Adelaide University Pathways College

People sitting at a table talking

Welcome to the Pathways College

Adelaide University’s Pathways College provides inclusive pathways into higher education for students from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. Through preparatory programs including Foundation Studies, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway and the 100% online UniStart, the Pathways College brings excellence and equity together, supporting diverse learners to access and succeed in university study. Our fee-free programs contribute to Adelaide University’s commitment to open doors to university degrees and educational opportunity across South Australia.

Discover the Pathways College

Whether you don't have an ATAR, are returning to study, or have simply been thinking about university but don't know where to start, we have a program to support you.

Adelaide University Pathways College offers fee-free programs designed to build your skills and confidence to enter your chosen degree. Explore the options below to find the right fit for you.

Foundation Studies

Your direct pathway into a range of Adelaide University degrees. Enter at the level that suits your background and build the skills you need to succeed in your degree.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway

Designed in partnership with First Nations communities, this program gives Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a direct pathway into a range of Adelaide University degrees. Available across metropolitan and regional South Australia.

UniStart

A 100% online, six-month program. Transition into a range of 100% online Adelaide University degrees on completion. Fee-free and designed to fit around your life.

Diploma in Health

Interested in a career in health? This 100% online, one-year program builds the academic skills and knowledge you need to step into an Adelaide University health degree.

Adelaide University Pathways College brings university access to communities across South Australia through a range of initiatives.

We work with a range of organisations to expand access to university education. Find out how to work with us. 

Our initiatives

Regional pathway opportunities

You don't have to move to Adelaide to start your university journey. Adelaide University Pathways College delivers fee-free programs across regional South Australia, bringing university access to your community.

Health pathways

A range of initiatives designed to support regional and remote students pursuing health and science pathways. From short courses to health careers expos, we bring the resources to you.

UniHub Playford – pathways to study, skills and opportunity

A study hub in Northern Adelaide, bringing fee-free Foundation Studies to the community. Commencing Semester 2, 2026.

Technical Colleges

A partnership program giving Year 11 students in Port Augusta and Mount Gambier early access to university-level study. Start building your academic skills before you finish school, fee-free.

University Makes a Difference

A partnership program for students in non-mainstream schools. Investigate topics that matter, meet academic researchers, and share findings at a live showcase event.

Delivering teaching that changes lives and research that changes practice.

At Adelaide University Pathways College, our Enabling Educators team is at the forefront of higher education research and the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL). Our work is grounded in Critical Enabling Pedagogy, an approach that recognises students’ diverse experiences as strengths and actively challenges structural barriers to participation and success.

We design and research transformative teaching practices that expand access, foster belonging, and build student confidence as capable learners. Through rigorous research and reflective scholarship, we generate evidence-based insights that shape inclusive curricula, empower educators, and support equitable pathways into and through higher education. Visit the Higher Education Research Network site to find out more. 

The academic team also brings a strong commitment to scholarly inquiry and has extensive experience as postgraduate supervisors. Individual supervisors can be found by searching the researcher profile directory.

Our people

Meet the people behind the Pathways College. A team of dedicated academics, researchers and professionals working every day to open doors to university education.

NamePosition
Associate Professor Sarah HattamDirector: Pathways College
Associate Professor Tanya WeilerAssociate Professor: Pathways College
Associate Professor David Birbeck  Associate Professor: Educational Sociology
Mr Tristan KingProgram Director: Foundation Studies
Dr Nazz OldhamProgram Director: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway
Dr Alice BetteridgeProgram Director: Diplomas and Undergraduate Certificate
Catherine MadiganManager: Pathways College

Contact us

Adelaide University Pathways College

Location

Location
Level 2, 160 Currie St,
Adelaide SA 5000

Telephone

Phone: +61 8 8302 7407

Email

Email: pathwayscollege.reception@adelaide.edu.au