Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

On Campus

Start date

February, July

Campus

Waite Campus, Adelaide City Campus

Duration

4 year(s) full-time

Program code

BVIOE

Study as

Full-time

Indicative annual fees

$54,900

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

SACE Stage 2 Chemistry and Mathematical Methods IB (or equivalent)

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6 IELTS Listening 6 IELTS Speaking 6 IELTS Writing 6 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115766J

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil 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) in a higher education award program.

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
IELTS Listening 6
IELTS Speaking 6
IELTS Writing 6

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 qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Requirement	Score
Australia	ATAR	75
Bangladesh	Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.85
Canada	Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD)	70%
China	Gaokao	65%
Denmark	Studentereksamen (stx: Upper Secondary School Diploma)	4 (Fair)
France	French Baccalaureate	11.5
Global	International Baccalaureate	26
Hong Kong	Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	17
India	CBSE and CISCE	75
India	State Board Examinations	85
Indonesia	SMA III	78%
Kenya	Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	B+
Malaysia	Matrikulasi	2.78
Malaysia	Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	2.78
Malaysia	United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	20
Nepal	National Examinations Board (NEB)	3.01
Norway	Upper Secondary School Certificate (Vitnemal fra den Videregaende Skole) / Vitnemal For Videregaende Opplaering	3.6
Phillippines	High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12	87%
Singapore	Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	8
South Korea	College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT)	320
Sri Lanka	GCE A Levels	9
Sweden	Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate	14.0
Taiwan	GSAT %	65%
Thailand	Matayom 6	3.40
UK / Global	GCE Advanced Levels	8
USA / Global	Advanced Placement (AP)	8
USA / Global	America College Test (ACT)	22
USA / Global	Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT)	1130
Vietnam	Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông (Vietnamese Year 12)	8

Why Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology?

Let your palate lead the way. Adelaide is one of the great wine capitals of the world, boasting over 200 cellar doors within an hour of the city.

Join a community of groundbreaking and cultural leaders in viticulture and winemaking at Australia’s largest teaching winery. Get your hands dirty and learn in our on-campus vineyard. Build practical skills among the largest agricultural teaching and research precinct in the Southern Hemisphere. You’ll graduate as a fully trained winemaker or viticulturist – ready to manage a vineyard, develop innovative technologies or focus on sustainable winemaking.

Overview

Our Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology teaches best-practice techniques for growing wine grapes and making wine. Learn on a campus where 70% of Australia’s wine research happens. You’ll be equipped with practical skills to develop winemaking and viticultural practices across an array of careers.

These include:

viticultural management
winemaking and winery management
food and beverage technology
Supply chain logistics and management.

This four-year degree will place you amongst winemakers and innovators who are cultural leaders driving Australia’s economy. Get a head start by completing a practical placement based on work experience among Australia’s best commercial vineyards and wineries. You’ll learn grape and wine chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology and genetics, and how these are applied in practical viticulture and winemaking under challenging conditions.

Collaborate with cutting-edge researchers to build important problem solving and critical thinking skills. Take advantage of our global reach and explore international wine regions on a study tour. You’ll have the opportunity to collaborate and gain practical skills, ready to graduate and make a difference.

Key features

Get hands-on and learn to make wine at Australia’s largest teaching winery.
Explore our on-campus vineyard and learn directly from the source.
Complete a practical placement in a commercial vineyard or winery.
Benefit from the knowledge of over 150 researchers and partners in wine and grape science.
Study at the largest agricultural teaching and research precinct in the Southern Hemisphere.
Access cutting-edge research through world-renowned academics.

What you'll learn

Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology will teach you essential techniques to succeed. Our practical approach will ensure that you build the skills and knowledge to be an innovator in the field.

Firstly, you'll hone your skills in basic biology and chemistry practices to gain a comprehensive understanding of their role in grape growing and winemaking. You’ll also evaluate principles of physics and their applications in agricultural and biological sciences. Hands-on work will focus on foundations of wine science and dive into grapevine anatomy.

