USC has more than 90 subjects available to study for Headstart students. There are plenty of options, so choose a subject that counts towards the degree you’re interested in.

You’ll be taking on extra work as a Headstart student, so generally you need to be achieving above average results.

You must:

• Be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen, Australian permanent resident or a Permanent Humanitarian visa holder. International students should speak with their school's Headstart Coordinator about their eligibility for the program.
• Be currently completing Year 11 or 12 fulltime.
• Be achieving a B grade average or better^*.
• Have approval from your school to apply.
• Speak English as your first language, or have met the minimum English language requirements for your chosen program.

*There are some special circumstances where we accept students with lower grades. But you’ll need a written statement from your school outlining your special circumstance. We assess them on a case-by-case basis.

You need the support of your school to apply for Headstart, so you’ll need to discuss it with your school’s Headstart Coordinator. Ask them to check our cut off dates for applications too!

You’ll need to think about course content and class times.

Course content

Most subjects include a weekly lecture and tutorial. This means you can expect to be on campus about three to five hours every week.

However, some subjects have different requirements.

• Most design courses require you to attend a computer workshop instead of a tutorial.
• Language courses include a set of tutorials, adding up to about five hours of class time every week.
• Most science courses require you to attend a tutorial or laboratory session, alternating each week during semester. Class time for science courses is usually about four hours per week.

Class times

You can select your preferred class times from a couple of options, depending on what you’re studying. We’ll send you information about how to select your preferred class times before the semester starts.

Complete an application form and give it to your school’s Headstart Coordinator.

Remember to attach supporting documents such as your most recent report card, awards, achievements or references that demonstrate your eligibility for the program.

Once you’re all done, your school’s Headstart Coordinator will complete a School’s Statement of Support and forward your application to USC. Remind them to check our cut off dates for applications!

If your application is successful

If you’re successful, we will send you an offer to your email.

Follow the instructions provided in your official offer to get started at USC.

Orientation information and instructions about choosing your class times will be sent to you in January.

If your application is unsuccessful

We’ll send you a formal notification letting you know. But don’t give up – there are plenty of pathways to get into study at USC! Talk with us on our chat link below.