From August 2025 you can apply as a domestic student for entry to Adelaide University in 2026.
Applications for 2026 will be via SATAC for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs. A direct application process will be available for 100% online degrees at a later date. In the meantime, you could start your degree at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and continue at Adelaide University.
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible for admission, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate that they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
Recent secondary education (Year 12)
- Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
- Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.
Higher education study
- Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) of an undergraduate certificate (AQF level 5) or higher qualification from a recognised higher education institution.
English language entry requirements
In addition, international students who speak English as an additional language must have obtained one of the following standards within the last two years prior to admission. Possession of one or more of these qualifications, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not, in itself, guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive. Where previous study/work experience was conducted in English, the application must be accompanied by certified documentation from the educational institution/employer certifying that the language of instruction/employment was English.
- IELTS Overall 6.5
- IELTS Reading 6.0
- IELTS Listening 6.0
- IELTS Speaking 6.0
- IELTS Writing 6.0
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by Adelaide University and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
Equivalent English qualificationsInternational admissions by country
Country | Score |
---|---|
Australia – ATAR | 70 |
Bangladesh – Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) | 4.80 |
China – Gaokao | 60% |
Hong Kong – Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) | 16 |
India – CBSE and CISCE | 70 |
India – State Board Examinations | 80 |
Kenya – Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) | B+ |
Malaysia – Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) | 2.67 |
Malaysia – United Entrance Certificate (UEC) | 23 |
Malaysia – Matrikulasi | 2.67 |
Singapore - Singapore GCE Advanced Levels | 7 |
Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels | 8 |
Vietnam – Year 12 - Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông | 7.80 |
Why Bachelor of Arts?
Want to discover new perspectives and innovations?
Learning a new language means unlocking different ways of being and seeing the world. Gain a unique sense of achievement. Access deep cultural understanding. Enhance your humanity and open doors to new experiences in a globally connected world.
Germany is Europe's largest economy. From music to medical science, it serves an exciting career hub. With more than 100 million native speakers, and as the third most popular foreign language worldwide, German remains a language of global scope and significance. It plays a vital role as a heritage language – and one of opportunity.
Overview
Set the stage for a successful career with our flexible and future-focused Bachelor of Arts. The German Studies major builds your German language skills – reading, writing, listening and speaking – while deepening your cultural understanding of German-speaking countries, past and present.
With our evidence-based and hands-on teaching approach, you’ll actively talk and interact in German from the beginning. Learn the language in its cultural and historical context. Engage with German films, novels, poetry, short stories, songs and plays. Tackle big questions about identity. Gain cutting-edge communication skills, cultural competence and intercultural awareness.
You’ll benefit from meaningful cultural experiences, including international exchanges with the German Academic Exchange Service. Enjoy talks by faculty members, guest lectures by interstate and international scholars, and presentations by advanced research students.
You’ll graduate as an adaptable professional, ready to thrive in multilingual careers. Whether international business, diplomacy, teaching or tourism, your language skills and cultural insights will open doors to exciting opportunities.
Key features
- Learn to read, write, speak and negotiate in German.
- Build your understanding and appreciation of German culture.
- Gain insights into Germany’s economy and influence in modern society.
- Refine your career direction and build professional networks.
- Undertake an industry internship aligned to your interests.
- Have the opportunity to take an intensive language and cultural study tour.
What you'll learn
Our Bachelor of Arts degrees are adaptable, with the flexibility to choose from a wide range of courses. You’ll improve your writing, communication, analysis and debate skills, learning to interpret current events and articulate compelling arguments.
The courses are tailored to boost your career prospects, helping you grow your professional network and access exciting job opportunities. Receive guidance and support from staff and industry mentors, with hands-on internships and extensive self-reflection.
The German Studies major gives you a deep understanding of German-speaking cultures, helping you reflect critically on your local surroundings and interactions within a global context.
You'll progress from basic German language proficiency, learning to communicate effectively about personal information, daily routines and immediate environments, before expanding to more complex topics like travel and history. Refine your vocabulary and grammatical competence. Deepen your cultural understanding by reflecting on original German films, music, literature and social issues. Participate in international exchanges and cultural excursions – including to historic Hahndorf, Australia’s oldest surviving German settlement.
The major offers two language streams: Beginners – for those new to German or with some school experience – and Continuers, for those with high grades in previous study or native speakers. Depending on your starting level, you’ll take courses in:
- Beginners German
- Intermediate German language
- Upper-intermediate German language
- Advanced German: language and culture
- Germany today
- Introduction to German literature.
