Admission Requirements

Information required for international students' admission into the University of Adelaide are detailed below.

Visit Degree Finder for information on minimum entry requirements, pre-requisites and selection criteria for coursework programs.

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  • English language requirements

    The University's preferred accredited English language tests are:

    • IELTS (International English Language Testing System) - Academic Test
    • TOEFL - internet based and paper based
    • Pearson Test of English - Academic
    • CAE (Cambridge English: Advanced).

    However, the University may accept other evidence of proficiency in English in individual cases.

    The majority of language tests and qualifications that meet the University’s minimum English requirements have a validity of two years preceding the date of commencement.

    Students without the required level of English will need to satisfactorily complete an intensive program of English language before being admitted to the University of Adelaide. The University can arrange an appropriate English language program, Academic English (PEP Pathway) in Adelaide at the University's English Language Centre. The PEP Pathway provides an alternative entry pathway for prospective students who have received offers to the University of Adelaide conditional upon English proficiency. On successful completion of the PEP Pathway at the appropriate level, students are granted direct entry into the University. See PEP pathway entry requirements for more information.

    Australian year 12 applicants*

    International students undertaking an Australian year 12 program will meet the English language proficiency requirements with a passing grade or above in a recognised English as a Second Language or an English Language subject, as a part of the successful completion of their year 12 qualification.

    International students who are not required to undertake an English subject to successfully complete their Australian year 12 qualification (or those who successfully complete their year 12 qualification but do not pass their English subject), can meet the English language proficiency requirements by achieving or exceeding the minimum score in an IELTS or another accepted English language test.

    Successful completion of the International Baccalaureate Diploma meets the English language requirements of the University of Adelaide.

    *Note: Exceptions apply to degrees such as nursing.

    English language requirements

    International students seeking admission to the University's coursework academic programs must meet minimum English language standards.

    Please refer to the frequently asked questions for more information.

    Due to the current COVID-19 situation, alternative English language tests will be accepted for admission to all coursework entry intakes for the remainder of 2020 and throughout 2021.

    Postgraduate research programs

  • Undergraduate entry requirements

    The following qualifications are recognised for undergraduate entry. Each undergraduate program has minimum entry requirements that can be accessed in Degree Finder.

    Undergraduate entry qualifications
    Country Qualification
    Australia

    Australian Year 12: SACE, NSW/ACT UAI, TAS/WA Selection Rank, VIC Selection Rank, QLD OP 

    Australian school leaver applicants are given a tertiary entrance rank (Selection Rank). School leavers with interstate/overseas equivalents and applicants studying the International Baccalaureate (IB) in Australia have their final school results converted to a South Australian Selection Rank by SATAC.

    All international applicants undertaking an Australian year 12 program are required to achieve a Pass grade or above in one of the approved English as a Second Language or English Language subjects.  Satisfactory completion of one of these subjects ensures that each international applicant meets the minimum English language proficiency requirements of the University of Adelaide.
    Brunei

    GCE Advanced Level Examination

    A level results are calculated on the aggregate score from three A Level Subjects were A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 for A Level subjects. Score from General Paper or language subject in the applicant's first language are excluded from the calculation.
    Canada

    Provincial High School Diploma

    Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) - Average of best six subjects.

    British Columbia Certificate of Graduation - Average of best four subjects.

    Alberta High School Diploma - Average of best five subjects.
    Germany

    Abitur

    The stated grade is the minimum entry grade in a grading system of 1-5 (where 1 is the highest grade available).
    Hong Kong

    Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education

    HKDSE results are calculated on the aggregate score of five subjects where 5**=6, 5*=5.5, 5=5, 4=4, 3=3. Category B and C subjects may not be used to calculate an entry score.
    India

    All India Senior Secondary Certificate (CBSE, New Delhi), Indian School Certificate (ISC), Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu State Board Examination and Telangana State Board Examination.

