Admission for Coursework Programs Procedure

1. The purpose of our procedure

This procedure outlines the requirements for the selection and admission of students to Adelaide University coursework programs.

Please read this procedure in conjunction with:

• Admissions Policy
• English Language Proficiency Requirements Procedure
• Genuine Student Assessment Procedure.

2. Who our procedure applies to 

2.1. Inclusions

This procedure applies to all domestic and international applicants seeking admission to Adelaide University’s undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.

2.2. Exclusions

This procedure does not apply to graduate research programs. Refer to the Graduate Research Admission Procedure for requirements relating to graduate research admissions.

3. Our Admission for Coursework Programs procedure

Adelaide University admission requirements will enable selection of applicants likely to succeed in a program. Admission requirements will be published and made available to applicants prior to admission or enrolment.

3.1. How minimum admission requirements are set

To be eligible for admission, applicants must satisfy Adelaide University’s minimum admission requirements and all applicable program-specific requirements. Selection is based on merit.

Selection processes will consider the impact of different forms of educational disadvantage on an applicant’s ability to demonstrate merit and may apply individual equity variations.

Adelaide University may set a quota for a program with limited places, and sub-quotas in line with its commitment to equal access to higher education.

Applicants with more than two years of full-time higher education study are not eligible to compete for entry outside the higher education sub-quota unless they have subsequently completed an alternative entry pathway.

3.1.1 How to meet the minimum admission requirements for an undergraduate program

To enter an undergraduate program, an applicant must meet at least one of the following minimum admission requirements:

• completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education, such as an interstate Year 12 or overseas qualification Adelaide University considers equivalent, and achievement of any selection rank or program-specific admission requirements applicable to the program
• successful completion of at least six months of full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in an undergraduate program (Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 5-7), at an Australian higher education provider registered with the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), or an international qualification Adelaide University considers equivalent
• completion of an AQF Level 4 (Certificate IV) qualification or higher from a Registered Training Organisation (RTO), or an overseas qualification Adelaide University considers equivalent, may be accepted as a basis for admission to be eligible for entry to a bachelor’s degree program, subject to the admission requirements of the relevant program. An AQF Level 3 (Certificate III) qualification, or an overseas qualification Adelaide University considers equivalent, may be considered for some sub-bachelor programs
• successful completion of an approved Enabling Program or Pathway Program
• a result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT), for domestic applicants, that demonstrates strong performance and meets entry requirements as determined by Adelaide University
• assessment of relevant work experience in accordance with Adelaide University admissions requirements, and a competitive result in the Adelaide University online literacy and numeracy test.

3.1.2 How to meet the minimum admission requirements for a postgraduate program

To enter a postgraduate program, an applicant must meet at least one of the following minimum requirements:

• completion of an Australian bachelor degree (AQF Level 7) or higher qualification, including a bachelor honours degree or graduate certificate (AQF Level 8 or above), or an overseas qualification Adelaide University considers equivalent
• relevant work experience may be considered as an alternative pathway for admission where assessment is undertaken using a program-specific rubric that has been approved by Academic Board.

3.2. What to do when additional requirements are needed for admission

3.2.1 When a program has specific admission requirements

Program-specific admission requirements are set during the program approval process and approved by the Academic Board. If a program has additional academic or registration requirements, students must comply with these requirements or will be withdrawn from the program.  If registration with a professional board or other relevant body is required, students must maintain it for the duration of the program.

3.2.2 When a student is under 18 years of age

To meet duty of care requirements, applicants admitted to Adelaide University must be at least 17 years of age by the date of enrolment. Exceptions may be granted, at Adelaide University’s discretion, for enrolment into pre-approved courses or programs or for individuals who can demonstrate outstanding academic achievement and readiness for university study.

3.2.3 When an international applicant is required to meet additional legislative requirements

International applicants may be required to demonstrate compliance with legislative requirements, such as student visa conditions. Where relevant, students must provide evidence of English language proficiency in accordance with the English Language Proficiency Requirements Procedure. See also our Genuine Student Assessment Procedure. 