In second year, you’ll explore advanced concepts in plant, animal and microbial metabolism, strengthening your knowledge in agricultural biochemistry. Courses also include grapevine life cycles, sensory evaluation, winemaking principles and practices and general plant life cycles.

Third year is designed to hone your wine production knowledge with viticulture and oenology-specific courses. These include hands-on wine grape management, practical winemaking from grape to glass, and learning the principles and practices of wine clarification and stabilisation – essential for future careers in producing top-level wines. You’ll also discover how Australian and overseas sparkling wine is produced and gain insights into how grape spirits are distilled and used in fortification.

In your final year, you’ll put your knowledge to practice in industry with a 10-week viticulture or oenology placement. This is a practical placement, based on work experience at a commercial vineyard or winery during vintage.

Assessments include a combination of oral presentations, written assignments, practical work and/or examination work.

What courses you'll study

Complete 192 units comprising:

162 units for Core courses, and
6 units for all Work integrated learning, and
24 units for Electives

Complete 162 units comprising:

144 units from Program core courses, and
18 units from Program core selective courses

	Course code	Units
Course name Soils and Landscapes	Course code AGRI1003	Units 6
Course name Soil and Water Resources 2	Course code AGRI2004	Units 6
Course name Agricultural Biochemistry	Course code AGRI2006	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 Agricultural Genetics	Course code BIOL2010	Units 6
Course name Foundations in Plant Science	Course code BIOL2024	Units 6
Course name Plant Health	Course code BIOL3018	Units 6
Course name Foundations of Wine Science	Course code BUSI5028	Units 6
Course name Data Skills for Scientists	Course code STAT1000	Units 6
Course name Viticultural Science 2	Course code WINE2000	Units 6
Course name Microbiology for Viticulture and Oenology 2	Course code WINE2001	Units 6
Course name Sensory Studies 2	Course code WINE2002	Units 6
Course name Introductory Winemaking 2	Course code WINE2003	Units 6
Course name Wine Packaging and Quality Management 3	Course code WINE3000	Units 6
Course name Stabilisation and Clarification 3	Course code WINE3001	Units 6
Course name Cellar and Winery Waste Management 3	Course code WINE3002	Units 6
Course name Viticultural Science 3	Course code WINE3003	Units 6
Course name Distillation, Fortified and Sparkling Winemaking 3	Course code WINE3004	Units 6
Course name Viticultural Methods and Procedures 3	Course code WINE3005	Units 6
Course name Fermentation Technology 3	Course code WINE3006	Units 6
Course name Winemaking at Vintage 3	Course code WINE3007	Units 6
Course name Advances in Wine Science 3	Course code WINE3010	Units 6
Course name Engineering for Viticulture and Oenology 3	Course code WINE3011	Units 6

	Course code	Units
Course name Foundations in Chemistry	Course code CHEM1000	Units 6
Course name Chemistry 1A	Course code CHEM1002	Units 6
Course name Chemistry 1B	Course code CHEM1003	Units 6
Course name Foundations in Physics	Course code PHYS1000	Units 6
Course name Physics for the Life and Earth Sciences A	Course code PHYS1009	Units 6

Course name		Course code	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
	Course name Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms	Course code BIOL1004	Units 6
	Course name Foundations of Wine Science	Course code BUSI5028	Units 6
	Course name	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Soils and Landscapes	Course code AGRI1003	Units 6
	Course name Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells	Course code BIOL1003	Units 6
	Course name Data Skills for Scientists	Course code STAT1000	Units 6
	Course name	Course code -	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Soil and Water Resources 2	Course code AGRI2004	Units 6
	Course name Agricultural Biochemistry	Course code AGRI2006	Units 6
	Course name Foundations in Plant Science	Course code BIOL2024	Units 6
	Course name Microbiology for Viticulture and Oenology 2	Course code WINE2001	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Agricultural Genetics	Course code BIOL2010	Units 6
	Course name Viticultural Science 2	Course code WINE2000	Units 6
	Course name Sensory Studies 2	Course code WINE2002	Units 6
	Course name Introductory Winemaking 2	Course code WINE2003	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Plant Health	Course code BIOL3018	Units 6
	Course name Stabilisation and Clarification 3	Course code WINE3001	Units 6
	Course name Viticultural Science 3	Course code WINE3003	Units 6
	Course name Winemaking at Vintage 3	Course code WINE3007	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Distillation, Fortified and Sparkling Winemaking 3	Course code WINE3004	Units 6
	Course name Viticultural Methods and Procedures 3	Course code WINE3005	Units 6
	Course name Fermentation Technology 3	Course code WINE3006	Units 6
	Course name Engineering for Viticulture and Oenology 3	Course code WINE3011	Units 6
Year 4
Semester 1
	Course name Cellar and Winery Waste Management 3	Course code WINE3002	Units 6
	Course name Industry Experience (Viticulture and Oenology)	Course code WINE3008	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Wine Packaging and Quality Management 3	Course code WINE3000	Units 6
	Course name Advances in Wine Science 3	Course code WINE3010	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6

