Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) (Apprenticeship) majoring in Apprenticeship

Undergraduate | 2026

Mode

On campus

Start date

February

Campus

Adelaide City Campus, Mawson Lakes

Duration

5 year(s) full-time only (no part time option)

Program code

HSOEA

Study as

Full-time only (no part time option)

Indicative annual fees

Commonwealth supported

Non-tuition fees

Prerequisite

None

Assumed knowledge

None

Entry requirements

Admission criteria

To be eligible, an applicant must have achieved at least one of the following minimum entry requirements and demonstrate they fulfil 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.

Secondary education (Year 12)

Completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE).

Vocational Education and Training (VET)

Completion of an award from a registered training organisation (RTO) at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher.

Higher education study

Successful completion of at least 6 months full-time study (or equivalent part-time) in a higher education award program.

Work and life experience

Completion of an Adelaide University approved enabling, pathway or bridging program; OR
A competitive result in the Skills for Tertiary Admissions Test (STAT); OR
Relevant professional certificates/qualifications including: Cisco CCNA, Cisco CCNP, Cisco CCIE, Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA), Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE), Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD), Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM); OR
Qualify for special entry

Note:

Applications for 2026 entry have now closed. Want to stay in the loop about 2027 admissions? Complete an expression of interest to stay informed.

Additional Enrolment Information – FAQs | Adelaide University

Why Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) (Apprenticeship)?

Build our digital world by becoming an experienced software engineer, developing innovative software solutions across a diverse range of global industries like banking, finance, healthcare, agriculture, education and defence.

Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) (Apprenticeship) revolutionises the way students prepare for a career in IT. From day one of the program, you will study Software Engineering while having a paid position working for one of our industry partners. Take the opportunity to start earning a salary and have your university fees covered by your employer.

Graduate with five years of software engineering industry experience and the enhanced knowledge and skills required of a software engineer. This apprenticeship will allow you to develop versatile and highly sought-after skills to design, build and drive quality software solutions. Be proficient in programming, employ approaches to produce quality software artifacts and possess software development principles and techniques to produce software solutions that solve complex problems.

Applications for 2026 are now closed. Want to stay in the loop about 2027 admissions? Complete an expression of interest to stay informed.

Overview

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Key features

Study software engineering while working in a full-time paid position for one of our industry partners.
Earn a salary from day one of your studies and have your university fees covered by your employer.
Work shoulder-to-shoulder with experienced software engineers in the workplace from day one of your degree.
Directly apply and practice the knowledge and skills learnt at university in the workplace.
Gain broad and coherent knowledge and skills for professional practice as a software engineer.
Be proficient in programming and developing software systems and produce software solutions to solve complex problems.

What you'll learn

During your first year of study, you'll establish a strong foundation in essential IT fundamentals including programming, database development, networking, and IT systems and system requirements.

You will then develop your software engineering skills through specialist courses learning modern, industry relevant practices. From your second year, learn about data structures, system design, agile development, DevOps, design patterns, secure software development and cloud and concurrent programming – high demand skills valued by employers.

You’ll also further extend your software engineering knowledge and skills with courses on:

System architecture
Software quality assurance
Scalable software systems design and architecture.

This degree allows you to use your classroom and workplace skills to build systems using effective architectural and software design patterns. Focus on modern industry-relevant programming languages and practices while developing highly sought after professional skills. Learn in purpose-built computer laboratories using a range of specialised software applications.

In addition to workplace employment throughout your entire degree, you’ll also apply your skills in a professional industry-relevant project during your final year.

Assessments for this apprenticeship include programming exercises, software development, essays, exams, oral and supervised tests. You will also undertake competency-based assessment in your workplace.

