UniSA Accelerate
Kickstart your university studies!
UniSA ACCELERATE is your chance to start studying university courses while you're in Year 12.
What’s UniSA ACCELERATE?
Are you currently in Year 11 and interested in studying at university?
Well, UniSA ACCELERATE is a program open to all Year 12s commencing in 2025, living in South Australia, giving you the chance to start studying university courses in your final year of school! You can also apply for your study to be counted towards your SACE Stage 2 completion.
Through UniSA ACCELERATE, you can study up to two courses* through UniSA Online in a wide variety of areas like accounting, business law, marketing, management, finance, retailing and psychology. You’ll study 100% online, giving you the ultimate flexibility to balance your other school studies and commitments. All learning, assessments and exams will be delivered online with dedicated academic and support staff, so you don’t need to come on campus. You’ll get a student ID card though, so if you want to explore your local campus and get the university experience you can!
*If you are wanting to study two courses we recommend you undertake them in different study periods.
What subjects can I study?
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Accounting for Business
Develop the skills to turn numbers into meaning. Learn to record, report and interpret business transactions within the complete accounting lifecycle. You’ll also discover how key accounting information can be used to inform strategic business decisions.
Assessment: Continuous assessment, supervised online exam
Start date: April 2024
SACE precluded subject: Stage 2 Accounting
Course Code: ACCT 1011
Units: 4.5 -
Business Law
Explore and argue the fundamental legal and ethical principles that affect business operations. Learn about entering into commercial transactions and how business assets are protected.
Assessment: Case study, supervised online exam
Start date: April 2024
Course Code: LAWS 1019
Units: 4.5 -
Communication and Media
Learn the fundamentals of human communication and the social, political and economic influences that shape the way we communicate. You’ll also explore the role of media in today’s world and its impacts on information sharing, building narratives and connecting communities.
Assessment: Continuous assessment, project
Start date: April 2024
SACE precluded subject: Stage 2 Media Studies
Course Code: COMM 1072
Units: 4.5 -
Consumer Behaviour
Learn how buyers behave. From customer loyalty, motivations and perceptions, to brand recall, purchasing influences and patterns of behaviour. You’ll discover how some of the biggest brands get us hooked.
Assessment: Continuous assessment, report
Start date: June 2024
Course Code: MARK 1016
Units: 4.5To study this subject, you must have successfully completed Marketing Principles: Trading and Exchange (MARK 1018).
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Digital Graphics and Imaging
Got an eye for design? Gain skills in computer graphics and communication design to create solutions in print and digital contexts. You'll get to use industry standard illustration, image editing and page layout software.
Assessment: Course work, project
Start date: June 2024
SACE precluded subject: Stage 2 Information Processing and Publishing
Course Code: GRAP 1027
Units: 4.5 -
Intercultural Communication
Discover how cultural diversity and globalisation has impacted language, its meaning and the way we communicate in a contemporary world. Develop a cultural awareness in your own written, verbal and visual communication, and then analyse examples of intercultural communication that interest you most.
Assessment: Continuous assessment, essay
Start date: April 2024
SACE precluded subject: Stage 2 Language and Culture
Course Code: LANG 1064
Units: 4.5 -
Macroeconomics
Analyse fundamental macroeconomic principles in the Australian economy and in an international setting. Look at the large-scale economy over time, the supply/demand model, economic policy and contemporary economic issues.
Assessment: Continuous assessment, supervised online exam
Start date: June 2024
SACE precluded subject: Stage 2 Economics
Course Code: ECON 1011
Units: 4.5 -
Management and Organisation
Get an introduction into contemporary management theory and practice, including the main functions of planning, organising and leading. Explore culture, diversity and international dimensions, along with effective decision-making, motivational tools and managing change.
Assessment: Continuous assessment, case study
Start date: April 2024
Course Code: BUSS 2081
Units: 4.5
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Marketing Principles: Trading and Exchange
Discover the key marketing tools used by organisations and brands around the world. Learn the foundations of effective marketing strategies as well as the latest marketing insights and trends.
Assessment: Report, marketing plan
Start date: April 2024
Course Code: MARK 1018
Units: 4.5 -
Personal Finance
Build your knowledge in important areas like individual budgeting and understanding financial statements, income tax and personal insurance. Explore credit and loans, financial planning, investing in shares and determining risk versus return.
