UniStart for Schools

Georgia wells UniStart

Applications open 1 November 2024 for the 2025 program.

What is UniStart for Schools?

UniStart builds confidence in Year 12 students and equips them with the skills required for university study. It is delivered at school by school-based teachers over 15 weeks during Terms 2 and 3.

A problem-based approach introduces students to the culture of academic enquiry and the conventions of written communication at university, while they learn how to balance competing commitments. UniStart develops a student’s understanding and skills in critical thinking and analysis, academic reading, academic writing, academic integrity, information literacy, research and self-management skills.

Students who successfully complete UniStart for Schools and Year 12, are guaranteed entry into a Southern Cross University undergraduate course.

UniStart for Schools can contribute one credit point towards the Queensland Certificate of Education.

How is the course delivered?

The course is taught at participating schools by school teachers and moderated by Southern Cross University academics. Students attend regular classes and complete three written assessments and an online quiz.

Classes are taught over 15 weeks, three hours per week to suit each school’s schedule. Students will also visit the Southern Cross University campus.

Southern Cross University provides a schedule to each school which includes teaching resources, assessments, online Blackboard learning site, access to Southern Cross University resources such as the library databases and careers and employability service. Students are enrolled as students of Southern Cross University.

How much does it cost?

UniStart is fee free.

Testimonials from a participating school and student

"UniStart for Schools was great in getting me prepared for university. It made the transition from school to uni very easy and provided me with all the skills I needed for assessments. I am achieving high grades at uni... I was a lot more prepared than my peers who gained entry based on their ATAR.

The tasks in UniStart are great references that I still use as a guide to some assignments I'm completing. The campus visits in the course also helped a lot in making the transition super easy."

Kai Weaver - Bachelor of Engineering Systems (Honours)

Tahlia with students

“UniStart offers a unique and tailored pathway, designed to introduce students to University life while giving them access to the essential skills required to succeed at university. Arcadia College has seen amazing results for our young people both academically and individually. I would highly recommend the UniStart program, as an alternative, inclusive program, solidifying future pathways for all students.”

Tahlia McGahey Principal, Arcadia College

Benefits for Students

Prepare for University

Gain confidence and the required skills for successful university study. Your new academic skills will also help you smash it in Year 12.

Direct Pathway to Uni

Successful completion of UniStart provides a direct pathway into a Southern Cross degree. No need to apply via Early Offer or UAC/QTAC.

Scholarship Opportunity

On completion of UniStart, you'll be eligible for one of 3 generous undergraduate scholarships worth up to $10,000.

Support and Guidance

Throughout UniStart, you will receive support from the university and guidance from your UniStart teacher.

Frequently Asked Questions

You must be a Year 12 student at a participating school (e.g., your school must already offer UniStart), to take part in the program.

UniStart is currently only available to Australian Citizens or Permanent Residents. If you are unsure about your citizenship status and want to apply, please ask your teacher or reach out to scuadvance@scu.edu.au to seek clarification.

Southern Cross University works with the participating school to identify eligible students. The school distributes an online application form to eligible students.

Students who complete and submit the form are then sent an email with a permission form that their parent or caregiver must complete. Southern Cross University will reach out to students, caregivers and teachers if more information is required.

Once the application is assessed and all documentation has been returned, Southern Cross University will send a letter of offer to the student with instructions on how to accept this offer.

Once the offer is accepted, students are officially admitted into the program.

Scheduled classes: Attend the weekly classes as scheduled by your school. 

Independent study: Work through the online study guide to help you prepare for the scheduled classes 

Assessment tasks: There are four assessment tasks to complete (an online quiz, annotated bibliography and two reports). In order to achieve a passing grade in this unit, you must submit ALL assessment tasks and obtain a score of at least 50% of the total assessment marks for the unit.

The UniStart for Schools program can contribute one (1) credit point towards the Queensland Certificate of Education. However, the unit  does not contribute to the calculation of the ATAR.

Unfortunately, UniStart for Schools cannot contribute towards the NSW Higher School Certificate. The unit also does not contribute to the calculation of the ATAR. 

Students who successfully complete UniStart will receive a link to an online application form, where they can apply for a Southern Cross University course*. UniStart is a direct pathway into your preferred course at SCU. No need to apply via Southern Cross Early Offer or UAC/QTAC.

UniStart students who are eligible for one of 3 merit-based undergraduate scholarships will automatically receive a scholarship worth $10,000, $7,500 or $5,000.

Once we have received your preferred course, you will receive a formal letter of offer. To commence your studies, you must accept your course offer (and scholarship offer if relevant). We will also send a document for your teacher to complete, acknowledging that you have successfully completed your Year 12 studies. 

You can defer your course offer (with scholarship) for up to one year. E.g., if you are in Year 12 in 2025, you can defer to start studying in 2027. 

* Please note the following courses are not on offer after completion of UniStart for Schools: Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Bachelor of Counselling, Bachelor of Midwifery, Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine.

If you are a student in Year 11 or 12 but your school does not offer UniStart, you may like to consider the Southern Cross Scholars program.