Admission Pathways.
There’s more than one way to step into your fearless future
At Flinders, we support and empower our people. We’re committed to your success.
We encourage a fearless approach to study that begins before you join us.
Don’t let indecision or doubt get in your way. Chase your future.
There’s more than one way to begin your university journey.
We know that not everyone takes the traditional path to University. So, whether you’re currently in Year 12, never finished high school, or did some study a long time ago we have a range of admission pathways to Flinders so you can reach your career goals.
“What you think is stopping you, probably isn't. In being fearless, what I think holds us back the most is ourselves, and we shouldn't let that happen. I know it's easier said than done, but the benefit of being fearless is that you can accomplish so much more when you don't hold yourself back.”
You have recent secondary education
If you’ve finished Year 12 (and do not have more than 2 years of higher education study), or are currently studying Year 12 and complete the SACE/IB (or interstate equivalent) you are eligible to compete for uni entry via your Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR). View the ATAR information for Flinders University.
You could also be eligible for guaranteed entry through your ATAR or your best three year 12 grades, as well as adjustment factors that may help boost your ATAR.
Year 12 admission pathways
Year 12 Grades Entry – By using three of your best Year 12 grades, you can gain a place in your course of choice.
uniTEST – If you’re in Year 12, uniTEST is available to enhance your chances of getting into Flinders. We will select students based on Year 12 results and uniTEST performance.
School Recommendation Program – We may consider your school’s recommendation about your academic performance as part of your admission into Flinders.
Research Project B Pathway – If you have strong results in the Research Project B subject you will be considered for entry into Flinders on the basis of your Year 12 results and Research Project B performance.
Elite Athlete Pathway - Our dedicated Elite Athletes Admissions Scheme provides a pathway to university study for elite sportspeople. If you've officially represented your school or state at a national level competition, we'll consider your school's recommendation about your academic potential when you apply.
Assessment Centre Entry Pathway - students from selected schools are invited to apply via this pathway. It considers assessment methodologies for admission to higher education as an alternative to the ATAR. You will be required to attend an assessment centre to demonstrate the characteristics and aptitude for study at university.
Portfolio Entry Pathway - students from selected schools are invited to apply via this pathway. It considers assessment methodologies for admission to higher education as an alternative to the ATAR. You will be required to submit a portfolio.
Pathways to your preferred degree
If you haven’t achieved the results you expected in Year 12, there are a number of pathways to your preferred degree. You can start studying one course and move to another via internal transfer or Flinderslink.
Alternatively, you may wish to consider the Diploma of Arts or Diploma of Business as a pathway to your preferred course.
No ATAR?
If you do not have an ATAR or did not achieve the ATAR your course requires, please check out the work and life experience admission pathways below. Speak with us about your options.
You have completed some higher education
If you have completed the equivalent of at least one semester (full-time) but no more than the equivalent of two years (full-time) of a higher education course you may be considered for entry to most courses on the basis of your higher education results or any other qualifications that meet the University's entry requirements (eg Year 12 results or VET qualifications).
If you have completed more than the equivalent of two years (full-time) of a higher education course you will normally be considered for entry on the basis of your higher education results only.
Many courses at Flinders will grant credit for studies undertaken in a previous higher education course. Visit credit transfer for further information.
Admission pathways
Flinderslink - guaranteed entry to a majority of courses for current Flinders students with a nominated Grade Point Average (GPA).
Higher education transfer – If you’re studying at another university and want to transfer to Flinders, you may be eligible to apply.
Flinders Foundation Studies Program – If you have successfully completed the Foundation Studies Program (or equivalent) Flinders University will guarantee your entry to a range of degrees. You can apply via internal transfer.
Pathway to your preferred degree
If you do not meet the initial entry requirements to the course of your choice, you can start studying one course and apply to move to another via internal transfer or Flinderslink. There are a number of pathways to your preferred degree.