Assessment: Problem-solving exercise, personal financial plan
Start date: April 2024
Course Code: BANK 1010
Units: 4.5 -
Principles of Economics
Learn about the main principles of economics and how they apply to analysing individual behaviour, markets and government policy. Explore markets and incentives, market structures, trade, the role of public policy, and key issues like inflation and unemployment.
Assessment: Case study, supervised online exam
Start date: April 2024
SACE precluded subject: Stage 2 Economics
Course Code: ECON 1010
Units: 4.5 -
Problem Solving and Programming
Interested in learning how to tell a computer or application how to perform? Learn the fundamental principles of computer programming and the different languages and codes used, including Python. Essential to programming success is understanding what problems you’re trying to solve, so you’ll also deep dive into problem solving techniques such as complex mind mapping.
Assessment: Continuous assessment, project
Start date: June 2024
Course Code: COMP 1043
Units: 4.5 -
Professional Practice in Data Analytics
The modern world is built on data. Our digital transactions and online interactions generate a digital footprint that provides insights into our behaviour and trends. You’ll learn to capture and analyse data in order to provide meaning and help inform decision-making. You’ll also explore the challenges of data privacy and ethics as part of this practice.
Assessment: Continuous assessment, project
Start date: June 2024
SACE precluded subject: Stage 2 Digital Technologies
Course Code: INFS 1028
Units: 4.5 -
Psychology 1A
The human brain is a fascinating thing. You’ll unpack the biological bases of psychology, including the structure and function of the human nervous system and cerebral cortex, different states of consciousness, motivations, emotions and learning. You’ll also start to explore research design, looking at how to approach meaningful research in this field.
Assessment: Continuous assessment, critical analysis, supervised online exam
Start date: June 2024
SACE precluded subject: Stage 2 Psychology
Course Code: BEHL 1030
Units: 4.5 -
Public Relations: Theory and Practice
Learn the fundamentals of media relations, public relations and advertising. Explore the political, economic, social and technological influences that shape the way organisations communicate.
Assessment: Essay, Presentation, Summary
Start date: June 2024
Course Code: COMM 1076
Units: 4.5 -
Retailing
Discover how retailers, manufacturers and service providers get their products to market. Learn about product availability, different distribution channels, consumer behaviour in stores and the factors that influence decision-making at the point-of-sale. You’ll also explore online, mobile, and other retailing trends, challenges and opportunities.
Assessment: Continuous assessment, quizzes, retailer profile
Start date: April 2024
Course Code: MARK 2036
Units: 4.5
Your pathway to Adelaide University
UniSA ACCELERATE can guarantee your place at Adelaide University.*
Available degrees
- Bachelor of Business
- Bachelor of Business (Digital Business)
- Bachelor of Business (Human Resource Management)
- Bachelor of Business (Innovation, Entrepreneurship and Strategy)
- Bachelor of Business (International Business)
- Bachelor of Business (Management)
- Bachelor of Business (Marketing and Communications)
- Bachelor of Business (Marketing and Design)
- Bachelor of Business (Marketing)
- Bachelor of Business (Procurement and Supply Chain Management)
- Bachelor of Business (Project Management)
- Bachelor of Business (Real Estate)
- Bachelor of Business (Sport Management)
- Bachelor of Business (Tourism, Events and Hospitality Management)
- Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting)
- Bachelor of Commerce (Banking and Finance)
- Bachelor of Commerce (Business Analytics)
- Bachelor of Commerce (Financial Planning)
- Bachelor of Commerce (Property)
- Bachelor of Economics
*Students must pass all attempted UniSA Accelerate courses, achieve a minimum ATAR of 50, and meet program prerequisites to be eligible for guaranteed entry.
Key dates
2024
2024
OCT
October 2024
Applications open
20
DEC
20 December 2024
Last date to apply & results submission deadline
2025
24
JAN
24 January 2025
Offers issued
2025
MAR
March 2025
Orientation
7
APR
7 April 2025
Start study
30
JUN
30 June 2025
Start study
Thinking of studying soon?
2025
Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.
When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.
2026
Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.
Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.
Have any questions? We're here to help! Contact Adelaide University's Future Student Enquiries Team.
FAQs
What's UniSA ACCELERATE?
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What’s UniSA ACCELERATE?
UniSA ACCELERATE is a program designed for Year 12 students to get an early start on their university degree. By completing one or two courses through UniSA Online, you can kickstart your university expreince early. You can also apply to have courses count towards your SACE Stage 2 completion and ATAR.
