The Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Applied Innovation is a dual-degree qualification that combines rigorous engineering discipline training with a forward-looking applied innovation curriculum. Students undertake core engineering studies across a chosen major — such as civil, mechanical, electrical, software, mechatronics, or architectural engineering — while simultaneously completing a suite of applied innovation units focused on design thinking, entrepreneurship, human-centred research, and strategic transformation. The degree is structured at Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) Level 8 and is accredited by Engineers Australia, meaning graduates are eligible to apply for graduate and professional membership of that peak body and their qualification is internationally recognised under the Washington Accord. The dual nature of this program is its defining feature: students are not just trained as technical engineers but are equipped to drive innovation across organisations, industries, and society. The course integrates information technology, changing work patterns, sustainable design practices, and engineering world-best-practice from day one, with industry-based projects guaranteed every semester.

This degree is designed for ambitious students who want to go beyond traditional engineering roles. Graduates emerge ready to work across a wide spectrum of employers including government infrastructure agencies, construction and engineering consultancies, technology companies, defence contractors, mining and resources companies, energy utilities, healthcare technology firms, start-ups, and innovation-focused professional services firms. Employers across Australia — particularly in sectors experiencing rapid technological transformation — actively seek graduates of this type of program because they can bridge the gap between technical implementation and strategic innovation. The qualification typically takes five years of full-time study and combines a professional engineering degree with a second degree in applied innovation, giving graduates a uniquely broad and in-demand credential.

For domestic students, entry to the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Applied Innovation typically requires completion of an Australian Year 12 qualification (or equivalent), such as the Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE), Queensland Certificate of Education (QCE), Higher School Certificate (HSC), or South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). An ATAR is the primary ranking criterion for most institutions, with typical minimum ATARs ranging from around 65 to 85+ depending on the institution and specific engineering discipline chosen — more competitive disciplines such as software or electrical engineering often attract higher entry scores. A strong foundation in mathematics is almost universally required as a prerequisite or assumed knowledge, with subjects such as Mathematical Methods (or equivalent) and at least one science subject — typically Physics or Chemistry — expected or strongly recommended. Some institutions offer subject adjustment points that can raise an applicant's effective ATAR if they have studied relevant subjects at a high level.

Alternative entry pathways are available at most Australian providers. Applicants who have completed a TAFE diploma, advanced diploma, associate degree, or partial university study may be eligible for credit and direct entry into later years of the program. Mature-age applicants without formal academic qualifications but with significant and relevant work experience in engineering or a related field may also be considered through special entry schemes. For international students, completion of Australian Year 12 or an equivalent overseas secondary qualification is required, along with demonstrated English language proficiency — typically an IELTS overall score of at least 6.0 to 6.5 (with minimum sub-scores in reading, writing, speaking, and listening), or equivalent results in TOEFL, PTE, or Cambridge English assessments. Some institutions offer alternative English language preparation programs for students who narrowly miss proficiency thresholds.