Entry requirements
Admission criteria
To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfill any prerequisite and essential criteria for admission. In cases where there are more eligible applicants than available places, admission will be competitive with ranks based on the entry criteria.
- Students must be a minimum of 17 years of age to be admitted.
- Students must identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
- Entry into Block 1 is open access with no formal educational entry requirements.
- Entry into Block 2 is available for applicants who have completed Year 11 SACE Stage 1, Certificate III or higher.
Recognition of prior learning
- Adelaide University is committed to recognising the contribution of students’ prior learning towards their program requirements. Credit may be granted for formal, informal, and non-formal learning. Visit the Credit for previous study page for more information.
- Answer a few simple questions with our online Credit Assessor to see what credit you could get.
Courses will be taught in one of five locations: Adelaide City, Ceduna, Mount Gambier, Port Lincoln, and Whyalla.
Please note that entry requirements for this program are provisional and subject to change.
Additional Enrolment Information – FAQs | Adelaide University
Why Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway?
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway program is your first step into a university degree at Adelaide University.
It’s open to all people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and is delivered over one year of full-time study or part-time equivalent.
Our program will prepare you for university by building your academic and professional skills. Once successfully completed, you’ll have the opportunity to transfer into an Adelaide University degree.
If you have never studied at university before – and thrive in a supportive environment – the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway program will help you meet your study goals.
Overview
Our fee-free Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway program will help you develop essential academic knowledge and skills. As an introductory program to university, it aims to prepare you for success in future undergraduate study across the full range of degrees at Adelaide University. You can choose from five study locations including Ceduna, Port Lincoln, Mount Gambier, Whyalla and Adelaide City West campus.
This pathway option is delivered in three blocks, with a series of entry, exit and transition points that cater to different educational backgrounds and chosen destination degrees. You’ll study a culturally responsive curriculum within your local community and engage with culturally specific courses designed by Aboriginal scholars.
You’ll study a mix of core writing, mathematics and elective courses, where you’ll gain confidence as a university student. You’ll also extend your knowledge and skills to meet any prerequisites related to your chosen degree.
We’ll support you to successfully pursue further university study. From enrolment through to program completion, you’ll get help via enrolment sessions, mentoring, small class sizes and access to peer-assisted study sessions.
If you wish to exit your studies after the first two courses, you’ll be awarded a certificate of completion, outlining your learned skills. If you exit the Pathway program after completing four courses, you’ll have guaranteed entry into a wide range of undergraduate degrees (some degrees may have a minimum GPA entry requirement so it’s always best to check before you apply). Completing all eight courses means you will have competitive entry into all undergraduate degrees if you also hold a competitive GPA. Please note quotas may exist for some degrees.
Key features
Prepare for future studies with our fee-free pathway program.
Get a taste of university and learn the skills you need for future study.
Enjoy tailored study support in regional and metropolitan areas.
Choose your own study path based on your preferred future degree.
Use the flexible study options to help you balance study with work, social or family commitments.
Open to all people who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
What you'll learn
During your Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway program you’ll complete up to eight courses, getting you ready for your chosen destination degree.
Some of your core courses will include:
- Introduction to Academic Writing
- Numeracy and Problem Solving
- Aboriginal Knowledges, Narratives and Experiences
- Critical Thinking: Media and Academia.
These courses will develop your academic writing, communication, numeracy, research, and study skills – including how to write academic assignments, cite research and effectively manage time. These skills and experiences will give you the right launchpad to navigate your future at university.
Depending on your chosen destination degree, you will also select up to four electives from a list relevant to your future study discipline. You’ll choose from the following discipline areas:
- Behavioural and Social Science
- Business
- Creative Arts
- Design and Humanities
- Education
- Engineering and IT
- Health
- Law
- Science.
The electives you choose will help set you on the path to your preferred undergraduate degree. You might want to tap into your analytical skills and pursue a data science or mathematics degree. Maybe you want to help our furry friends and complete a degree in animal or veterinary science. Perhaps you’ll reach for the sky and start your journey to becoming a pilot with our aviation degree.
