Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

An Online teaching period is made up of six-week study blocks, during which a course of the program is taught. There are a total of six online teaching periods every year, with a two week break in between (there is an extended break over Christmas)

Online programs are delivered 100% online, including all your lectures and classes. In most cases, there are no exams, you'll be assessed on practical and authentic assignments you can use in your current or future role.

Focused study simply means that we condense each course in to 6 weeks of teaching. Therefore you can focus your time into bursts of learning built into your weekly routine, job and daily commitments.

We recommend you use a computer with the following specifications:

• sufficient memory and processor speed to handle files such as multimedia and video
• a fast broadband, cable or satellite internet connection
• a webcam and microphone
• general business software such as word processing, presentations and spreadsheets 

As an online student, your certificate will not differentiate from those who study on campus. Your certificate will state the following:

• The University
• Your name
• Title of program completed
• Date of completion
• Signed by the Vice Chancellor

A Learning Management System system (LMS) is an application software used to deliver education/training courses. The University provides most of its learning and teaching resources through MyUni, our online learning management system. After you have enrolled, you will see your courses appear in this system. In the meantime, it is worth downloading the MyUni mobile App.

If you are offered a place on one of our programs and successfully complete enrollment you will have your own dedicated student success advisor who will support you throughout your studies.

Unfortunately, there are no online-specific scholarships but you are welcome to apply for a university-wide scholarship. 

The government also offers scholarships such as this one for rural and regional students.

You may be eligible for credit toward your University of Adelaide degree if you have completed study at another institution, or have relevant work or informal experience. You must be fully enrolled in the program prior to submitting a credit application, which will require all relevant transcripts and course outlines to be submitted at the same time.

• Your previous study should be under 10 years old and at AQF 8* to be able to apply.
• Your previous study is assessed on the basis of equivalence of content and learning outcomes between your prior learning and a University of Adelaide course.
• A maximum of half to two-thirds of the total program may be granted as credit and will be assessed upon application.
• If using “Informal Learning” (work experience, volunteering, internships, etc) you may be required to complete an assessment to be successful.

In order to meet the English language proficiency requirements for our 100% online postgraduate programs, you must be able to demonstrate that you meet the minimum English Language requirements.

Typically, if English is your first language you will not be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. You will also not be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency if you are an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent Resident (visa status) or hold a passport from one of the following countries: Canada (English-speaking provinces only), New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

To learn more, visit the English Language Proficiency Requirements for detailed information about these requirements, including acceptable English language tests.

We also recommend that you speak to an Enrolment Advisor to discuss options that are specific to your circumstances. You can schedule a call here.

In order to meet the English language proficiency requirements for our 100% online postgraduate programs, you must be able to demonstrate that you meet the minimum English Language requirements.

Typically, if English is your first language you will not be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency. You will also not be required to provide evidence of English language proficiency if you are an Australian citizen, Australian Permanent Resident (visa status) or hold a passport from one of the following countries: Canada (English-speaking provinces only), New Zealand, the Republic of Ireland, the United Kingdom and the United States.

To learn more, visit the English Language Proficiency Requirements for detailed information about these requirements, including acceptable English language tests.

We also recommend that you speak to an Enrolment Advisor to discuss options that are specific to your circumstances. You can schedule a call here.

The combined HELP loan limit is a cap on what you can borrow from the Australian Government to cover the costs of your tuition fees. The HELP loan limit will replace the current FEE-HELP limit from 1 January 2020.

Australian citizens are eligible for a HELP loan. You must also be enrolled in a program with the University of Adelaide by the enrolment deadline (census), and have not reached the HELP loan limit.

International students are not eligible for HELP loans. However, some visa sub classes may be eligible. Please visit Study Assist for more information.

It covers course fees for award courses that lead to a recognised qualification, including a graduate diploma or master’s degree.

For 2020, the HELP loan limit is $106,319 for most students. Existing FEE-HELP, VET FEE-HELP and VET Student Loan debts will be carried over and count towards your HELP loan limit.

Any previous HECS-HELP debts will not be included in the HELP loan limit.

From 1 January 2020 onwards, new HECS-HELP borrowing will count towards the limit.

Once you have been offered a place in a University of Adelaide program, you will be able to apply for a HELP loan as a part of the enrolment process. Alternatively, you can apply for a HELP loan after you enrol as long as it is before the census date. You will need a tax file number to complete your application.