Applications
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When do applications open?
Applications are for the 2025 intake have now closed. If you have any questions about your application, please email accelerate@unisa.edu.au
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Who can apply and what is the selection criteria?
UniSA ACCELERATE is open to all Year 12 students living in South Australia. There are limited places available each year. As a minimum, students must meet the following criteria:
Academic eligibility criteria
- B average across all Year 11 subjects
As places are limited, students may be ranked based on the number of A grades they achieve in their Year 11 subjects with preference also given to students who have completed SACE Stage 2 subjects.
Personal eligibility criteria
- In Year 12 (commencing in 2025) and living in South Australia;
- Approval/endorsement from the student's school via nomination of the Principal or School Academic Adviser;
- Support of parent(s) or guardian;
- Confirmation of access to a computer, webcam and reliable internet as a condition of study; and
- Confirmation of approval from SACE (if you intend to count this study towards your SACE Stage 2).
We encourage you to apply if you are wanting to study at university, you have an interest in the course content, and you have good initiative and organisational skills as this is important for 100% online learning!
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How do I apply?
Applications for the 2025 intake have now closed.
Students will need to submit an online application form and attach a signed Support & Consent form which includes parent and school support. Applicants will also need to provide a few short sentences about their university study aspirations and how UniSA Accelerate will help achieve them. In December, once SACE results are available, all applicants must email accelerate@unisa.edu.au with a copy of their official SACE Record of Achievement, showing all Stage 1 results.
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How will students be selected and when will they be notified if they're successful?
Applications for the 2025 intake have now closed.
Students interested in studying a UniSA Accelerate course in 2025 must apply and submit a Support and Consent form before 20 December 2024. Once you receive your year 11 SACE Record of Achievement in late December, you will also need to supply these results to our team via our email accelerate@unisa.edu.au by 20 December 2024 (don’t worry, we'll send you an email reminder!).
Our selection panel will then review all applications and applicants will be notified of the outcome by 24 January 2025.
Selection into the program is competitive and while students must have achieved a B average across their year 11 year, students may be ranked based on the number of A grades they achieve in their Year 11 subjects with preference also given to students who have completed SACE Stage 2 Subjects. We will also consider the information you supply in your application form regarding your university study aspirations and how UniSA Accelerate aligns with your study goals.
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Who do I contact if I have any questions before applying?
All enquiries can be sent to accelerate@unisa.edu.au
Subjects and Entry Requirements
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What courses are offered?
There’s a wide range of UniSA Online courses available to UniSA ACCELERATE students, including areas like marketing, macroeconomics, personal finance, retailing, business law, accounting and psychology.
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How many courses can I study?
If you’re enrolled in the UniSA ACCELERATE program, you can study up to two courses. Whether you study one or two courses will depend on your individual Year 12 study plan, so it’s advised that you speak to a nominated school mentor or teacher before applying.
If you are wanting to study two courses we recommend you undertake them in different study periods.
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How long are the courses?
Each UniSA Online course is delivered over a 10-week period. To study at a flexible pace, you should allocate approximately 10–15 hours per week per course.
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What are the entry requirements?
In addition to achieving a B average across all Year 11 subjects, there’s also personal eligibility criteria that you’ll need to meet. Refer to the 'Who can apply' FAQ in the Application section above.
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What can I expect from studying with UniSA Online?
Discover your online learning platform
Learning and Student Support
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What are the start dates?
There are two study start dates (April and June):
Study Period 3: 7 April 2025
Study Period 4: 30 June 2025
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How will I learn?
You’ll study 100% online through an interactive online learning platform, with 24/7 access to all course content and learning materials. You’ll engage with media-rich course content such as short videos, quizzes, and interactive activities as part of your learning. All readings, lectures, tutorials, assignments and exams are delivered online. Each UniSA Online courseis delivered over a 10-week period. To study at a flexible pace, you should allocate approximately 10–15 hours per week per course.
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Will I be required to log on at set times?
All content is available on demand and there are no set times for content delivery. Students will have the option to attend a weekly Zoom ‘drop in’ sessions with the Online Course Facilitator during the evening. Drop in sessions will be recorded for those that don’t attend.
Please note: For courses that require an exam, students will be required to sit the exam at the scheduled time. The exams are held in Week 10 of the course from Monday to Friday at either 10:00am or 4.30pm. The timetable for exams is available from Week 4/5 of each Study Period.