You have completed vocational education and training (VET)
If you have TAFE/VET qualifications (Cert 3 or higher) you are eligible to apply. Note, admission is competitive and most courses require higher than Certificate 3 level for admission.
Admission pathways
TAFElink – Guaranteed entry to selected courses. To be eligible for TAFElink you must have completed a TAFE/VET Certificate 4 or higher.
Dual offer pathways - Flinders University together with TAFE SA offer over 45 dual offer pathways in various disciplines.
Credit transfer - Many Flinders University courses will grant credit for previous TAFE/VET study.
Pathway to your preferred degree
If you do not meet the initial entry requirements to the course of your choice, you can start studying one course and apply to move to another via internal transfer or Flinderslink. There are a number of pathways to your preferred degree.
You have work and life experience
If you have not had the opportunity to gain access to university by traditional means there are these options.
Admission pathways
Special Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) – A 2-hour multiple choice test with no areas of assumed knowledge. You can choose your STAT sitting day and time when you submit your SATAC application, or you can register to sit outside application periods. Depending on the course you apply for you may be eligible to submit a personal competencies statement.
Flinders Foundation Studies Program – This no-cost course will give you the foundation to be a successful university student. Upon successful completion, you'll gain guaranteed entry to a range of our courses, as well as a competitive entry rank to the majority of our other courses.
Year 12 qualifications – If you completed Year 12 more than two years ago you can still use your results to compete for a place, providing you have not completed more than the equivalent of two years (full-time) of a higher education course.
Military pathways - The Military Academic Pathway Program (MAPP) is open to Australian Defence Force veterans, including personnel still serving, those in the process of transition, and for people who have already left the military. Upon successful completion, students may apply to commence a Flinders University degree.
Pathway to your preferred degree
If you do not meet the initial entry requirements to the course of your choice, you can start studying one course and apply to move to another via internal transfer or Flinderslink. There are a number of pathways to your preferred degree.
Indigenous Admissions Scheme
The Indigenous Admissions Scheme (IAS) provides an alternative entry pathway for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into Flinders University.
Year 12 students who are concerned that they may not receive the Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) score needed for the course of their choice may also apply through IAS.
Overseas qualifications
If you are a domestic applicant and your prior study was undertaken overseas you must supply certified copies of all academic transcripts when applying.
If any of your documents are in a language other than English, you must submit certified copies of both the original documents and the full translation.
Transcript translations must show results for all subjects undertaken. All translations must be certified by an independent accredited translator.
Overseas qualifications will be assessed for their Australian qualification equivalent using a number of assessment resources as part of the application process.
Honours pathway
You can do an Honours degree in one of two ways; once you’ve completed your bachelor degree, you can undertake an extra year of specialised study related to your degree, or you can undertake a four-year combined Bachelor and Honours degree, which you apply for via SATAC.
Postgraduate pathways
If you have completed an undergraduate degree, you can apply for a postgraduate coursework degree. You can also study a masters or doctorate by research.
Flinders has led the way in providing access to higher education and offers a choice of admission pathways that cater to people from a variety of backgrounds.
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students at Flinders University. It provides data of students who enrolled in an undergraduate course across all degrees in semester 1, 2023.
| Applicant background | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
| (A) Higher education study | 1151 | 29% |
| (B) Vocational education and training (VET) study | 292 | 7% |
| (C) Work and life experience | 115 | 3% |
| (D) Recent secondary education: | ||
|
1247 | 31% |
|
208 | 5% |
|
398 | 10% |
| International students | 581 | 15% |
| All students | 3992 | 100% |
Further information
- South Australian Tertiary Admission Centre (SATAC)
- Student policies and procedures
- Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) national register
- Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT)
Make an enquiry
For more information about entry pathways at Flinders University, please fill out the form below.
We also offer one-on-one appointments with our prospective student team to discuss career options, pathways, and course and entry requirements.
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
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CRICOS Provider: 00114A TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12097 TEQSA category: Australian University