Degree Structure: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Pathway
Program code: ATSIP
Complete 36 to 48 units comprising:
- 12 to 24 units for Core courses, and
- 12 to 24 units for Electives
Study plan
A study plan sets out the courses you will need to complete and the recommended timing for each one. This will help to guide your enrolment in each study period, alongside any additional information provided below. If you have received a personalised plan or alternative advice from your Program Director, please refer to that guidance in the first instance, or seek help from your Program Director or Student Assist if you are unsure.
Year 1
Semester 1
Students may be directed to enrol in COMM1035 based upon the result of the Literacy Readiness Evaluation Tool undertaken at their activation session.
Students may be directed to enrol in COMM1035 based upon the result of the Literacy Readiness Evaluation Tool undertaken at their activation session.
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester, if they wish to study full-time.
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester, if they wish to study full-time.
Semester 2
BUSI1021 - Foundations of Business1
or one of
SOCI1015 - Global Citizenship in the 21st Century1 orSOCI1016 - Individual and Society in Contemporary Australia1
BUSI1021 is recommended for a business pathway.
SOCI1015 and SOCI1016 are recommended for a law pathway.
BUSI1021 is recommended for a business pathway.
SOCI1015 and SOCI1016 are recommended for a law pathway.
ECON1008 - Introductory Economics and Personal Finance1
or
COMM1033 - Writing for Academic Purposes1
ECON1008 is recommended for a business pathway.
COMM1033 is recommended for a law pathway.
ECON1008 is recommended for a business pathway.
COMM1033 is recommended for a law pathway.
Year 2
Semester 1
MATH1037 - Statistical Literacy1
or
PSYC1022 - Introduction to Human Behaviour1
MATH1037 is recommended for a business pathway.
PSYC1022 is recommended for a law pathway.
MATH1037 is recommended for a business pathway.
PSYC1022 is recommended for a law pathway.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Year 1
Semester 1
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester.
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester.
BUSI1021 - Foundations of Business1
or one of
SOCI1015 - Global Citizenship in the 21st Century1 or SOCI1016 - Individual and Society in Contemporary Australia1
BUSI1021 is recommended for a business pathway.
SOCI1015 and SOCI1016 are recommended for a law pathway.
BUSI1021 is recommended for a business pathway.
SOCI1015 and SOCI1016 are recommended for a law pathway.
ECON1008 - Introductory Economics and Personal Finance1
or
COMM1033 - Writing for Academic Purposes1
ECON1008 is recommended for a business pathway.
COMM1033 is recommended for a law pathway.
Enrol in SEM2 if continuing into Block 3.
ECON1008 is recommended for a business pathway.
COMM1033 is recommended for a law pathway.
Enrol in SEM2 if continuing into Block 3.
Semester 2
MATH1037 - Statistical Literacy1
or
PSYC1022 - Introduction to Human Behaviour1
MATH1037 is recommended for a business pathway.
PSYC1022 is recommended for a law pathway.
MATH1037 is recommended for a business pathway.
PSYC1022 is recommended for a law pathway.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Year 1
Semester 1
Students may be directed to enrol in COMM1035 based upon the result of the Literacy Readiness Evaluation Tool undertaken at their activation session.
Students may be directed to enrol in COMM1035 based upon the result of the Literacy Readiness Evaluation Tool undertaken at their activation session.
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester, if they wish to study full-time.
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester, if they wish to study full-time.
Semester 2
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Year 2
Semester 1
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Year 1
Semester 1
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester.
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Enrol in SEM2 if continuing into Block 3.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Enrol in SEM2 if continuing into Block 3.
Semester 2
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Year 1
Semester 1
Students may be directed to enrol in COMM1035 based upon the result of the Literacy Readiness Evaluation Tool undertaken at their activation session.
Students may be directed to enrol in COMM1035 based upon the result of the Literacy Readiness Evaluation Tool undertaken at their activation session.
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester, if they wish to study full-time.
