How to apply

Researching your study options is an important first step, and there are many different tools and resources available to help you. You could start by visiting the Study at Adelaide University webpage to explore the wide range of degrees available. You can even use our comparison tool to compare different degrees to find the best fit for you. 

Attending our Open Day is another great way to get a feel for university life and learn about the services available to support you during your studies. You could also book a time to chat with one of our friendly future student advisors to ask any specific questions you may have.

All degrees have entry requirements – these are specific criteria you must meet to be eligible for entry into a degree. Each degree will have different entry requirements and can include things like:

• Prerequisites you will need to complete either during your high school (SACE/IB) studies, bridging courses or approved alternatives. 

• Assumed knowledge topics that, while not essential for admission into a degree, will help prepare you for many of the topics you’ll encounter during your studies.

• Non-standard entry requirements, such as: attending an interview, undertaking additional assessments (e.g. the UCAT ANZ), performing an audition, submitting a written statement or creative portfolio. 

Applications open in early August for study commencing in the following year. You can apply for your chosen degrees through the SATAC website.

Before you apply, it’s helpful to familiarise yourself with the application process. This includes things like finding out key dates and deadlines for applications, as well as SATAC fees and charges and when to pay.

Adding and updating preferences

As part of your SATAC application, you’ll be asked to list up to six preferences – these are the six degrees you’re most interested in studying. SATAC makes offers by working down your preference list, so it’s important to make sure your first preference is the degree you want to study most. If you change your mind after you’ve submitted your application, don’t worry! SATAC allows you to check and change your preferences as many times as you want before the cut-off date for your specific offer round. 

SATAC run several smaller offer rounds, one main offer round, then continue to make offers in the lead up to the start of the study period you applied for. SATAC will make offers to the highest preference for which you are eligible. This means the degree you most want to study should be your first preference.

An offer email will be sent to the email address you provided on your SATAC application. If you’ve received an offer, you don’t need to respond, as SATAC will accept your offer on your behalf. If you’d like to defer your offer until the following year, you’ll need to log in to your application via the SATAC website and change the response to the ‘defer’ option.

If you receive an offer for a degree that’s not your first preference, SATAC will accept the offer on your behalf but note that you’d still like to be considered for an offer to your higher preference/s.

After accepting your offer, we’ll send you an email outlining important information to help you get started at university – including your university ID number. Now you can start to plan your timetable, enrol into your courses, attend orientation activities and begin your university journey.