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 with an overall Grade Point Average of 4.0 or higher.
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 | 80 |
Bangladesh – Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) | 4.90 |
China – Gaokao | 70% |
Hong Kong – Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) | 18 |
India – CBSE and CISCE | 80 |
India – State Board Examinations | 90 |
Kenya – Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) | B+ |
Malaysia – Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM) | 3.00 |
Malaysia – United Entrance Certificate (UEC) | 19 |
Malaysia – Matrikulasi | 3.00 |
Singapore - Singapore GCE Advanced Levels | 9 |
Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels | 10 |
Vietnam – Year 12 - Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông | 8.30 |
Why Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours)?
Mechatronics acts as a bridge between mechanical and electronic engineering.
From consumer electronics, like wearable health trackers, autonomous vehicles and bionic limbs that give sensory feedback to the user in real-time – mechatronic engineers are at the forefront of these groundbreaking technologies.
Are you driven by a desire to understand how things work? Excited by new advancements in tech and enjoy grappling with complex problems? With our Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours) majoring in Mechatronics and Robotics, you can turn your interests into a rewarding career and shape the future of technology.
Overview
Develop a strong foundation in mechanical engineering principles, theories and skills with our Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours) majoring in Mechatronics and Robotics.
You’ll study core courses covering the fundamentals of mechanical design: solid mechanics, fluid mechanics, dynamics, vibration, control systems and thermodynamics.
Your major will broaden your expertise with a comprehensive blend of courses from mechanical and electrical engineering. You’ll learn how to develop, maintain, and safely work with a variety of electro-mechanical systems.
Across the degree, you’ll have multiple opportunities to put your learning into practice, with practical workshops, design-and-build projects and up to 450 hours of industry placements.
These combined experiences guarantee that you will graduate with the knowledge, technical expertise, and professional skills essential for a successful career as a qualified mechanical engineer.
Key features
- Develop a strong foundation in mechanical engineering knowledge and skills.
- Explore courses in mechatronic design, robotics, machine learning, autonomous systems, automation and more.
- Experience hands-on design-and-build projects to build practical skills.
- Complete a major honours research project and industry-focused design project in your final year.
- Apply your skills to real industry projects, with up to 12 weeks of professional work experience.
What you'll learn
In your first year, you'll receive a thorough introduction to general engineering principles and skills, ensuring that, regardless of your prior educational background, you’ll have ample opportunities to thrive in your engineering studies at Adelaide University.
From second year onwards, you’ll begin taking mechatronics and robotics-focused courses, in areas such as:
- Autonomous system design
- Advanced control
- Electro-mechanical systems
- Industrial automation
- Machine learning and vision systems
- Mechatronic design
- Programming
- Robotics.
To ensure you're fully prepared for your career upon graduation, you'll engage in extensive hands-on experiences, including:
- Collaborative design-and-build group projects focusing on solving complex problems alongside peers.
- Up to 450 hours of industry placement under the guidance of a qualified engineer.
- A significant industry research project, completed during an internship in a real-world setting.
You’ll be able to complete majority of first year common courses and second year courses at either our Adelaide City or Mawson Lakes Campus with some potential cross-campus study required. Throughout your degree, you’ll gain access to cutting-edge facilities across both campus locations to enhance your overall learning experience.
Majors
The Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours) is also available with majors in the following:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mining Engineering
- Energy Resources Engineering.
What courses you'll study
Complete 192 units comprising:
- 132 units for all Core courses, and
- 12 units for all Work integrated learning, and
- 0 to 24 units from Electives, and
- Either:
- 24 units for all Discipline courses, or
- 48 units for one Major from Major
Complete 132 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
UG Common Core 4
|
Course code
AUXX4000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Engineering Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Engineering Programming
|
Course code
COMP1006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Engineering Design and Prototyping
|
Course code
ENGI1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Engineering Materials
|
Course code
ENGI1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Engineering Science
|
Course code
ENGI1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Engineering Modelling 1
|
Course code
ENGI1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Engineering Modelling 2
|
Course code
ENGI2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Final year research project B
|
Course code
BLDG4006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Engineering Mechanics
|
Course code
ENGM1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Mechanical Engineering Practice and Design Project
|
Course code
ENGM2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Solid Mechanics
|
Course code
ENGM2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Dynamics
|
Course code
ENGM2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Fluid Mechanics
|
Course code
ENGM2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Mechanical Systems and Design Project
|
Course code
ENGM3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Thermodynamics
|
Course code
ENGM3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Control Systems
|
Course code
ENGI3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Acoustics and Vibrations
|
Course code
ENGI3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Computer-Aided Engineering and Design Project
|
Course code
ENGM4015
|
Units
6
|
Complete 48 units for ALL of the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Electrical Machines
|
Course code
ENGE3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Microcontroller Interfacing and Applications
|
Course code
ENGE2006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Mechatronic Systems Design
|
Course code
ENGM3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Machine Learning and Vision Systems
|
Course code
ARTI4001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Control
|
Course code
ENGE4005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Autonomous Robotic Systems
|
Course code
ENGM4003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Industrial Automation
|
Course code
ENGP4018
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Robotics and Automation
|
Course code
ENGM4002
|
Units
6
|
Complete 12 units for ALL of the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Professional Engineer Career Preparation
|
Course code
ENGI3900
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Engineering Work Experience Part 2
|
Course code
ENGI3901
|
Units
6
|
Complete 0 to 24 units from the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Engineering Acoustics
|
Course code
ENGM4005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Vibrations
|
Course code
ENGM4006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Composite Materials
|
Course code
ENGM4007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Finite Element Analysis
|
Course code
ENGM4008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Computational Fluid Dynamics
|
Course code
ENGM4009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Control
|
Course code
ENGE4005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Fluid Mechanics
|
Course code
ENGM4010
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Model-Based Systems Engineering
|
Course code
ENGM4011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Refrigeration and Air Conditioning
|
Course code
ENGM4012
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Combustion and High Temperature Processes
|
Course code
ENGP4004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Brewery Engineering
|
Course code
ENGP4003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Biomechanical Engineering
|
Course code
ENGI4005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Renewable Energy Systems
|
Course code
ENGE4007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sustainable Engineering Design and Net-Zero Transitions
|
Course code
ENGM4013
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Essentials of Humanitarian Engineering
|
Course code
ENGM4014
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Mechanical engineers with specialised skills in mechatronics and robotics are highly sought-after. Your ability to bridge the technical gap between the distinct fields of mechanical and electronic engineering will open countless career paths.
You could perfect advanced driver-assistance or autonomous vehicle systems, making self-driving cars safer and more reliable. Maybe you’ll design wearable exoskeletons to assist patients with spinal cord injuries or stroke regain mobility. Perhaps you’ll play a critical role in helping companies implement systems that enable production to be fully automated.
Mechatronics engineers bring a unique skillset, enabling them to tackle complex challenges in a wide range of areas including:
- Aerospace and defence
- Automotive
- Biomedical technology
- Consulting and engineering services
- Consumer products and electronics
- Manufacturing
- Medical device manufacturing
- Power generation, transmission, and distribution
- Renewable energy and smart grid technologies
- Robotics and automation.
Industry trends
A global shortage of engineers, combined with record levels of government spend in infrastructure, advanced manufacturing and critical technologies, means that qualified mechanical engineers have never been more in demand (Engineers Australia, 2023).
Rapid advancements in technology and increasing pressure to invest in automation from various industries are creating a strong demand for engineers with the skills to drive this transformation. Mechanical engineers with skills in mechatronics and robotics will increasingly be called upon to design and maintain smart factories, automated systems and sustainable technologies.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing in 2026.
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.