Get ahead of your future studies by completing up to four courses (one course per trimester) while at school. If you later decide to study in a related UniSC program, you can apply to receive credit for the courses you’ve completed, meaning you could save time and money on the rest of your degree.

By successfully completing two or more courses, Headstart students will receive a selection rank that may provide entry into a UniSC program.

Students who complete a Headstart course will also receive a subject bonus adjustment (1 rank per course) to be applied to their ATAR or selection rank under Access UniSC's Year 12 Subject adjustment.*

*Exceptions: Access UniSC adjustments do not apply to the Bachelor of Medical Science. Year 12 Subject adjustments do not apply to the Bachelor of Biomedical Science (Accelerated).

Participating in Headstart can contribute toward your Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE). One successfully completed course contributes two (2) credits, and you can receive up to four (4) credits this way.*

*Headstart does not contribute points towards other state senior certificates.

By participating in Headstart, you’ll have the opportunity to experience university-level study while at school. You’ll also make valuable connections with UniSC staff and students, meaning you’ll be able to hit the ground running once you start your degree.

UniSC subsidises the cost of Headstart, decreasing the overall cost of your degree. Your first subject is free, and further subjects at a reduced rate.*

Additional Headstart courses can be studied for a reduced tuition fee of $400 per course. Scholarships are available to cover this tuition fee for domestic students from low-income families or who identify with other recognised equity groups.

*Domestic students only. International students pay full rate unless eligible via the Sunshine Coast Alliance. See Headstart Admissions Guidelines for details.

You can select a Headstart subject in an area not offered by your school, that extends on your favourite subject at school, or use it as an opportunity to try out future career choices.

You'll gain transferable skills to support your high school studies, like critical thinking, writing and research. You'll also have access to extra study resources.

Headstart is available to study in Trimester 1 and Trimester 2. Year 10 students can only study Headstart in Trimester 2. Courses are taught over 12 weeks of classes followed by a two-week examination period (from March to June in Trimester 1, and from July to October in Trimester 2). Headstart is not currently offered in Trimester 3.

To apply for Headstart, you must:

• be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen or Australian permanent resident (ie domestic student). International students should speak with their school’s Headstart Coordinator about their eligibility for the program.
  be performing at a minimum B grade average, or equivalent.*
• be completing a full workload of Year 10, 11, or 12.
• meet any prerequisites applicable to your chosen course.
• have approval and a positive recommendation from your school.
• Year 10 students can only enrol in Headstart during Trimester 2 (July).

*Special circumstances may be considered on a case-by-case basis. Your school must attach a written statement outlining a case for consideration.

You can browse our list of over 100 Headstart courses spanning a variety of study areas across our campuses and online. Make sure the course you want to study is available in your preferred location and trimester before applying.

The first Headstart course is free for domestic students. Additional subjects have a reduced fee (refer to unisc.edu.au/fees for the most up to date information).

You should allow approximately $100 per course for textbooks, photocopying, and other study-related expenses. If your preferred course has any other resources requirements, it will be listed in the course outline.

Headstart courses typically include 2–5 hours of active class time per week. Check the course outline of your preferred course for details on how often you’ll need to attend campus or join an online class.

You should also set aside 10 hours per week for personal study, including reviewing course materials, completing assessment tasks, and preparing for exams.

It’s important that you manage your time wisely and maintain a healthy balance between your school and Headstart studies, as well as any other commitments.

If your application is successful, UniSC will email you an official offer including next steps to complete your enrolment. Remember to check your email account regularly and throughout any school holidays so you don’t miss your offer.

You’ll need to submit a class preference form after timetable selection opens (approximately six weeks prior to the start of each study period). You will receive detailed instructions on how to do this in your enrolment and Orientation information kit.

UniSC will make every effort to enrol you in your preferred classes, but it’s good to have back-up options in case your preferred times are not available.

Headstart students will have access to the full range of UniSC’s student support services.

There is no wrong door to seek help, however Student Central is UniSC’s one-stop shop for everything student-related.

If you’ve decided that Headstart is not working out and you’d like to withdraw from you course, speak with your school’s Headstart Coordinator and then notify Student Central via email to studentcentral@usc.edu.au.

It’s important to formally withdraw from your course as soon as possible to avoid receiving penalties against your academic record. Withdrawing from your course prior to census date will not affect your academic record with UniSC. Refer to our academic calendar for details on important dates related to study at UniSC.

The main systems you need to know about when you begin your Headstart subject, include: 

Student Portal 

The Student Portal has everything you need, in one place. Once you’re enrolled in your Headstart course, you can access student systems, services and support, upcoming events, and the latest student news.

Canvas 

Access all your course learning materials, assessment details, discussion groups and more.

UniSC Central 

View your enrolment, class timetable and personal details.

Library 

Search the UniSC catalogue and databases, and find information and resources for your studies.

Sonia Online 

Manage your work experience placement (or fieldwork) including mandatory requirements like Blue Card, immunisations and insurance.

Student email 

Access your UniSC student email and calendar.

Student Hub 

Book appointments, workshops and events, and search for jobs.