Admission for Coursework Programs Procedure

1. The purpose of our procedure

This procedure outlines the requirements for the selection and admission of students to Adelaide University coursework programs. 
This procedure is to be read in conjunction with:

• Admissions Policy
• English Language Requirements Procedure.
  

2. Who our procedure applies to 

2.1. Inclusions

This procedure applies to all domestic and international applicants seeking admission to Adelaide University’s undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

2.2. Exclusions

This procedure does not apply to graduate research programs.

3. Our Admission for Coursework Programs Procedure

Adelaide University admission requirements will enable selection of applicants likely to succeed in a program.

3.1. How minimum admission requirements are set

To be eligible for admission, applicants must satisfy Adelaide University’s minimum admission requirements and all applicable program-specific requirements. Selection is based on merit. For further details, see [website link].

Selection processes will consider the impact of different forms of educational disadvantage on an applicant’s ability to demonstrate merit and may apply individual equity variations.

Adelaide University may set a quota for a program with limited places, and sub-quotas in line with its commitment to equal access to higher education. Further information regarding quotas is available on [website link].

Applicants with more than two years of full-time higher education study are not eligible to compete for entry outside the higher education sub-quota unless they have subsequently completed an alternative entry pathway.

3.1.1 How to meet the minimum admission requirements for an undergraduate program

To enter an undergraduate program, an applicant must meet at least one of the following minimum admission requirements:

• completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education, such as an interstate Year 12 or overseas qualification Adelaide University considers equivalent
• successful completion of at least six months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in an undergraduate program (Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 5-7), or study at an Australian higher education provider registered with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), or an international qualification Adelaide University considers equivalent
• completion of an AQF Level 4 (Certificate IV) qualification or higher from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), or an overseas qualification Adelaide University considers equivalent, for entry to a bachelor degree or higher. An AQF Level 3 (Certificate III) qualification, or an overseas qualification Adelaide University considers equivalent, may be considered for some sub-bachelor programs.
• completion of an approved Enabling Program or Pathway Program
• a result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT) that demonstrates strong performance and meets entry requirements as determined by Adelaide University
• assessment of relevant work experience and a competitive result in the Adelaide University online literacy and numeracy test.
  

3.1.2 How to meet the minimum admission requirements for a postgraduate program

To enter a postgraduate program, an applicant must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements:

• completion of an Australian bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or bachelor honours degree (AQF Level 8), or an overseas qualification Adelaide University considers equivalent
• successful completion of a nested or related Australian graduate certificate (AQF Level 8) or higher, or an overseas qualification Adelaide University considers equivalent
• relevant work experience, may be considered as an alternative that is formally approved by [Transitional Academic Board]/Academic Board for each program.

3.2. What to do when additional requirements are needed for admission

3.2.1 When a program has specific admission requirements

Program-specific admission requirements are set during the program approval process and approved by the [Transitional Academic Board/Academic Board]. If a program has additional academic or registration requirements, students must comply with these requirements or will be withdrawn from the program.  If registration with a professional board or other relevant body is required, students must maintain it for the duration of the program.

3.2.2 When a student is under 18 years of age

To meet duty of care requirements, students admitted to Adelaide University must be at least 17 years of age by the date of enrolment. Exceptions may be granted, at Adelaide University’s discretion, for enrolment into pre-approved courses or programs or for individuals who can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and readiness for university study.

3.2.3 When a student is a holder of an international student visa

International applicants may be required to demonstrate compliance with legislative requirements, such as student visa conditions. Where relevant, students must provide evidence of English language proficiency.

See also our Genuine Student Procedure. 

3.3. When we may refuse or revoke admission

3.3.1 An applicant will be refused admission to a program when:

• they have been suspended, precluded, or expelled from Adelaide University, its foundation universities (see our Academic Preclusion, Suspension and Expulsion Procedure) or any other recognised tertiary institution. This includes attempts to enrol as a non-award student in a course that forms part of a program from which the student has been precluded
• they have previously completed the same or an equivalent program.
  

3.3.2 We may refuse admission or revoke an offer of admission if:

• the offer was made in error or was based on incomplete or incorrect information
• Adelaide University no longer offers the program
• the applicant fails to meet any of the conditions attached to their letter of offer
• the applicant has not met legislative requirements, such as student visa conditions
• the applicant does not meet admission requirements
• the applicant poses a risk to any member of the Adelaide University community, or behaves in a way that is inconsistent with the [Student Code of Conduct] or other relevant policies.
  

3.4. When a student wants to appeal an admission decision

Students who wish to appeal a decision about their admission may do so under our Students Complaints Policy.

4. Definitions used in our procedure

Please refer to our Adelaide University glossary for a full list of our definitions.

Adelaide University community refers to a broad range of stakeholders who engage with Adelaide University and includes (but is not limited to) all students, staff, and non-staff members of Adelaide University including alumni, honorary title holders, adjuncts, visiting academics, guest lecturers, volunteers, suppliers and partners who are engaging with and contributing to the work of Adelaide University.

Enabling Program means program that develops student skills and knowledge necessary for successful participation in university study.

Graduate Research Program means a program at doctoral or master level which comprises two-thirds or more of its assessable content by research.

Nested Program means a program that is part of a set of programs in a common teaching area, where each qualification at lower level is a complete sub-set of the next  qualification at a higher AQF level, for example, graduate certificate (AQF Level 8) leading into a graduate diploma (AQF Level 8) and then into a master’s program (AQF Level 9).

Pathway Program means a sub-degree award program that provides an alternative access for applicants who may not be eligible for direct admission into an undergraduate program. Pathway Programs may be delivered by partner institutions.

Quota means a cap on places available in a program that is subject to resource limitations related to teaching capacity, facilities or industry placements.
Registered Training Organisation (RTO) means a training provider registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) (or a state regulator) to deliver Vocational Education and Training (VET) services.

Selection means that selection for admission is based on a discrete set of requirements, including academic qualifications, skills, knowledge, and other requirements, prescribed by Adelaide University to determine eligibility for admission into a specific program.    

Sub-quotas means prior learning categories used to ensure applicants with a particular qualification type only compete for a program place against applicants with an equivalent or comparable qualification type. Adelaide University uses the following sub-quotas to select applicants for Commonwealth-supported undergraduate places: Year 12 (or equivalent), higher education, TAFE and other RTOs, special entry, and enabling.

5. How our procedure is governed

This Procedure is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.

6. Legislation and other documents related to this procedure

7. History of changes

At the time of writing, the organisational structure, positions, committees, or any other unknown item etc. for Adelaide University have not been confirmed. Accordingly, square brackets [ ] temporarily enclose such information in this procedure until confirmed.