Queensland Academy for Health Sciences

"Queensland Academy for Health Sciences (QAHS) is a selective entry public high school operated by the Queensland State Government, located on the Gold Coast in Queensland, Australia."

Founded on 28 January 2008, the school was established with a clear and purposeful mission: to provide an academically rigorous environment for the state's most talented students, with a particular focus on preparing young people for careers in the scientific, medical, and health-related fields. In a relatively short time since its founding, QAHS has distinguished itself as one of Queensland's premier secondary institutions. The school's academic program is built entirely around the International Baccalaureate, specifically the IB Diploma Programme (IBDP), which is offered to students in Years 11 and 12. The IBDP is a globally recognized pre-university qualification known for its intellectual breadth, critical thinking demands, and internationally portable credentials — qualities that make it particularly attractive to families with an international background or those considering tertiary study abroad. Recognizing that students benefit from early preparation, QAHS also welcomes Year 10 students into a dedicated preparation program designed to build the academic skills and disciplinary habits needed to thrive in the full Diploma. This thoughtful progression allows students to enter the IBDP with confidence and a strong foundation. As a selective entry school, QAHS is open only to students who demonstrate exceptional academic ability, and admission is competitive across the state of Queensland. This selective model shapes the school's culture in meaningful ways: students arrive motivated, intellectually curious, and oriented toward ambitious futures. The school's thematic focus on health sciences further unifies the student community around a shared sense of purpose, attracting young people who are already drawn to medicine, biomedical research, allied health, and related disciplines. For families relocating to the Gold Coast — whether from elsewhere in Australia or from overseas — QAHS offers a distinctive opportunity for high-achieving students to pursue their interests within a focused academic community. The school's reputation for academic excellence is well supported by its results. In 2017, the independent ranking platform Better Education placed QAHS at number one in the entire state of Queensland based on OP and IB Diploma outcomes, a recognition that speaks to the strength of both its teaching and its student body. The Gold Coast campus setting places students in one of Australia's most dynamic and livable cities, with access to a vibrant metropolitan environment alongside the natural appeal of the region's coastline and hinterland. As a government school, QAHS offers its specialist program within the public education system, making it an accessible pathway for qualifying students regardless of socioeconomic background — a genuinely distinctive feature among schools offering the IB Diploma at this level. For expat families and relocating professionals seeking a school that combines world-class curriculum credentials, a specialist academic focus, and a strong culture of achievement, Queensland Academy for Health Sciences represents a compelling option on the Gold Coast and a standout institution within Queensland's public education landscape.