What is a university residential college?

A university residential college is a community of students and academics living and learning together while pursuing their studies at affiliated local universities. While providing a place for students to stay while they study, university residential colleges offer so much more than accommodation. At St Mark's College, our students enjoy a strong sense of community, with activities and outings, clubs, sporting teams, arts and cultural activities, leadership training, volunteering, ample opportunities for personal growth, and the development of lifelong friendships. They also receive a first-rate program of both academic and wellbeing support.

What do College fees cover?

Fees cover a private and furnished room (shared rooms are sometimes available at a discounted rate), all meals, utilities, unlimited Wi-Fi, library and gym access, academic support (including tutoring and academic skills workshops), wellbeing support (training and one-on-one sessions), participation in clubs, sports, cultural and social activities, and leadership training. For the current fee schedule, see here.

Who can apply for St Mark's College?

St Mark's welcomes applications from students who are currently enrolled in or intend to enrol in a full-time, on-campus degree at Bachelor level or higher at the University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia, or Flinders University. Applications from international students, Study Abroad/Exchange students, and postgraduate students are warmly welcomed. Admission to St Mark's is competitive and students are selected for membership on the basis of:

• Academic merit and determination to succeed in their studies;
• Commitment to upholding the values of the College; and
• Potential to contribute to College life.

Applicants normally need to have achieved a minimum ATAR of 65 (including adjustment factors) or equivalent to be offered a place, although a higher ATAR may be required to be competitive. Students need to have started or completed their final year of high school before beginning an application; however, students who have already commenced their university studies in Adelaide or elsewhere are also very welcome to apply.

When do applications open?

St Mark’s accepts applications year-round, and interviews start in March for commencement in the following academic year. We strongly recommend applying as early as possible to avoid disappointment - we tend to begin waitlisting applicants by August. That being said, if you're reading this later in the year, it's still worth encouraging students to apply: places can become available unexpectedly!

Students do not need to have received an ATAR or an offer for a degree to start their application for St Mark’s. In fact, most students will complete their application for St Mark’s before completing their application for university. However, students do need to have started or completed their final year of high school before they apply. Plus, an offer from St Mark’s can usually be deferred should their plans change, reducing the pressure on them.

We also have a small mid-year (Semester 2) intake each year. Again, we recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.

How do St Mark's College applications work?

The applications process involves completing an application form online, providing contact details for two confidential referees (one academic and one character reference), and submitting copies of their most recent academic transcripts. As part of the application form, students complete a personal statement providing information about their study plans, community and leadership activities, motivations for wanting to join St Mark’s, and their understanding of the College’s values. From there, students are normally invited to attend an interview, which can be completed in person or via video chat. More detailed information about the application process is available here.

Note: the application process is expedited for Study Abroad and Exchange students. You can find out more here.

What scholarships and other financial support is available?

Students from all backgrounds should have the chance to be part of the St Mark’s community and to benefit from the wonderful collegiate experience we provide. That's why we seek to remove financial barriers as much as we can with an extensive scholarship program that provides over $500,000 in financial assistance each year through scholarships, grants, prizes and bursaries. Around 50% of St Mark’s students receive some kind of support.

The main scholarship round for new students closes in January each year, with several significant scholarships (e.g. the A. Simpson & Sons Scholarship and the Robin Ashwin Scholarship) closing in December. Read more about these opportunities and how to apply for them here.