APPLYING TO FLINDERS

Adult Entry

Pathways

Pathways Why Flinders? Study options Brochure Get inspired FAQs Contact us

You're not alone. Close to 50% of our students are adult entrants.

You might be returning to study after time away, changing careers, building on previous study, coming from TAFE or VET, or taking your first step to uni. Your pathway might look different from someone who came straight from Year 12, but that doesn't mean university is out of reach.

_{If you are not an Australian or New Zealand citizen, or an Australian permanent resident, see our information for International Students.}

Find your pathway.

Different pathways can help you gain entry to a Flinders degree, depending on your qualifications and circumstances.

Make your previous study and experience count.

Your previous study or relevant work experience may help you meet entry requirements or receive credit.

Study around your life.

Choose from flexible study options, including online, part time and on campus study.

Which pathway is right for you?

There’s more than one way to get into Flinders University. Learn about the options available, and find one that best matches your qualifications or experience.

New to university study?

If you don't meet the entry requirements for your preferred course, you have other options.

Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT)

A two hour test that assesses your ability to study at a tertiary level.

Find out more

Uni-Ready Program

A preparation program that helps you develop the skills you need for university study.

Find out more

Your Year 12 results may still be valid

Finished Year 12 a while ago? You may still be able to use your results to apply for a Flinders degree. Your eligibility will depend on your results and any higher education study you’ve completed since.

Find out more

Your TAFE or VET study could lead to university

Your TAFE or VET qualification may help you meet the entry requirements at Flinders. You may also be eligible for credit towards your course, depending on your qualification and what you want to study.

Find out more

Keep building on what you’ve already studied

If you've already studied at university, you may be able to use your previous results to gain entry to Flinders. You may also be able to receive credit for subjects you've already completed.

Find out more

What you've learned can count

Relevant work and life experience may help you meet the entry requirements for some Flinders courses. You may be able to demonstrate your knowledge and experience through portfolio entry.

Find out more

A dedicated pathway for Indigenous students

Flinders offers an entry pathway and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, including options that recognise your circumstances and experience.

Find out more

Download our Indigenous Student Guide to learn how you can start your uni journey, plus how you can chat to our Deadly Outreach Team to get all of your questions answered!

Download brochure

Your experience can count

If you're currently serving or have previously served in the Australian Defence Force, you may have options for entry and recognition of your previous study or experience.

Find out more

Why should you choose Flinders University?

As a mature age student, you'll be joining a large community of students who have taken a different path. Your work and life experience could help you get into university, and you could even be eligible for credit transfer.

You're not the only one.

Around 50% of all domestic students at Flinders are considered adult entry students. You'll be joining a large community of students who have taken a different path to university.

Your experience has value.

The skills and knowledge you’ve gained through work and life can be an asset when you return to study.

Plus, if you've studied at another uni, TAFE or registered training provider before, you could be eligible for credit transfer.

Find other people like you.

Connect with other students, build your network and find your place at Flinders. You can join clubs, explore social events, and more. There's a Mature Age Students Officer on the Student Council, too!

You can change direction.

University can help you start a new career, progress in your current one or turn an interest into something more.

Your degree can open new doors.

A degree can help you move into a new career, progress in your current one or pursue new opportunities.

Which study option is right for you?

Whether you're looking to start a new career, build on your existing experience or take your studies further, there are qualifications to suit different goals and stages of study.

Undergraduate
Postgraduate
Vocational

Diploma

Gain practical skills and knowledge to prepare for work in a specific industry or continue into further study.

Associate degrees

A two-year undergraduate qualification that builds knowledge and skills in a specific field. Use it to enter the workforce or continue into further study.

Bachelor degrees

A three to four-year undergraduate qualification that prepares you for a career in your chosen field or further study.

Honours degrees

Take your bachelor studies further with advanced coursework and research, building specialist knowledge and research skills.

Explore our courses

Graduate certificates

A short postgraduate qualification designed to build specialised knowledge and skills in a particular area.

Graduate diplomas

Build deeper knowledge in a specialised field with more study than a graduate certificate, without committing to a full master’s degree.

