Adult Entry

The University of Adelaide encourages applications from people who may not have come directly from school or college and who wish to return to education at different stages of their lives. Many adult entry students choose to study at Adelaide for the quality and flexibility of the courses we offer. By choosing to study at Adelaide, students have the opportunity to update their skills, obtain a new qualification, change career direction or simply further an interest.

Entry Pathways

If you are interested in learning with us, there are several pathways you can take to apply for adult entry to the University of Adelaide.

Australian Year 12

You can apply to university using your Australian Year 12 results, or an overseas equivalent, regardless of when you completed your schooling. Your results will be converted to a Tertiary Entrance Rank (TER), which must meet a minimum score to be considered for university entry.

Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

If you are over 21 and have not done more than two years (full-time) tertiary study in the last three years you can gain university entry by completing the Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT). The STAT is a two-hour, multiple-choice test designed to assess a range of skills and knowledge needed for successful tertiary study. It is coordinated by the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC) and held several times a year.

The University of Adelaide's Centre for Professional & Continuing Education provides a series of three-hour workshops that provide guidance and practice in completing the STAT.

TAFE or Vocational Education qualifications

Please refer to our information for TAFE and VET Graduates.

Other tertiary study and bridging programs

Applicants who have completed at least half a year of full-time equivalent (FTE) higher education study can be considered for selection on the basis of their higher education academic record, either in addition to or instead of other qualifications where relevant. For example, if you have completed at least half a year of full-time equivalent (FTE) non-award study within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University of Adelaide may apply for admission through SATAC to some programs within the Faculty on the basis of their non-award studies (further information is available from the Faculty).

You may also be applicable for entry if you have completed recognised bridging studies.

Pre-requisites and Assumed Knowledge

Don’t despair if you don’t meet program pre-requisites or assumed knowledge, such as Year 12 Maths and Chemistry – there are tertiary preparation programs and bridging courses available.

Support

We appreciate that the decision to enter higher education as an adult entry student can be a difficult one in terms of commitment and financial circumstances. The University endeavours to provide the support that you need to make the most of your time here.

The Centre for Learning & Professional Development (CLPD) offers a range of workshops and tutorials that provide guidance and information on all aspects of learning and study skills. Many students who haven’t formally studied for a while find these courses particularly useful. In addition to this we have a number of other services aimed at making your life here a little easier such as on-campus childcare and the fitness centre.

There are many opportunities for making friends within lectures and tutorials, and joining the University’s Mature Students Association provides you with an excellent opportunity to form support networks early in the academic year.