From 1 January 2020, the department will have an application available for students called myHELPbalance.

Data science is the domain of study concerned with parsing large amounts of data and translating it into actionable, targeted and relevant insights. Data scientists combine programming with artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, statistics and analytics to find, visualise and evaluate patterns. This field of study can be applied to a vast range of roles and industries - learn how to start and build your career in data science and explore data science online programs. 

Undergraduate Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) with a 4.5 GPA or above.

Data science qualifications are important as they demonstrate your data skills to future employers. Many hiring officers, especially in government, look for proof of education, and studying an online Graduate Certificate in Data Science (Applied) will help you progress your career in data science and analytics.

You can learn data science online with the University of Adelaide's 100% online Graduate Certificate in Data Science (Applied) and the online Master of Data Science (Applied). These programs are taught exclusively online and are designed to fit in busy schedules. 

Both data science and computer science are great fields, however, your career interests will determine which area is right for you. Data science is used more broadly in a range of businesses and industries whereas computer science is only relevant for someone pursuing a career in IT. 

While there is no requirement to have a mathematical background to enter the program, it is important to have a solid understanding of core mathematical concepts for an online Master of Data Science (Applied), as almost all of the techniques are underpinned by maths. 

Students who have not completed Mathematical Methods Level 2 (or equivalent) to Senior Secondary Certificate level will be required to complete Applied Data Science and Mathematics (MATHS 7203OL) in their first carousel, instead of Applied Data Science. In this course you will be introduced to the role and application of data science in modern organisations and societies and the fundamental mathematical tools used by data scientists.

If you studied algebra and calculus during your undergraduate studies, you may not need to provide evidence of completing SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods. Your bachelor’s degree transcript may suffice if it details these mathematics courses. 

Please speak to your Enrolment Advisor who will be able to advise on the best pathway for you to take depending on your background.

A Master of Data Science takes 2.7 years (part-time) to complete. The University of Adelaide's online Master of Data Science (Applied) is designed to fit it into a busy lifestyle.

To be eligible for an online Master of Data Science you must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline with a minimum GPA of 4.5 (7.0 GPA scale).

The Master of Data Science is applicable to a broad range of industries such as technology, business and healthcare, as well as those working in data science or analyst roles who want to take their skills up a level, managers who work with data to make business decisions and specialists who need to translate data into actionable insights for management. 

Make your next career step a reality and awaken your full potential with Australia's smarter data degree from the University of Adelaide.

To be eligible for an online Master of Data Science you must have completed a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline with a minimum GPA of 4.5 (7.0 GPA scale). 

Data science is a versatile skill set which will allow you to cultivate a fulfilling career in an area aligned to your interests and values. Data science careers can see you creating, nurturing, and managing data systems across a variety of industries, such as healthcare, finance, film and manufacturing.  

After completing a data science online qualification, internships can help aspiring data scientists learn technical and soft skills while developing a professional network. Following this, data scientists will apply for entry-level roles to further build on their skills and experience. Learn more about how to become a data scientist, including responsibilities and career pathways. 

The Master of Data Science (Applied) students will complete one course every six weeks – with all assessments and coursework 100% online. Study data science online at a pace that works for you with the University of Adelaide. 

A Master of Data Science takes 2.7 years (part-time) to complete. The University of Adelaide's online Master of Data Science (Applied) is designed to fit it into a busy lifestyle. 

Demand for data scientists is on the rise. The Australian government’s National Skills Commission (NSC) drew on data from 2014-2019 to identify 25 emerging occupations in their Emerging occupations report, with five data science roles making the list: 

• Data analysts 

• Data scientists 

• Data engineers 

• Data architects 

• Pricing analysts 

Learn more about data science roles, including data scientists, data analysts and data engineers. 

As tech industries boom and the need to interpret large volumes of data grows, there is a corresponding increase in demand for qualified data scientists. With a Master of Data Science (Applied) you’ll gain access to an exciting, fast-growing job field of employment – or elevate an existing career in data science.  

The Master of Data Science (Applied) will teach you sophisticated data science tools to get you ready for the workplace and career advancement. Learn a balance of technical skills, best-in-class techniques and critical soft skills like communication and management – all in a flexible, 100% online environment.  

