Find out about the different education options available to adults.
On this page:
Secondary school
Interstate and overseas awards
Other adult education pathways
Secondary school
Adults who are 21 or older
The education department offers adults who have not achieved their South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) an opportunity to complete this qualification under an Adult Education Provision (AEP). Students can only access the AEP once.
To be eligible students must:
- be 21 years or older
- be prepared to undertake and complete their SACE within five calendar years
- not have previously obtained the SACE, International Baccalaureate, Tertiary/VET diploma, degree or SACE equivalent.
Applicants will be required to sign a SACE Pathways Plan (SPP) as a prerequisite to enrolment - by signing this plan the student is agreeing to undertake and complete their SACE.
Adults under 21 years of age
Adults under 21 may apply to enrol at a secondary school that supports adult learners even if they have completed their SACE.
A small number of government schools have a focus on adult education and are able to support students in an adult learning environment. These schools are:
Interstate and overseas awards
Contact the
SACE Board of South Autralia for information on SACE equivalence for interstate or overseas senior secondary and other programs that are considered equivalent to SACE.
Other adult education pathways
A range of options is available to adults returning to study to gain a formal qualfication or simply for personal interest.
Short courses and community education
Short courses or community education can help you develop new skills and prepare for work, or provide opportunities for personal growth without making a long term commitment to study.
Bridging or foundation courses
The
University of South Australia and
Flinders University offer courses that provide an opportunity to develop the skills needed for tertiary students to be successful. They also offer an introduction to some of the major fields of study. Courses are often held in the evening and many are available online.
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
VET leads to nationally accredited qualifications ranging from Certificate to Diploma levels. VET courses are delivered by
TAFE SA or other
Registered Training Organisations.
University
Applicants over 18 who have not completed SACE can gain access to university courses by undertaking tests such as the
Special Tertiary Adminissions Test (STAT).
University of the Third Age
The
University of the Third Age (U3A) offers short online courses and many other useful resources for older people, especially those who are geographically, physically or socially isolated. It encourages retired people to take part in lifelong learning activities for pleasure. There are no prior qualifications, no exams and no degrees awarded.
More information
On this siteVocational education and trainingUniversity and higher educationOther websites
South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC)
TAFE SA
Workers Educational Association (WEA)
Adult Community Education (ACE), SA Works
Adult Education Provision Policy (61KB), Department for Education and Child Development