Who Can Apply

The Headstart program is open to students* that will be in Year 12 in 2025 and that are either accelerated or high-achieving;

  1. Accelerated students who have completed a Stage 2 subject in an earlier school year and are completing their SACE or IB at less than a full year’s workload. Eligibility is based on grades from completed Year 12 and Year 11 subjects.
  2. High-achieving students who are not accelerated. Eligibility is based on grades from completed Year 11 subjects.

* International Onshore students must apply through the Accelerated stream.

Exceptionally gifted students in lower grades who are completing their school in an earlier year may also be considered, but a special case will need to be made by schools on behalf of students. Please note: Students who have already had a Selection Rank issued (e.g. students attempting Year 13) are not eligible to apply.

Academic eligibility criteria

Applicants must meet the below SACE or IB requirements;

SACE students

  • Accelerated students: A minimum grade of B or better for all Stage 2 and Stage 1 subjects already taken is required, plus a minimum of A- for any SACE Stage 2 subject that is a prerequisite for the University course to be studied.
  • High-achieving students: A minimum grade of B or better across all Stage 1 subjects is required.

Additional criteria may apply to individual course selections such as Mathematics, Physics and Languages.

IB students

  • Accelerated students: A minimum score of 6 or higher at the Standard Level, or 5 or higher at the Higher Level for all Year 12 subjects already taken is required, plus at least 6-7 for any subject that is a prerequisite for the University course to be studied.
  • High-achieving students: A minimum score of 6 or higher at the Standard Level, or 5 or higher at the Higher Level is required.

Additional criteria may apply to individual course selections such as Mathematics, Physics and Languages.

Students who have completed the SACE

Students cannot count Headstart grades towards their Selection Rank if they have already completed SACE Stage 2 or the IB, therefore applications will not be accepted from Year 13 students. This does not apply to students completing Year 12 over two years.

Personal eligibility criteria

 In addition to the academic entry requirements, the below personal eligibility criteria will be required/assessed;

  • Support of parents or guardians
  • Recommendation from the school and nomination of a School Mentor
  • 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.
  • Timetabling and attendance: This refers to the student’s ability to manage the school and University timetables and availability to attend courses on-campus.