In the 2023 THE University Rankings, the University of Adelaide was recognised as one of the top 100 global tertiary institutions. Graduate from a top 1% university and supercharge your data science career with the Master of Data Science (Applied).

The University of Adelaide may grant credit for recognised prior learning, provided it is relevant, current and equivalent to the learning required for its academic programs and courses. For the Master of Data Science (Applied), recognised prior learning must be aligned with the entry requirement: 

• A completed bachelor's degree or equivalent in any discipline with a minimum GPA of 4.5 (7.0 GPA scale). 

Within a University of Adelaide Masters Degree, a maximum of one half credit units may be counted towards the program from: 

• External learning 

• Completed University of Adelaide programs 

A maximum of one quarter credit units may be counted towards the program from cross-institutional or student exchange study. 

Learn more about the academic credit arrangements policy in our University Policies and Procedures or schedule a call with our Expert Advisors to find out more. 

Learn real-world languages and tools with the Master of Data Science (Applied). You’ll be trained in industry standard data languages and tools such as: 

• Python 

• R&R Studio 

• NumPy 

• Pandas 

• Matplotlib 

Prior programming skills are not a requirement to study the Master of Data Science (Applied) – and don’t let a lack of programming experience discourage you from pursuing your data science ambitions. University of Adelaide data science online programs will teach you everything you need to know to attain success in the field of data science, with or without an existing background in this area.  

Data science is a fast-growing, emerging profession – if you have a passion for analytics, research, problem solving, business or marketing, it could be for you. It’s a multidisciplinary field that can take you to many places and many different industries with the right qualifications. 

To be eligible for the Graduate Certificate, Graduate Diploma or Master of Cyber Security, you need to meet one the following requirements: 

1. Bachelor of Computer Science (or an equivalent Information Technology degree) and a GPA of 4.5  

OR  

2. relevant work experience of at least 3 years in Computer Science or Cyber Security roles  

OR  

3. diploma or above in networking and IT plus 2 years relevant work experience. 

The minimum requirement for many senior cyber security roles in both public and private organisations is a masters level qualification. Once you graduate from our online Master of Cyber Security, you will be ready to take on any of the following roles:  

• Computer Forensics Specialist 
• Cyber Intelligence Expert 
• Encryption Specialist 
• Computational Scientist 
• Computer Scientist 
• Cyber Defender  
• Diagnostic Technician 
• Digital Strategist 
• IT Manager 

An online Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security can lead to jobs in the government, and a range of industries such as healthcare which is seeing a spike in demand for cyber security professionals. Many organisations across different industries are realising the importance of a secure online network and are seeking qualified cyber security professionals to improve their operations. Once you have completed the program, you will be qualified to work in Data Security, Information Security, Business or Risk Analyst; Cyber Policy Maker; Cyber Security Administrator or Advisor; or System Security Engineer.    

Many cyber security positions operate within IT departments, therefore it’s advantageous to be familiar with a few programming languages. Our cyber security programs are also applied in nature, so you will be completing real exercises and will occasionally need to draw on your coding experience.  

If you don’t have this experience, we offer the course Foundations of Computer Science – Python A (COMP SCI 7210OL) in place of Political Institutions and Policy-Making (POLIS 7024OL). Our friendly admissions team will guide you through the enrolment process once your application has been accepted.  

Read more about our entry requirements here.  

The syllabus for the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security covers relevant and industry-aligned topics. There are four courses to prepare students for real-world cyber security knowledge, these are outlined below:  

1. Business data and cyber security  
2. Political institutions and policy-making*  
3. Cyber security fundamentals  
4. Information risks, threats and controls.  

Read more on the online Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security curriculum here.   

If you wish to take up leadership positions within a government, healthcare, or private organisation, we recommend continuing onto our masters level courses. To graduate with a Master of Cyber Security, you will need to successfully complete the above courses, plus: 

1. Secure programming  
2. Human and ethical factors in computer science  
3. Research methods in software engineering and computer science  
4. Applied privacy 
5. Human-centred security  
6. Business information systems and management 
7. Research project (part A and B) 

*If you don’t have prior computer programming experience, we offer the course Foundations of Computer Science – Python A (COMP SCI 7210OL) in place of Political Institutions and Policy-Making (POLIS 7024OL). Our friendly admissions team will guide you through the enrolment process once your application has been accepted. 

Read more on the online Master of Cyber Security curriculum here.   