What courses you'll study

Complete 192 units comprising:

156 units for one Major from Majors, and
30 units for all Work integrated learning, and
6 units for Electives

Complete 144 units comprising:

156 units for all Core courses

	Course code	Units
Course name Problem Solving and Programming	Course code COMP1002	Units 6
Course name Structured Data	Course code COMP1003	Units 6
Course name Object-Oriented Programming	Course code COMP1005	Units 6
Course name Data Structures and Algorithms	Course code COMP2017	Units 6
Course name Web Technology	Course code COMP2018	Units 6
Course name Software Development Practice	Course code COMP2021	Units 6
Course name Computer Science Topics for Software Engineers	Course code COMP3001	Units 6
Course name Secure Software Development	Course code COMP3007	Units 6
Course name Cloud and Concurrent Programming	Course code COMP3011	Units 6
Course name Professional Engineering Practice	Course code ENGI1005	Units 6
Course name Engineering Project Management	Course code ENGI2003	Units 6
Course name Systems Engineering and Professional Practice	Course code ENGI3006	Units 6
Course name Information Technology Systems	Course code INFO1012	Units 6
Course name System Requirements	Course code INFO1013	Units 6
Course name Security Foundations	Course code INFO1016	Units 6
Course name System Design	Course code INFO2005	Units 6
Course name Agile Development and User Experience	Course code INFO2006	Units 6
Course name Introduction to DevOps	Course code INFO2031	Units 6
Course name Unstructured Data	Course code INFO3003	Units 6
Course name Design Patterns	Course code INFO3004	Units 6
Course name System Architecture	Course code INFO4000	Units 6
Course name Scalable Software Systems Design and Architecture	Course code INFO4001	Units 6
Course name Software Quality Assurance	Course code INFO4002	Units 6
Course name Industry Research Skills	Course code INFO4801	Units 6
Course name Industry IT Project 2	Course code INFO4904	Units 6
Course name Industry IT Project 3	Course code INFO4905	Units 6

Course name	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
Course name INFO1900 - Industry Professional Practice	Units 6
Course name COMP1002 - Problem Solving and Programming	Units 6
Course name COMP1003 - Structured Data	Units 6
Course name INFO1012 - Information Technology Systems	Units 6
Semester 2
Course name COMP1005 - Object-Oriented Programming	Units 6
Course name INFO1013 - System Requirements	Units 6
Course name INFO1016 - Security Foundations	Units 6
Course name ENGI1005 - Professional Engineering Practice	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
Course name ENGI2003 - Engineering Project Management	Units 6
Course name INFO2005 - System Design	Units 6
Course name COMP2021 - Software Development Practice	Units 6
Course name INFO2900 - Industry System Requirements Practice	Units 6
Semester 2
Course name COMP2018 - Web Technology	Units 6
Course name INFO2006 - Agile Development and User Experience	Units 6
Course name COMP2017 - Data Structures and Algorithms	Units 6
Course name INFO2901 - Industry Systems Design Practice	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
Course name ENGI3006 - Systems Engineering and Professional Practice	Units 6
Course name COMP3007 - Secure Software Development	Units 6
Course name INFO3004 - Design Patterns	Units 6
Course name INFO3006 - Industry Agile Project Management Practice	Units 6
Semester 2
Course name COMP3011 - Cloud and Concurrent Programming	Units 6
Course name INFO2031 - Introduction to DevOps	Units 6
Course name INFO3003 - Unstructured Data	Units 6
Course name COMP3001 - Computer Science Topics for Software Engineers	Units 6
Year 4
Semester 1
Course name INFO4000 - System Architecture	Units 6
Course name INFO4002 - Software Quality Assurance	Units 6
Semester 2
Course name INFO4801 - Industry Research Skills	Units 6
Course name University-wide electives	Units 6
Year 5
Semester 1
Course name INFO4001 - Scalable Software Systems Design and Architecture	Units 6
Course name INFO4903 - Industry IT Project 1	Units 6
Semester 2
Course name INFO4904 - Industry IT Project 2	Units 6
Course name INFO4905 - Industry IT Project 3	Units 6

Complete 30 units for ALL of the following:

