How to Apply to Computer Science at Adelaide University: The Three-Year Bachelor of Computer Science and the Four-Year Honours Degree, Gaokao 65%/70%, and Requirements and Timeline for Chinese and Canadian High School Students and Transfer Students

For 2027 entry, undergraduate computer science in Adelaide is offered by Adelaide University. Its glossary states that its Foundation Universities are the University of South Australia and The University of Adelaide, and degree pages, applications and scholarships are now published under the Adelaide University name. Computer science is taught at the Adelaide City Campus and Mawson Lakes, with some cross-campus study possible. Here is what you need to know, based on official information, for students at high schools in China (including A-level, IB and AP students), students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver students), and transfer students.

1. The two degrees

• Bachelor of Computer Science (BCOMP): three years full time, 144 units of core courses, a major (or a set of discipline courses), work integrated learning and electives.
• Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) (HCOMP): four years full time. The fourth, Honours year centres on an open-ended computer science thesis, which the university describes as a pathway to postgraduate study including a PhD. The Honours page also says the degree is part of a stackable set of qualifications: you can exit with a Diploma after one year or an Associate Degree after two.
• What you study: first year covers problem solving and programming, object-oriented programming, IT systems, structured data, security foundations, system requirements, human-centred design and foundations in mathematics; later years include discrete mathematics, software development practice, computer systems, operating systems, data structures and algorithms, theory of computation and formal verification, distributed computing, and ethical and legal challenges in technology.
• Majors: from second year, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Human-Centred Computing or Programming Languages, or a general major.
• Projects and internships: in the final year, team-based ICT Capstone Projects 1 and 2 deliver an artefact for a client. The study plan notes that an ICT internship can be taken, with varying unit values and a specialised plan from the Program Director.
• Professional recognition: graduates are eligible for professional membership of the Australian Computer Society (ACS).
• Part-time study is not available to international students.

2. Students at high schools in China

• You can apply with the Gaokao:
  • Bachelor of Computer Science: 65%;
  • Honours: 70%.
• Prerequisites: both degrees list no assumed knowledge, and the degree pages list no prerequisites. First year includes a foundations in mathematics course.
• International curricula (standard / Honours):
  • IB: 26 / 28;
  • UK A-levels: 8 / 9 points (the degree pages do not explain the scale, so ask Admissions);
  • AP: 8 / 9; SAT 1130 / 1170; ACT 22 / 24.
• Selection: where there are more eligible applicants than places, offers are ranked on entry scores.

3. Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver)

• Listed standard: the Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) at 70% for the standard degree and 75% for Honours.
• BC: BC is not listed separately; the general rule is a secondary qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE). BC students should confirm the conversion before applying.

4. English requirements

• IELTS Academic: 6.5 overall with 6.0 in reading, listening, speaking and writing, for both degrees.
• Results must be from the two years before admission. Applicants who studied or worked in English need certified documentation from the institution or employer. Other accepted tests are listed on the degree pages.

5. Transfer students

• Entry routes: besides Year 12, a VET award at Certificate IV (AQF level 4) or higher. For university study, the standard degree asks for at least 6 months of full-time higher education study; the Honours page specifies at least 6 months of full-time study in an undergraduate diploma (AQF level 5) or higher.
• Credit: formal, informal and non-formal prior learning can be recognised; an online Credit Assessor gives an estimate.

6. Dates and process

• Intakes: February or July for both degrees.
• Deadlines: closing dates differ by degree and are shown on degree pages; the computer science pages do not list a 2027 date, so apply early.
• Fee: AUD 150 per application, non-refundable. Apply through an official education agent or the International Application System.

7. Fees and scholarships

• Tuition: the indicative 2027 annual fee is AUD 55,400 for both degrees, based on a full-time load, subject to annual change, plus non-tuition fees.
• Adelaide Merit Scholarship: 15% off tuition for the standard duration, awarded automatically at offer; secondary applicants need the equivalent of ATAR 75. Computer science is not on the excluded list. Recipients must keep a term GPA of 4.5 (out of 7).
• Adelaide Academic Excellence Scholarship: 50% off tuition, limited and competitive, requiring ATAR 99 or equivalent for undergraduates.

Checklist

Students at high schools in China:

• Gaokao 65% (standard) or 70% (Honours); or IB 26/28, AP 8/9
• IELTS 6.5 (6.0 each); AUD 150 application fee; February or July start

Students at Canadian high schools (including BC and Vancouver):

• The listed OSSD standard is 70% (standard) or 75% (Honours); BC students confirm the conversion

Transfer students:

• At least 6 months of full-time higher education, or Certificate IV or higher; use the online Credit Assessor

Sources: Adelaide University, Bachelor of Computer Science (international); Bachelor of Computer Science (Honours) (international); How to apply as an international student; University glossary (Foundation Universities); Adelaide Merit Scholarship (15%); Adelaide Academic Excellence Scholarship (50%). Information is for 2027 entry; fees are indicative annual fees. Check Adelaide University for the latest details.