In-person exams are held at designated venues on campus or at the Adelaide Showgrounds. This page outlines how to find your exam venue, how to prepare for exam day, and what to expect during your exam.
All in-person exams follow the University’s Examination Procedure, which sets out the rules and requirements for exam conduct.
Most primary exams in Semester 1 and Semester 2 are held at the Goyder Pavilion, Adelaide Showground (Goodwood Road, Wayville).
Located on North Terrace, Bonython Hall is the main venue for Summer School, Winter School and some deferred exams. See the North Terrace Campus Map for directions
Students approved for Alternative Exam Arrangements (AEA) will sit their exams in designated venues tailored to their needs.
AEA exams are primarily held in the Napier Building on the Lower Ground (LG) level. Additional venues include:
Adaptive Technology Rooms (ATR) 1 and 2.
Napier 106 and Napier 107 for students approved to use computers.
Refer to the North Terrace Campus Map for venue locations.
Need help? For more information, visit the Access and Inclusion page Access and inclusion or contact the team directly.
The Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE) is a practical exam that assesses clinical skills through a series of stations with simulated patients or scenarios.
West End
Level 2, Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building
Corner of North Terrace and George Street, Adelaide SA 5000
East End
Level 1, Helen Mayo South Building
Frome Road, Adelaide SA 5000
Some exams are arranged directly by your school and/or Course Coordinator. Please check with your course coordinator for venue details.
Being organised before exam day makes the experience much less stressful. Use the checklist below to help plan and prepare for your exam well in advance to avoid surprises and alleviate any stress.
Do:
Check your exam timetable in myAdelaide for the date and time of your exam, as well as your seat number.
Plan your travel:
Aim to arrive 30 minutes early (doors open 15 minutes before the start time).
Check directions to your exam venue and work out your parking options.
Make sure you have your Student ID card (or SA Government-issued photo ID, if needed).
Ensure your calculator has batteries (if a calculator is permitted).
Set an alarm (or two) if you have a morning exam.
Get a good night’s sleep so you’re rested and focused.
Don’t:
Assume traffic delays or public events are valid reasons for missing your exam. Delays and public events are not grounds for a deferral.
Prepare your permitted materials until the last minute.
For more information, please read the Examination Procedure.
There are strict rules about what you can and cannot bring into an exam. All items are checked, and unauthorised materials may result in penalties under the Examination Procedures.
Bring with you:
Your Adelaide University Student ID card (or a physical SA Government-issued photo ID. Do not use a digital ID.)
Pens/pencils (these can be brought in a transparent pencil case or clear sleeve.)
Any permitted materials listed by your Course Coordinator.
A clear water bottle (up to one litre, non-carbonated).
Approved medical supplies (e.g. inhaler, EpiPen or prescription medication).
Allowed but must be stored under the desk:
Small handbags or backpacks.
Mobile phones, smart watches, headphones, fitness trackers, or any electronic devices (all devices must be switched off.)
Do not bring:
Large personal items.
Unpermitted materials, including books, notes, paper.
Calculator covers/cases (these should be removed before entering).
Food or drinks other than water (except small, quiet snacks if required).
Important:
All items are checked at the venue.
Bringing unauthorised materials may result in penalties.
Adelaide University is not responsible for loss or damage to personal items.
In-person exams are supervised by Adelaide University invigilation staff who will help ensure the exam runs smoothly. At the exam venues, invigilators will wear high-visibility vests so you can easily identifythem.
Doors open approximately 15 minutes before the exam starts.
Enter quickly: go straight to your assigned seat (check myAdelaide), place your bag underneath and be seated.
Do not open your exam paper until you have been told you can start as this will constitute an Examination Procedure breach.
Preparing for Your Exam
Eat well: have a balanced breakfast and stay hydrated.
Dress comfortably: consider layers (jackets will be checked before entering the bathroom.)
Bring essentials: Student ID, pens/pencils in a clear bag, as well as any permitted items such as calculators, dictionaries, or specific books.
Leave early: give yourself extra time for travel so you can arrive relaxed.
Stay positive: take deep breaths, sit up straight, and focus on past successes.
Entering the Exam Room
Arrive on time. late arrivals (30+ minutes after start) will be refused entry.
Locate your seat quickly and quietly.
Place your Student ID (and Access Plan if applicable) visible on your desk.
During the Exam
Stay seated and silent unless told otherwise.
Listen carefully to all instructions from staff.
Permitted actions: fill in student details, read the question paper, use scrap paper, annotate (if allowed), open allowed reference materials.
Not allowed: lend/borrow items or leave your seat without permission.
Toilet visits: raise your hand for permission. Only use the designated toilets; please remember your departure/return is recorded. Expect to wait if others need the toilet.
Leaving early: Only allowed in emergencies or after 30 minutes of the exam starting. Stay quiet and wait for staff.
Finishing the Exam
You’ll be reminded when 10 minutes remain.
Students are not allowed to leave the exam venue in the last 10 minutes.
Check your name and student ID are on all exam materials.
Stay seated until staff collect your papers.
Leave quietly, taking all belongings. Do not remove any items you did not bring in.
Remember: Follow instructions, stay calm, and trust your preparation, you’ve got this!
By entering the exam venue, you agree to the following rules:
Academic integrity: you have read and understand the Academic Integrity Policy and the consequences of misconduct.
Strictly no photos or videos are permitted within the exam venue.
No talking: do not talk with other students after entering the venue until you are outside.
No sharing materials: do not share notes or other items.
Devices: mobile phones must be off and stored under your desk. Other smart devices (watches, smart glasses, headphones, etc.) must also be removed and stored. Watches are not needed - time will be displayed on projectors or there will be clocks on display.
Seating: sit only in your allocated seat.
Exam papers: do not open your exam paper until instructed.
Follow staff instructions: listen to exam staff and security. Raise your hand if you have questions.
Toilet use: only permitted after the exam starts. Raise your hand and wait for assistance. Security checks may apply.
Leaving restrictions: do not leave in the first 30 minutes or final 10 minutes of the exam. The exam duration is on your exam paper; ask an invigilator if unsure.
Materials: do not remove any exam materials (completed or blank papers, question sheets, scribble paper, or administrative documents).
Leaving the venue: leave quickly and quietly. Do not talk or use devices until you are outside.
Breaches: any breach of these rules may be considered a violation of the Examination Procedures and will be handled according to University Academic Integrity Policy.