	Course code	Units
Course name Industry Professional Practice	Course code INFO1900	Units 6
Course name Industry System Requirements Practice	Course code INFO2900	Units 6
Course name Industry Systems Design Practice	Course code INFO2901	Units 6
Course name Industry Agile Project Management Practice	Course code INFO3006	Units 6
Course name Industry IT Project 1	Course code INFO4903	Units 6

Course name	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
Course name INFO1900 - Industry Professional Practice	Units 6
Course name COMP1002 - Problem Solving and Programming	Units 6
Course name COMP1003 - Structured Data	Units 6
Course name INFO1012 - Information Technology Systems	Units 6
Semester 2
Course name COMP1005 - Object-Oriented Programming	Units 6
Course name INFO1013 - System Requirements	Units 6
Course name INFO1016 - Security Foundations	Units 6
Course name ENGI1005 - Professional Engineering Practice	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
Course name ENGI2003 - Engineering Project Management	Units 6
Course name INFO2005 - System Design	Units 6
Course name COMP2021 - Software Development Practice	Units 6
Course name INFO2900 - Industry System Requirements Practice	Units 6
Semester 2
Course name COMP2018 - Web Technology	Units 6
Course name INFO2006 - Agile Development and User Experience	Units 6
Course name COMP2017 - Data Structures and Algorithms	Units 6
Course name INFO2901 - Industry Systems Design Practice	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
Course name ENGI3006 - Systems Engineering and Professional Practice	Units 6
Course name COMP3007 - Secure Software Development	Units 6
Course name INFO3004 - Design Patterns	Units 6
Course name INFO3006 - Industry Agile Project Management Practice	Units 6
Semester 2
Course name COMP3011 - Cloud and Concurrent Programming	Units 6
Course name INFO2031 - Introduction to DevOps	Units 6
Course name INFO3003 - Unstructured Data	Units 6
Course name COMP3001 - Computer Science Topics for Software Engineers	Units 6
Year 4
Semester 1
Course name INFO4000 - System Architecture	Units 6
Course name INFO4002 - Software Quality Assurance	Units 6
Semester 2
Course name INFO4801 - Industry Research Skills	Units 6
Course name University-wide electives	Units 6
Year 5
Semester 1
Course name INFO4001 - Scalable Software Systems Design and Architecture	Units 6
Course name INFO4903 - Industry IT Project 1	Units 6
Semester 2
Course name INFO4904 - Industry IT Project 2	Units 6
Course name INFO4905 - Industry IT Project 3	Units 6

Complete 6 units comprising:

6 units from University-wide electives

Course name	Units
Year 1
Semester 1
Course name INFO1900 - Industry Professional Practice	Units 6
Course name COMP1002 - Problem Solving and Programming	Units 6
Course name COMP1003 - Structured Data	Units 6
Course name INFO1012 - Information Technology Systems	Units 6
Semester 2
Course name COMP1005 - Object-Oriented Programming	Units 6
Course name INFO1013 - System Requirements	Units 6
Course name INFO1016 - Security Foundations	Units 6
Course name ENGI1005 - Professional Engineering Practice	Units 6
Year 2
Semester 1
Course name ENGI2003 - Engineering Project Management	Units 6
Course name INFO2005 - System Design	Units 6
Course name COMP2021 - Software Development Practice	Units 6
Course name INFO2900 - Industry System Requirements Practice	Units 6
Semester 2
Course name COMP2018 - Web Technology	Units 6
Course name INFO2006 - Agile Development and User Experience	Units 6
Course name COMP2017 - Data Structures and Algorithms	Units 6
Course name INFO2901 - Industry Systems Design Practice	Units 6
Year 3
Semester 1
Course name ENGI3006 - Systems Engineering and Professional Practice	Units 6
Course name COMP3007 - Secure Software Development	Units 6
Course name INFO3004 - Design Patterns	Units 6
Course name INFO3006 - Industry Agile Project Management Practice	Units 6
Semester 2
Course name COMP3011 - Cloud and Concurrent Programming	Units 6
Course name INFO2031 - Introduction to DevOps	Units 6
Course name INFO3003 - Unstructured Data	Units 6
Course name COMP3001 - Computer Science Topics for Software Engineers	Units 6
Year 4
Semester 1
Course name INFO4000 - System Architecture	Units 6
Course name INFO4002 - Software Quality Assurance	Units 6
Semester 2
Course name INFO4801 - Industry Research Skills	Units 6
Course name University-wide electives	Units 6
Year 5
Semester 1
Course name INFO4001 - Scalable Software Systems Design and Architecture	Units 6
Course name INFO4903 - Industry IT Project 1	Units 6
Semester 2
Course name INFO4904 - Industry IT Project 2	Units 6
Course name INFO4905 - Industry IT Project 3	Units 6