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What student support is available?
Through UniSA ACCELERATE, you’ll have access to a team of online tutors and academics who will guide you through your study. You’ll receive help with course materials and assessments and get personalised feedback on your work. UniSA Campus Central staff will also be available to help with any general enquiries about university life.
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Will I need to come on campus?
No – all courses offered through UniSA ACCELERATE are delivered 100% online, meaning there’s no need to come on campus. However, you’re more than welcome to visit your nearest campus.
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Will I meet other students in the program?
Yes – after you have enrolled in UniSA ACCELERATE you’ll be invited to attend a dedicated Orientation event where you can meet other students in the program, along with academic staff. At the end of your study, you’ll be invited to come together and celebrate your achievements.
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What can I access on campus?
You’ll be able to receive your own UniSA student card so you can access university facilities like the library and open learning spaces.
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What is expected from the mentor at the school level?
The mentor’s role at the school will be to guide the student through the application process, ensuring that the courses are aligned to their overall study plan, appropriate recognition is gained from SACE, check in on their progress, provide pastoral care support and be the main contact between UniSA and the school.
SACE/ATAR
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Will I receive credit towards my SACE?
The SACE Board has recognition arrangements for students to complete some university study, which can count towards their SACE – refer to the ‘University studies’ section on the SACE website. Recognition is granted for up to 20 credits of SACE Stage 2. Each UniSA Online course, offered through the UniSA ACCELERATE program, is the equivalent of a 10-credit subject.
So, what does this mean? You can apply for SACE Stage 2 recognition for up to two ACCELERATE courses (excluding any SACE precluded combinations). If you do want to study a precluded combination, this can’t count towards your SACE results, but may be beneficial if you're looking to pursue a university degree in that area of study.
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How do I apply for SACE recognition?
If you wish to apply for SACE Stage 2 recognition of your studies, you’ll need to submit an application form to SACE for approval (Form 12), with support from your career adviser at school. You will submit this form twice:
- Before commencing your studies – select ‘Step 1: Request for pre-approval’ under Stage 2 category and provide the details of your UniSA Accelerate course
- After completing your studies – select ‘Step 2. Confirmation of completion’ and attach a transcript of your results
Please Note: Step 1 will ask you to provide the course syllabus – this is not required as all of the UniSA Accelerate courses have already been approved by SACE.
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Do I have to count this study towards my SACE Stage 2?
No. UniSA ACCELERATE has been designed so you can make the choice. You can either top-up your overall study load or you can choose to count your studies towards your SACE Stage 2 in replacement of some Year 12 subjects.
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Can these courses count towards my ATAR?
Yes, but you first must apply to the SACE Board to have these courses count towards your SACE – refer to the FAQ ‘How do I apply for SACE recognition’ above.
When you apply and receive approval to use these courses towards the completion of your SACE, courses will become eligible to be counted towards the 30 flexible credits part of the ATAR.
UniSA Accelerate courses are 4.5 units (0.125 EFTSL), the equivalent of a standard single semester Year 12 subject. Each single semester university course can contribute a maximum of 10 credits towards the SACE, with scaled scores assigned per the following table:
Grade Scaled Score HD 10.00 D 9.90 C 9.00 P1 7.90 P2 5.75 Conceded pass 5.00 Non-graded passes Average of first 70 credits used Source: SATAC, ‘Recognised Studies’, Scaled score equivalents for higher education study
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Are there some subjects that may not count towards my SACE?
Each course offered through UniSA ACCELERATE is the equivalent of a SACE Stage 2 10-credit subject. It’s important to note that SACE have approved all UniSA ACCELERATE courses for inclusion in Recognised Learning, however please ensure that you check your course selections for SACE precluded combinations (you can check this in the course list above).
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Will the students results be sent to the school or SACE, or will this be the students responsibility to inform SACE/School?
As part of the UniSA ACCELERATE application form, students must consent to UniSA disclosing information about your academic progress to your school. This is intended to provide your school-based mentor with information to support you as you undertake UniSA courses alongside your year 12 subjects.
UniSA ACCELERATE students will receive their final results and grades at the end of each study period through the same channels as other UniSA students. If you intend to apply for SACE Stage 2 recognition of your UniSA ACCELERATE studies, you should attach a copy of your Record of Study when you submit your application directly to the SACE Board.
