Australian Science Innovations

National Qualifying Exams (NQE)

1. What are the National Qualifying Examinations?
2. What is involved in the National Qualifying Exams?
3. What do students qualify for?
4. Registration
5. Cost of entry
6. When and where do students sit for the NQE?
7. Results of the NQE
8. Eligibility
9. The next step
10. NQE papers from earlier years

1. What are the National Qualifying Examinations?

The National Qualifying Examinations are challenging exams in biology, chemistry and physics. They are open to all students in Year 11 or younger.

2. What is involved in the National Qualifying Exams?

Separate exams are held in biology, chemistry and physics, each one on a different day. They test the ability of students to solve problems as well as their understanding of science concepts. This demanding exam lasts approximately two hours and must be carried out under strict supervision and examination conditions.

3. What do students qualify for?

All students sitting for the NQE receive a certificate indicating the grade they scored. 72 students who do exceptionally well in the NQEs are invited to attend the Science Summer School. This is a residential course in Janauary at Monash University, organised by ASI.

4. Registration

Teachers can enter their students by completing the online registration form that will appear here when registrations are opened. Registrations open on 19 April 2010.

5. Cost of entry

Each entry costs $7.99 (including GST) and should be paid at the time of registering. This entry fee helps meet costs such as the design, printing, distribution and marking of papers.

6. When and where do students sit for the NQE?

Students sit for an NQE at their school, or in other locations by arrangement with ASI.

7. Results of the NQE

In October ASI will notify the schools and teachers of those students who have been invited to attend the Science Summer School, and then talk to the students directly.

8. Eligibility

There are no restrictions on students sitting the NQEs or attending the Science Summer School. But to be eligible for selection in the Science Olympiad teams:

• students must have been schooled in Australia for the last two years, or hold an Australian passport.
• students must be under the age of twenty on 30 June of the year of the competition, and must not have started study at university as regular students.

9. The next step

The three Australian teams for the Science Olympiads are selected from the students attaending the Science Summer School.

10. NQE papers from earlier years

Papers from earlier National Qualifying Exams can be downloaded.