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Entry Scores
2025 Guaranteed Entry
Year 12 (ATAR-based): 72.00
Year 12 (Grades-based): B,B,B
TAFE/RTO: DIP
View Guaranteed Entry Info
2024 Cut-Offs
Year 12 (ATAR-based):
- Internal: 72.00
TAFE/RTO: Cert IV
View full entry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission criteria
The admission criteria have been grouped to assist you to easily find the information most relevant to your circumstances. However, you may fit into more than one and the university will consider applicants against each of the relevant criteria.
Applicants are required to meet one of the following criteria with a competitive result, and demonstrate that they fulfil any prerequisite requirements and essential requirements for admission:
Recent secondary education
Meet any prerequisite requirements with a minimum grade of C- or equivalent
AND
Qualify for the South Australian Certificate of Education (SACE), and achieved a competitive Selection Rank (ATAR), or
Complete secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE, or
Complete the International Baccalaureate Diploma with a minimum score of 24 points
Applicants who have not achieved the Selection Rank required for automatic selection may be selected for any remaining places based on the grades of their year 12 subjects.
Conduct an industry-related major project and other in-class design project that models industry practice.
Learn in specialist, industry-standard facilities, and use high-tech testing and computer modelling equipment.
Start now, decide later. Flexible entry pathways and common first-year across all Engineering Honours programs so you can change your specialisation based on your interests.
Go on an overseas study exchange and choose from over 25 countries and more than 60 universities worldwide.
Access a new pathway option to complete the required mathematical prerequisite if required.
1Graduate Destinations Survey 2007-2015 and Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016-2022 (Domestic Undergraduate Full-time Employment Indicator for SA public universities).
Snapshot
Civil engineers give us the infrastructure that supports our lives. They design, construct and maintain our bridges, airports, roads, railways, water and waste supply.
Professionally accredited by Engineers Australia, this degree is strongly hands-on, with significant opportunities to apply engineering theory to real-world challenges. In your final year, you’ll complete a major honours research project as well as an industry-focused design project.
Throughout your degree you’ll learn and develop your skills in specialist, industry-standard facilities. We have the largest strong floor in the southern hemisphere and a 1200m long hydraulic testing facility. You’ll also learn to use high-tech testing and computer modelling software and equipment.
Through the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program you’ll gain at least 450 hours of skills and competencies to ensure you are graduate career ready. You will have access to a range of engagement activities such as placements, internships, guest lectures, industry panels, site visits, events and networking opportunities. Hear more about the benefits of the UniSA Industry experience from graduates William, Franke and Teresa here.
Enjoy a common first-year across most Engineering degrees enabling you to switch between specialisations and receive credit for completed courses. This means if you change your mind about your Engineering specialisation after first-year, you can change programs and still complete your degree in 4 years full-time. Start now, decide later.
On-campus teaching for this program is based at the Mawson Lakes campus. Only 20 minutes from the city centre with easy parking. The Mawson Lakes campus is also accessible by bus and train with the Mawson Lakes train station only a short walk.
New Pathway options for Engineering
If you haven’t completed SACE Stage 2 Mathematical Methods and want to study engineering, consider our Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Flexible Entry). You’ll study first year courses, and catch up on the required prerequisite, before transferring into your preferred engineering specialisation with up to one year of credit.
What you'll learn
In your first year, you will develop a strong, general foundation in engineering before moving into civil engineering in second year. In third year, you will have the option to specialise in civil, structural or construction management.
At least half of your final year will involve a major honours project. Projects are generally supported by industry clients or based in a research area like the Sustainable Infrastructure and Resource Management concentration.
You will also undertake the Engineering Capstone Experience course with other engineering students. This course will see you complete real projects provided by industry, with industrial representatives acting as your clients. You will work through the real-life stages of a project from developing a tender through to feasibility, concept development and detailed design. See examples of student projects: Project 1 and Project 2.
You can gain an extra qualification and broaden your career prospects by completing a Diploma in Languages.
1. Engineers Australia (EA) requires students to achieve at least 450 hours/60 days full-time equivalent (FTE) of discipline and/or industry related skills and competencies prior to graduation. At UniSA, students must complete the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program (PPP) to gain these hours through a range of professional engagement activities such as placements, internships, guest lectures, industry panels, site visits, networking, and industry events. Please contact STEM.placements@unisa.edu.au for more information.
2. Upon completion of the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program (PPP) students will be invited to enrol in this course and complete the required assessment. Students will not be eligible to graduate until they have obtained a non-graded pass (NGP) for this course.
Notes
1. Not all electives will be offered every year. Other options not listed here may only be taken with the prior agreement of the Program Director.
2. To enrol in a course with a catalogue number starting with 5 (e.g. CIVE 5xxx), students need to apply for a career permission override via myEnrolment and gain approval first.