In addition to German Studies, our Bachelor of Arts program allows you to explore other interests by taking another major in a different discipline area.
Majors
The Bachelor of Arts is also available with majors in the following:
- Aboriginal Studies
- Art History and Visual Culture
- Anthropology
- Archaeology and Classical Studies
- Chinese Studies
- Cultural Studies
- Creative Writing
- English Literature
- Environmental Management
- French Studies
- Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Geography
- History
- International Development
- International Security
- Italian Studies
- Japanese Studies
- Philosophy
- Politics
- Population and Migration Studies
- Screen Studies
- Sociology
- Spanish Studies.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 24 units for all Core courses, and
- 6 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 18 units for all Electives, and
- 96 units for 2 Majors from Majors
Complete 24 units for ALL of the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
UG Common Core 1
|
Course code
AUXX1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UG Common Core 2
|
Course code
AUXX2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UG Common Core 3
|
Course code
AUXX3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Professional Pathways and Destinations
|
Course code
LAWS1015
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Internship or Project
|
Course code
CREA3026
|
Units
6
|
Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Elective 1
|
Course code
AUXX1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 2
|
Course code
AUXX1012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 3
|
Course code
AUXX1013
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Beginners German I
|
Course code
LANG1301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Beginners German II
|
Course code
LANG1302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Intermediate German I
|
Course code
LANG1303
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Intermediate German II
|
Course code
LANG1304
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
European Stories
|
Course code
LANG2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Europe on Screen: Nation, History, and Ideology
|
Course code
LANG2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Germany Today
|
Course code
LANG2300
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate German I
|
Course code
LANG2301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate German II
|
Course code
LANG2302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
German in Germany
|
Course code
LANG2303
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Reading Women: Power and Politics in Europe and Beyond
|
Course code
LANG3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Three Empires: Spain, Germany, France
|
Course code
LANG3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to German Literature
|
Course code
LANG3304
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Intermediate German I
|
Course code
LANG1303
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Intermediate German II
|
Course code
LANG1304
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
European Stories
|
Course code
LANG2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Europe on Screen: Nation, History, and Ideology
|
Course code
LANG2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Germany Today
|
Course code
LANG2300
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate German I
|
Course code
LANG2301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate German II
|
Course code
LANG2302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
German in Germany
|
Course code
LANG2303
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Reading Women: Power and Politics in Europe and Beyond
|
Course code
LANG3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Three Empires: Spain, Germany, France
|
Course code
LANG3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced German I: Language and Culture
|
Course code
LANG3301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced German II: Language and Culture
|
Course code
LANG3302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to German Literature
|
Course code
LANG3304
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 48 units from the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
European Stories
|
Course code
LANG2000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Europe on Screen: Nation, History, and Ideology
|
Course code
LANG2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Germany Today
|
Course code
LANG2300
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate German I
|
Course code
LANG2301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Upper-Intermediate German II
|
Course code
LANG2302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
German in Germany
|
Course code
LANG2303
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Reading Women: Power and Politics in Europe and Beyond
|
Course code
LANG3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Three Empires: Spain, Germany, France
|
Course code
LANG3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced German I: Language and Culture
|
Course code
LANG3301
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced German II: Language and Culture
|
Course code
LANG3302
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to German Literature
|
Course code
LANG3304
|
Units
6
|
Complete one Major from the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Aboriginal Studies
|
Course code
ABORBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Anthropology
|
Course code
ANTHBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Archaeology and Classical Studies
|
Course code
ARCYBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Art History and Visual Culture
|
Course code
ARTHBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Creative Writing
|
Course code
CREWBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
English Literature
|
Course code
ENGLBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Environmental Management
|
Course code
ENVMBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
French Studies
|
Course code
FRENBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Geography
|
Course code
GEOGBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Chinese Studies
|
Course code
CHINBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Cultural Studies
|
Course code
CULTBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Gender and Sexuality Studies
|
Course code
GENDBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
History
|
Course code
HISTBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
International Development
|
Course code
INTDBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
International Security
|
Course code
INTSBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Italian Studies
|
Course code
ITALBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Japanese Studies
|
Course code
JAPNBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Linguistics and Applied Linguistics
|
Course code
LINGBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Philosophy
|
Course code
PHILBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Politics
|
Course code
POLIBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Population and Migration Studies
|
Course code
POPUBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Screen Studies
|
Course code
SCRNBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Sociology
|
Course code
SOCIBARTS
|
Units
48
|
|
Course name
Spanish Studies
|
Course code
SPANBARTS
|
Units
48
|
Career outcomes
Studying at Adelaide University sets you up for exciting global careers. You could help families find their new beginning as an immigration specialist. You might translate German novels into other languages. Perhaps you’ll be an influential art dealer, specialising in pieces from German-speaking regions.
