Quick answer: QASMT students apply in Year 5 for Year 7 entry, so the test is almost two years before starting. The most recent entrance test was held on 5 and 6 September 2026, for students starting Year 7 in 2028, and outcomes are due in late Term 4 2026. The next test, for Year 7 in 2029, will be sat by students who are in Year 5 in 2027. Its dates haven't been published yet, but based on recent years, expect applications to close in mid to late August 2027 and the test to be held on a weekend in early September 2027.
Which QASMT intake is my child in?
Because applications happen in Year 5, it's easy to look at the wrong year's dates. Use your child's year level in 2026:
| Your child in 2026 | Applies in | Sits the test | Starts Year 7 at QASMT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 5 | 2026 (on-time closed 21 August 2026) | 5 or 6 September 2026 | 2028 |
| Year 4 | 2027 | Expected early September 2027 | 2029 |
| Year 3 | 2028 | Expected early September 2028 | 2030 |
| Year 6 | Late applications for 2027 or 2028 entry may be possible | Check with Queensland Academies | 2027 or 2028 |
The 2026 cycle (Year 7 entry in 2028)
These are the published dates for the most recent cycle:
| Step | Date |
|---|---|
| Applications open | Open during Year 5 |
| On-time applications close | 4pm, Friday 21 August 2026 |
| Entrance test | Saturday 5 or Sunday 6 September 2026 (students are allocated a day) |
| Alternate sitting (approved access arrangements) | Monday 7 to Tuesday 8 September 2026 |
| Engagement activity | Shortlisted candidates only, by invitation |
| Notice of outcome | Late Term 4 2026 |
| Application fee | $270, non-refundable |
If your child sat the September 2026 test, the next step is the outcome notice in late Term 4. Students placed in the merit pool may still be offered places as vacancies arise, which can be right through to the end of Year 7. Our guide to the QASMT merit pool explains how that works.
What to expect for the 2027 test (Year 7 entry in 2029)
Queensland Academies hasn't published the 2027 dates yet. The test has been held on a weekend in early September in recent years (for example, 2 and 3 September in 2023, and 5 and 6 September in 2026), with on-time applications closing a couple of weeks earlier. So for planning:
| Step | Expected timing |
|---|---|
| Applications open | Early to mid 2027, during Year 5 |
| On-time applications close | Mid to late August 2027 |
| Entrance test | A weekend in early September 2027 |
| Engagement activity | Shortlisted candidates, after the test |
| Notice of outcome | Late Term 4 2027 |
We'll update this page as soon as the official 2027 dates are released. Don't rely on expected dates for the application deadline: check the Queensland Academies enrolments page early in 2027.
What the entrance test involves
The QASMT entrance test is run by EduTest and takes about three hours. It has five sections:
| Section | Time |
|---|---|
| Verbal reasoning | 30 minutes |
| Numerical reasoning | 30 minutes |
| Reading comprehension | 30 minutes |
| Mathematics | 30 minutes |
| Written expression | 15 minutes |
Students are allocated to one of the two test days and can't choose a preferred day or session. Remote testing is available for an extra fee, arranged with EduTest at least three weeks before the test date.
For a full breakdown of each section, see the QASMT entrance test format.
What you'll need for the application
- A recent photo of your child (school ID or passport-style)
- Birth certificate details (or overseas birth certificate and visa details)
- The two most recent semester school reports
- NAPLAN results where available (the Year 5 NAPLAN report may be requested once it's completed)
- Learning support documentation, if requesting adjustments
- Evidence of giftedness, if available (optional)
Because applications close in August of Year 5, the Year 5 NAPLAN report may not be available yet. That's expected; the school asks for results where available. See NAPLAN results explained for what the report shows.
Missed the on-time window?
- Late applications can be made during Year 5 and Year 6 for a limited period. They're handled separately from on-time applications.
- Year 7 is the main entry point, with limited mid-course entry in Years 7 to 9.
- Year 10 entry is another pathway for students who didn't enter in Year 7.
A preparation timeline for the 2027 test
If your child is in Year 4 now, there's plenty of time. A steady plan:
- Term 4 2026 to Term 1 2027: Build foundations. Wide reading, number fluency, and some exposure to verbal and numerical reasoning question types.
- Term 2 2027: Sit a first full timed practice test to find strengths and gaps. Start regular 15-minute timed writing.
- Term 3 2027 (July to August): Focused practice on the weakest sections, plus one or two more full mocks. Submit the application well before the August deadline.
- The week before the test: Light review and rest. Make sure your child knows what to expect on the day.
QASMT practice tests
Our QASMT practice tests follow the EduTest format, with all five sections timed like the real test. Results are broken down by skill, every multiple-choice question has a worked explanation, and written expression is marked by a human teacher.
These are independent practice materials, not official QASMT or EduTest papers, and they don't predict selection outcomes.
Frequently asked questions
When is the QASMT test in 2027?
The 2027 dates haven't been published yet. Based on recent years, expect a weekend in early September 2027, with on-time applications closing in mid to late August 2027. That test is for Year 7 entry in 2029.
When was the QASMT test in 2026?
Saturday 5 and Sunday 6 September 2026, for Year 7 entry in 2028. On-time applications closed at 4pm on Friday 21 August 2026.
What year do you apply for QASMT?
Year 5, for entry into Year 7. Year 7 is the main entry point.
When do QASMT results come out?
For the September 2026 test, the notice of outcome is due in late Term 4 2026.
How much does it cost to apply for QASMT?
The application fee for Year 7 entry in 2028 was $270, non-refundable. Remote testing costs extra.
Is the QASMT test run by EduTest or ACER?
EduTest. See EduTest vs ACER for how the two tests differ.
Preparing for the 2027 QASMT test? Try a free QASMT sample test and see your child's skill breakdown.
Practice Tests & Exams is an independent provider and is not affiliated with QASMT, Queensland Academies or EduTest. Dates for the 2026 cycle are from Queensland Academies as published in October 2026. Dates for 2027 are estimates based on recent years and will be updated when officially released.
Sources and further information
Check the school or assessment provider for current arrangements.
Not sure where to start?
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