Headstart Studies
How it works
Headstart Studies students are able to credit their university studies toward their SACE at Stage 2 level and have the grades count towards their ATAR. Students will receive 10 credits for a one-semester subject and 20 credits for a full-year subject or two-semester sequence. There is a limit of 20 credits that can be counted from university studies. Please refer to the SATAC website for further details.
Please note that under the Recognised Studies rules, students who have completed the requirements of the SACE and are returning to "top up" their ATAR may not count Headstart studies towards their ATAR.
Scholarship
Successful Headstart Studies applicants will be awarded a scholarship exempting them from tuition fees for up to 6 units of first year university study, which is equivalent to one course per semester.
Eligibility
Any student applying to Headstart Studies must be recommended by their school and have the support of their parents. Students must be academically able to cope in a fully adult learning environment as they will attend classes on campus, complete assignments and sit examinations the same as University students. Eligibility for Headstart Studies will be based on grades from subjects completed in Year 11, with a minimum grade requirement of B across all subjects studied.
Enrolment
For the purpose of their enrolment Headstart students will be recorded as non-award students. Upon enrolment they will receive a student card, which provides access to the full range of student services offered on campus and full borrowing rights at the Barr Smith Library.
Grades
Headstart Studies students will attend classes and sit examinations on the same basis as University students. Grades will be recorded and any student who passes a Headstart course, and subsequently enrols in a University of Adelaide academic program for which the course may be presented, may receive credit for that study. This will enable students to fast-track their academic program or take a wider range of courses than usual. Grades will count towards the students' ATAR as agreed by the SACE Board:
HD=20.0
D=19.8
C=18.0
P=15.8
Withdrawal
Headstart Studies students must carefully consider the consequences of withdrawal from the program, as this will affect their success in the SACE and their ATAR. The University would only accept withdrawal in close consultation with the school mentor, and the enrolment would remain on the students record within the University.
Mentor
Each Headstart Studies student will have as a mentor a staff member from his/her home school nominated by the Principal. The mentor's role will be to monitor student progress and act as a contact person linking the University to the student within the school. They will not be required to provide academic support.
The University of Adelaide will provide an ongoing role of coordination and support. This will include:
- liaison between the University and Headstart students, their parents, principals and mentors
- tracking students' progress through their University studies;
- organising academic and peer support for students.
