- If you are a new Headstart student
- If you are a continuing Headstart student
- Headstart application dates
- Using the university timetable
If you are a new Headstart student
1. Check your eligibility
As a Headstart student you will be taking on the additional workload of a university course (subject) so it is generally expected that Headstart students will be achieving above average results at school. Read through the eligibility criteria to make sure you meet the requirements.
2. Assess your options
Find a course that best supports your career aspirations, or one that extends your favourite subjects at school, or choose a course that counts towards the degree you want to study.
Use the course list to find a course offered in the most convenient semester of study for you.
Consider the following as you make your decision:
- your career aspirations
- your favourite subjects at school
- courses that count towards a degree program you want to study
- a semester of study that is convenient for you
Please note, if English is not your first language, you need to meet the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program.
3. Discuss with your school
You need to discuss your intention to apply for Headstart with your school’s Headstart Coordinator. Your school's support for your application is essential.
Think about the commitments and understand what is required.
4. Check the timetable
Look up the USC timetable for lecture and tutorial times. Timetables for Semester 1, 2016 will be available from 12 October, 2015; and for Semester 2, from 16 May 2016.
Refer to using the university timetable to assist you.
5. Complete the application form
Complete the Headstart application form 2016 (PDF 208KB) ^ and nominate your three preferred times for lectures and tutorials, and workshop/laboratory sessions if applicable.*
When selecting your preferred class times consider your school timetable, extra curricular activities and transport arrangements.
Attach any relevant supporting documentation - this may include awards, achievements or references that demonstrate your suitability for the program.
If you are applying for a Headstart scholarship, you must also provide a 200-300 word statement detailing your reasons for applying.
The list of required supporting documentation is contained in the Headstart Applicant Checklist on the last page of the application form.
* Headstart students are expected to attend classes on campus so that they experience university life and learning. Online classes are not permitted for Headstart students.
6. Submit your application
Tick through the application checklist to make sure you have addressed all of the criteria and included all the supporting documentation - this is important!
Hand your completed application form and supporting documentation to your school’s Headstart Coordinator. They will complete the School's Statement of Support
and then forward your application to USC by the due date.
7. Receive an offer
Your application will be assessed against the eligibility criteria.
If your application is successful, the University will send you a ‘letter of offer’ and Orientation information before the start of the relevant semester — by late-December for study in Semester 1 or by the end of June for study in Semester 2.
If your application is unsuccessful, you will receive formal correspondence from the University.
If you are a continuing Headstart student
To apply for a second Headstart course you need to complete the Headstart Continuing Enrolment Form 2016 (PDF 313KB). ^
Submit the form to your school’s Headstart Coordinator to complete the School's Statement of Support. They will forward it to USC by the due date.
Remember, in your application you must nominate your three preferred times for lectures and tutorials, and workshop/laboratory sessions if applicable. This allows your enrolment to be processed. You may change your lecture and tutorial times, if required, after confirming your high school timetable.*
Students must successfully complete their first course in order to continue to a second course but you don't need to wait until you know your final grade before you apply. If your grade is not known at the time of submitting your application you will be enrolled with the condition that you pass your first course for that enrolment to continue.
* Headstart students are expected to attend classes on campus so that they experience university life and learning. Online classes are not permitted for Headstart students.
Headstart application dates
Check with your school’s Headstart Coordinator as to when your application needs to be submitted for their recommendation, to meet the Headstart application deadline.
Applications for Semester 1, 2016 close on Friday 30 October, 2015.
Applications for Semester 2, 2016 close on Friday 27 May, 2016.
^ For PDF documents you must have the free Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded from the Adobe Download page.