University of Adelaide Admission Requirements
Australia's Third Oldest University - Excellence Since 1874
ATAR Range
70-99.95
Program dependent
International GPA
2.5-4.0/4.0
Faculty specific
Global Ranking
#89
QS World Universities
Total Students
27,000+
Including 9,000+ international
Comprehensive Navigation Guide
About University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide holds the distinguished honor of being Australia's third-oldest university, established in 1874 with a pioneering mission to advance knowledge and serve the community. Founded on principles of academic excellence, innovation, and inclusivity - being the second university in the English-speaking world to admit women to academic courses - Adelaide has maintained its reputation as a beacon of scholarly achievement and research excellence for nearly 150 years. As a founding member of Australia's prestigious Group of Eight research universities, Adelaide combines the wisdom of tradition with cutting-edge innovation, creating an intellectual environment where groundbreaking discoveries flourish and future leaders are nurtured.
Located in the vibrant heart of South Australia's capital city, the University of Adelaide offers students an exceptional educational experience within one of the world's most liveable cities. With five Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and a legacy of producing influential leaders across diverse fields, Adelaide represents the pinnacle of academic achievement combined with practical impact. The university's world-renowned programs in medicine, wine business, engineering, and agricultural sciences reflect South Australia's unique strengths, while its comprehensive academic offerings prepare graduates for leadership roles in an increasingly complex global economy. Students at Adelaide benefit from intimate class sizes, personalized attention from world-class faculty, and access to research opportunities typically reserved for graduate students.
Adelaide Excellence Indicators
Academic Excellence & Heritage
- Research Powerhouse: Over $200 million in annual research funding with breakthrough discoveries in health, agriculture, and energy
- Nobel Legacy: Five Nobel Prize winners including Sir William Bragg, Howard Florey, and Elizabeth Blackburn
- World-Class Faculty: Internationally recognized academics and researchers leading groundbreaking studies
- Small Class Sizes: Intimate learning environment with personalized attention and mentorship opportunities
- Innovative Programs: Unique degrees combining traditional disciplines with emerging fields and industry partnerships
- Global Recognition: Consistently ranked among the world's top 100 universities with excellence across multiple disciplines
Adelaide City & Campus Advantage
- World's Most Liveable: Adelaide consistently ranked among the world's most liveable cities with excellent quality of life
- Cultural Richness: Vibrant arts scene, international festivals, world-class dining, and premium wine regions nearby
- Affordable Living: Lower cost of living compared to Sydney and Melbourne while maintaining high quality lifestyle
- Beautiful Campus: Historic sandstone buildings combined with modern facilities in the heart of the city
- Industry Connections: Strong partnerships with local and international businesses providing internship and employment opportunities
- Natural Beauty: Close proximity to beaches, wine regions, and stunning natural landscapes of South Australia
Adelaide's Distinguished Alumni Network
Adelaide's alumni network includes Nobel Prize winners, prime ministers, supreme court justices, industry leaders, and pioneering researchers who have shaped the modern world through their exceptional contributions to science, medicine, law, business, and public service.
Nobel Prize Winners
- Sir William Bragg (Physics 1915)
- Howard Florey (Medicine 1945)
- Elizabeth Blackburn (Medicine 2009)
- J. Robin Warren (Medicine 2005)
Government Leaders
- Multiple Australian Prime Ministers
- High Court of Australia Justices
- State Premiers and Ministers
- International Diplomats
Business & Innovation
- Fortune 500 Company CEOs
- Technology Industry Pioneers
- Investment Banking Leaders
- Successful Entrepreneurs
Science & Medicine
- Leading Medical Researchers
- Agricultural Science Innovators
- Space Technology Pioneers
- Environmental Science Leaders
ATAR Score Requirements 2025
Detailed ATAR Requirements by Faculty
| Undergraduate Program | 2024 ATAR | Prerequisites | Special Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medicine & Surgery | 99.95 | Chemistry, Biology, Mathematical Methods | UCAT, Interview, IELTS 7.0 |
| Dental Surgery | 98.50 | Chemistry, Mathematical Methods | Manual dexterity test, interview |
| Law (Honours) | 95.50 | English | Highly competitive |
| Veterinary Bioscience | 93.00 | Chemistry, Biology, Mathematical Methods | Limited places, highly competitive |
| Engineering (Honours) | 85.00 | Mathematical Methods, Specialist Mathematics, Physics | 4-year professional degree |
| Computer Science | 82.00 | Mathematical Methods | High industry demand |
| Business | 80.00 | English, Mathematical Methods | Industry integrated |
| Wine Business | 78.00 | English, Mathematical Methods | World's only dedicated program |
| Science | 75.00 | English, Mathematical Methods, Science subject | Multiple specializations |
| Arts | 70.00 | English | Flexible majors available |
Important Note: ATAR requirements reflect 2024 entry data and may fluctuate based on demand and capacity. Adelaide often provides additional pathways including early entry schemes and foundation programs. Always verify current requirements on the official University of Adelaide website.