3. Students must undertake a final year project. This can be completed as an on-campus research project or with Program Director's approval as an industry project at a workplace. Contact the Program Director for more information.
4. Students must complete at least 36 units with honours level outcomes. This course may contribute towards the final honours grade for the program.
5. NASC 4022 cannot be used towards honours calculation. This course is subject to availability and students may be required to obtain their own Internship opportunity.
Study hours
For each course you study, you will need to allocate time for various classes such as lectures, tutorials, workshops, seminars and practicals. Plus you will need additional hours to study in your own time to complete assignments, readings and projects, as well as to contribute to online discussion forums (independent study). So as a general rule, if you are studying full-time you would need to allocate 12–26 hours of study when at university and 14–28 hours of independent study per week.
Assessment
Your studies at UniSA will incorporate both practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
reports, project documentation, case studies and presentations
essays and assignments
examinations
industry-relevant, research-based projects
practical, team-based projects
Global opportunities
Enrich your studies and your life – make overseas study part of your qualification. You may have the option to undertake an exchange, short-term program or study tour overseas while you study. We have links with universities worldwide, as well as a range of travel grants available to make going overseas much more accessible.
You can choose short-term or semester-long study from a range of universities and countries depending on your area of study and cultural interests.
This is a four-year, professional degree with honours. The honours component includes a minimum of one year of advanced studies in research and professional practice. You will receive First Class, Second Class or Third Class Honours, depending on your performance.
You will graduate with industry experience and connections, and a higher-level qualification than a bachelor degree. Your honours year is designed to prepare you for future leadership roles in civil engineering.
Why Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil)
Our civil engineering degrees have been designed with flexibility in mind.
This degree will see you learn to develop critical infrastructure such as bridges, buildings, airports, roads, railways and water systems. You will become equipped to work creatively and sustainably in the design, construction and maintenance of critical infrastructure and will get hands-on experience and knowledge in areas such as:
road design and traffic management
surveying and spatial sciences
soil mechanics
hydraulics and hydrology
geotechnical engineering
structural engineering
All of our Engineering Honours programs share a common first-year, so choosing this degree offers ultimate flexibility. Should you wish to pursue a different specialty after completing your first-year, you can switch to an alternative Engineering program and receive credit for the courses completed. Start now, decide later.
4+1 Pathway to Masters
Are you interested in gaining a postgraduate degree with just one extra year of study? You can package the Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Civil and Structural) with the Master of Engineering (Civil and Infrastructure) or the Master of Engineering (Engineering Management) with our Fast-track to Masters programs. This unique offering allows you develop advanced expertise and broaden your career opportunities. You will graduate in just five years, instead of the typical six.
Real-world connections
UniSA collaborates with over 2,500 companies worldwide to ensure our degrees remain relevant and connected to industry. As part of all engineering degrees UniSA students participate in our UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program.
The UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program gives you the opportunity to gain hands on experience and create industry connections. In-industry work placements and internships enhance the employability skills of our graduates. Many of our graduates have been employed through work placements or internships, going on to work on major projects such as the $350 million redevelopment of the Adelaide Oval.
UniSA is number one in South Australia for graduate careers and student satisfaction1 and we’re one of Australia's leading universities for Engineering research2. Our leading researchers will be your teachers and everything you learn will be supported by our research excellence. We also host regular University-wide career expos and employment forums through our Career Service, as well as alumni events in Australia and overseas.
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2020-22 – Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 2UniSA’s Engineering research rated well above world-class – 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Engineers Australia accreditation
Graduate career ready by completing the Professional Practice Program as part of your degree. You will gain at least 450 hours of skills and competencies through a range of engagement activities such as placements, internships, guest lectures, industry panels, site visits, networking and events.
This program is accredited by Engineers Australia and students are eligible to join as a member during their studies. Engineers Australia is part of the Washington Accord, making members eligible for membership with comparable institutions worldwide.
Study Engineering at UniSA
Explore our purpose-built civil engineering facilities at the UniSA Mawson Lakes campus.
Career outcomes
Your career
For civil engineers in Australia, employment growth of 15.2 per cent is expected by November 20251. Careers to consider:
civil engineer: responsible for the design, construction and testing of physical infrastructure; assesses the impact of large-scale projects on the environment
geotechnical engineer: advising on ways to guard and maintain structures such as soil and rock formations and groundwater deposits; planning and developing building and construction projects; advising on tools, methods and materials for construction in an area
water resources engineer: involved in providing clean water, the disposal of wastewater and sewage, and preventing flood damage; responsible for the construction and maintenance of new equipment for managing water resources
environmental engineer: protecting the environment by assessing the impact a project has on the air, water, soil and noise levels in its vicinity
Explore a range of engineering and construction careers here.