Entry level cyber security jobs such as a technician or compliance specialist requires a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security at a minimum. If you wish to qualify for more complex positions with more responsibility, we recommend enrolling in a Master of Cyber Security.  

The total cost of the online Master of Cyber Security is $41,976 or $3,498 per course (2023 pricing). 

There is FEE-HELP available for Australian citizens to cover the program cost. Read more on the Master of Cyber Security program and it’s fee information here.  

Undertaking a Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security costs $13,992 or $3,498 per course (4 courses required to graduate).   

There is FEE-HELP available for Australian citizens to cover the program cost. Read more on the Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security program and it’s fee information here.  

You can learn cyber security online with the University of Adelaide’s online Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security or Master of Cyber Security. The graduate certificate is an eight-month program and our masters program is taught over two years. Both are fully flexible so you can complete the coursework and assessments online. The online learning format includes virtual quizzes, case studies, scenarios, and simulations, providing students with a broad and thorough learning environment. 

Start your cyber security program by checking your eligibility, creating an account, and applying for the program. The University of Adelaide’s online Graduate Certificate in Cyber Security and Master of Cyber Security offers six intakes per year so you can start at virtually any point throughout the year.   

Click here to begin your application and enrol. 

Undertaking a course in cyber security does not require a background in math. The Graduate Certificate and Master of Cyber Security does cover working with data and problem-solving exercises where basic maths will be helpful but not essential.  

Qualified cyber security graduates will earn a healthy salary with room for upward career movement, the average salary for a cyber security professional in Australia is $98,830. This jumps up to $136,645 when you complete the Master of Cyber Security and are qualified for more senior roles. Cyber security is a growing industry and there are ample opportunities to work in the field.  

Learn more about upskilling into a career in cyber security here. 

A complete undergraduate Bachelor's degree.

Earning an accreditation from the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC) means that the program has been formally and comprehensively examined and it meets the predetermined standards of education for psychologists. APAC also ensure the program formally provides the required sequence of subjects for students wishing to undertake further study in psychology and ongoing improvement of educational quality in psychology. 

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology Online is fully accredited.  

The Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced) Online has now been ‘Accredited with Conditions’ by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC). ‘Accredited with Conditions’ is common for new programs and the status is no different to ‘Accredited without Conditions’ with regard to a student seeking provisional registration, completing further study and then seeking general registration. Therefore, students currently enrolled in our Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advance) Online and those who successfully graduate will have completed an APAC accredited program of study. Read more about APAC Accreditation on the APAC website. 

There are a few pathways towards becoming a registered psychologist. If you have a bachelor’s degree but not in psychology, our Graduate Diploma in Psychology is your first step. Once you successfully graduate from our graduate diploma, you may then eligible to continue onto a 4th year program, such as our online Graduate Diploma in Psychology (Advanced). You will then be required to complete one of the three masters level study options plus supervised practice before you can apply for general registration.  

A Graduate Diploma in Psychology provides the foundational knowledge required to become a registered psychologist. The University of Adelaide's online Graduate Diploma in Psychology is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).

A Graduate Diploma in Psychology is a postgraduate program for students of other disciplines who want to begin psychology studies and do not have relevant prior studies. The online Graduate Diploma in Psychology covers foundational knowledge needed in the industry.

There is a big difference between a psychologist and a counsellor. Psychologists provide clinical mental health support, helping patients suffering from complex long-term mental health conditions, whereas counsellors usually help patients with specific short-term challenges. Psychologists must complete a specific educational criteria only becoming a registered psychologist once they have achieved the correct training. A counsellor does not require as much training but cannot provide medical advice. 

To be eligible, you need to meet one of the following requirements:

1. A completed undergraduate bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) and a minimum of 2 years' relevant work experience.
2. No degree, completed GMAT with a score of >500 and a minimum of 2 years' relevant work experience.
3. A completed University Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.

All students must meet the English language requirements. If you do not meet the above entry requirements, you may be eligible to study our Graduate Certificate in Business Administration.

To be eligible for our online Graduate Certificate in Business Administration, you need to meet one of the following requirements:

1. A completed undergraduate bachelor degree (or equivalent) and a minimum of 2 years' relevant work experience.
2. No degree, completed GMAT with a score of >500 and a minimum of 2 years' relevant work experience.
3. No degree, with minimum five years’ relevant work experience.

All students must meet English language requirements.