Career outcomes

As a graduate, you’ll be prepared to work in a diverse range of global industries as a software engineer or in related IT roles across the private and public sectors. You might be employed by defence primes and IT companies that build large, complex software solutions and systems. Maybe you’ll work on creating software to revolutionise healthcare. You might even start your own business and develop the next big application or help a small business leverage AI to improve their productivity.

Employment prospects are strong for software engineers. Potential careers include:

Software engineer
User experience specialist
Full stack developer
Software and applications programmer
Scrum Master leading a development team
Web developer
Cloud developer.

Further study/experience may see you pursue roles as a:

Software architect
IT project lead/manager
Senior software engineer/analyst/developer
Software development team lead.

Whatever your preference in job title – software engineers are at the forefront of technological advancements, driving digital transformation and shaping the future of our world.

Industry trends

Australia is facing a significant shortage of skilled technology workers, with a predicted demand for 445,000 professionals by 2030 (Deloitte Access Economics, 2023). This reflects the continued growth of the software and applications programming industry, which is anticipated to expand by 22.3% by 2033 (Jobs and Skills Australia, 2023). By focusing on real-world skills and technical expertise, a software engineering degree from Adelaide University equips you to meet this demand and excel in a fast-evolving industry.

Accreditation

This program is provisionally accredited at the level of Professional by the Australian Computer Society (ACS). Graduates are eligible for membership with the ACS and are recognised internationally through the Seoul Accord.

This program is provisionally accredited at the level of Professional Engineer by Engineers Australia (EA). Graduates are eligible for membership with EA and are recognised internationally through the Washington Accord .

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How to apply

Applications for 2026 are now closed. Want to stay in the loop about 2027 admissions? Complete an expression of interest to stay informed.

Not sure if you'll meet the entry requirements? Adelaide University offers a range of pathway options to help you start your study journey.

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FAQs

Explore answers to some of our most frequently asked questions.

Applications for the 2026 February intake of the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) (Apprenticeship) are open, and will close on the 30^th September 2025. There will not be a mid-year intake for 2026.

You do not need to wait for your 2025 Year 12 results before applying. Applications for the 2026 intake will close before you receive your 2025 Year 12 results. Your academic results will be reviewed through the interview process to ensure that you meet the academic requirements.

As this is real employment with the employer, applications will be shortlisted on merit, and then face-to-face interviews conducted with a panel comprised of host employers to ensure a good fit.

Applications for this program are via direct application, and not through SATAC. The direct application form is available here.

For 2026 admissions, we recommend that you put in your SATAC preferences as you normally would with Adelaide University’s Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) (Program code: HSOEN; SATAC code: ABP217) as preference 1. If you are not selected to be part of this Apprenticeship Program, your SATAC preferences will still be considered.

For admission in 2026, you must have completed or be due to complete a SA Certificate of Education in 2025 with anticipated ATAR score of 80 or higher.

You must be an Australian citizen and be able to clear a National Police Certificate (you will be asked to complete this as a part of the admission process). You may also be required to obtain a security clearance (once accepted into the program).

There are a number of alternate study pathways which are detailed on Adelaide University’s Software Engineering (Honours) program page.

