Get a headstart at uni!

Scholarships

Some of the State's best young minds are tasting life at the University of Adelaide - while still at high school!

Launched in 2001, the Headstart scholarship program has been developed in consultation with schools to give gifted Year 12 students an accelerated entry into university, provided they have completed at least one Year 12 subject before they officially start Year 12.

Participants in the 2005 Headstart intake and their courses of study are: James Krumrey-Quinn (Rostrevor College), German Studies; Loc Phuoc Thai (Rostrevor College), Maths; Stephen Kentish (Blackfriars Priory School), Biology; and Tim Edwards (Mercedes College), English.

The scholarship pays for their university tuition fees for up to 12 units (one semester's workload). Although participation in Headstart doesn't guarantee students' acceptance into their chosen degrees once they complete Year 12, they can count their Headstart study towards their degree if they are accepted.

"Because I have one less subject at school, taking up a first-year subject at uni isn't too hard," James said.

"The classes are on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons, and that fits in nicely with my school schedule."

Students who take up the offer of a Headstart scholarship benefit from, and contribute to, the intellectual and diverse cultural life at the University of Adelaide.

"I am glad to be a part of uni culture, and have the opportunity to experience it even before finishing Year 12," James said.

The four students this year had the benefit of attending preliminary classes during orientation week and a special Headstart orientation.

They also met former Headstart participant and current Adelaide Law student, Brendan Lim, who shared his experiences with them.

"Graham Brookman, the Headstart coordinator is very helpful. He organised uni tours, afternoon tea and meetings with lecturers for us," James said.

The University of Adelaide provides ongoing coordination and support for the Headstart students, including:

• liaison between the university and the students, their parents, principals and mentors;
  
• tracking students' progress through their university studies; and
  
• organising academic and peer support for students.

Story by Sukhmani Khorana