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester, if they wish to study full-time.
Semester 2
EDUC1029 - Foundations of Education Studies1
or
PSYC1022 - Introduction to Human Behaviour1
EDUC1029 is recommended for an education pathway.
PSYC1022 is recommended for a behavioural science or social science pathway.
EDUC1029 is recommended for an education pathway.
PSYC1022 is recommended for a behavioural science or social science pathway.
Year 2
Semester 1
MATH1037 is recommended for a behavioural science pathway.
Students select from the extended list of program electives for all other pathways.
MATH1037 is recommended for a behavioural science pathway.
Students select from the extended list of program electives for all other pathways.
HLTH1053 is recommended for the Cognitive Neuroscience major pathway only.
Students select from the extended list of program electives for all other pathways.
HLTH1053 is recommended for the Cognitive Neuroscience major pathway only.
Students select from the extended list of program electives for all other pathways.
Year 1
Semester 1
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester.
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester.
EDUC1029 - Foundations of Education Studies1
or
PSYC1022 - Introduction to Human Behaviour1
EDUC1029 is recommended for an education pathway.
PSYC1022 is recommended for a behavioural science or social science pathway.
EDUC1029 is recommended for an education pathway.
PSYC1022 is recommended for a behavioural science or social science pathway.
Enrol in SEM2 if continuing into Block 3.
Enrol in SEM2 if continuing into Block 3.
Semester 2
MATH1037 is recommended for a behavioural science pathway.
Students select from the extended list of program electives for all other pathways.
MATH1037 is recommended for a behavioural science pathway.
Students select from the extended list of program electives for all other pathways.
HTLH1053 is recommended or the Cognitive Neuroscience major pathway only.
Students select from the extended list of program electives for all other pathways.
HTLH1053 is recommended or the Cognitive Neuroscience major pathway only.
Students select from the extended list of program electives for all other pathways.
Year 1
Semester 1
Students may be directed to enrol in COMM1035 based upon the result of the Literacy Readiness Evaluation Tool undertaken at their activation session.
Students may be directed to enrol in COMM1035 based upon the result of the Literacy Readiness Evaluation Tool undertaken at their activation session.
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester, if they wish to study full-time.
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester, if they wish to study full-time.
Semester 2
EART1019 - Introduction to Biosciences1
or
EART1020 - Science for Tertiary Learning1
EART1019 provides an introduction to biology and chemistry.
EART1020 provides an introduction to chemistry and physics.
EART1019 provides an introduction to biology and chemistry.
EART1020 provides an introduction to chemistry and physics.
Highly recommended
Highly recommended
Year 2
Semester 1
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Year 1
Semester 1
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester.
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester.
EART1019 - Introduction to Biosciences1
or
EART1020 - Science for Tertiary Learning1
EART1019 provides an introduction to biology and chemistry.
EART1020 provides an introduction to chemistry and physics.
EART1019 provides an introduction to biology and chemistry.
EART1020 provides an introduction to chemistry and physics.
Highly recommended
Enrol in SEM2 if continuing into Block 3.
Highly recommended
Enrol in SEM2 if continuing into Block 3.
Semester 2
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Year 1
Semester 1
Students may be directed to enrol in COMM1035 based upon the result of the Literacy Readiness Evaluation Tool undertaken at their activation session.
Students may be directed to enrol in COMM1035 based upon the result of the Literacy Readiness Evaluation Tool undertaken at their activation session.
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester, if they wish to study full-time.
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester, if they wish to study full-time.
Semester 2
EART1019 - Introduction to Biosciences1
or
EART1020 - Science for Tertiary Learning1
or
INFO1062 - Digital Literacy: Screen, Web and New Media1
EART1019 and EART1020 are recommended for an engineering or science pathway. It is recommended to complete one of these courses in semester 1.
EART1019 provides an introduction to biology and chemistry.
EART1020 provides an introduction to chemistry and physics.
INFO1062 is recommended for a computer science or IT pathway.