Highly Competitive Programs
- Medicine: Requires exceptional ATAR (99.95), UCAT examination, multiple interviews, and outstanding prerequisite performance
- Dental Surgery: Extremely competitive with 98.5+ ATAR, manual dexterity tests, and comprehensive interviews
- Law: Highly competitive with 95.5+ ATAR and excellent English communication skills
- Veterinary Bioscience: Limited places with 93+ ATAR and strong science foundation required
Popular Professional Programs
- Engineering: Professional 4-year honors program with 85+ ATAR and strong mathematics/physics requirements
- Computer Science: Growing field with 82+ ATAR and excellent career prospects in technology
- Business: Comprehensive program with 80+ ATAR and extensive industry placement opportunities
- Wine Business: World's only dedicated wine business degree with unique industry connections
Accessible Quality Programs
- Science: Broad-based program with 75+ ATAR offering pathways to specialized careers and research
- Arts: Flexible degree with 70+ ATAR allowing exploration of diverse interests and career paths
- Agricultural Sciences: World-leading programs with strong practical components and industry connections
- Creative Arts: Music, visual arts, and creative writing programs with portfolio assessments
Alternative Admission Pathways
Early Entry & Recognition Programs
- Adelaide Advantage: Early conditional offers for outstanding Year 11 students
- Subject Excellence Recognition: Awards for exceptional performance in specific SACE subjects
- Rural & Remote Pathways: Special consideration and support for regional students
- Indigenous Student Programs: Comprehensive support pathways for Indigenous Australian students
- Leadership Awards: Recognition for demonstrated leadership and community service
Foundation & Pathway Programs
- Bradford College: Foundation programs providing guaranteed university pathways
- TAFE SA Partnerships: Direct entry from vocational education qualifications
- Mature Age Entry: Alternative assessment for students over 21 with relevant experience
- Special Consideration: Support for students facing educational disadvantage
- International Foundation: Preparatory programs for international students
International Student Admission Requirements
Comprehensive International Qualification Guide
| Country/Qualification | Minimum Entry | Competitive Programs | English Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| UK A-Levels | BCC | A*A*A* | English Language A-Level/IELTS 6.5 |
| International Baccalaureate | 24 points | 40+ points | English A/B (HL 4+ or SL 5+) |
| US High School + SAT/ACT | GPA 2.5 + SAT 1150 | GPA 4.0 + SAT 1500+ | SAT English 580+/TOEFL/IELTS |
| Canadian Grade 12 | 70% overall | 90%+ overall | English 12 (70%+)/IELTS |
| Indian CBSE/ISC/State Boards | 70% overall | 90%+ overall | English 70%/IELTS 6.5 |
| Chinese Gaokao | 70% (Tier 2 line) | 85%+ (Tier 1 line) | IELTS 6.5/TOEFL 79+ |
| German Abitur | 2.5 overall | 1.0-1.2 overall | German/English/IELTS |
| French Baccalauréat | 13/20 overall | 17+/20 overall | English subject/IELTS |
English Language Requirements
IELTS Academic
- Most Programs: Overall 6.5, no band below 6.0
- Medicine/Nursing: Overall 7.0, no band below 7.0
- Teaching: Overall 7.5, speaking/listening 8.0, reading/writing 7.0
- Some Arts/Science: Overall 6.0, no band below 5.5
TOEFL iBT
- Most Programs: 79+ with reading 13+, listening 12+, speaking 18+, writing 21+
- Medicine/Health: 100+ with all sections 24+
- Teaching: 108+ with speaking 27+, other sections 24+
- Foundation Programs: Lower scores accepted with English support
Other Accepted Tests
- PTE Academic: 58+ with all communicative skills 50+
- Cambridge C1 Advanced: 176+ with all skills 169+
- OET: Grade B in all sub-tests (health programs)
- English Medium Education: Exemptions available for qualified institutions
Application Requirements & Process
- Online Application: Submit through Adelaide direct application portal or authorized education agents
- Academic Transcripts: Certified copies of all secondary and post-secondary academic records
- English Proficiency: Official test results unless exempted through previous English-medium education
- Personal Statement: Required for competitive programs detailing academic and career goals
- Supporting Documents: Letters of recommendation, portfolios, work experience documentation
- Application Fee: AUD $110 for international undergraduate applications
- Health Requirements: Medical examinations required for health-related programs
- Financial Evidence: Demonstration of financial capacity for tuition and living expenses
Comprehensive International Student Support
Pre-Arrival Excellence
- Comprehensive orientation programs covering academic and cultural adaptation
- Airport pickup services and temporary accommodation assistance
- Banking, telecommunications, and essential services setup support
- Academic preparation workshops and course planning guidance
- Adelaide city introduction and cultural immersion activities
- Student visa guidance and immigration support throughout studies
Academic Excellence Support
- English language development programs and academic writing support
- Mathematics and science bridging courses for STEM preparation
- Peer mentoring programs connecting international students with local peers
- Study skills workshops and examination preparation support
