Entry requirements

Entry requirements

Entry requirements

The following information provides a general overview of the international entry requirements, English language requirements, Genuine Student requirements and financial capacity requirements that must be satisfied for entry into one of our undergraduate or postgraduate degrees. 

Please note these provide a general guide only and should be read in conjunction with the specific entry requirement information for your chosen degree.

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Undergraduate degree programs

In alignment with the Admissions Policy and Procedure, applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission: 

Recent secondary education 

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to SACE, such as an interstate year 12 or international qualification. 
 

Higher education study 

Successful completion of at least six months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) of a bachelor program (Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 7), or higher, at a recognised higher education institution. 

Overseas qualifications considered by Adelaide University as equivalent to the above Australian qualifications may be accepted however English language requirements will also apply. 
 

Vocational Education and Training (VET) 

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) level 4), or higher. 

And the following essential program requirements for Admission: 

  • Prerequisites  
  • Assumed knowledge. 


Postgraduate degree programs

Postgraduate applicants are required to have one of the following: 

  • A completed bachelor degree from a recognised higher education institution or equivalent; or
  • A completed graduate diploma from a recognised higher education institution; or
  • A completed graduate certificate from a recognised higher education institution. 

Overseas qualifications considered by Adelaide University as equivalent to the above Australian qualifications may be accepted however English language requirements will also apply.

To be admitted to a coursework program at Adelaide University, International students from non-English speaking backgrounds must meet our minimum English language requirements. The minimum English language requirement for entry to an Adelaide University undergraduate program is an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic overall score of 6.0 or equivalent. However, English language entry requirements are degree specific, and some degrees have higher English language requirements. This means the exact requirement will depend upon the degree you are applying to. Please visit the degree page for more information. 

You can demonstrate your level of English language proficiency by providing the results of an accepted English language test (e.g. IELTS, PTE), taken within the last two years prior to admission. In some cases, you can also meet minimum language requirements using your previous academic qualifications (e.g. a Diploma completed in Australia) or through practical application of your English skills in a professional environment. 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.  

If you don’t meet the minimum English language requirements, you can still apply for a program and if you meet the academic eligibility requirements for admission, we can send you a conditional offer packaged with an English language preparatory program from our English Language Centre.

Proof of English language proficiency, in addition to the academic entry requirements, does not guarantee a place at Adelaide University. Applications are considered on an individual basis and selection is competitive.

More information   

For a comprehensive list of all English language tests accepted by Adelaide University, please visit the English language proficiency page.   
 

The Genuine Student (GS) requirement is an Australian Government integrity measure that applies to all student visa applicants. It considers whether the individual circumstances of a student indicate that their intention is to stay in Australia specifically for study. 

All applicants for a student visa must be a genuine applicant for entry. They must stay as a student and be able to show an understanding that studying in Australia is the primary reason of their student visa. The GS requirement is intended to include students who, after studying in Australia, develop skills Australia needs and who then go on to apply for permanent residence. 

Your offer may include a condition requiring satisfaction of Adelaide University’s Genuine Student requirement. We will undertake further checks of your application and you may be asked to book and complete an interview as part of this process.  

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Adelaide University must also be satisfied that you are able to financially support yourself and your accompanying family (if you have dependants) while you are studying. This means that you must be able to meet the cost of tuition fees and your living expenses, and that you understand that you will not be able to ask the University to waive your tuition fees, or pay any of your costs while you are living in Australia.

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