Applications

Applications for the Headstart Scholarship Program 2025 will be open on the 2nd December 2024. 

Application key dates for 2025 Headstart program:

  • Applications Open: Monday, 2nd December 2024 
  • Applications Close: Thursday, 9th January 2025 by 5PM ACDT

Please note: Students applying for Headstart at the beginning of the year will apply for both semesters in the initial application. Students interested in only Semester 2 need to apply at the start of the year. Midyear application is not available.

  • 1. Check your eligibility

    Before applying to the Headstart scholarship program, thoroughly read this website and ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.

  • 2. Choose your courses

    Decide which courses you want to apply for (up to two courses, one each semester)

    • Review Headstart Brochure to select your preferred courses.
    • Read Course Outlines for your course and ensure you check any prerequisites or assumed knowledge.
    • Check the 2025 course timetable (released 2 December 2024) on Course Planner.
  • 3. Prepare your information

    Gather the following information that will be required in the application;

    • Personal Details
    • School Details
    • Contact details of the applicants nominated mentor
      • This can be a year level coordinator, SACE Coordinator, career counsellor or a relevant subject teacher who can act as a point of contact for the applicant and for the University
  • 4. Prepare your documents

    Gather the following documentation to upload (Word or PDF):

    • School Letter of Reference
      • From a principal, deputy principal or year level coordinator
    • Personal Statement
      • Max. 250 words. This should include why the student wants to pursue the Headstart program, what the motivating factors are for their selected Headstart subjects, plans for 2025 and beyond, etc.
    • 2024 SACE Report Card
      • Must include grades for all Year 11 and 12 subjects already completed
    • 2025 School Timetable
      • Indicating which classes you would withdraw from, if successfully offered a place in the Headstart program (if any)
    • Preferred university class times
      • Must include preferred university course class numbers, time and dates, which can be obtained via Course Planner.
    • International student declaration form (International students only)

Midyear entry

Midyear entry is only available into courses that do not have a Semester 1 university course prerequisite or assumed knowledge. If you are intending to only study in Semester 2, you need to apply at the start of the year. Midyear application is not available.

Students applying for Headstart at the beginning of the year apply for both semesters in the initial application (they do not need to complete a second application for Semester 2 courses).

Key dates

20 November 2024 2025 Information Night
2 December 2024 2025 University Timetable Released
Applications Open
9 January 2025 Applications Close (5pm)
24 January 2025 Applicants advised of outcomes
24 February 2025 Orientation Week
3 March 2025 Semester 1 Commences
28 July 2025 Semester 2 Commences
Nov/Dec 2025 Headstart Graduation

View a full list of academic year dates.