Students are expected to sit external assessment at their main learning provider (MLP). However, the Queensland Curriculum and Assessment Authority (QCAA) recognises that in some circumstances, a variation to venue may be needed. For example, when:
- Your main learning provider:
- is not suitable as an external assessment venue
- is a distance education provider*
- has students located across multiple campuses
- is affected by construction or excessive noise that makes it an unsuitable assessment venue
- A student:
- is geographically isolated
- is representing Australia or their state in an official capacity at a sporting, academic or cultural event
- is currently residing outside Queensland
- has an illness or injury preventing them from attending their MLP.
*Students studying a subject through distance education, but where the school of distance education is not their MLP, will sit their assessment at their MLP. A variation to venue is not required in this case.
Events such as family holidays, birthdays or weddings are not valid reasons for a variation to venue application.
Due date
Applications should be submitted as early as possible after the release of the external assessment timetable and before 31 August 2026.
Venues that are not Queensland secondary schools require significant preparation time.
More information
- Email aara@qcaa.qld.edu.au.
- Phone 1300 381 575.
- See Senior External Examination: Information for adult students (candidates).
- Last updated:
- 24 September 2026
