Standing with Whyalla

Whyalla campus

Whyalla – we’re here for you

As a university with a long-standing presence in the region, Adelaide University is committed to supporting Whyalla through this period of change, helping people access opportunities for study, reskilling and future careers. Our proposed education and support package brings together flexible pathways into university, financial and practical assistance, and personalised study and career advice to help current students, prospective students, affected workers and their families navigate their next steps.

Working alongside local partners, government and community organisations, Adelaide University will continue to listen, respond and connect people with opportunities that support their future and contribute to the strength and resilience of Whyalla.

Financial support

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Whyalla Student Support Grant

The Whyalla Student Support Grant is a one-off payment of $3,000 for eligible student affected by the redundancies at the Whyalla Steelworks.

You may be eligible if you:

  • are enrolled in the second half of 2026 in a 100% online, undergraduate or postgraduate coursework program at Adelaide University; and

  • are from the Whyalla region and have been directly or indirectly affected by the redundancies; or

  • live elsewhere but rely on financial support from a family or household member in the Whyalla community who has been affected.

Applications open Monday, 28 September 2026. 

Money-Trees

Cost of living support

We know everyday expenses and increasing costs of living can be challenging at the best of times. Whether you're struggling to get to campus, worried about making ends meet, or looking to stretch your budget further, support is available from Adelaide University, Adelaide University Student Association (AUSA), and beyond. 

Student health and wellbeing

Counselling and crisis support

Free, confidential counselling is available to all Adelaide University students.

A counsellor is on campus at Whyalla on Wednesdays. You can book an appointment online.

For a same day urgent appointment, email counselling@adelaide.edu.au with "Steelworks" in the subject line

Outside business hours


Careers and employability

Career support on-campus

Our careers team can help you with your career direction, job applications and work experience.

A career consultant will be on-campus at Whyalla on:

• Tuesday 27 and Wednesday 28 October 
• Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 November

More dates from December to February will be added soon. You can also meet with the careers team online at any time.

To book, visit the Careers and employability webpage, or:  

Email: careersupport@adelaideuni.edu.au

Phone: +61 8 8302 7860


Accommodation

Whyalla Student Village

If you need somewhere to live, a short-term room may be available at the Whyalla Student Village. In some cases, the weekly rate and deposit can be waived, subject to availability. 
 
To ask about a room, please contact: Whyalla.Assist@adelaide.edu.au


Scholarships

Whyalla scholarships from 2027

Four new scholarships will open in 2027 for Adelaide UnviersityUniversity students from the Whyalla region, and for students who rely on financial support from a family or household member in Whyalla. Each scholarship pays $3,000 a year, and helps students to meet the costs of study.

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If you are starting a program in 2027:
  • Whyalla Access Scholarship, for undergraduate and 100% online programs, for up to four years
  • Whyalla Postgraduate Coursework Access Scholarship, for postgraduate coursework programs, for up to two years
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If you are continuing your study in 2027:
  • Whyalla Participation Scholarship, for undergraduate and 100% online programs, for the rest of your program
  • Whyalla Postgraduate Coursework Participation Scholarship, for postgraduate coursework programs, for the rest of your program.

More information about these scholarships will be released soon.


Community engagement

More information about community engagement and outreach programs will be released soon.

Admissions fee waiver

SATAC application fee waiver

Students applying to study at Adelaide University can apply through SATAC free of charge, including fees for late applications. Explore our study options and apply through SATAC for most Adelaide University programs.

Applications for 100% online degrees do not have to pay an application fee.


Pathways into university

For people who have never studied at university, or who do not have formal qualifications, Adelaide University Pathways College offers fee-free opportunities to enter university regardless of previous experience. We provide tailored support, innovative learning experiences, and inclusive pathways that empower every learner to succeed. We ensure that access, achievement, and progression can be a reality for all. 

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Foundation Studies

Develop essential academic skills and prepare for future university studies with our fee-free Foundation Studies program. Designed for those who are studying for the first time, or who did not receive an ATAR in Year 12, this program will give you lifelong skills. You’ll study writing, communication, numeracy, research, study skills and elective courses to build your confidence. 

UniStart

Adelaide University’s 100% online UniStart offering is a six-month fee-free program designed to set you up for success. 

You’ll explore the key pillars of successful university study, including writing assignments, using critical thinking to examine academic articles, utilising numeracy and problem solving, identifying credible sources of information and preparing oral presentations. Complete UniStart with a personalised study and career plan and gain the confidence to launch your study journey. 

Australia

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway program

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway program is open to all people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and is delivered over one year of full-time study or part-time equivalent. This program will prepare you for university by building your academic and professional skills. Once successfully completed, you’ll have the opportunity to transfer into an Adelaide University degree. 

Directions

Online pathway qualifications

Our 100% online pathway programs provide access to a range of 100% online bachelor programs. Choose from a range of undergraduate certificates in areas including Business, IT, Mental Health and Construction Management or discover our Diploma in Health.

Flexible online degrees

Whether you're looking to start, change or advance your career, our suite of 100% online programs offer you the flexibility to fit study around your life.

For those who have met the requirements to undertake an undergraduate degree, we offer a range of fully online degrees with multiple commencement dates, enabling students to study flexibly around their existing commitments and at a pace that suits them. Support services are available seven days a week to assist students with any challenges they may experience.

Community support

Parent and carer information sessions

To be announced.


Community outreach events

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‘Meet the Employer’ event

Organised by the Department of State Development, this ‘Meet the employer’ event is being held on 15 October to connect employers with prospective employees affected by job losses at the Steelworks. Adelaide University will be present at the event to answer all your study questions. More information to be announced soon. 

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Business Resilience and Future Skills Program

Adelaide University will provide a number practical, high-impact programs. Delivery would be face-to-face, online or blended, with content focused on areas such as career transition, project management and team leadership, digital skills and AI, business fundamentals, financial literacy, entrepreneurship and leading through change. More information to be announced soon.

Enquire now