Extension studies

The Extension Studies Program offers high-achieving senior secondary students the opportunity to:

• Extend on learning in school by exploring subjects in greater depth
• Focus on passions by studying subjects of interest
• Learn university level study methods that will also support Year 12 studies
• Experience university life, becoming familiar with the campus, online systems and support services which will contribute to a smooth transition to university
• Access university facilities and services such as the library, laboratories and Flinders Learning Online (FLO)
• Gain recognition towards a related Flinders University degree upon successful completion of a topic (subject to degree structure)
• Achieve a distinctive edge, enhancing future career opportunities
• Become eligible for guaranteed entry to a number of degrees at Flinders (subject to meeting grade bands, SACE completion and any additional entry requirements).

Flinders University offers half fee scholarships to support students in undertaking Extension Studies topics. This will require the student's school or parents/caregivers to fund half of the tuition fee for each topic. The University will also cover the Student Services and Amenities Fee.  This will be applied automatically and does not involve a separate application process.

The half fee scholarship only applies to the first two topics attempted through the program, with any additional topics undertaken charged at the full rate.

Domestic students undertaking Extension Studies topics will be charged at the Commonwealth supported rate.  As this rate varies by topic, please refer to each relevant topic handbook webpage for confirmation.

International students undertaking Extension Studies topics will be charged the minimum indicative course fee for fee-paying overseas students. As these rates vary by topic, please contact us by email at extension.studies@flinders.edu.au for confirmation.

Students participating in Extension Studies are enrolled in individual topics as 'non-award' and as such, are not eligible for HECS-HELP.

Confirm eligibility

The Extension Studies Program is open to Year 12 students from all schools in South Australia. The content and workload has been designed to suit high-achieving students who will succeed in an adult learning environment.  Parent/Guardian and School approval is required as part of the application process.

Research and choose the desired area of study

There are many topics available as part of the program (see the full list below) and students may choose to study a maximum of one topic per semester.  When researching topics, it’s also important to consider the class commitments and the delivery location to ensure these will fit with your school timetable.

Places at our City Campus are limited, and a quota system will be in place for some topics delivered at this location.

Application process – existing student

• Download and complete the additional topic form
• Submit the form to extension.studies@flinders.edu.au

Application process – new student

• Download and complete the application pack
• Submit your application online

Key dates for study in 2025

• Applications will open in November 2024
• Applications for semester one will close on 17 February 2025
• Semester one will commence on 3 March 2025
• Applications for semester two will open on 14 April 2025
• Applications for semester two will close on 6 July 2025
• Semester two will commence on 28 July 2025

Admission and orientation

Once accepted onto the program, all students will be provided with simple instructions to complete their enrolment and register in their preferred classes. 

Prior to semester one commencing, an orientation event will be held at Bedford Park campus for Extension Studies students and their parents/caregivers (school staff are also welcome to attend).  This is an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the expectations, requirements and supports available to help students be successful on the program and ensure they’re ready to being their Extension Studies experience.

Assessment

Extension Studies students will be assessed the same as university students. At the end of each semester we will post an official transcript of the student’s results to their school. It is the school’s responsibility to forward these results to the SACE Board. The University grading system is High Distinction, Distinction, Credit, Pass, Fail.

Withdrawal from topic

If students choose to withdraw from a topic after they are enrolled it is essential that we are notified as soon as possible by completed the Topic Withdrawal Form.

Note

• Any topics with * after the topic name are still awaiting full assessment from the SACE Board
• Campus locations – BP (Bedford Park), CC (City Campus), TN (Tonsley)
• Where multiple options are listed under Semester, it's only possible to choose one (it's the same topic delivered multiple times)

Students successfully completing topic(s) will gain credit towards their SACE and towards a future university degree (if the degree structure permits).  Each successfully completed topic will provide 10 credits towards the SACE and students are able to claim a maximum of 20 credits (two topics) as ‘University Studies’.

The ATAR is calculated from the university aggregate, with students requiring 90 subject credits to calculate an aggregate (60 + 30).  Extension Studies topics can contribute towards the 30 (Flexible Option) as ‘Recognised Studies’.  For additional support students are encouraged to speak to their school SACE Coordinator.

For the purpose of calculating an ATAR, the SACE Board has determined that university grades will be converted in the following way:

• High Distinction = 10
• Distinction = 9.9
• Credit = 9
• Pass = 7.9

These are the scores per topic (towards your ATAR) if you complete two topics for example:

• Topic One = High Distinction = 10 points
• Topic Two = Credit = 9 points
• Combined score towards ATAR = 19 points

Students and schools should be aware that not all University topics are approved by the SACE Board of SA as recognised courses towards the SACE, or approved by the Higher and Further Education Taskforce as recognised studies towards calculation of the ATAR.  However, all the topics listed are pre-approved for recognition. Please note that some topics may have precluded combinations with certain SACE subjects, this can be confirmed by contacting the SACE Board.

Extension Studies topics will need to be completed in the same year (or earlier) that SATAC calculates the ATAR for the first time.  It is not possible for the ATAR to be recalculated to include Extension Studies results done in later years.  Those studying in Year 13, having already achieved an ATAR in Year 12 are not eligible for Extension Studies.

Students can get ahead of the curve knowing that if they successfully complete two university topics through the Extension Studies program, they will be eligible for guaranteed entry into many degrees offered at Flinders.

It is important for students to try their best, as the grades achieved in these topics will directly impact the courses they become eligible for.  Any specific subject prerequisites, portfolio or other entry requirements as detailed on the respective course webpage will also need to be met.  As a guide to the grades required, please download details from 2024. 

If you would like more information about the Extension Studies Program, please contact us:

• Phone: 8201 5322
• Email: extension.studies@flinders.edu.au