For most Year 12 students, the future is still a question mark. For St James Lutheran College School Captain Emily McGregor, the answer has already landed in her inbox. 

Emily is among hundreds of Queensland students, including many of her St James classmates, who have started school holidays with uni locked in and stress levels lifted, after the University of the Sunshine Coast released its first rounds of early offers this month. 

“When I saw my offer, there was a lot of relief knowing that I don’t have to stress as much going into my external exams,” said Emily from Hervey Bay, who has been offered a place in the Bachelor of Paramedicine at UniSC Sunshine Coast next year.

“I didn't like the thought of waiting until after my ATAR results. I just wanted to see if I could get in and meet the criteria. I’m happy to know that the work I've put in so far has secured me this offer," Emily said.

UniSC’s Early Offer Guarantee gives Year 12s the chance to receive an offer as early as the start of September, long before ATAR and final results are released. Instead, it is based on recommendations from school principals who consider each student’s academic performance, commitment, talents and potential to succeed at university. 

Stefan du Plessis is another St James student who already knows what next year holds, after being offered a place in UniSC’s Bachelor of Sport and Exercise Science. 

"I've always been interested in sport and exercise, and the degree is really interesting," he said. "There are so many different pathways you can take, and with the growing focus on health and fitness, it opens up a lot of doors once you graduate.”

Stefan said applying through UniSC’s Early Offer Guarantee gave him certainty ahead of external exams. 

“I was happy with how I was tracking, but I wanted that extra security. It has taken a lot of stress away because I don’t have to worry about figuring everything out later,” he said. 

“I've already started looking at accommodation and part-time work options for next year."