To give yourself the best chance of success, like most professions you should:

Have a positive outlook and enthusiasm to grow and develop as a software engineer
Demonstrate initiative to solve problems and engage in the activities provided in the workplace and university
Have an interest in technology and helping people solve problems
Be able to work well with a team to get an outcome for a stakeholder.

You will be employed by your industry partner and released from work to attend university.

The majority of courses will be the same as Adelaide University’s on-campus Software Engineering degree; however, students in this program will undertake a portion of their degree directly in their workplace.

You will be expected to be at your workplace and involved in the normal activities performed by an IT professional.

Most courses will be delivered in person at Adelaide University’s Mawson Lakes campus. Your study release pattern will be documented in your official Training Plan.

As an apprentice, you will be paid while you gain job-specific training and experience. It will set you up for a great career and you'll play a part in creating the next generation of products and services.

You’ll earn a salary while working towards an internationally recognised qualification. You will be supported by your peers, colleagues and university, and have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge projects with people who are leaders in their field.

You will graduate an experienced Software Engineer.

You will be on a fixed term contract for the five-year duration of your apprenticeship. In your final year, your employer will have a discussion with you about becoming a full-time permanent employee after you have completed your apprenticeship.

The following employers participated in the program for the 2025 intake:

Yes, you can. However, if you’ve already achieved qualifications at the same or higher level in a similar discipline, this program may not benefit you. There are a range of other opportunities, including graduate programs, for qualified and passionate people that you can explore here: Computer Science & Information Technology – Information for Australian Students

Prior study may be taken into consideration and is assessed on a case-by-case basis.

No matter what happens, the courses that you have completed in your apprenticeship degree will be recognised in the on-campus version of the Software Engineering degree.

Your apprenticeship is underpinned by a formal Training Contract that can only be changed by mutual agreement of the apprentice and the employer. All variations must be approved by the South Australian Government (Traineeship and Apprenticeship Services) before any changes come into effect.

If you or your employer want to terminate the Training Contract and you want to continue in the apprenticeship, you can apply to another provider to continue your apprenticeship with one of the other host employers. You will need to sign a new Training Contract and begin a new probationary period. Alternately, you can enrol in Adelaide University’s on-campus Software Engineering program with credit for courses already completed.

If you fail a course, you will need to make new study arrangements with your host employer and Adelaide University. You and your host employer may also need to submit an application to the South Australian Government to vary the length of your Training Contract.

The Training Contract is the legally binding and formal agreement between the host employer and apprentice. It sets out key obligations of both the apprentice and employer, training and supervision requirements (e.g. specifying the qualification), duration of the training and probationary period. If you are under 18, your parent or guardian must also sign the Training Contract.

A Training Plan is an official government document that is agreed by you, your employer and Adelaide University and sets out the courses you will study, the hours you can spend at university for study, and your study time release patterns.

Student tuition fees will be covered by employers, and you will also receive an apprentice salary.

All apprentices will be paid at the award rate. The specific award will depend on their organisation. The current cohort of apprentices are paid in line with the rates outlined in the Miscellaneous Award (2020).

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Your study experience and support

Adelaide University sets you up for success in your studies – and your social life. You’ll have access to work placement and internship opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events with guest speakers and more. Our campuses are equipped with purpose-built facilities including lecture theatres, libraries, workshops, laboratories, and spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all 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.

Adelaide also has 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
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.

This degree is offered at the following campus(es)

Study hours

Your courses will require a combination of different learning formats, including lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Aside from your classes, you’ll also need to allocate additional time for independent study. This may include assignments, readings, projects and contributing to online discussion forums. As a rough guide, full-time studies may require 12-26 hours of class time and 14-18 hours of independent study per week.

Assessment

During your studies at Adelaide University, you’ll complete a mixture of practical, professional and research-based learning. Your assessment types will vary depending on the degree you’re studying, but may include:

Case studies
Essays and assignments
Examinations
Group projects
Internships and placements
Practicals
Presentations
Reports and project documentations
Research projects
Workplace and classroom contributions.

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Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) (Apprenticeship) majoring in Apprenticeship