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?
Interested in discovering ways to safeguard planet Earth and its inhabitants? Want to learn how to best use and sustain Earth’s natural resources – including water, air, energy and soil?
By studying a Major in Geology and Earth Resources, you’ll develop expert knowledge in these two complementary areas. Learn about Earth’s processes, history and evolution. Explore Earth’s minerals and energy resources – their nature, origin, formation, distribution and discovery. Go beyond textbooks with hands-on learning through fieldwork and laboratory work. Graduate ready to excel in a growing industry.
Overview
The Bachelor of Science majoring in Geology and Earth Resources will give you an in-depth understanding of Earth’s external and internal systems and its natural occurring mineral and energy resources. Your geology courses will explore the composition and formation of Earth's crust, the dynamic processes that shape it, the principles that affect our water, air and land, and methods for identifying and analysing geological data. Your earth resources courses will cover mineralogy, ore deposit processes and the formation and storage of energy resources in sedimentary basins. You’ll gain practical skills throughout your studies by collecting rock formations, analysing samples, mapping and conducting geophysical surveys. You’ll graduate ready to find employment in mining, oil, gas, renewable energy, engineering, government agencies and research institutions.
Key features
- Explore topics on space, climate change, sustainability and evolution.
- Develop research, analysis and reporting skills.
- Learn to map rock formations and conduct geological surveys.
- Study a major to boost your employability.
- Use industry-standard tools and technologies in purpose-built labs.
- Complete a field geoscience program or study tour in your final year.
What you'll learn
Your studies will involve a mixture of common core courses, science core courses, major courses, elective courses and a study tour or geoscience program in your final year.
Through Common Core courses, you’ll study climate science, environmental issues, ethics and food production systems. In data handling and visualisation, you’ll explore quantitative methods, scientific statistics and how to make decisions using big data. Your science core course will build your foundational knowledge in areas such as physics, chemistry, biology and maths.
In Geology courses, you’ll investigate Earth's history, systems and evolution. Discover how oceans and mountains were formed and investigate heat and gravity. Identify and analyse sedimentary, igneous, and metamorphic rocks and how they can help paint a story of the Earth’s past. Learn how climates and environments have changed over time and how we can ensure sustainability for the future.
In Earth Resources courses, you’ll study how energy resources like water, hydrogen, heat and hydrocarbons are formed and stored in the Earth. You’ll also explore how ore deposits and other mineral resources are formed. This involves understanding how minerals are concentrated and deposited in the Earth's crust, crucial knowledge for resource exploration and extraction.
Throughout your degree, there will be opportunities to study elective courses so you can build your knowledge in another area of interest.
In your final year, embark on an in-field geoscience program – a course which involves creating four-dimensional models that describe the geological evolution of terrains. Or choose to go on a science study tour overseas instead.
Majors
The Bachelor of Science is also available with majors in the following:
- Biochemistry
- Genetics
- Microbiology and Immunology
- Ecology
- Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology
- Plant Biology
- Geology
- Geology and Palaeontology
- Geophysics
- Soil Science.
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 84 units from the following:
Course name | Course code | Units | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
Planet Earth
|
Course code
EART1000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Extra-terrestrial Geoscience
|
Course code
EART1002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Sedimentary Geology II
|
Course code
GEOL2002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Structural Geology II
|
Course code
GEOL2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Igneous and Metamorphic Geology II
|
Course code
GEOL2004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Igneous and Metamorphic Geology III
|
Course code
GEOL3001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Tectonics III
|
Course code
GEOL3002
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Earth Systems History III
|
Course code
EART3000
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Geophysics II
|
Course code
EART2003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Geophysics IIIC: Seismic Processing and Interpretation
|
Course code
EART3004
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Geochemistry II
|
Course code
GEOL2001
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Mineral Resources II
|
Course code
GEOL2005
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Mineral Resources III
|
Course code
GEOL3003
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
Energy Resources III
|
Course code
GEOL3004
|
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
As a graduate of the Bachelor of Science majoring in Geology and Earth Resources, you’ll unlock a diverse range of careers. You might be a renewable energy specialist, harnessing resources like solar, wind and geothermal energy. Perhaps you’ll pursue environmental consulting, guiding responsible land use and protecting ecosystems.
You could also be a:
- Geologist
- Environmental geologist
- Volcanologist
- Hydrogeologist
- Petroleum geologist
- Climate change analyst
- Geophysicist
- Geomorphologist
- Field technician
- Laboratory technician
- Research scientist.
Industry trends
Geologists and Earth scientists are pivotal in many sectors, including mining, energy, government, and agriculture. They develop exploration models for minerals and energy resources, advise on geological surveys, predict and manage natural disasters, and evaluate the environmental and economic impacts of mining activities. Their expertise is crucial for promoting sustainable development and has a significant impact on the economy. For instance, in 2023, the geoscience sector contributed $76 billion to the Australian economy and supported 80,000 jobs (Deloitte, 2023). As industries increasingly pivot towards renewable energy and climate change mitigation, the role of Earth scientists is evolving. Technological advancements are enhancing environmental monitoring and geological exploration capabilities. These trends are not only creating new career opportunities but are also positioning Earth scientists at the forefront of sustainable practices that will shape the future of our planet.
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.