You could also be a:
- Diplomat
- Interpreter
- Communications consultant
- Market research analyst
- Import/export coordinator
- Cultural liaison
- Artificial Intelligence language specialist
- Foreign correspondent
- Public servant
- Cultural intelligence analyst
- Foreign service officer
- Legal assistant.
Adelaide University graduates have secured prestigious positions at the Department of Immigration, Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, Goethe Institut and German consulates and embassies.
Industry trends
Learning a language is one of the best things you can do to prepare for an increasingly complex global future. Germany plays a central role in the European Union and German is used extensively throughout Europe as a language of business, music and science. Expertise in the language, and an understanding of German-speaking cultures, can uncover exciting career opportunities in Europe and beyond. This is especially relevant in fast-growing industries such as renewable energy, automotive, engineering, digital transformation, biotech, healthcare and finance within German-speaking regions.
Studying abroad will also improve your employability and career prospects (Institute of International Education, 2016) – one of the many reasons we prioritise international exchanges. Ready to become a truly global citizen?
How to apply
FAQs
Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.
Adelaide University is South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state. Adelaide City Campus is in the heart of the central business district (including eastern and western precincts), while our Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite campuses are located within the inner suburbs of Adelaide. Our Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla campuses are set in the regions of South Australia. Building on our digital and online learning successes, we aim to also deliver online education to more students than any other Australian university.
Each of our campuses is equipped with cutting-edge, discipline specific facilities, contemporary study spaces and well-resourced libraries. Our city and suburban campuses also feature on-site gyms and eateries, and health services on, or nearby, campus.
You will be well supported academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually with access to on-campus facilities and services such as counselling, learning support, childcare, prayer rooms and more.
You will be well supported through a range of services at Adelaide University to ensure you get the most out of your student experience. Support services include:
- Academic learning support, including after-hours support provided via Studiosity through live online chat assistance with writing, referencing, mathematics and more.
- Advice and advocacy regarding access, adjustments and inclusivity if you have a disability, impairment, chronic health condition or significant caring responsibilities.
- Libraries providing flexible study spaces, access to books, computer suites and online resources – as well as referencing support, search tips and more.
- Career development hub, including extensive self-help resources, online learning programs, on-campus events, workshops and networking, one-on-one advice, and job search support.
- Qualified counsellors who can provide confidential support to manage your mental health and wellbeing.
- On-campus medical clinics on-site where you can make an appointment with a General Practitioner (GP) to discuss acute and preventative health care matters.
- Information and advice for international students regarding accommodation, student life, visa and work rights and academic policies and procedures.
- An active and visible LGBTIQA+ Ally Network that ensures the University provides a supportive environment where all staff and students can safely work and study free of harassment or discrimination.
- Prayer rooms on campus, including gender specific spaces for worship purposes.
- Campus security available 24 hours a day, seven days a week to ensure all students feel safe on campus.
- A range of scholarships offered to commencing and continuing students each year to make university life a little easier.
- A number of social outlets including student lounges, gyms, student-led clubs, sports teams and free events throughout the year.
Your tuition fees will depend on your program of study and enrolment load. You can find the annual fees relevant to your program on the specific degree page under the ‘fees’ section. The annual fee payable for your chosen program will also be outlined in your Offer of Admission.
Adelaide University will open in January 2026. Your studies will start at different times depending on what study period you’ve applied for. Adelaide University is currently using a semester model, which means most degrees start in Semester 1. Some degrees are also available to start in mid-year, sometimes with a different degree structure.
Studies at Adelaide University typically commence in:
- February for Semester 1
- July for Semester 2.
Some degrees, such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Master of Business Administration, will have different starting dates. View the relevant degree page for more detail.
For other key dates, including census dates and exam periods, you can view our Academic calendar.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.
Study hours
Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:
- Case studies
- Essays and assignments
- Examinations
- Group projects
- Internships and placements
- Practicals
- Presentations
- Reports and project documentations
- Research projects
- Workplace and classroom contributions.