Undergraduate | 2026

Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology

Start date

February, July

Campus

Waite, Adelaide City

Duration

4 year(s) full-time

Mode

Hybrid

Program code

BVIOE

Study as

Full-time

Indicative fees

$52,300

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

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

English language requirements

IELTS Overall 6.5 IELTS Reading 6.0 IELTS Listening 6.0 IELTS Speaking 6.0 IELTS Writing 6.0 Equivalent English qualifications

CRICOS code

115766J

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 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) in a higher education award program at a recognised higher education institution with an overall Grade Point Average of 4.5 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 qualifications

International admissions by country

Country	Score
Australia – ATAR	75
Bangladesh – Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC)	4.85
China – Gaokao	65%
Hong Kong – Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)	17
India – CBSE and CISCE	75
India – State Board Examinations	85
Kenya – Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE)	B+
Malaysia – Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM)	2.78
Malaysia – United Entrance Certificate (UEC)	20
Malaysia – Matrikulasi	2.78
Singapore - Singapore GCE Advanced Levels	8
Sri Lanka – GCE A Levels	9
Vietnam – Year 12 - Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông	8.00

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

Complete exactly 162 units from the following:

	Course code	Units
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 Chemistry 1A	Course code CHEM1001	Units 6
Course name Chemistry 1B	Course code CHEM1003	Units 6
Course name Foundations of Chemistry 1A (Ag and Vit)	Course code CHEM1014	Units 6
Course name Foundations of Chemistry 1B (Ag and Vit)	Course code CHEM1015	Units 6
Course name Soils and Landscapes	Course code EART1004	Units 6
Course name Physical Aspects of Nature	Course code PHYS1007	Units 6
Course name Physics for the Life and Earth Sciences A	Course code PHYS1009	Units 6
Course name Statistical Practice	Course code STAT1003	Units 6
Course name Foundations of Wine Science	Course code WINE1000	Units 6
Course name Agricultural Biochemistry	Course code AGRI2006	Units 6
Course name Agricultural Genetics	Course code AGRI2008	Units 6
Course name Foundations in Plant Science	Course code AGRI2009	Units 6
Course name Soil and Water Resources	Course code EART2007	Units 6
Course name Viticultural Science 2	Course code WINE2000	Units 6
Course name Microbiology for Viticulture and Oenology	Course code WINE2001	Units 6
Course name Sensory Studies	Course code WINE2002	Units 6
Course name Introductory Winemaking	Course code WINE2003	Units 6
Course name Plant Health	Course code AGRI3006	Units 6
Course name Stabilisation and Clarification	Course code WINE3001	Units 6
Course name Viticultural Science 3	Course code WINE3003	Units 6
Course name Distillation, Fortified & Sparkling Winemaking	Course code WINE3004	Units 6
Course name Viticultural Methods and Procedures	Course code WINE3005	Units 6
Course name Fermentation Technology	Course code WINE3006	Units 6
Course name Winemaking at Vintage	Course code WINE3007	Units 6
Course name Engineering for Viticulture and Oenology	Course code WINE3011	Units 6
Course name Wine Packaging and Quality Management	Course code WINE3000	Units 6
Course name Cellar and Winery Waste Management	Course code WINE3002	Units 6
Course name Advances in Wine Science	Course code WINE3010	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

Complete 24 units comprising:

24 units from Program electives

	Course code	Units
Course name Business Management for Applied Sciences	Course code AGRI3001	Units 6
Course name Plant Biotechnology	Course code AGRI3008	Units 6
Course name Horticultural Production and Quality	Course code AGRI3009	Units 6
Course name eChallenge	Course code BUSI3027	Units 6
Course name Soil Ecology and Nutrient Cycling	Course code EART3008	Units 6
Course name Soil and Plant Nutrition	Course code EART3010	Units 6
Course name Soil and Water: Management and Conservation	Course code EART3013	Units 6
Course name GIS for Agriculture and Natural Resource	Course code ENVI3006	Units 6
Course name Food Production in a Future Climate	Course code FOOD3000	Units 6
Course name Brewing Technology and Beer Production	Course code FOOD3013	Units 6
Course name French for Grape Growers and Wine Makers	Course code LANG3208	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 Communicating Science	Course code SCIE3008	Units 6
Course name Science International Study Tour	Course code SCIE3009	Units 6
Course name Science Experience 3	Course code SCIE3011	Units 6
Course name International Experience 3	Course code SCIE3012	Units 6
Course name Grape and Wine Industry Practice, Policy and Communication	Course code WINE3009	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.

How 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

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

FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

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.

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. 

View all FAQs

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: