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 and refer to choosing a course to find a course offered in the most convenient semester of study for you.
When you are considering your options, keep in mind that some courses have prerequisites. You may be required to have completed relevant high school study, or sit an assessment to determine your skill level, to meet a course prerequisite. Course prerequisites are listed under each course description (where applicable).
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.
You are eligible to apply for Headstart if you:
- are an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or a Permanent Humanitarian visa holder, or a non-domestic student on a visa other than an international student visa. Students on an international student visa are not eligible for Headstart.
- are currently completing a full workload of Year 11 or 12 curriculum.
- are achieving a B grade average or better. ^
- have the approval of your school to apply.
- speak English as your first language, or have met the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program.
^ Special circumstances may be considered on a case by case basis. The school must attach a written statement setting out the student's case for consideration.
Plan your semesters of study
As a Headstart student, you can choose to study one or two courses at USC while you are completing Year 11 and 12. You can only study one course per semester, so you could choose to study in one or two semesters from the four listed below. Depending on your choice of courses, you may study one course in Year 11 and one course in Year 12, or study both courses in one year.
| February–June | July–November | |
|---|---|---|
| Year 11 | Semester 1 | Semester 2 * |
| Year 12 | Semester 1 * | Semester 2 |
* We recommend you spread Headstart courses over Year 11 and 12 as highlighted. This is to enable you to settle into senior subjects at school in Year 11, and to wrap up your high schooling toward the end of Year 12.
Need help?
Contact Student Central