To obtain your record of study:
- Log in to myUniSA
- Navigate to my Academic record
- Select my Record of study from the links on the right hand side
Costs and Scholarships
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How much does it cost?
There are no upfront costs in the UniSA ACCELERATE program. You’ll be fully funded for up to two courses. When you apply and gain entry into the program, you’ll automatically receive a scholarship arrangement to pay for your studies. This will also cover the Federal Government’s compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee. There are limited positions available, but they could be increased based on demand.
Please be aware, that some courses require you to purchase a textbook which will be at your own expense.
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Are there scholarships available for the ACCELERATE program?
Yes, everyone who is successful in gaining a place in the UniSA Accelerate program, will automatically receive a scholarship that will cover the course fees and the Federal Government’s compulsory Student Services and Amenities Fee (excludes textbooks which will be at your own expense).
Please be aware that places into the program are limited. View our minimum criteria above to find out more.
Completed Accelerate - Next Steps?
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How do I flag my UniSA Accelerate studies as a part of my application to Adelaide University?
Applying via SATAC
So that Adelaide University can consider you for guaranteed entry using your UniSA Accelerate studies, it is important that you include your UniSA Accelerate course within the Tertiary Study section of your SATAC application.
On the Tertiary page, please enter the details as shown below:
State: South Australia
Institution: University of South Australia
Name of campus: UniSA Online
Full course title: UniSA Accelerate
Level: Other tertiary studies e.g. non-award
Year commenced: 2025
Year completed or last enrolled: 2025
Equivalent full-time years enrolled: 0.5
Student number: Add your UniSA student ID
Have you completed, or will you soon complete, the requirements of this course: Yes
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I have already applied to SATAC, can I go back and add in my Accelerate studies?
Even if you have already submitted your application, you can go back and add your Accelerate studies under the Tertiary Studies section in the menu on the left side and follow the instructions in the above FAQ: ‘How do I flag my UniSA Accelerate studies as part of my application to UniSA?’.
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What do I do when I get my Year 12 results in December? How do I confirm my guaranteed entry place into an Adelaide University Business or Commerce degree?
You don’t need to do anything! As long as you successfully passed your UniSA Accelerate course/s and achieved a minimum ATAR of 50, we will automatically assess you for entry via SATAC and offer you a place into an eligible Adelaide University degree* (not including 100% online degrees).
Remember, that in order to guarantee an offer, it is important to list your preferred Adelaide University Business or Commerce degree as your first preference. This is because SATAC will work their way down your preference list, starting from 1 – 6, and offer you the first preference you are eligible for.
*Students must also successfully complete SACE requirements and achieve an ATAR of 50 to be eligible for guaranteed entry via UniSA Accelerate.
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What happens if I failed one UniSA Accelerate course but pass the second one? Am I still eligible for guaranteed entry?
In order to be eligible for guaranteed entry into an Adelaide University Business or Commerce degree using your UniSA Accelerate studies, you are required to pass all attempted UniSA Accelerate courses and achieve a minimum ATAR of 50.
If you failed a UniSA Accelerate course, you will be considered on your Selection Rank / Year 12 results only.
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What if I apply to study with Adelaide University but no longer wish to study a Business or Commerce degree? Will I still be eligible for guaranteed entry?
If you decide to study a degree other than a Business or Commerce degree, you will apply as normal, however, you won’t receive guaranteed entry via UniSA ACCELERATE, you will be considered on your Selection Rank / Year 12 grades.
Information for Mentors
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As a mentor for a UniSA Accelerate student, what do I need to do/know to support the student?
Thank you for agreeing to support your student through the UniSA ACCELERATE program.
While we have a range of UniSA support services available for students to access, you’ll also be important to ensuring their success.
Before the program commences, you’ll be invited to attend our mentor orientation session so you can get a feel for the learning experience. From there, we encourage you to check-in with your student regularly and get in touch early if you have any questions or concerns so we can work through them together.
Have questions about UniSA Accelerate?
Email us at accelerate@unisa.edu.au
I still have questions - Who can I contact?
We’re here to help. Our Future Student Enquiries Team are the experts. Give us a call, submit an online enquiry or book a 1:1 appointment to have your questions answered.
Future Student Enquiries Team
(08) 8302 2376
9.00am – 5.00pm (ACDT), Monday to Friday
unisa.edu.au/enquire
