Mature Study

The University of South Australia (UniSA) was founded on 1 January 1991 through the amalgamation of the South Australian Institute of Technology and various campuses of the South Australian College of Advanced Education. Since then, it has quickly earned a reputation as a national leader in collaborative research, has been recognised nationally for innovation in teaching and has South Australia's largest intake of international students. UniSA has two campuses located in Adelaide, one at Mawson lakes and Wyhalla. The University of South Australia has also developed strong alliances and collaborative working relationships with a range of organisations, education providers and agencies, both domestically and internationally.

To be eligible to attend UniSA applicants must meet at least one of the minimum admission requirements and be selected for enrolment in competition with other applicants.  Program intakes are determined by the number of places available and the number of eligible applicants seeking entry to those programs.  In addition to the minimum admission requirements some courses take into account other criteria such as an audition or portfolio.

Entry into UniSA is based on year12 results, prior tertiary study, adult entry or alternative entry pathways. The Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) is used as the basis of admission for applicants who have no year 12 tertiary or post secondary qualifications. UniSA also offers a Foundation Studies course that prepares students for entry into all of UniSA undergraduate programs and is a pathway for people who want to undertake university study but have no qualifications for entry.

Adult entry

UniSA offers adults more pathways to getting a degree than any other South Australian university. Adult entry students are those who come to university at any point in their lives other than straight from school. To enter UniSA as an adult you:

• don't have to rely on year 12 results 
• use the Special Tertiary Admissions Test results 
• articulate into a UniSA course through TAFE qualifications 
• transfer from another university 
• undertake UniSA Foundation studies program 

You may qualify for adult entry at UniSA if you have:

• completed the equivalent secondary education qualifications as required for university entry under SACE 
• completed or partly completed a recognised higher education program at a higher education institution 
• completed at least four Open Universities Australia, formerly Open Learning Australia (OLA), subjects at the appropriate level 
• completed a recognised TAFE Diploma, Advanced Diploma, or Certificate Level IV 
• completed the International Baccalaureate Diploma 
• qualified by sitting the Special Entry (STAT) test
  

UniSA-PAL is a discrete, university preparation program offered in partnership with UniSA and five adult re-entry schools, Hamilton, Thebarton, Open Access, Marden and Para West. It is a one-year, full-time (or part-time equivalent) program that prepares students for university study in a range of undergraduate degree programs at UniSA. This program is for people who:

• have not previously undertaken relevant university study
• have left school prior to the completion of their secondary education
• have had a break between school and application for university
• may have had work experience but wish to return to study to increase career choices
• Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander
• from a non-English speaking background
• from a rural and isolated location 
• from a low socio-economic backgrounds
  

For further information please contact the individual schools directly Hamilton (08) 8275 8325, Thebarton (08) 8234 2359, Open Access (08) 8309 3500, Marden *(08) 8366 2800 and Para West (08) 8254 6300.

The Learning Connection Disability Service provides a range of services to students with disabilities. Disability service staff can also provide advice and assistance to university staff in meeting the needs of students with disabilities. The services are provided on the basis of the student's individual access requirements and are available on each campus by contacting a Disability Adviser at Learning Connection. Examples of the services provided by the university's Disability Liaison Officers include:

• assessment and organisation of reasonable adjustments
• advice on and use of assistive technological equipment
• alternative examination arrangements 
• tutors, note takers, interpreters 
• referral to other services or agencies 
• other support and advice as needed
  

 For further information contact Disability Services on (08) 8302 4423.

UniSA provides a broad range of scholarships and grants to international, domestic, undergraduate, postgraduate coursework and postgraduate research degree students. The aim of many scholarships is to help fund the cost of tertiary education for students, to offer financial assistance and, in many instances, provide students with valuable work experience and overseas travel opportunities. There are also scholarships available for students with disabilities. For further information refer to the scholarships webpage on the UniSA website.

If you need financial assistance you may be eligible for a student loan from UniSA. The Students Association provides emergency loans for students under certain circumstances. The scheme offers short term loans of up to $50.00 for living or educational expenses that must be repaid within 2 months. Further information can be obtained from the Students Association on (08) 8302 2882.

Refer to Worksheet 6 - Financial planning (worksheet 6 as text 27 KB or worksheet 6 as PDF 79KB) to assist you budget for tertiary education.