How to Apply for Universities through SATAC?

Thinking of going to university in South Australia but not sure how to begin? Confused about how to fill up the SATAC application? Let me tell you how it works and hopefully you find this guide helpful!

What is the SATAC?

SATAC stands for the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre. Their main role is to send all applications to tertiary education institutions, such as Universities and TAFEs, to make the admission process easier.

These tertiary institutions determine who receives an offer, then SATAC will send these offers out to successful applicants. SATAC is your gateway to getting into University in SA.

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How to submit an Application through SATAC?

Before looking into submitting your application, you should familiarise yourself with all of the key SATAC dates on their website. This is the best way to save yourself from having to pay extra application fees.

SATAC applications typically open in early August before the year you wish to start. If you are a current Year 12 student in 2025, the application portal opens on 4th August 2025.

Here is how to apply:

1. Head to the SATAC website and create an account.
   1. Important: Use your personal email and not your school email since your school email will likely be deleted once you finish high school!!!
2. Fill out your details as per their instructions. Press save at the bottom of each page before moving on to the next page.
   1. There will be a page where you may have to supply supporting documents for the VET courses you completed, or are completing, so have these ready for upload.
3. You will then come across a page asking for your course preferences. Enter the courses you would like to take, and sort them into the order of your choice.
4. If you are not completely sure at the time of filling up the form, you can log back in and switch these courses around at any time before the due date.
5. Once you are done filling out your application, you will have to submit your application fee to lock in your application. It is important that you pay this fee before the due date, or you will have to pay a much more expensive fee for your application to go through.
6. Once submitted, SATAC will send you a confirmation email, so keep a lookout for that.

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How to Choose what Course to take?

There are a few things to consider when choosing what course you should apply for:

• Make sure that you are eligible for each course you have applied for. Go to the University website to check the subject pre-requisites, as well as minimum selection rank required for the course.
• Attend the University Open Days to come ask current students and faculty members any questions you may have. Explore the university, and find out what student life looks like on that campus.
• I recommend making a list of all the courses you would like to do, and which universities or TAFEs you would like to study at.
• If you are stuck weighing up on which university to put higher on your SATAC preference list, I would recommend calling up each university, and asking them what they have to offer to you through this course. This way you can be sure that the university you have chosen is the best for you and will offer you the best education.
• Speak to your school’s SACE coordinator. They will guide you through all of your options and provide recommendations as well as run you through your SATAC application.
• If you are unsure about going to University or TAFE, you can always apply for a course and defer it for a year if that is an option. This way, you can have a gap year to think about whether or not tertiary study is for you.
  • If tertiary study is not for you, you can always undertake an apprenticeship where you will be paid for your study along the way. Apprenticeships are excellent for those who learn best through hands-on practice.

If you are worried about your ATAR and would like help boosting it up, you can find your best local tutor at KIS Academics!

Conclusion

While this time of year is extremely stressful preparing for your final exams and assessments while thinking about next year, just keep in mind that there is always support for you. Whether that be from teachers, friends, counsellors, or tutors, you should always reach out for help if you ever get stuck. Our SACE tutors at KIS Academics are more than happy to help you with your assignments and exam preparation.

FAQs

Written by Charlotte Kenning who pursued a Bachelor of Speech Pathology at Flinders University.

Looking for some extra help to guide you through your SACEs? Look no further, KIS Academics has many brilliant tutors that can help you achieve your academic goals.