Complete 6 units for ALL of the following:

Course name		Course code	Units
	Course name Industry Experience (Viticulture and Oenology)	Course code WINE3008	Units 6

Course name		Course code	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
	Course name Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms	Course code BIOL1004	Units 6
	Course name Foundations of Wine Science	Course code BUSI5028	Units 6
	Course name	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Soils and Landscapes	Course code AGRI1003	Units 6
	Course name Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells	Course code BIOL1003	Units 6
	Course name Data Skills for Scientists	Course code STAT1000	Units 6
	Course name	Course code -	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Soil and Water Resources 2	Course code AGRI2004	Units 6
	Course name Agricultural Biochemistry	Course code AGRI2006	Units 6
	Course name Foundations in Plant Science	Course code BIOL2024	Units 6
	Course name Microbiology for Viticulture and Oenology 2	Course code WINE2001	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Agricultural Genetics	Course code BIOL2010	Units 6
	Course name Viticultural Science 2	Course code WINE2000	Units 6
	Course name Sensory Studies 2	Course code WINE2002	Units 6
	Course name Introductory Winemaking 2	Course code WINE2003	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Plant Health	Course code BIOL3018	Units 6
	Course name Stabilisation and Clarification 3	Course code WINE3001	Units 6
	Course name Viticultural Science 3	Course code WINE3003	Units 6
	Course name Winemaking at Vintage 3	Course code WINE3007	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Distillation, Fortified and Sparkling Winemaking 3	Course code WINE3004	Units 6
	Course name Viticultural Methods and Procedures 3	Course code WINE3005	Units 6
	Course name Fermentation Technology 3	Course code WINE3006	Units 6
	Course name Engineering for Viticulture and Oenology 3	Course code WINE3011	Units 6
Year 4
Semester 1
	Course name Cellar and Winery Waste Management 3	Course code WINE3002	Units 6
	Course name Industry Experience (Viticulture and Oenology)	Course code WINE3008	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Wine Packaging and Quality Management 3	Course code WINE3000	Units 6
	Course name Advances in Wine Science 3	Course code WINE3010	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6

Complete 24 units comprising:

24 units from Program electives

	Course code	Units
Course name Business Management for Applied Sciences 3	Course code AGRI3001	Units 6
Course name Horticultural Production and Quality 3	Course code AGRI3009	Units 6
Course name Soil and Water Management and Conservation 3	Course code AGRI3011	Units 6
Course name Soil and Plant Nutrition	Course code AGRI3013	Units 6
Course name Soil Ecology and Nutrient Cycling 3	Course code AGRI3014	Units 6
Course name Plant Biotechnology	Course code BIOL3017	Units 6
Course name eChallenge	Course code BUSI1005	Units 6
Course name Communicating Science	Course code EART4004	Units 6
Course name GIS for Agriculture and Natural Resources	Course code ENVI3008	Units 6
Course name Brewing Technology and Beer Production 3	Course code FOOD3013	Units 6
Course name Food Production in a Future Climate	Course code FOODX300	Units 6
Course name Consumer Behaviour	Course code MARK1001	Units 6
Course name Introduction to Marketing	Course code MARK1008	Units 6
Course name Digital Media in Business	Course code MARK2006	Units 6
Course name Science Study Tour	Course code SCIE3013	Units 6
Course name Grape and Wine Industry Practice, Policy and Communication 3	Course code WINE3009	Units 6

