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 will offer half fee scholarships to support students to undertake 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 cover the Student Services and Amenities Fee.

Domestic students undertaking Extension Studies topics will be charged at the Non-Award rate.  As this rate varies by topic, please refer to the full list of topics available 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.

1. 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.

2. Research and choose the desired area of study

There are many topics available as part of the program 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.

See the full list of topics available below, some key points:

• 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).

3. Obtain school and parent/guardian permission

As part of the application process students will be required to obtain permission from both their school and their parent/guardian.

4. Submit an application

Applications for 2025 will open in mid-November, please check back at that time for full details on how to submit your application.

5. Key dates for study in 2024

• Applications will open in mid November 2024
• Applications will close on 17 February 2025
• Semester one will commence on 3 March 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)

Students successfully completing topic(s) will gain credit towards their SACE and towards a future university degree (if the degree structure permits).

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

• High Distinction = 20
• Distinction = 19.8
• Credit = 18
• Pass = 15.8

These are the total scores (towards your ATAR) that are available for completing 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.

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

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