Standing with Whyalla

Get in touch
Whyalla campus

Whyalla – we’re here for you

As a university with a long-standing presence in the region, Adelaide University is committed to supporting Whyalla through this period of change, helping people access opportunities for study, reskilling and future careers. Our education and support package brings together flexible pathways into university, financial and practical assistance, and personalised study and career advice to help current students, prospective students, affected workers and their families navigate their next steps.

Working alongside local partners, government and community organisations, Adelaide University will continue to listen, respond and connect people with opportunities that support their future and contribute to the strength and resilience of Whyalla.

Scholarships

Whyalla scholarships from 2027

Four new Adelaide University scholarship schemes will open in 2027, two for current students and two for new students. They are for students from the Whyalla region who have been directly or indirectly affected by the closure of the blast furnace and associated redundancies. They are also for students who are living outside Whyalla who rely on financial support from an affected family or household member in Whyalla. Each scholarship pays $3,000 a year to help with the costs of study.

If you are starting a program in 2027
  • Whyalla Access Scholarship, for undergraduate and 100% online programs, for up to four years.
  • Whyalla Postgraduate Coursework Access Scholarship, for postgraduate coursework programs, for up to two years.

Applications are expected to open in January 2027 and more information will be available soon on the Scholarships webpage.

SATAC application fee waiver

If you have been affected by the closure of the Whyalla blast furnace, your SATAC application fee can be waived. This includes the late application fee. You are eligible for the fee waiver if you:

  • are applying, or have applied, through SATAC for 2027 study in an undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program at Adelaide University
  • are from the Whyalla region and have been directly or indirectly affected by the closure of the blast furnace and associated redundancies, or who are living outside Whyalla who rely on financial support from an affected family or household member in Whyalla.
  • are an Australian citizen, permanent resident of Australia, New Zealand citizen or holder of a permanent humanitarian visa.

There is no application fee for 100% online degrees.If you have not yet applied through SATAC, use the enquiry form below to request the fee waiver. Include your name and personal email address. If you have already applied through SATAC and need a reimbursement, use the enquiry form below. Include your name and SATAC reference number. You will need to apply through satac.edu.au for most Adelaide University programs.

Explore study options

What can I study at Whyalla?

Undergraduate

Postgraduate

Pathways into university

For people who have never studied at university, or who do not have formal qualifications, Adelaide University Pathways College offers fee-free opportunities to enter university regardless of previous experience. We provide tailored support, innovative learning experiences, and inclusive pathways that empower every learner to succeed. We ensure that access, achievement, and progression can be a reality for all. 

Ipad

Foundation Studies

Develop essential academic skills and prepare for future university studies with our fee-free Foundation Studies program. Designed for those who are studying for the first time, or who did not receive an ATAR in Year 12, this program will give you lifelong skills. You’ll study writing, communication, numeracy, research, study skills and elective courses to build your confidence. 

Learn more

UniStart

The 100% online UniStart program is a six-month fee-free qualification designed to set you up for success. 

You’ll explore the key pillars of successful university study, including writing assignments, using critical thinking to examine academic articles, utilising numeracy and problem solving, identifying credible sources of information and preparing oral presentations. Complete UniStart with a personalised study and career plan and gain the confidence to launch your study journey. 

Learn more
Australia

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway program

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway program is open to all people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and is delivered over one year of full-time study or part-time equivalent. This program will prepare you for university by building your academic and professional skills. Once successfully completed, you’ll have the opportunity to transfer into an Adelaide University degree. 

Learn more
Directions

Online pathway qualifications

Our 100% online pathway programs provide access to a range of 100% online bachelor programs. Choose from a range of undergraduate certificates in areas including Business, IT, Mental Health and Construction Management or discover the Diploma in Health.

Explore our full list of programs

Flexible online degrees

Whether you're looking to start, change or advance your career, our suite of 100% online programs offer you the flexibility to fit study around your life.

For those who have met the requirements to undertake an undergraduate degree, we offer a range of fully online degrees with multiple commencement dates, enabling you to study flexibly around your existing commitments and at a pace that suits. Support services are available seven days a week to assist you with any challenges you may experience.

