Before you start a SATAC application, familiarise yourself with the application process.  

There are some aspects of the application process that can affect your chances of getting an offer. They include: 

  • key dates and deadlines for applications 
  • SATAC fees and charges, and when to pay 
  • admission pathways and selection criteria for courses 
  • supporting documents for your qualifications 

Following the requirements of the application will improve your chances of getting an offer. 

When to apply

Applications open in early August before the year of admission. 

Undergraduate and postgraduate courses 

You can apply for courses that start at different times of the year in your application. Your application remains valid for the whole admissions period. 

Applications close in November the following year. 

TAFE SA courses

There are separate applications for courses starting in semester 1 or semester 2. Check the key dates for more information about the availability of applications. 

Apply as soon as possible after applications open to ensure your application is assessed in time for the scheduled offer rounds. 

Applying through SATAC 

To start an application choose the Apply Now/Log In button at the top of this page, then choose an application cycle from the available options. 

You will need to provide a range of information in your application. We will ask you to provide details about yourself and your qualifications and list the courses you want to apply for. Our privacy policy outlines the personal information we collect and what we do with it. 

The basic steps of an application are: 

  • Enter your details as requested on the registration screen 
  • Read and accept the terms and conditions of the application 
  • Complete the personal details page 
  • Choose your course preferences 
  • Provide details about your qualifications and experience (if requested) 
  • Check your application is complete and accurate, then submit 

You must complete every section of the SATAC application, even if you haven’t done every type of study. 

You won't be able to submit your application until you complete and save all sections. 

Accessing an incomplete application

If you can't complete your application in one sitting you can log out at any time. You can come back to it later by logging in with your username and password. 

Submitting your application

SATAC will confirm that you have submitted your application by emailing you an acknowledgment.  

Check your acknowledgment and let SATAC know immediately if you spot any errors. Your email will also contain your SATAC reference number. Your SATAC reference number is a unique nine-digit number used for identification purposes, so it’s important that you keep a record of it. 

Online application services

After you have applied, use SATAC’s online application services to:

  • pay your processing fee (undergraduate and postgraduate applications only) 
  • provide documents (if necessary) 
  • check the progress of assessment of your application 
  • change your preferences 
  • update your contact details 
  • check your offer status and respond to your offer

Your responsibilities as an applicant

Applying for a course through SATAC comes with some responsibilities. You must: 

  • follow all instructions within the application, whether you are applying for the first time or changing your preferences 
  • promptly provide all the information we ask you for 
  • disclose details of all previous attempts at tertiary study 
  • promptly provide any supporting documentation required by SATAC to assess your application 
  • check and ensure you meet the closing dates of your course preferences 
  • pay any application fees by the due date 
  • read and agree to the terms and conditions of the application (you can find the terms and conditions on the registration page and inside each application)

You might miss out on an offer if you do not follow instructions from SATAC.

If you are a current Year 12 student you will need your candidate ID number to apply for undergraduate courses. You can check this number with your school or board of studies. 

Providing your candidate ID number ensures we charge you the correct processing fee and allows us to get your Year 12 results from your board of studies.

If you feel that circumstances have disadvantaged you in your previous studies, you may seek special consideration as part of the SATAC application process. 

If you request special consideration you must complete a confidential questionnaire providing details of your request. You can download the questionnaire and instructions for completing it inside your application. 

Students currently in Year 12 cannot seek special consideration through SATAC. 

Year 12 students in South Australia or the Northern Territory can seek consideration from the SACE Board.

Year 12 students in other states should seek special consideration from the board of studies in that state.

You must be 16 years old, and not enrolled in school, before you can enrol in a TAFE SA course.

If you are under 16 years old, you can still apply for TAFE SA courses through SATAC, but you will need parental/guardian consent.

Please contact SATAC before starting an online application.

In South Australia, young people aged 6 to 16 years are of compulsory school age. By law, they must be enrolled in and attending school full-time. Young people aged 16 and 17 must be in full-time education or training, or employed full-time.

If you will be sitting the STAT or have previously sat the STAT, the STAT page in your SATAC application will ask you to provide your STAT Candidate ID should you have one. 

You can return to your application even after submission to add your STAT Candidate ID if applicable.