Admission 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.

• English language requirements - undergraduate and postgraduate coursework

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 in 2022.

Postgraduate research programs

• English language postgraduate research requirements and additional information.

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

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.

Some programs at the University of Adelaide have an advanced (double) mathematics prerequisite. Applicants must have passed the equivalent of SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods and SACE Stage 2 Specialist Mathematics to meet this double prerequisite.

This table shows the content of each prerequisite, to help you determine whether your Year 12 (final year) subject covers the relevant mathematic topics for entry:

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.

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.