Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of frequently asked questions and answers about the Southbank Tertiary Entrance Program (STEP)
- How do I find out if my school is registered?
- Who is my STEP Coordinator?
- How many hours do I attend SBIT per week?
- How do I register my interest in STEP?
- How much will it cost me?
- When will I know my timetable?
- What do I do if my child is sick?
- What if I cannot attend a STEP class?
- When do applications open?
- Can I still apply for STEP if my school is not registered?
- What date do I commence study in 2011?
- Will STEP affect my high school results?
- What if I find STEP too difficult?
- What happens if I fail a subject? Can I still move on to the next semester?
- Can I study two STEP programs at once?
- I am an international student, can I apply for STEP entry?
- Do I need to apply through QTAC at the end of Year 12 to continue my diploma after school?
- Do I obtain an automatic pathway into university?
- How much time do I have left to complete my diploma when I come to SBIT?
- Can STEP students enrol mid-year?
- Can students commencing Year 12 in 2012 enrol in STEP?
- I don't want to continue STEP, how do I withdraw?
How do I find out if my school is registered?
There are over 160 schools within South East Queensland that are registered for the STEP Program. Please contact your school to check whether yours is one.
Who is my STEP Coordinator?
Your STEP Coordinator is nominated by your Principal. A STEP Coordinator is most likely a Guidance Officer or Careers Counsellor, however please check with your school's reception.
How many hours do I attend SBIT per week?
This depends on the program you choose to study. Students will be required on campus one day per week for up to 8 hours, between the hours of 8am and 4.30pm. Please check timetables available at: http://www.southbank.edu.au/site/schools/STEP/Timetables/
The day STEP students are required on campus may change between years.
How do I register my interest in STEP?
It is important for you to discuss your interest with your school's STEP Coordinator. Your STEP Coordinator will be able to support you in your application from 1 August 2011.
How much will it cost me?
STEP students will not be required to pay any tuition fees, only the material fees associated with their STEP units.
Material fees for each diploma are different. Please refer to the STEP brochures for more information on costs. Please note — payment will be required on a per semester basis, and prior to class start. Students will not be admitted to class without full payment and enrolment.
When will I know my timetable?
Timetables for each semester will be available in the timetable section of the STEP webpage at least 2 months before start of study date. For new applicants, timetables will be available in August 2011.
What do I do if my child is sick?
Parents must liaise directly with the school's STEP Coordinator if their child is sick and unable to attend Southbank Institute of Technology. The STEP Coordinator will then inform SBIT directly.
What if I cannot attend a STEP class?
Any absence from scheduled STEP classes requires the authorisation of your school. The STEP Absence Request Form is required in advance to advise the STEP team and SBIT teacher of individual student arrangements. The QF277 STEP Absence Request Form (Doc, 257k) should be completed and returned to your school's STEP coordinator who will provide this to Southbank Institute.
When do applications open?
Applications for the 2012 program will open Monday 1 August 2011, and be open for four weeks until Friday 26 August 2011.
Can I still apply for STEP if my school is not registered?
No, however it is very easy for a school to register with the STEP program. Therefore, please ask at your school’s reception desk for the best person to speak to about getting your school registered.
What date do I commence study in 2012?
Southbank Institute’s Academic Calendar does not align with school calendars. Start of study for 2012 will be the week beginning Monday 30 January 2012. STEP students will be required to attend a compulsory orientation. Orientations will occur in the week starting Monday 6 January 2012, with dates confirmed late 2011.
Will STEP affect my high school results?
STEP will contribute credit toward the necessary 20 points required for a Queensland Certificate Education (QCE). Each STEP brochure outlines the QCE points available for each program.
What if I find STEP too difficult?
Southbank staff will endeavour to do all they can to help STEP students successfully complete their STEP diploma. In a situation where STEP study is proving too difficult, it is highly recommended the STEP student and their Parent/Guardian seek further guidance from their school’s STEP Coordinator.
What happens if I fail a subject? Can I still move on to the next semester?
If a STEP student fails a subject, they may or may not be able to move onto the next semester. If the failed subject is a pre-requisite for other units to be taught as part of the STEP program, students may not be able to continue their studies immediately. This situation will be dealt with on an individual basis.
Can I study two STEP programs at once?
No.
I am an international student, can I apply for STEP entry?
STEP students must be Australian citizens or residents in order to study in the STEP program.
Do I need to apply through QTAC at the end of Year 12 to continue my diploma after school?
No. Following Year 12, STEP students will have the opportunity to complete their entire diploma program at SBIT with confirmed entry and credit into the diploma they have been studying. The STEP team will conduct information sessions with all Year 12 students in their final year to provide further information.
Do I obtain an automatic pathway into university?
STEP students are required to apply through QTAC upon completion of their diploma, if seeking a university pathway. Completion of a diploma enhances QTAC rankings to an equivalent OP8 or rank 87, and provides up to a years credit toward some degrees, For further information regarding credit arrangements visit pathways to university at: http://www.southbank.edu.au/site/programs/pathways/index.asp.
How much time do I have left to complete my diploma when I come to SBIT?
This depends on the diploma chosen. In most cases completion of STEP study will credit 6 months toward the full-time study load. Please refer to the STEP brochure for more information.
Can STEP students enrol mid-year?
There is no mid-year intake for STEP.
Can students commencing Year 12 in 2012 enrol in STEP?
The STEP program has previously accepted applications from year 11 and year 12 students. In 2012 Southbank Institute has made changes to entry criteria, requiring students to be beginning Year 11. This will ensure that all STEP students receive maximum benefit i.e. accelerated completion of a diploma and QCE points.
I don't want to continue STEP, how do I withdraw?
The STEP Student Withdrawal Form is required for students wishing to withdraw from STEP. This informs both your school and Southbank Institute of your decision, to ensure there is no impact to achieving your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). The STEP Student Withdrawal Form (Doc, 261k) should be signed by your parent and returned to your school STEP Coordinator who will manage communications to the STEP team.
Last updated 26 July, 2011