Admission for Coursework Programs Procedure

1. Purpose

1.1. This procedure outlines requirements for the Selection and admission of students to Adelaide University’s coursework programs. 

1.2. This procedure is to be read in conjunction with the Admissions Policy and English Language Requirements Procedure.

2. Scope 

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

2.2. This procedure does not apply to research degree programs.

3. Procedure

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

3.2. Specific program admission requirements are set during the program approval process and approved by Transitional Academic Board.

3.3. Based on duty of care requirements, a student admitted to Adelaide University must be at least 17 years of age by the date of enrolment. Exceptions may apply, at Adelaide University’s discretion, for enrolment into pre-approved courses or for individuals able to provide evidence of outstanding academic achievement and demonstrate readiness for university study.  

Minimum admission requirements

3.4. 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.

3.5. To enter an undergraduate program, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum admission requirements:

3.5.1. Completed a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education, such as an interstate year 12 or international qualification.

3.5.2. Successfully completed at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) of a bachelor program (Australian Qualifications Framework, AQF level 7), or higher, at a Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency registered Australian higher education institution.

3.5.3. For entry to a bachelor degree or higher, completion of an AQF level 4 (Certificate IV) qualification or a higher-level qualification from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). Completion of an AQF level 3 (Certificate III) qualification may be considered for some sub-bachelor programs.

3.5.4. Overseas qualifications Adelaide University considers equivalent to the Australian qualifications listed in 3.5.1 to 3.5.3.

3.5.5. Completion of an approved Enabling Program or Pathway Program.

3.5.6. A pass result in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test. 

3.5.7. Successful completion of an Adelaide University online literacy and numeracy test, and relevant work experience.

3.6. To enter a postgraduate program an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum requirements:

3.6.1. Completion of an Australian bachelor (AQF level 7) or bachelor honours (AQF level 8) degree.

3.6.2. Successful completion of a Nested or related Australian graduate certificate (AQF level 8) or higher.

3.6.3. Overseas qualifications Adelaide University considers equivalent to the Australian qualifications listed in 3.6.1 and 3.6.2.

3.6.4. Relevant work experience, which may be considered as an alternative and will be approved by Transitional Academic Board for each program.

3.7. International applicants may be required to demonstrate compliance with legislative requirements, for example, student visa conditions.

3.8. Adelaide University may set a Quota where a program has limited places, and Sub-quotas in line with its commitment to equal access to higher education.

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

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

Refusal

3.11. Adelaide University may refuse or revoke an offer of admission if:

3.11.1. The offer was made in error or was based on incomplete or incorrect information.

3.11.2. Adelaide University no longer offers the program.

3.11.3. The applicant fails to meet any of the conditions attached to their letter of offer.

3.11.4. The applicant has not met legislative requirements, for example, student visa conditions.

3.11.5. The applicant poses a risk to any member of the Adelaide University Community or behaves in a way that is inconsistent with Adelaide University’s Student Code of Conduct¹ or other relevant policies.

4. Definitions

4.1. 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.

4.2. An Enabling Program develops student skills and knowledge necessary for successful participation in university study.

4.3. A Nested Program is part of a set of programs in a common teaching area in which each lower award is a complete sub-set of the next award, for example, graduate certificate into graduate diploma into master program.

4.4. A Pathway Program is 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.

4.5. A Quota is a cap on places available in a program that is subject to resource limitations related to teaching capacity, facilities or industry placements.

4.6. A Registered Training Organisation (RTO) is a training provider registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) (or a state regulator) to deliver Vocational Education and Training (VET) services.

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

4.8. Sub-quotas are 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.
 

Document authorities and history

Related documents

¹ Forthcoming. Title subject to change.