A variation to venue allows a student to sit external assessment at a different location if they cannot attend their main learning provider (MLP).
Students, parents and carers can find information about applying for a variation to venue for external assessment below. Select the option that best describes your circumstances to find out if a variation is needed, what information and documents are required, and what students need to do if a variation is approved.
When a variation to venue application is required
A variation to venue application is required if you cannot sit external assessment at your MLP. You will need to provide supporting documentation to support your application.
However, this is not needed if:
- the school is not suitable as an external assessment venue — the school will arrange an alternative venue for the entire cohort
- the school is a distance education provider — the school will ask you or your parent/carer to nominate Queensland secondary school venues for external assessment
- the school has multiple campuses — the school will confirm which campus you will attend.
Student eligibility for a variation to venue for external assessment
You may be eligible for a variation to venue if you:
- are living in a remote location (geographically isolated) or residing outside Queensland
- are representing the state or country in an official capacity at a sporting, academic or cultural event
- have a medical condition or injury preventing you from attending your school.
Supporting documentation
You must provide supporting documentation to verify your eligibility for a variation to venue. For example:
- proof of where you live
- a copy of the letter confirming your selection to represent the state or country in an official capacity. This should include the location, dates of travel (departure and return) and participation dates for the event as relevant
- medical documentation.
Note: If you need to sit external assessment at a venue that is not a Queensland secondary school, you must also provide:
- a signed supervisor statement (See Information for variation to venue supervisors)
- details of a nominated venue meeting QCAA requirements (See venue and supervisor suitability and costs)
- acknowledgement of your responsibility to cover associated costs before the day of the relevant assessment.
You must provide your school with:
- supporting documentation to demonstrate your eligibility for a variation to venue
- a list of 3 nominated Queensland secondary schools (numbered 1–3 in order of preference). These must be the most reasonable venues, given your location and circumstances.
Applications must be endorsed by the school’s principal and submitted to the QCAA by the school. The QCAA must be satisfied with the reason for the application. If it is approved, the QCAA will contact venues to arrange placement. We cannot guarantee placement at preferred schools. Your school will advise you about the outcome of your application.
You must provide your school with:
- supporting documentation to demonstrate your eligibility for a variation to venue and inability to attend a Queensland secondary school
- details of a nominated venue meeting QCAA requirements
- details of a nominated supervisor meeting QCAA requirements and a signed supervisor statement
- acknowledgement of all associated costs you or your parents will need to pay prior to assessment (See Venue and supervisors suitability and costs).
You can use the Variation to venue — application form (PDF, 184.0 KB) to help with this process.
Applications must be endorsed by the school’s principal and submitted to the QCAA by the school. The school will submit endorsed applications to the QCAA, who will review your application, including the suitability of the venue and supervisor. The QCAA will communicate with the school the final decision. Costs must be paid prior to the relevant external assessment/s.
See Variation to venue: Venue and supervisor suitability and costs.
Student responsibilities when a variation to venue application is approved
If your variation to venue application is approved, you must:
- follow the QCAA’s Directions for students: External assessment, as well as the venue’s rules
- acknowledge you have received venue information from your school, including venue arrival times, assessment start times and contact information. This should be acknowledged by email to the school
- attend scheduled assessment at the approved venue
- take your own approved equipment (see the External assessment equipment list)
- show photo identification to the venue supervisor (this may be a school photo ID or a card issued by the Department of Transport and Main Roads)
- advise the venue’s contact person before, during or immediately after assessment, if you are impacted by illness or misadventure.
Students and/or parents or carers are responsible for any costs associated with the administration of external assessment at a venue that is not a Queensland secondary school. Fees may apply for:
- venue hire
- supervision
- courier
- administration.
- Last updated:
- 24 September 2026
