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.
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.

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.
Key features
Learn academic communication skills, how to apply critical thinking and use foundation numeracy and problem-solving concepts.
Study fee-free with access to our expert-led course material, innovative learning platform, virtual library and digital resources, and 24/7 tech support.
Prepare for further study by choosing an elective tailored to your interests across business, anatomy, bioscience, digital media, communication, physiology, computer practices or human behaviour.
After just six months of full-time study, transition straight into a range of online or on-campus undergraduate degrees.
Access personalised support services seven days a week.
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 | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
UO Foundations of Academic Literacy
|
Course code
EDUC1031
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Numeracy and Problem Solving
|
Course code
MATH1038
|
Units
6
|
|
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 | |
---|---|---|---|
Course name
UO Introduction to Anatomy
|
Course code
HLTH1028
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Introduction to Human Physiology
|
Course code
HLTH1029
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Introduction to Biosciences
|
Course code
EART1011
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Applied Computer Practices
|
Course code
COMP1024
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Foundations of Business
|
Course code
BUSI1022
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Digital Literacy: Screen, Web and New Media
|
Course code
MDIA1027
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Introduction to Human Behaviour
|
Course code
BUSI1023
|
Units
6
|
|
Course name
UO Language & Literacy for Effective Communication
|
Course code
COMM1013
|
Units
0
|
Ask Adelaide University
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.
