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?
Studying evolutionary biology satisfies a deep human urge to understand our origins. You’ll love investigating the complexities of life on Earth – and your place within it. How did ancient fish come to walk on land? Why would a tree grow fruit underground? The way plants and animals have evolved over time is incredible.
Entering this field puts you at the heart of progress. As climate change accelerates, industries are rushing to adapt to ecological shifts. You'll tackle urgent global challenges such as biodiversity conservation and sustainable living. Your skills will be in demand across exciting fields like biomedicine, forensic science and environmental management.
Overview
Our Bachelor of Science majoring in Evolutionary Biology introduces you to the astonishing diversity of life on Earth. Drawing on Australia’s natural environments – from pristine beaches to rocky ranges – you’ll learn all about the many life forms on our planet.
Explore the origins of plants and animals, their adaptations, and genetic heritage. Examine how evolutionary biology informs conservation efforts and helps predict climate change. With a blend of fieldwork, laboratory research and theory, this degree will inspire your curiosity and open doors to dynamic and fulfilling careers. You’ll graduate as a sharp evolutionary thinker, confident and prepared to join the global science community.
Key features
- Explore the evolution of plants and animals around the world.
- Learn to tell fact from fiction in evolutionary theory.
- Gain advanced practical experience through hands-on projects and fieldwork.
- Work in purpose-built laboratories with industry-standard equipment.
- Tackle real-world challenges in evolutionary biology.
- Undertake a professional project or industry placement aligned with your ambitions.
What you'll learn
This degree will give you a deep understanding of evolution. You’ll explore micro- and macro- evolutionary biology, from the smallest cellular mutations to the patterns of species across continents. What are climate change’s impacts on evolution? How is big data reshaping the field?
Through critical analysis of evolutionary theory, you’ll learn to address contemporary issues in human, animal, plant, fungal and microbial systems. You’ll gain essential skills for a changing future, including practical knowledge of taxonomy, genomics analysis and population genetics.
Core courses will help you build broad scientific literacy, enriched by Aboriginal knowledge and perspectives. This degree offers flexible hybrid delivery, which includes a mix of on-campus and online study. In your final year, you’ll undertake an 80-hour industry placement or project, where you’ll gain valuable professional skills and real-world experience.
Your courses with cover both theoretical and practical topics, including:
- Botany
- Zoology
- Biology (of molecules, genes, cells, and organisms)
- Evolutionary biology
- Animal and plant identification and monitoring
- Molecular methods in ecology and evolution.
You can also broaden your perspective with electives from across Adelaide University in areas like Health, Languages, and Business.
Majors
Did you know that you can also choose a Bachelor of Science with a major in one of the following:
- Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology
- Animal Behaviour
- Animal Science
- Environmental and Geospatial Science
- Environmental Science
- Marine and Wildlife Conservation
- Biotechnology
- Computational Physics
- Space Science and Astrophysics.
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 48 units from the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Quantitative Methods
|
Course code
STAT1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Biology IB: Organisms
|
Course code
BIOL1004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Evolutionary Biology II
|
Course code
BIOL2022
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Molecular Methods in Ecology and Evolution
|
Course code
ECOL3007
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Evolutionary Biology III (Theory)
|
Course code
ECOL3008
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Evolutionary Biology III (Practical)
|
Course code
ECOL3009
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Zoology II
|
Course code
BIOL2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Botany II
|
Course code
BIOL2023
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Animal Identification in Wildlife Conservation II
|
Course code
ECOL2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Plant Identification in Wildlife Conservation II
|
Course code
ECOL2002
|
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
Evolutionary biology can lead to many different careers exploring the evolution of life. You could unravel the genetic secrets of viruses as a molecular evolutionist. You might work in a museum, curating fossil or insect exhibits. As an extraterrestrial ecologist, you could even design ecosystems for other planets.
Other possible careers include:
- Genetic counsellor
- Conservation geneticist
- Climate adaptation strategist
- Forensic DNA analyst
- Biomedical research scientist
- Environmental consultant
- Evolutionary ecologist
- Paleogeneticist
- Public health adviser
- Zoologist
- Botanist
- Science communicator.
Industry trends
Advances in DNA sequencing and computational biology have led to an explosion of genetic data. Evolutionary biologists who can analyse this data are crucial for understanding genetic diversity, adaptation, and the evolutionary relationships between species.
As the climate changes, we also need skilled evolutionary biologists to develop strategies for maintaining and protecting ecosystems. Our degree provides the expertise needed to navigate these challenges and make a valuable contribution to the evolving landscape.
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.