University Programs

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University Programs

For SACE students who achieve excellent results in their Year 11 subjects at the college, tertiary study can replace one of their Year 12 subject choices in a similar way to which an IB Diploma Programme subject would. Students must complete a university subject in each semester to attain 20 credits towards SACE completion and ATAR.

Information sessions for students currently in Year 11 run during Term 3 each year, at the universities or online outside of school hours as well as here at the college during a timetabled AIF lesson.

Universities ask that schools support applications from students based on their demonstrated independence as learners and academic preparation. To ensure our students understand the demands of balancing tertiary study with their learning at the college, we run a rigorous internal application process before offering our recommendation. This process commences in Term 4 and involves students writing a personal statement, asking subject teachers to act as referees, and attending an interview with the Director of Teaching and Learning.

Students who are successful in their internal application then decide which of the university programs will be most beneficial to their future tertiary pathways. These programs offer a significant opportunity for academic challenge for boys who are our academic high achievers.

From 2026, the college will offer university studies onsite in the Economics learning area, in partnership with the new Adelaide University. This learning area has been selected as it aligns well with the future pathways of many of our students.

University onsite at Prince Alfred College

Each semester, one unit of an economics-based course will be offered as a tertiary subject. Students will have timetabled classes and the support of an expert PAC teacher as their tutor. Results will contribute towards their SACE and ATAR as recognised studies in the same way as students studying subjects directly.

An internal application process will still apply to ensure interested students are in fact ready for tertiary study. Students will be encouraged to include their Stage 1 Economics teacher as a referee for this opportunity.

University of Adelaide

Following the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, a new offering to Year 12 students from the new Adelaide University will be rolled out for 2026. This will replace the Headstart and Accelerate offerings. It is yet to be launched.

Students who have been successful in earning a place in the University of Adelaide’s Headstart program in the past have been gifted and highly-motivated students seeking the chance to challenge themselves beyond the Year 12 curriculum. Places in the programme were based on a highly competitive selection process.

For students looking at pathways which do not align with courses running at PAC, the new offering may provide the opportunity to extend their knowledge in other areas of interest.

The college’s internal application process during Term 4 and ensuring both Approach to Learning feedback from teachers and grades reflect the student’s best.

As soon as information about the new programme and is available we will provide an updated link here.

Extension Studies at Flinders University

The Flinders program provides the opportunity for mature and high-achieving students to complement or extend their Stage 2 studies. Successful applicants from PAC can study courses at the Flinders City campus or fully online. Extension Studies is offered on a part scholarship basis with fees varying per course.

The first step is to complete the college’s internal application process. High achievement in subject results and Approach to Learning feedback in the green zone will be important criteria.

Information about Extension Studies including courses offered and an information session running in Term 3 is available at https://www.flinders.edu.au/study/schools-teachers/extension-studies.

For more information about including a university program in Year 12 SACE at Prince Alfred College, please contact

Lisa Roe, Assistant Director of Teaching and Learning : SACE via email at lroe@pac.edu.au.