Find out where you can study if you're over 18 years of age.
Secondary school
These government schools cater for first time enrolment and attendance of people aged 18 years and older in an adult learning environment:
- Marden Senior College
- Northern Adelaide Senior College
- Open Access College
- School of Languages
- Thebarton Senior College.
Adults under 21 years of age
Adult students over the age of 18 who have left school before getting a qualification in an approved learning program – such as the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) – can apply to any secondary school to complete their schooling.
To be eligible you must:
- have been out of school for less than 6 months from the end of the previous school year
- still be eligible to complete a qualification in an approved learning program – for more information go to the SACE website.
If you haven't been enrolled and attending a school in the last 6 months, you can still apply. However, you must meet the suitability requirements in the adult education enrolment policy (PDF 625KB).
Adults who are 21 or older
Adults who have not achieved their SACE have an opportunity to complete this qualification under an Adult Education Provision (AEP). Students can only access the AEP once.
To be eligible you must:
- be prepared to undertake and complete SACE within 5 calendar years
- not have previously obtained the SACE, International Baccalaureate, Tertiary or VET diploma, degree or SACE equivalent
- not have been enrolled and attending a school for more than 6 months
- be suitable for enrolment, including having a current working with children check, as outlined in the adult education enrolment policy (PDF 625KB) .
Applicants will need 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.
Interstate and overseas awards
For information on SACE equivalence for interstate or overseas senior secondary and other programs that are considered equivalent to SACE, contact SACE Board of South Australia.
Other adult education pathways
Options are available to adults returning to study to gain a formal qualification 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
Adelaide University and Flinders University offer courses 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 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 - courses for school students
- Registered Training Organisations - search on the National Training Register.
University
Applicants over 18 who have not completed SACE can gain access to university courses by undertaking tests such as the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT).
University of the Third Age
University of the Third Age (U3A) offers short online courses and other 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.