3.3. When we may refuse or revoke admission

3.3.1 An applicant will be refused admission to a program when:

• they have been expelled from Adelaide University or its foundation universities (see our Academic Preclusion, Suspension and Expulsion Procedure)
• they have previously completed the same or equivalent program
• Adelaide University no longer offers the program.

3.3.2 We may refuse admission or revoke an offer of admission if:

• the offer was made in error or was based on incomplete, incorrect, misleading or fraudulent information
• the applicant fails to meet any of the conditions attached to their letter of offer
• the applicant has not met legislative requirements, such as student visa conditions
• the applicant does not meet admission requirements
• the applicant poses a risk to any member of the Adelaide University community or behaves in a way that is inconsistent with the Student Code of Conduct or other relevant policies.

3.4. When an applicant is dissatisfied with an admission decision

Applicants who are dissatisfied with an admission decision may submit a complaint in accordance with the Student Complaints Resolution Procedure.

4. Who holds a responsibility within this procedure

Refer to the Delegation Policy for all delegations at Adelaide University.

4.1 The Academic Registrar & Executive Director, Student and Academic Services (or delegate) is required to:

• ensure this procedure aligns with national standards and legislation
• approve associated protocols and exceptions under this procedure
• oversee the monitoring and review of admissions practices and outcomes to support continuous improvement and institutional quality assurance
• provide, or ensure provision of, reports and recommendations to Academic Board on admissions outcomes, cohort performance, and matters requiring consideration in relation to admissions requirements.

4.2 The Director, Scholarships and Admissions Standards (or delegate), is required to:

• ensure consistent application and timely communication of decisions
• monitor compliance with relevant Adelaide University policies governing admissions in coursework programs
• undertake monitoring and analysis of admissions practices, student cohort performance, and admissions outcomes
• identify emerging risks, trends, and opportunities for improvement in admissions processes and requirements
• provide advice and recommendations to support evidence-based review of admissions criteria and practices.

4.3 Students are required to:

• comply with any additional academic or registration requirements for their program.

5. Definitions used in our procedure

Please refer to our Adelaide University glossary for a full list of our definitions.

Adelaide University community refers to a broad range of stakeholders who engage with Adelaide University and includes (but is not limited to) all students, staff, and non-staff members of Adelaide University including alumni, honorary title holders, adjuncts, visiting academics, guest lecturers, volunteers, suppliers and partners who are engaging with and contributing to the work of Adelaide University.

Enabling Program means program that develops student skills and knowledge necessary for successful participation in university study.

Graduate Research Program means a program at doctoral or master level which comprises two-thirds or more of its assessable content by research.

Nested Program means a program that is part of a set of programs in a common teaching area, where each qualification at lower level is a complete sub-set of the next  qualification at a higher AQF level, for example, graduate certificate (AQF Level 8) leading into a graduate diploma (AQF Level 8) and then into a master’s program (AQF Level 9).

Pathway Program means a sub-degree award program that provides an alternative access for applicants who may not be eligible for direct admission into an undergraduate program. Pathway Programs may be delivered by partner institutions.

Quota means a cap on places available in a program that is subject to resource limitations related to teaching capacity, facilities or industry placements.

Registered Training Organisation (RTO) means a training provider registered by the Australian Skills Quality Authority (ASQA) (or a state regulator) to deliver Vocational Education and Training (VET) services.

Selection means that selection for admission is based on a discrete set of requirements, including academic qualifications, skills, knowledge, and other requirements, prescribed by Adelaide University to determine eligibility for admission into a specific program.    

Sub-quotas means prior learning categories used to ensure applicants with a particular qualification type only compete for a program place against applicants with an equivalent or comparable qualification type. Adelaide University uses the following sub-quotas to select applicants for Commonwealth-supported undergraduate places: Year 12 (or equivalent), higher education, TAFE and other RTOs, special entry, and enabling.

5. How our procedure is governed

This procedure is categorised, approved and owned in line with the governance structure of Adelaide University and the offices and officers listed below.

6. Legislation and other documents related to our procedure

Refer to the Delegation Policy for all delegations at Adelaide University.

7. History of changes