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.
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 | 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 Science?
Do you have an analytical mind? A knack for maths? A passion for pushing the boundaries of what is known? Are you a persistent troubleshooter who loves complex problems? This degree could be your perfect match.
Drive technological progress. Make a big impact. Unravel the mysteries of the universe.
Computational physics stands at the frontier of knowledge, blending physics, mathematics, and computer science to meet some of humanity's greatest challenges. Through modelling and simulations, it tackles global issues like climate change, space exploration, renewable energy and disease prevention.
Prepare to push yourself, think big, and unlock careers in astrophysics, defence, sustainability, and beyond. Your calculations could help shape the future of technology and innovation.
Overview
Our Bachelor of Computational Physics is for big thinkers and math whizzes. It is highly physics-focused, laying a strong foundation for you to advance in computational fields. Study core physics principles like electromagnetism, quantum mechanics and thermal physics. Use numerical methods and advanced mathematics to understand and solve complex problems. Build practical skills for programming and data analysis using languages like Python and MATLAB.
In more advanced courses, you’ll dive into sophisticated high-performance computing techniques. Create simulations to model physical systems – like weather patterns, how galaxies form, or how atoms interact. Get familiar with advanced software and algorithms. Communicate complex results through visual tools like graphs, images, and animations.
Learn to solve cutting-edge problems in theoretical, computational and mathematical physics. Our Bachelor of Science majoring in Computational Physics opens doors to dynamic careers in areas like engineering, manufacturing and meteorology.
Key features
- Gain a firm grasp of fundamental physics.
- Tackle complex theoretical, computational and mathematical problems.
- Master programming languages such as Python, MATLAB and C.
- Build practical experience in our high-performance computing laboratory.
- Learn from world-class researchers.
- Choose complementary electives in areas like Space Science, Technology and Biomedicine.
What you'll learn
The best path to success in this field is building a truly solid foundation. This degree has a strong physics underpinning and is taught with the mathematical rigour necessary to succeed in computational physics.
You’ll explore fundamental physics, from mechanics and electromagnetism to thermal and statistical physics. Learn how particles and celestial bodies interact, and how to predict their movements with precision. In quantum mechanics and solid-state physics, you’ll unravel the behaviours and properties of atoms and electrons, laying the groundwork for innovations in technology and materials science.
You’ll study essential mathematics, such as differential equations and multivariable calculus. In introductory computer programming, you'll get immediate feedback so you can improve quickly. Through numerical analysis, you'll explore computational techniques to solve mathematical models.
In your third year, you’ll advance to sophisticated high performance computing techniques. Study advanced programming tactics and problem-solving methodologies. Practise software engineering solo and in teams. Create algorithms to simulate natural phenomena. Together with linear algebra, you'll study numerical methods and their implementation.
Your courses will cover:
- Quantum mechanics
- Multivariable calculus
- Electromagnetism
- Thermodynamics
- Solid state and photonics
- Dynamics and relativity
- Computer programming
- Object orientated programming.
You can also broaden your scope with electives from across Adelaide University in areas like space science, technology or finance.
Majors
Did you know that you can also choose a Bachelor of Science with a major in one of the following:
- Experimental Physics
- Theoretical Physics
- Nuclear and Radiation Physics
- Physics and Geophysics
- Food Science and Technology.
What courses you'll study
Complete 144 units comprising:
- 42 units from Core courses, and
- 6 units from Work integrated learning, and
- 6 to 54 units from Electives, and
- Either:
- 48 units from Discipline courses, or
- 42 to 90 units for one Major from Major
Complete exactly 42 units from the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Science of People, Society and the Future Planet
|
Course code
SCIE1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Scientific Data: Analysis and Visualisation
|
Course code
INFO2011
|
Units
6
|
|
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
Physics 1A
|
Course code
PHYS1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Physics 1B
|
Course code
PHYS1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Chemistry IA
|
Course code
CHEM1001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Chemistry 1B
|
Course code
CHEM1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Calculus 1
|
Course code
MATH1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells
|
Course code
BIOL1003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Earth, Climate and Life Systems
|
Course code
ECOL1001
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 78 units from the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Linear Algebra
|
Course code
MATH1008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Differential Equations
|
Course code
MATH2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Quantum Mechanics II
|
Course code
PHYS2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Multivariable Calculus
|
Course code
MATH2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Electromagnetism II
|
Course code
PHYS2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Electromagnetism and Thermodynamics III
|
Course code
PHYS3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Quantum Mechanics and Solid State III
|
Course code
PHYS3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Calculus 2
|
Course code
MATH1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Object-Oriented Programming
|
Course code
COMP1005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Computer Programming 1
|
Course code
COMP1007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Numerical Methods
|
Course code
MATH2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Solid State and Photonics II
|
Course code
PHYS2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Classical Physics II
|
Course code
PHYS2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Dynamics and Relativity III
|
Course code
PHYS3005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Condensed Matter III
|
Course code
PHYS3006
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Advanced Quantum Mechanics III
|
Course code
PHYS3007
|
Units
6
|
Complete exactly 6 units from the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Science Professional Project
|
Course code
SCIE3901
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Science Professional Placement
|
Course code
SCIE3900
|
Units
6
|
Complete 6 to 54 units from the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Foundations in Physics
|
Course code
PHYS1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Chemistry
|
Course code
CHEM1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Foundations in Mathematics
|
Course code
MATH1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Calculus 1
|
Course code
MATH1004
|
Units
6
|
|
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
|
|
Course name
Elective 4
|
Course code
AUXX1014
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 5
|
Course code
AUXX1015
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 6
|
Course code
AUXX1016
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 7
|
Course code
AUXX1017
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Elective 8
|
Course code
AUXX1018
|
Units
6
|
Career outcomes
Careers in physics are competitive, but the computational skills you gain through this degree will make you incredibly versatile. You could use your expertise to advance in:
- Game design
- Finance
- Galactic physics
- Renewables
- Conservation
- Satellite tech
- Robotics
- Virtual reality
- Engineering
- Defence
- Genomics
- Material sciences
- Nanotechnology
- Nuclear power
- Disease control
- Meteorology
- Manufacturing
- Medicine
- Space industries.
You might work with astrophysicists in the Australian Space Agency, simulating galaxy formations or cosmological evolution. You could predict the impacts of climate change with CSIRO, NASA, or the United Nations. Perhaps you’ll work at Google, developing complex algorithms for maps or materials.
You could also become a:
- Data scientist
- Software engineer
- Systems analyst
- Quantum algorithm developer
- Climate modeler
- High performance computing specialist.
Industry trends
Computational physics is rapidly evolving, embracing machine learning and data-driven models for more precise simulations. More and more, we will use high-performance and quantum computing to solve complex problems. New tools are being developed every day to improve innovation and collaboration in the field, including better open-source tools and more specialised, industry-specific software. As computing continues to advance, careers in computational physics will only increase in popularity. If you’re up to the challenge and prepared to evolve with the industry, you’ll find a world of opportunities awaits.
Accreditation
Adelaide University is working through relevant approvals for program accreditation ahead of students commencing at the institution 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.