Master’s degrees

An advanced postgraduate qualification that builds specialist knowledge and skills for your chosen field or career.

Research degrees

Take your research further by investigating a topic in depth and contributing new knowledge to your field. Options include a Master of Research and PhD.

Explore our courses

Diploma (Dual Offer)

You can study a combined program through Flinders University and TAFE SA to earn a vocational qualification and a university degree.

Explore our courses

Our Partners

Gain real-world experience and build connections with industry while you study.

STUDY FOR TOMORROW
WITHOUT MISSING TODAY.

Flexibility from
the start

Practical and constantly connected

Engaging, above-standard learning

Supported on
every level

Explore a range of online courses to help advance your career.

Apply now

Copy of Book Mock-up Website - Adult Pathways Guide

Want to explore your options in your own time?

Complete the form to download our Adult Pathways Guide for a handy overview of your entry options, with useful information to help you plan your next move and take the first step towards studying at Flinders.

Get inspired.

Everyone’s route to university looks different. Hear from Flinders students who took the leap, changed direction or returned to study.

Hilary

South Australia Rural Medical (SARM) Program Student

Nathan

Foundation Studies student

Haley

Bachelor of Disability & Developmental Education student

Returning to study after building a career in rural Allied Health gave me the opportunity to build on my experience and pursue medicine.

When I got one of my grades back, I thought, ‘You know what? I probably can actually do this.’

Industry professionals encouraged me to become a Developmental Educator after six years in disability services.

Returning to study after building a career in rural Allied Health gave me the opportunity to build on my experience and pursue medicine.

When I got one of my grades back, I thought, ‘You know what? I probably can actually do this.’

Industry professionals encouraged me to become a Developmental Educator after six years in disability services.

Have a question?

Find the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Do I need an ATAR to get into university?

Not necessarily. There are several ways to enter Flinders without an ATAR, including the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), previous study, TAFE or VET qualifications, the Uni-Ready Program and other admission pathways. The option available to you will depend on your circumstances and the course you want to study.

I left school a long time ago. Can I still apply?

Yes. You don't need to have recently finished Year 12 to apply to Flinders. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to use your previous study, TAFE or VET qualifications, STAT, or relevant work and life experience to meet the entry requirements for your chosen course.

What if I don't meet the entry requirements for my course?

You may have other options. Depending on your circumstances and the course you're interested in, you could consider STAT, the Uni-Ready Program, TAFE or VET study, previous higher education study or portfolio entry using relevant work and life experience.

Can my work or life experience help me get into university?

For some courses, relevant work and life experience can be used to demonstrate your knowledge and skills through portfolio entry. Some courses may also consider employment experience alongside a valid STAT result. Check the entry requirements for your preferred course to see what's available.

Can my previous study count towards my degree?

In many cases, yes! Previous university, TAFE or VET study may be recognised as credit towards your course, which could reduce the amount of study you need to complete. The amount of credit you receive depends on your previous study and your chosen course. Find out more on our credit transfer page.

Can I study while working or managing other commitments?

Many Flinders courses offer flexible study options, including part-time and online study. The options available vary between courses, so check your course page to see how you can study.

Is it too late to change careers?

No. People return to study at different stages of their lives and for many reasons, including changing careers, building on existing skills or pursuing a new area of interest. Your previous study, qualifications and work background may also give you options for entering university or receiving credit towards your degree.

Can I study online?

Yes. Flinders offers a range of courses online, allowing you to study without attending campus for every class. Some courses can be completed fully online, while others have specific on-campus requirements. Check your course page for details.

How do I apply as an adult entrant?

Most domestic undergraduate applications are made through the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Some programs or pathways have different application processes, so check the requirements for your chosen pathway before applying.

How do I know which pathway is right for me?

It depends on your previous study, qualifications, work and life experience, and the course you want to study. Explore the entry options on this page, then check the entry requirements for your preferred course. If you're unsure, you can book a chat with us to discuss your options.

We’re here to help you every step of the way.

If you would like to talk to one of our friendly advisers about applying to university or to discuss your study options and pathways, please contact us.