requirements apply.
* More ways into university (guaranteed entry): Available only for selected courses at participating institutions (e.g. QUT, Griffith University, James Cook University), subject to each institution’s conditions, intake periods and prerequisites. Eligibility varies by qualification level. Schemes may change or be withdrawn.
* University credit: Credit is determined solely by the receiving institution and varies by institution and degree. Indicative examples: up to one year at James Cook University and Southern Cross University; up to half a year at QUT. Credit is not guaranteed.
* Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation: Results are graded, and the selection rank depends on those grades. 89.95 is the maximum rank for a graded Certificate IV published by QUT, Griffith University and UQ; a lower GPA gives a lower rank. QUT also accepts the course with at least three completed specialisations. Whether a completed stream meets a subject prerequisite is decided by each university.
Interstate: A Queensland ATAR is recognised nationally. Outside Queensland, each university and admissions centre applies its own rules to VET qualifications; selection ranks, guaranteed entry and credit may be lower, may require graded results, or may not be available.
Information is current as at October 2026 and is a guide only. Students should confirm entry, ranking and credit arrangements with the relevant institution or admissions centre.
Courses
Each qualification stands on its own. Choose the one that fits your plans.
BSB30120
Certificate III in Business
Workplace communication, customer service and business software, for confident work and study.
AQF 3 · QCE up to 8 Core credits · Selection Rank* 68
In School Virtual
BSB50120 · Flagship program
Diploma of Business
Business, leadership and communication at AQF level 5, the level of first-year university.
AQF 5 · QCE up to 8 credits · Selection Rank* 82–87
In School City Academy Virtual
11240NAT · Coming soon
Certificate IV in Adult Tertiary Preparation
The only ATP open to students under 18. Graded results give you a university selection rank.
AQF 4 · QCE up to 8 Core credits · Selection Rank* up to 89.95
City Academy Virtual
FNS30322 · Coming soon
Certificate III in Accounts Administration
Processing transactions, keeping ledgers and using a computerised accounting system.
AQF 3 · QCE up to 8 Core credits · Selection Rank* 68
In School Virtual
SIT30622 · Coming soon
Certificate III in Hospitality
Front-of-house skills for cafes, restaurants, hotels and events, learnt on the service floor.
AQF 3 · QCE up to 8 Core credits · Selection Rank* 68
In School
BSB40820 · Coming soon
Certificate IV in Marketing and Communication
Consumers, market research, campaigns and digital content, for creative minds.
AQF 4 · QCE up to 8 Core credits · Selection Rank* 74
In School Virtual
Check your university
Each university sets its own rules for VET qualifications.
- QUTA Certificate IV or Diploma guarantees entry to selected bachelor degrees, including Business. A Certificate III leads to QUT diplomas.Visit website ↗
- Griffith UniversityThe VET Guarantee covers selected degrees. The Bachelor of Business accepts a Certificate III, Certificate IV or Diploma.Visit website ↗
- James Cook UniversityA Certificate III guarantees entry to degrees such as Business, Commerce and IT, with more options at higher levels.Visit website ↗
- Southern Cross UniversityA Diploma of Business earns credit equal to the first year of the Bachelor of Business, so you start in Year 2.Visit website ↗
- University of QueenslandYear 12 students can use a VET qualification for entry from Semester 2 of the year after Year 12.Visit website ↗
- UniSCSelection ranks for VET qualifications: Certificate III 68, Certificate IV 74, Diploma 82.Visit website ↗
- UniSQSelection ranks for VET qualifications: Certificate III 68, Certificate IV 74, Diploma 82. Year 12 students apply through QTAC.Visit website ↗
- CQUniversitySelection ranks for VET qualifications: Certificate III 68, Certificate IV 74, Diploma 82.Visit website ↗
- Australian Catholic UniversityFor current Year 12 applicants, ACU currently considers Certificate III studies.Visit website ↗
- Bond UniversityA Certificate IV or higher is considered for entry, and a Diploma may also earn advanced standing.Visit website ↗
Links open the university’s own website. Information checked October 2026; entry schemes, ranks and credit can change each year. QTAC: how VET counts in your ATAR ↗
Why study with Shafston
The qualification is the foundation. The support, people and opportunities around it make the difference.
University Recognised
Queensland universities use our qualifications for selection ranks, guaranteed entry and credit.
Built for Under-18 Students
Every course is designed for secondary students, and we are the only provider offering ATP to students under 18.
Business Hub
Support when you need it: catch-up sessions, help with assessments and projects, and trainer assistance through to completion.
Industry Network
Through the Shafston Industry Alliance, employers, entrepreneurs and professionals share real work and career insight.
Technology Hub
AI, robotics, STEAM and digital capability built into your learning, for careers that don’t yet exist.
City Academy
Study the Diploma or ATP on our Brisbane campus one day a week, with guest speakers and students from other schools.
30 Years in Education
Since 1996, more than 130,000 students from over 100 countries.
Competitive Pricing
Fair, transparent fees, with options for schools and families to share the cost.
Ready to enrol?
Enrol online with a parent or guardian. Studying through your school? Your school will tell you which class to join. Questions? Call (07) 3249 4111 or email studentsupport@shafston.edu.