Explore our full list of programs

Community outreach events

Team

‘Employer Connect’ event

Organised by the Department of State Development, the ‘Employer Connect’ event is being held on 15 October to connect employers with prospective employees affected by job losses at the steelworks. Adelaide University will be present at the event to answer all your study questions. More information will be announced soon. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Scholarships

Whyalla scholarships from 2027

Four new Adelaide University scholarship schemes will open in 2027, two for current students and two for new students. They are for students from the Whyalla region who have been directly or indirectly affected by the closure of the blast furnace and associated redundancies. They are also for students who are living outside Whyalla who rely on financial support from an affected family or household member in Whyalla. Each scholarship pays $3,000 a year to help with the costs of study.

If you are continuing your study in 2027:
  • Whyalla Participation Scholarship, for undergraduate and 100% online programs, for the rest of your program
  • Whyalla Postgraduate Coursework Participation Scholarship, for postgraduate coursework programs, for the rest of your program.

Applications are expected to open from January 2027 and more information will be available soon on our Scholarships website.

Financial support

Cash payment

Whyalla Student Support Grant

The Whyalla Student Support Grant is a one-off payment of $3,000 for eligible student affected by the redundancies at the Whyalla Steelworks.

You may be eligible if you:

  • are enrolled in the second half of 2026 in a 100% online, undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program at Adelaide University; and

  • are from the Whyalla region and have been directly or indirectly affected by the redundancies; or

  • live elsewhere but rely on financial support from a family or household member in the Whyalla community who has been affected.

Applications open Monday, 28 September 2026. 

More information
Money-Trees

Cost of living support

We know everyday expenses and increasing costs of living can be challenging at the best of times. Whether you're struggling to get to campus, worried about making ends meet, or looking to stretch your budget further, support is available from Adelaide University, Adelaide University Student Association (AUSA), and beyond. 

More information

Student health and wellbeing

Counselling and crisis support

Free, confidential counselling is available to all Adelaide University students.

A counsellor is on campus at Whyalla on Wednesday's. You can speak with a Counsellor from 11.00am to 12.00pm in room MB1-19B with no appointment needed. For a scheduled appointment you can book an appointment online.

For a same day urgent appointment, email counselling@adelaide.edu.au with "Steelworks" in the subject line

Outside business hours

Careers and employability

Career support on-campus

Our Careers and Employability team can support you with your career direction, job applications, work experience and exploring career opportunities.A career consultant will be on campus at Whyalla on:

  • Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 October with Melissa
  • Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 November with Angelika
  • Tuesday 8 and Wednesday 9 December with Toni

To book an appointment, please email careersupport@adelaideuni.edu.au with “Steelworks" in the subject line. Please include your preferred appointment type (on campus or online) and your preferred date.

More dates in 2027 will be added soon. You can also meet with a career consultant online at any time.

Email: careersupport@adelaideuni.edu.au
Phone: +61 8 8302 7860

Accommodation

Whyalla Student Village

If you need somewhere to live, a short-term room may be available at the Whyalla Student Village. In some cases, the weekly rate and deposit can be waived, subject to availability. 

This applies to students from the Whyalla region who have been directly or indirectly affected by the closure of the blast furnace and associated redundancies, and for students who are living outside Whyalla who rely on financial support from an affected family or household member in Whyalla. 

To ask about a room, please contact: Whyalla.Assist@adelaide.edu.au

Fee-free online short courses

If you’re looking to change careers, build practical transferable skills, strengthen your capabilities and confidence, all while gaining new knowledge, Adelaide University is offering a range of fee-free, flexible, self-paced online short courses. The short courses are available in the areas of project management, leadership, artificial intelligence (AI), marketing, data analytics, entrepreneurship, and business skills to support your ongoing career development and future study opportunities.

To gain access to the fee-free short courses:
Email learningfutures@adelaide.edu.au with the course/s you would like to access, along with your photo ID/statement with proof of address.

Get in touch

phone

1300 877 903

View Student Assist opening hours

Enquire now