Full-time leadership and management experience in a role (such as Team Leader, Supervisor, Manager) demonstrating leadership skills, critical thinking, negotiation skills and analysis of complex scenarios.

Relevant work experience should highlight how each of the following capabilities are part of your role.

• Leadership – e.g setting organisational goals and objectives, motivating or leading a group of people towards a common goal, directing and coordinating activities personally or by delegation.
• Critical thinking – e.g determining priorities, analysing or reviewing a document, numbers, policy or legislations.
• Negotiation – e.g find mutual agreement in which all parties are comfortable, liaising between areas of responsibility.
• Analysing complex scenarios – e.g process in which an analysis is conducted to consider alternative outcomes, monitoring and evaluating performance.

It takes 2 years part-time to earn an online MBA. The University of Adelaide's online MBA consists of 12 six-week courses, with six intakes per year so students have the flexibility to start their degree when it suits them. Visit the University of Adelaide's important dates page for information on Teaching Periods and application deadlines.

You can do an MBA without holding a degree in Australia. The University of Adelaide offers an online Graduate Certificate in Business Administration pathway program into its online MBA, for students without prior education. The online Graduate Certificate in Business Administration makes up the first 4 courses of the online MBA so students can easily transition into an MBA. 

You can get an MBA while working. The University of Adelaide's online MBA is taught completely online, part-time so that students can continue working while completing their degree.

In 2020 the average cost of an MBA in Australia was more than $58,000. To undertake an online MBA with the University of Adelaide, the 2023 cost is $56,952 ($4,746 per course). To find out more about HELP Loans please book in a time to speak with an advisor today.

A Graduate Certificate in Business Administration offers formal recognition of further study, teaching students' essential business and leadership skills across areas such as marketing, accounting, and people management.

It also demonstrates to employers that you are committed to continuous learning and able to take on additional responsibilities. 

An online MBA (Health Management) allows professionals to supplement their technical skills with in-demand management abilities. These skills can be applied across many sectors, including hospital and clinic management, allied and community health, private health insurance, pharmaceutical, and more. Find out more about healthcare management jobs.

When deciding whether to get an MBA on an MHA you need to first understand which skills you want to gain. Typically, an MBA teaches business and leadership skills whereas and MHA is a more specialised health degree.

While some MBAs can lack the specific focus on healthcare management that an MHA offers, the University of Adelaide's online MBA (Health Management) teaches students the desirable business and leadership skills of an MBA, through a health lens, providing students with learnings that are tailored to their industry.

To be eligible for an MBA (Health Management), you need to hold a completed undergraduate bachelor's degree (or equivalent) and a minimum of 2 years’ relevant work experience.

However, if you do not hold a degree, a completed GMAT with a score >500 and 2 years’ relevant work experience, or a  complete Graduate Certificate in Business Administration with the University of Adelaide will also provide you entry to the MBA (Health Management).
 

You'll need to visit the application portal and set up an account. Once you have registered your details, you will be able to start the application form and upload all your supporting evidence.
Entry requirements differ between each program so remember to take note of the criteria and documents you will be required to provide.
Application Portal can be found here: online.adelaide.edu.au/application-portal

Your documents do not need to be certified. You will need to provide a scanned copy of your previous qualifications, as well an official academic transcript. 

The application process will take about 10 minutes if you have all of your supporting documentation ready. 

The M10 – Mark Scheme 10 scale indicates the Grade Point Average calculations used for students at the University of Adelaide. This scale is the norm for courses in undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs, and applies to the course final result. 

This scale is intended to provide a guideline for Grade Point Average calculations and does not guarantee an assessment outcome. Formal assessment and GPA calculation will be carried out at the point of application.  

You can also refer to the 'How to calculate your GPA' page for more information. 

Once submitted, we will be in touch within 48 hours to confirm we have received your application.

Congratulations! Welcome to the University of Adelaide community. Detailed instructions for how to enrol can be found here.

Domestic students – You will need a USI to enrol in your course. You may already have a USI if you have completed training in Australia since 2015. If not, you will need to create one.  

International students – Currently, all international students are not required to provide a USI to enrol. If you’re an international citizen who is studying offshore and do not have any residency or visa from Australia, then you will not require a USI. However, please note that all international students who are studying onshore are required to have one by 2023 to graduate in 2023 and beyond.  

Visit the Ask Adelaide website for more information.