- Research opportunities and undergraduate research programs
- Career development workshops and industry placement assistance
Ongoing Comprehensive Care
- 24/7 emergency support hotline and crisis intervention services
- Ongoing visa and immigration advice throughout degree progression
- Mental health and wellbeing support with culturally appropriate counseling
- Cultural festivals, social events, and community integration programs
- Alumni networking opportunities and post-graduation career guidance
- Family support services for students with accompanying dependents
Application Process & Critical Deadlines
Essential Application Deadlines 2025
Semester 1 (February 2025)
- International Students: November 30, 2024 (recommended deadline)
- Domestic Students: January 4, 2025 (SATAC applications)
- Medicine/Health Programs: October 1, 2024 (early closure for interviews)
- Late Applications: Considered on case-by-case basis, additional fees may apply
Semester 2 (July 2025)
- International Students: May 15, 2025
- Domestic Students: June 4, 2025 (SATAC)
- Limited Availability: Not all programs offer mid-year entry
- Popular Programs: Apply early as places are very limited
Specialized Program Deadlines
- Medicine: UCAT by September 12, interviews October-January
- Dentistry: Additional testing and interviews October-December
- Music/Creative Arts: Auditions and portfolio submissions due October 31
- Architecture: Portfolio submission and interview process from October
Detailed Application Process
Program Research & Selection
Explore Adelaide's unique programs, career pathways, and specific entry requirements
Prerequisites & Academic Preparation
Ensure completion of all subject requirements, minimum grades, and English proficiency
Document Collection & Certification
Gather and certify all academic transcripts, test results, and supporting materials
Online Application Completion
Submit comprehensive application via Adelaide portal or SATAC for domestic students
Supplementary Assessment Completion
Complete required interviews, portfolios, entrance exams, or skills assessments
Application Fee Payment
Pay required fees (AUD $110 international, varies for domestic applications)
Offer Review & Acceptance
Carefully review offer conditions, accept placement, and complete enrollment
Strategic Application Success Framework
Long-term Strategic Planning
- Early Preparation: Begin comprehensive planning 18-24 months before intended entry
- Academic Excellence: Maintain consistently outstanding performance across all subjects
- Prerequisite Mastery: Excel in required subjects with particular attention to sciences
- English Proficiency Development: Achieve target scores well in advance of application deadlines
- Multiple Program Strategy: Apply to complementary programs to maximize acceptance chances
- Scholarship Preparation: Research and apply early for financial aid and merit scholarships
Application Enhancement Strategies
- Leadership Demonstration: Showcase significant leadership roles and community impact
- Relevant Experience: Gain meaningful work experience, internships, or research participation
- Personal Statement Excellence: Craft compelling narratives demonstrating passion and vision
- Strong Recommendations: Secure enthusiastic references from academic and professional contacts
- Unique Contributions: Highlight distinctive skills, experiences, or perspectives
- Pathway Awareness: Understand alternative routes including foundation and transfer options
Your Gateway to University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide represents the perfect synthesis of historic academic tradition and innovative contemporary education, offering students access to world-class research opportunities, distinguished faculty, and a supportive learning environment within one of the world's most liveable cities. As Australia's third-oldest university and a founding member of the Group of Eight, Adelaide provides the ideal foundation for academic excellence, personal growth, and professional success across diverse fields of study.
Whether your passion lies in medical breakthroughs, legal scholarship, engineering innovation, agricultural sciences, or the unique world of wine business, Adelaide offers specialized programs designed to nurture your talents and prepare you for leadership roles in your chosen field. With five Nobel Prize winners among its alumni and a legacy of producing influential leaders, Adelaide provides the inspiration and opportunities necessary to achieve your highest aspirations.
Ready to Join Adelaide's Distinguished Legacy?
Take the first step toward an exceptional university experience in one of Australia's most prestigious and historically significant institutions.
Begin your application journey early with careful program research and preparation
Maintain outstanding performance while developing leadership and research skills
Join a community that values both academic tradition and cutting-edge discovery
Adelaide Success Formula: The university seeks students who combine academic excellence with intellectual curiosity, research potential, and commitment to making meaningful contributions to society. Your journey to Adelaide begins with thorough preparation, dedicated study, and a clear vision for how you'll contribute to the university's continuing legacy of excellence.