EART1019 and EART1020 are recommended for an engineering or science pathway. It is recommended to complete one of these courses in semester 1.
EART1019 provides an introduction to biology and chemistry.
EART1020 provides an introduction to chemistry and physics.
INFO1062 is recommended for a computer science or IT pathway.
MATH1060 is recommended for students who have not completed math in high school.
MATH1015 is recommended for students required to meet a SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods prerequisite for their destination degree and is a prerequisite for MATH1000.
Students who do not require this prerequisite should refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
MATH1060 is recommended for students who have not completed math in high school.
MATH1015 is recommended for students required to meet a SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods prerequisite for their destination degree and is a prerequisite for MATH1000.
Students who do not require this prerequisite should refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Year 2
Semester 1
MATH1015 is recommended for students required to meet a SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods prerequisite for their destination degree and is a prerequisite for MATH1000.
MATH1000 is recommended for students required to meet a SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods prerequisite for their destination degree.
Students who do not require this prerequisite should refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
MATH1015 is recommended for students required to meet a SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods prerequisite for their destination degree and is a prerequisite for MATH1000.
MATH1000 is recommended for students required to meet a SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods prerequisite for their destination degree.
Students who do not require this prerequisite should refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Year 1
Semester 1
Students may be directed to enrol in COMM1035 based upon the result of the Literacy Readiness Evaluation Tool undertaken at their activation session.
Students may be directed to enrol in COMM1035 based upon the result of the Literacy Readiness Evaluation Tool undertaken at their activation session.
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester.
This is a cultural safety focussed course.
Students are required to complete this in their first semester.
EART1019 - Introduction to Biosciences1
or
EART1020 - Science for Tertiary Learning1
or
INFO1062 - Digital Literacy: Screen, Web and New Media1
EART1019 and EART1020 are recommended for an engineering or science pathway. It is recommended to complete one of these courses in semester 1.
EART1019 provides an introduction to biology and chemistry.
EART1020 provides an introduction to chemistry and physics.
INFO1062 is recommended for a computer science or IT pathway.
EART1019 and EART1020 are recommended for an engineering or science pathway. It is recommended to complete one of these courses in semester 1.
EART1019 provides an introduction to biology and chemistry.
EART1020 provides an introduction to chemistry and physics.
INFO1062 is recommended for a computer science or IT pathway.
MATH1060 is recommended for students who have not completed math in high school.
MATH1015 is recommended for students required to meet a SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods prerequisite for their destination degree and is a prerequisite for MATH1000.
Students who do not require this prerequisite should refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Enrol in SEM2 if continuing into Block 3. Discuss with your PD if prerequisites are required.
MATH1060 is recommended for students who have not completed math in high school.
MATH1015 is recommended for students required to meet a SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods prerequisite for their destination degree and is a prerequisite for MATH1000.
Students who do not require this prerequisite should refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Enrol in SEM2 if continuing into Block 3. Discuss with your PD if prerequisites are required.
Semester 2
MATH1015 is recommended for students required to meet a SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods prerequisite for their destination degree and is a prerequisite for MATH1000.
MATH1000 is recommended for students required to meet a SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods prerequisite for their destination degree.
Students who do not require this prerequisite should refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
MATH1015 is recommended for students required to meet a SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods prerequisite for their destination degree and is a prerequisite for MATH1000.
MATH1000 is recommended for students required to meet a SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods prerequisite for their destination degree.
Students who do not require this prerequisite should refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Refer to the tailored study plan provided by Pathways College for recommendations.
Enrolment information
Find details about the rules and notes that apply to your program, along with other essential information required for successful enrolment. Supplementary supporting resources may also be provided where applicable.
Notes
Students will be directed to complete a literacy readiness evaluation tool post admission to determine if additional English Language support is required. For those who would benefit from additional support, students must enrol into a fee-free language and literacy development course as part of their study plan.
Courses
Listed here are all the courses that contribute to your program, including elective options that can be chosen. These courses come together to form your study plan. Courses fall into different categories, each of which have specific unit values that need to be met under the program rules.
