Course Overview

About This Course

Adelaide University's Bachelor of Computer Science gives you a solid base of essential computer science knowledge and skills. Where IT specialists work with existing technology to solve a problem, the university positions computer scientists as the people building new technology from the ground up.
The degree has a broad focus, so you study a mix of courses covering artificial intelligence, algorithms, data management, programming languages, security and computer architecture, alongside the ethical and legal dimensions of the evolving technology landscape.
First year covers problem solving and programming, IT systems, structured data, security foundations and system requirements. From second year you can specialise with a major in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Human-Centred Computing or Programming Languages — or take a general major and explore a little of everything.
Throughout the degree you develop deep reasoning skills, an understanding of the limits and capabilities of computing, and technical and programming skills, sharpened by courses in communication and by group projects delivering a client artefact.
In the final year you work in a project team to develop an artefact for a client, which might involve applying new technologies, developing proof-of-concept solutions, or analysing current business processes to identify areas for improvement.
The program totals 144 units: 66 units of core courses, 54 units for a major or discipline courses, 12 units of work integrated learning and 12 units of electives. It runs full time over three years across the Adelaide City and Mawson Lakes campuses, with some potential cross-campus study. On completion you are eligible for professional membership of the Australian Computer Society.

Where You Can Study

Available Locations

Adelaide

Mawson Lakes Boulevard, Mawson Lakes, SA 5095

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Student Information

Fees & Entry by Student Type

Tuition Fee

Commonwealth Supported

Duration

3 years full-time

Intakes

February, July

Study Mode

Full time or part time

Eligibility

Entry Requirements

General Requirements

Domestic students
Assumed knowledge: None
SATAC code: ABP144
Entry scores:
• 2026 cut-offs — Year 12 (ATAR-based): 65
• 2027 guaranteed entry — Guaranteed entry score (ATAR-based): 80
• 2027 guaranteed entry — Guaranteed entry score (Grades-based): A, A, B
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 Qualify for special entry
ATAR profile (2026 Semester 1 intake, ATAR-based offers):
• Highest rank to receive an offer — ATAR 99.7, selection rank 99.95
• Median rank to receive an offer — ATAR 85.95, selection rank 90.5
• Lowest rank to receive an offer — ATAR 62.25, selection rank 66.7

International students
Assumed knowledge: None
Applicants must meet at least one of the following minimum entry requirements:
• 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.
Indicative academic entry requirements by country:
• Australia — ATAR: 75
• Canada — Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD): 70%
• China — Gaokao: 65%
• Denmark — Studentereksamen (stx: Upper Secondary School Diploma): 4 (Fair)
• France — French Baccalaureate: 11.5
• Global — International Baccalaureate: 26
• Hong Kong — Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE): 17
• India — CBSE and CISCE: 70
• India — State Board Examinations: 80
• Indonesia — SMA III: 78%
• Kenya — Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE): B+
• Malaysia — Matrikulasi: 2.78
• Malaysia — Sijil Tinggi Persekolahan Malaysia (STPM): 2.78
• Malaysia — United Entrance Certificate (UEC): 25
• Norway — Upper Secondary School Certificate (Vitnemal fra den Videregaende Skole) / Vitnemal For Videregaende Opplaering: 3.6
• Phillippines — High School Diploma (Grade 12) (Academic Track) K12: 87%
• Singapore — Singapore GCE Advanced Levels: 8
• South Korea — College Scholastic Ability Test (CSAT): 320
• Sri Lanka — GCE A Levels: 9
• Sweden — Upper Secondary School Leaving Certificate: 14.0
• Taiwan — GSAT %: 65%
• Taiwan GSAT — Score out of 60: 36
• Thailand — Matayom 6: 3.40
• UK / Global — GCE Advanced Levels: 8
• USA / Global — Advanced Placement (AP): 8
• USA / Global — America College Test (ACT): 22
• USA / Global — Scholastic Assessment Test (SAT): 1130
• Vietnam — Bằng Tốt Nghiệp Trung Học Phổ Thông (Vietnamese Year 12): 8
English language requirements (achieved within the two years before admission):
• IELTS Overall 6.5
• IELTS Reading 6
• IELTS Listening 6
• IELTS Speaking 6
• IELTS Writing 6