    Best three subjects, excluding language and non-academic subjects.
    Indonesia

    Indonesia SMA3 (Graduate Certificate of Completion)
    Kuwait General School Secondary Certificate
    Malaysia

    GCE Advanced Level Examination

    A level results are calculated on the aggregate score from three A Level Subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 for A Level subjects. Score from General Paper or language subject in the applicant's first language are excluded from the calculation.

    Matrikulasi, STPM Examination

    Average of best three subjects.

    Unified Entrance Certificate (UEC)

    Best 5 subjects excluding language subjects. Students must achieve numerical score lower than that listed, UEC grades A1=1, B3=3,B4=4, B5=5, B6=6, C7=7,C8=8.
    Mauritius

    GCE Advanced Level Examination

    A level results are calculated on the aggregate score from three A Level Subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 for A Level subjects. Score from General Paper or language subject in the applicant's first language are excluded from the calculation.
    Norway Vitnemal den Videregaende Skole
    Singapore

    GCE Advanced Level Examination

    A level results are calculated on the aggregate score from three A Level Subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 for A Level subjects. Score from General Paper or language subject in the applicant's first language are excluded from the calculation.
    Sweden Slutbetyg or Avgangsbetyg
    People's Republic of China Gao Kao Examination
    Sri Lanka

    GCE Advanced Level Examination

    A level results are calculated on the aggregate score from three A Level Subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 for A Level subjects. Score from General Paper or language subject in the applicant's first language are excluded from the calculation.
    Thailand

    Matayom 6 with Thailand Certificate of Secondary Education

    Successful completion of of Matayom 6 (Certification of Secondary Education). GPA on a 4-point scale where A=4, B=3, C=2, D=1, F=0
    UK

    GCE Advanced Level Examination

    A level results are calculated on the aggregate score from three A Level Subjects where A*=6, A=5, B=4, C=3, D=2, E=1 for A Level subjects. Score from General Paper or language subject in the applicant's first language are excluded from the calculation.
    Vietnam

    Bang Tot Nghiep Trung
    Hoc Pho Thong
    Worldwide International Baccalaureate

    Successful completion of foundation programs at other Australian universities is acceptable for entry to an undergraduate degree at the University of Adelaide (subject to meeting University of Adelaide entry requirements).

    Foundation Studies Programs recognised by the University of Adelaide include but are not limited to:

    • The University of Adelaide College
    • Eynesbury College
    • The University of Sydney
    • Trinity College - University of Melbourne
    • The University of Queensland
    • Tuart and Canning Colleges - University of Western Australia
    • The Australian National University
    • The University of New South Wales
    • Monash College - Monash University
    • Academic Colleges Group - University of Auckland
    • International Foundation Year (IFY) - Northern Consortium of UK Universities

    Students who don't meet the academic requirements may be eligible to apply for a Pre-University Pathway to prepare for or gain entry into the University's undergraduate academic programs.

    Additional selection criteria

    Some programs consider other selection criteria in addition to entry qualifications listed above. For example, music programs require applicants to undertake an audition, while medicine, oral health and dentistry applicants are required to undertake a selection test and, if successful, attend an oral assessment.

    For current additional application requirements please refer to the "Admission and Fee Information" tab in Degree Finder for the desired course.

    Deferment of entry

    Applicants who have been offered a place in a program can apply to defer their enrolment in that program to the following year. Exceptions apply to some programs.

  • Postgraduate coursework entry requirements

    Entry to postgraduate coursework programs as a minimum requires a Bachelors degree or equivalent qualification from an approved institution as a qualification for entry. Some of the graduate certificates and graduate diplomas that are offered may be accepted as qualifying work for entry to a Masters program, or as professional qualifications in their own right. For further information, please see Degree Finder.

  • Postgraduate research entry requirements

    The admission requirements for postgraduate research degrees are set out in the relevant set of academic program rules, however an overview of these requirements and other important information is provided in the Research Student Handbook.