What courses you'll study
Complete 36 to 48 units comprising:
- 12 to 24 units for Core courses, and
- 12 to 24 units for Electives
Complete 12 to 24 units for either of the following:
- 12 units for all Block 2 core courses, or
- Both of the following:
- 12 units for all Block 1 core courses, and
- 12 units for all Block 2 core courses
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Academic Writing
|
Course code
COMM1012
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Numeracy and Problem Solving
|
Course code
MATH1036
|
Units
6
|
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Critical Thinking: Media and Academia
|
Course code
COMM1032
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Aboriginal Knowledges, Narratives and Experiences
|
Course code
INDG1009
|
Units
6
|
Notes
- Block 1 core courses - Block 1 is specifically designed to support the development of essential academic literacies that will enable students to successfully undertake undergraduate study.
- Block 2 core courses - Block 2 specifically serves to prepare students more specifically for the rigours of a higher education learning environment by providing foundational discipline knowledge and skill development for their intended destination degree.
Electives description
A flexible course choice within your degree.
Complete 12 to 24 units comprising:
- 12 to 24 units from Program electives
| Course name | Course code | Units | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Human Anatomy
|
Course code
BIOL1008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Business
|
Course code
BUSI1021
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Writing for Academic Purposes
|
Course code
COMM1033
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Biosciences
|
Course code
EART1019
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Science for Tertiary Learning
|
Course code
EART1020
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introductory Economics and Personal Finance
|
Course code
ECON1008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Foundations of Education Studies
|
Course code
EDUC1029
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Land Management
|
Course code
ENVI1008
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Human Physiology
|
Course code
HLTH1053
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
ICT Literacies
|
Course code
INFO1027
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Digital Literacy: Screen, Web and New Media
|
Course code
INFO1062
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Statistical Literacy
|
Course code
MATH1037
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Algebra
|
Course code
MATH1060
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Introduction to Human Behaviour
|
Course code
PSYC1022
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Global Citizenship in the 21st Century
|
Course code
SOCI1015
|
Units
6
|
|
|
Course name
Individual and Society in Contemporary Australia
|
Course code
SOCI1016
|
Units
6
|
Notes
- Program electives - Depending upon the student's destination degree, there are different combinations of recommended electives to support students. Please refer to the discipline-specific study plan provided at enrolment.
Your study experience and support
Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life.
Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities where you are supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform with personalised study information and resources.
You’ll have everything you need to live well and thrive during your studies, with health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and modern student lounges. Get involved in campus sport or join our student clubs that will connect you to your passions – and the people who share them. Regional students will also have access to our Mount Gambier and Whyalla campuses, along with our Port Lincoln and Ceduna Study Centres.
Our Study Centres offer free Wi-fi (with your student login), workstations, printing and kitchen facilities. These centres are available to all Adelaide University students. Whether you’re studying online or visiting the area – you’ll have access to our network and online resources.
Our Mount Gambier, Whyalla and Adelaide campuses also have a variety of accommodation options to suit your individual requirements and budget, with options ranging from dedicated student accommodation to private rentals. One of the world’s most liveable cities, Adelaide has lots of leafy parks, gardens and social hubs – and some of the highest living standards globally. No matter where you are in Adelaide, you’re only a short distance from beaches, vineyards, museums, art galleries, restaurants, bars and parklands. Visit the accommodation web page to find out more.
Student services
We’re here to support you on your student journey. Adelaide University offers a range of support services and facilities, including:
- Career advice and mentoring services
- Personal counselling
- LGBTQIA+ support
- First Nations support
- Academic support
- Fees and finance help
- Security services
- Accommodation services
- Common rooms
- Prayer rooms.
You’ll also have unlimited access to our dedicated student support hub. Visit in-person or online, or contact our friendly team by phone. We can assist you with anything study-related including enrolment, identification cards, timetables, fees and more.
Your campus
You'll be studying at one of our renowned campuses, accessing cutting-edge facilities and contemporary study spaces.