Activate

ActivateU

Challenge yourself and explore your passion

Adelaide University’s Activate program offers motivated Year 12 students an exciting opportunity to experience university study while completing their SACE (or equivalent). You’ll study one university course per semester, and on successful completion be eligible to receive SACE and university credit. 

Activate is designed to complement your Year 12 studies, with school approval and timetabling support part of the application process. You’ll also have access to Adelaide University’s academic support, digital platforms, and student services, including mentoring. 

With flexible options for a range of students, Activate builds confidence, supports academic growth, and provides you with experience before stepping into their first year of university.

Benefits

Designed for students with a B grade average across all Year 11 subjects, the high achiever stream is for go-getting students who want to fast-track their university journey.

  • Study on-campus for metropolitan South Australian students, and online for regional and interstate students.

  • Gain experience studying at a university level and build confidence to kickstart your next step.

  • Get access to university student services, and on-campus activities like Orientation and social events.

Eligibility

Year 12 students with a B grade or higher across all Stage 1 (and Stage 2 if applicable) subjects are eligible to apply. School endorsement and parent/guardian approval is required.

Entry for the program is competitive, so not all applicants will receive a place. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or have any questions, email activate@study.adelaideuni.edu.au

How to apply

Applications will open in Term 4, 2025 and can be submitted online.

Educators, Career Advisers and relevant staff at eligible schools will be contacted during Term 4 with further information and application processes.

Build confidence through subject specific study

Adelaide University will be offering a dedicated stream for students enrolled in schools under the SATAC Universities Equity Scheme. This offering is perfect for students with key strengths in a particular study area, looking to launch into their university study. 

  • Study two courses in a specific area of interest, using high school grades in relevant subjects as an entry method.

  • Learn online using Adelaide University’s online learning platform.

  • Gain experience and skills in a specific interest area to set yourself up for success at university.

Available study areas will be released later this year.

Key dates 

Term 4  2025: Applications open

March 2026: Semester 1 classes commence 

July 2026: Semester 2 classes commence

FAQs

High school Year 12 students can apply for the Activate program. Applications will open in Term 4 of 2025, for current Year 11 students to start their journey. 

Students typically study one university subject per semester. Each course has a time commitment similar to a Year 12 subject (approximately 10–12 hours per week).

The program is designed to complement, not compete with, your Year 12 subjects. Many students find that it boosts confidence and study skills. School approval and timetabling support are part of the application process and central to acceptance.

Fully or partially funded scholarships will be available for all students who are accepted.

All Activate students will have access to academic support, digital platforms, student services, and mentoring. 

Yes, the Activate program offers online options for students in regional South Australia, the Northern Territory, and interstate. 

We recommend that you undertake one subject per semester, with two subjects total for the program.