Career & Study Pathways

Where this takes you

Career Opportunities

Computer scientists work in both direct and indirect tech roles across a wide range of industries and sectors, including agriculture, food and wine, social media, defence, energy, finance, health care, manufacturing, marketing, retail and transportation. Career opportunities include:
• Software engineer
• Software developer
• Integration developer
• Application developer
• Backend developer
• Frontend developer
• API developer
• Cloud engineer

Quality & Recognition

Accreditation & Migration

Academic Regulator

TEQSA

Professional Body

Australian Computer Society (ACS)

Accreditation Status

Accredited

Skills Assessor

ACS

Course Content

Units of Competency

All Units22 units

COMP1002

Problem Solving and Programming

COMP1003

Structured Data

INFO1012

Information Technology Systems

COMP1015

Computing Innovations in the Modern World

COMP1005

Object-Oriented Programming

INFO1016

Security Foundations

INFO1013

System Requirements

MATH1000

Foundations in Mathematics

MATH1006

Discrete Mathematics

COMP2021

Software Development Practice

COMP2000

Computer Systems

COMP2022

Ethical and Legal Challenges in Technology

COMP2001

Language Models, Translation and Execution

COMP2017

Data Structures and Algorithms

COMP2002

Operating Systems

INFO2032

Professional Communication and Teamwork

COMP3008

Advanced Data Structures and Algorithms

INFO2007

Cyber Security Application

COMP2003

Theory of Computation and Formal Verification

COMP2004

Distributed and Decentralised Computing

INFO3901

ICT Capstone Project 1

INFO3902

ICT Capstone Project 2

Common Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the Bachelor of Computer Science take to complete?

The Bachelor of Computer Science at Adelaide University has a duration of 156 weeks, as listed in the CRICOS course details.

Does the Bachelor of Computer Science include a work component?

Yes, the course includes a work component of 300 hours, equivalent to 8 weeks of practical work experience.

What is the total tuition fee for the Bachelor of Computer Science?

Adelaide University publishes an indicative annual tuition fee of AU$55,400 for international students commencing in 2027, which is AU$166,200 across the three-year program. No additional non-tuition fees are listed.

Where is the Bachelor of Computer Science taught?

The course is offered at two locations: Adelaide University's Adelaide City Campus and the Mawson Lakes Campus, both owned and operated by the provider.

Is this course eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights?

The course may be eligible for extended Post-Study Work Rights as it is a Skills Level 1 qualification (Bachelor Degree), has a duration greater than 92 weeks, and falls under the 02 - Information Technology broad field of education, which aligns with the priority list. Eligibility is reviewed yearly and requires at least one active enrolment at the time of review.

Application

How to Apply

Three simple steps to get enrolled

Step 01

Enquire

Click "Enquire Now" and tell us a little about yourself. It's free and takes 2 minutes.

Step 02

Submit Documents

Our team will guide you on exactly which documents to prepare and submit.

Step 03

Get Enrolled

Receive your offer letter and confirm your enrolment. Welcome to the course!

Course Snapshot

Salary, careers & skills

Typical Salary

Entry-level (0-2 years)AUD $65,000 to $85,000 per year

Early Career (2-5 years)AUD $85,000 to $110,000 per year

Mid-Level (5-10 years)AUD $110,000 to $150,000 per year

Career Paths

Software Developer / Software EngineerCybersecurity Analyst / Security EngineerData Analyst / Data ScientistCloud Solutions ArchitectNetwork Engineer / Network Administrator

Key Skills

Programming and software development (Python, Java, C++, JavaScript)Database design, management, and SQL queryingCybersecurity principles, threat detection, and risk managementCloud computing and platform management (AWS, Azure, Google Cloud)Systems analysis and design

Full Course Overview

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