Although students are expected to sit external assessment at their main learning provider (MLP), the QCAA recognises there may be circumstances where a variation to venue may be required. For example, when:
- the MLP
- 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 who are studying a subject/s through distance education, but 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.
Note: 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. Significant preparation time is required for venues that are not Queensland secondary schools.
More information
- Email aara@qcaa.qld.edu.au.
- Phone 1300 381 575
- See Senior External Examination: Information for adult students (candidates).
- Last updated:
- 17 February 2026