Course name		Course code	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
	Course name Biology 1B: Evolution and Diversity of Organisms	Course code BIOL1004	Units 6
	Course name Foundations of Wine Science	Course code BUSI5028	Units 6
	Course name	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Soils and Landscapes	Course code AGRI1003	Units 6
	Course name Biology 1A: Molecules, Genes and Cells	Course code BIOL1003	Units 6
	Course name Data Skills for Scientists	Course code STAT1000	Units 6
	Course name	Course code -	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
	Course name Soil and Water Resources 2	Course code AGRI2004	Units 6
	Course name Agricultural Biochemistry	Course code AGRI2006	Units 6
	Course name Foundations in Plant Science	Course code BIOL2024	Units 6
	Course name Microbiology for Viticulture and Oenology 2	Course code WINE2001	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Agricultural Genetics	Course code BIOL2010	Units 6
	Course name Viticultural Science 2	Course code WINE2000	Units 6
	Course name Sensory Studies 2	Course code WINE2002	Units 6
	Course name Introductory Winemaking 2	Course code WINE2003	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
	Course name Plant Health	Course code BIOL3018	Units 6
	Course name Stabilisation and Clarification 3	Course code WINE3001	Units 6
	Course name Viticultural Science 3	Course code WINE3003	Units 6
	Course name Winemaking at Vintage 3	Course code WINE3007	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Distillation, Fortified and Sparkling Winemaking 3	Course code WINE3004	Units 6
	Course name Viticultural Methods and Procedures 3	Course code WINE3005	Units 6
	Course name Fermentation Technology 3	Course code WINE3006	Units 6
	Course name Engineering for Viticulture and Oenology 3	Course code WINE3011	Units 6
Year 4
Semester 1
	Course name Cellar and Winery Waste Management 3	Course code WINE3002	Units 6
	Course name Industry Experience (Viticulture and Oenology)	Course code WINE3008	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
Semester 2
	Course name Wine Packaging and Quality Management 3	Course code WINE3000	Units 6
	Course name Advances in Wine Science 3	Course code WINE3010	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6
	Course name Elective	Course code -	Units 6

Career outcomes

This Adelaide University degree will prepare you for a career as a qualified viticulturist and oenologist. You could manage your own winery or vineyard. You might work with the latest technologies to develop innovations and efficiencies in related industries. Perhaps you’ll focus on sustainable and natural practices, building an organic production system, biodynamic or solar-powered future for the wine industry.

Your career prospects include:

Winery technician
Brewer
Vineyard operator
Vineyard manager
Winemaker
Beverage technologist
Grape and wine scientist
Wine exporter
Distiller.

Industry trends

Adelaide University’s Waite Campus is home to 70% of Australia’s wine and grape research and extension capability. Waite researchers are active across the entire value chain, from understanding the interactions of vines with the environment to sensory research and consumer preferences.

Approximately 40% of Australia’s population are wine drinkers (KPMG, 2023) – with wine grape growing, winemaking, wine exports and wine tourism contributing significantly to Australia's economy. It’s up to our innovative graduates to lead future growth and ensure resilience of the industry.

Ready to apply?

Check your eligibility

Before you begin, find the degree you wish to study and check you meet the academic entry requirements and English language requirements.

Entry requirements

Gather your relevant documents

Ensure you have all supporting documentation needed at the time of application to avoid delays.

How to apply

Complete and send your application

Apply through one of the University’s official agency partners, or via our online application system.

Apply now

Please note that a non-refundable application fee of AUD$150 applies for every application submitted to Adelaide University.

How to apply

Applications for international students are open now, to begin your studies in 2026.

Apply through one of the University’s official Education Agents, or via our International Application System.

Find an Education Agent

Depending on your country of citizenship, you may be required to apply through one of our Education Agents.

Find an education agent in your country

Ask Adelaide University

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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.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

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.

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Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology