100% Online

UniStart

Pre-degree | 2026

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Mode
Mode
Mode
Your study is delivered 100% online
100% Online
Start date icon
Start date
Start date
The month you will commence your studies. Exact start date is outlined in the course timetable.
January, June
Duration icon
Duration
Duration
Duration is approximate and based on a full-time study load.
0.5 year(s) full-time
Program code
Program code
XUNIS
Study as icon
Study as
Full time or part time
Fees
Indicative annual fees
2026 indicative annual fees
Commonwealth Supported students are charged a portion of the cost of their higher education through a student contribution. Fee-Paying programs require the full tuition fees of your study, which can be deferred partly or in full to a FEE-HELP loan. This is based on the total number of units studied for this program on an annual full-time basis.
Fee Free
Prerequisites icon
Prerequisite
Prerequisite
A prerequisite is a required course or/subject that you must have successfully completed before you can enrol into this program.
None
Assumed knowledge icon
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge
Assumed knowledge, while not essential, is where you have a minimum level of understanding in the relevant course area.
None
Time commitment
Time commitment
Time commitment
We recommend that students dedicate 10-15 hours per week to each course, which includes time studying, engaging with learning resources, and completing assessments.
10-15 hours per week per course
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Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must meet the program’s minimum age and citizenship status requirements.

Minimum age requirements:

  • All applicants must be at least 17 years of age by the date of enrolment.
  • Applicants who have not completed a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE) or an award from a recognised training organisation (RTO) at Certificate III (AQF level 3) or higher must be 18 years of age or over by the date of enrolment.

 

Citizenship status requirements:

  • Applicants must either be an Australian citizen or permanent resident, or hold an Australian permanent humanitarian visa.

UniStart is not available to individuals who have previously studied at higher education level or completed an award at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher. Exceptions will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

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Note:

Applications for 100% online study at Adelaide University will open in July 2025, to commence study in 2026.

Why UniStart?

Ready to step back into study, hone your essential skills, or transition into your dream degree? Consider UniStart your ticket to study success.

Developed by expert academics with a strong history of fostering inclusive and accessible pathways to university, Adelaide University’s 100% online UniStart offering is a six-month fee-free program designed to set you up for success. 

You’ll explore the key pillars of successful university study, including writing assignments, using critical thinking to examine academic articles, utilising numeracy and problem solving, identifying credible sources of information and preparing oral presentations. Complete UniStart with a personalised study and career plan and gain the confidence to launch your study journey. 

Program overview

Overview

Gain the essential skills to succeed in university study and prepare to step seamlessly into a range of degrees. 

If you’re just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen program or want to refresh your skills, UniStart is the ideal foundation. UniStart will help you gain confidence, forge a clear pathway into a degree and set you up to pursue your goals. Be supported throughout your studies with access to our academic team seven days a week and receive tailored support from local student advisers. 

UniStart has been purposefully designed by expert academics – guided by cutting-edge research in digital learning and a wealth of experience preparing students for ongoing success.

Complete UniStart with a solid foundation of skills and knowledge you can use to gain entry into a wide range of undergraduate degrees and qualifications.

What you'll learn

Developed specifically for online learning and delivered in a supportive and engaging environment, UniStart will refresh your study skills and prepare you for successful university study.

In just six months of full-time 100% online study, gain the fundamental skills to complete academic assignments, use numeracy for academic success and apply critical thinking to learning and research.

Four tailored courses develop your valuable independent learning and teamwork skills and learn to effectively analyse academic materials for assignment writing and research. Strengthen your practical experience through practice-based learning opportunities, discovering how foundational literacy and numeracy skills can support successful study and lifelong learning.

You’ll also complement your foundational knowledge with a degree-specific elective aligned to your career goals. Elective choices include:   

  • Foundations of business
  • Applied computer practices
  • Anatomy
  • Biosciences
  • Human physiology
  • Digital literacy in screen, web and new media
  • Human behaviour.

Complete UniStart with core skills and a personalised study plan, ready to step straight into a degree and reach your unique career goals.

What courses you'll study

Complete 24 units comprising:

  • 18 units for all Core courses, and
  • 6 units from Electives

Complete 18 units for ALL of the following:

Course name Course code Units
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Course name
UO Foundations of Academic Literacy
Course code
EDUC1031
Units
6
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Course name
UO Numeracy and Problem Solving
Course code
MATH1038
Units
6
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Course name
UO Critical Thinking: Media and Academia
Course code
COMM1007
Units
6

Complete exactly 6 units from the following:

Course name Course code Units
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Course name
UO Introduction to Anatomy
Course code
HLTH1028
Units
6
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Course name
UO Introduction to Human Physiology
Course code
HLTH1029
Units
6
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Course name
UO Introduction to Biosciences
Course code
EART1011
Units
6
course icon
Course name
UO Applied Computer Practices
Course code
COMP1024
Units
6
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Course name
UO Foundations of Business
Course code
BUSI1022
Units
6
course icon
Course name
UO Digital Literacy: Screen, Web and New Media
Course code
MDIA1027
Units
6
course icon
Course name
UO Introduction to Human Behaviour
Course code
BUSI1023
Units
6
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Course name
UO Language & Literacy for Effective Communication
Course code
COMM1013
Units
0
How to Apply

How to apply

Applications for Australian students to study 100% online at Adelaide University will open in July 2025, to commence study in 2026.  

If you want to start your studies earlier, consider applying to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now, and continue onto Adelaide University in 2026. Register your interest to stay informed.

Your study experience and support

Studying 100% online with Adelaide University means joining a dynamic community of learners – all supported by dedicated teams committed to your success. From day one to graduation, you’ll have access to comprehensive academic, student and technical support teams to ensure you get the most out of your online learning journey. 

Student support services

Need help with enrolments, managing your study load, or setting your academic goals? Our student support team is here to assist. They’re your first point of contact for advice and are available seven days a week, including out-of-hours and on weekends. Get the help you need – when it suits you.

As an online student, you’ll also have access to our specialised on-campus student support services. Whether you’re looking for career advice, health and wellbeing support, international student assistance, accessibility services, or something else, we’ve got you covered. Visit the Support webpage to explore the services available. 

Online academic support

From understanding course content to tackling assignments, writing, and referencing, our expert academics are here to guide you. Available seven days a week, they’ll provide personalised support to help you progress through your studies.

Tech support

We’ve got your back when it comes to technology. Our IT support team is available 24/7 to resolve any tech challenges you might face. With fast response times and tailored solutions, we’ll ensure nothing stands in your way. You’ll also enjoy free access to software downloads required for your program.

Study hours

Adelaide University’s 100% online programs offer the flexibility to fit your lifestyle. You can engage with course materials at any time that works for you – there’s no need to log in at set times. To stay on track, we recommend setting aside 10 to 15 hours per week for each course, but you can adapt your schedule and your study load to suit your needs. 

Assessment

All assessments, including exams (if required) are conducted 100% online – so you’ll never need to travel to submit an assignment or sit an exam. Depending on your program, your assessments might include: 

  • An industry-relevant project or case study 
  • An online presentation 
  • Essays and reports.