This program is professionally accredited by Engineers Australia and is designed to meet the requirements for graduate membership of Engineers Australia and comparable international institutions.
Industry facts
There is strong predicted future growth for Civil Engineering Professionals
(Labour Market Insights 2022)
Employment for Civil Engineering Professionals is projected to increase by 13.4 per cent (or 8,700 jobs) by 2026
(Labour Market Insights 2022)
There is currently a skills shortage of experienced engineers in Australia
(Engineers Australia 2022)
Thinking of studying soon?
2025
Ready to start your studies in 2025? You can apply to the University of Adelaide or UniSA now before continuing on to the new Adelaide University in 2026.
When the time comes to transfer, we’ll be here at every step, ensuring you’re well supported with personalised advice and a detailed study plan.
2026
Planning to start your studies in 2026? You can apply to Adelaide University directly.
Applications are currently open for international students and will open for Australian students in August 2025.
Just starting out on your university journey, don’t meet the entry requirements for your chosen degree, or want to refresh your study skills? Set yourself up for success and pave the way to a degree with UniStart, UniSA Online’s six-month pathway program launching in 2025.
This degree is available for deferment. This option is made available by responding to your offer during the application process via the SATAC website. Applicants who receive an offer into a midyear degree are eligible to defer for six months.
Scholarships
Every year, over 2,500 UniSA students are supported in their studies through scholarships and grants worth millions of dollars. Check out the scholarships below. One of them may be perfect for you. Visit our scholarships page for more.
Explore a range of 100% online degrees designed specifically for online learning. With the flexibility to study when and where it suits you, there’s no need to hit pause on work or family commitments.
Our campuses are home to fantastic facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. But you’ll also discover that your journey at UniSA is about social experiences, healthy living and getting involved. You’ll find student sports and fitness facilities, community clinics, tech zones and chill-out spaces. There are campus sport activities to keep you active, and if you are keen to explore the social side of university life, there are movies, cooking demonstrations, parties and loads more.
Adelaide also has a variety of accommodation options to suit different requirements and budgets. Options include dedicated student accommodation and private rentals. See our long-term accommodation pages, or explore our student accommodation by Scape on Bank Street in Adelaide’s lively cultural precinct, an ideal location for students. It is within easy reach of UniSA’s city and metropolitan campuses, Rundle Mall shopping, the Central Market, Chinatown, and the West End’s vibrant nightlife. It is also across the road from the Adelaide train station, and on bus and tram routes.
Student services
Our student services provide you with all the support you need at university. We want you to succeed, and if you need help, we're here to assist. You can access a full range of support services, including:
academic counselling
personal counselling
social support services, including family support and nearby childcare
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
career services and mentoring
Wirringka Student Services, offering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students a supportive place to study
When you become a UniSA student, you can also contact Campus Central for help with anything related to your degree. They will help you with your enrolment, ID cards, fees, timetables and more.
24/7 digital environment
Our learnonline facilities include a personal learning environment with virtual classrooms, lecture recordings, emails, learning support, administration, library access and results. The environment is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so you can tailor your learning to your life. We are continually investing in innovative digital technologies for a high-quality student learning experience.
Your campus
We have six campuses in metropolitan and regional areas, each with modern facilities including lecture theatres, libraries and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments.
This degree is delivered at the following campus.
Your study spaces
You will have access to the latest industry technology and tools in our engineering spaces.
Experience One Studio: a unique first year engineering space with open studio, small group and learning spaces. There are also chill out areas.
Engineering Experience Studio: the studio for second and third year students.
Experiential Learning Space: a collaborative, innovation space. Final year students, postgraduate and research students, leading researchers and industry partners work side-by-side, in a flexible, open and creative environment.
Industry-standard facilities: the largest strong floor in the southern hemisphere and a 1,200 metre long hydraulic testing facility.
Engineering Mechatronics Lab: a laboratory to explore robotics, machine tool control, and automated guided vehicles.
Your program director
Dr Sithara Walpita Gamage is the Program Director for Civil Engineering at UniSA. She has contributed to UniSA engineering education for over 10 years, during which time she has undertaken roles as a lecturer, course coordinator, curriculum developer and student supervisor. Sithara has promoted innovation in student-centred learning and has conducted workshops promoting the use of digital technologies in teaching. She also has a background in Water Engineering with a focus on surface water hydrology. Teaching is her passion and she is committed to pass on her knowledge and experience to inspire the next generation.
The way you apply for UniSA will depend on the undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degree you're interested in studying.
The majority of applications are made via the South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre (SATAC). Check out more information on the SATAC website and follow the appropriate process for your degree of interest.
There are a small number of degrees that you need to apply for through direct application processes. The process you need to follow will be listed on the 'How to Apply' section of the degree homepage, but you'll also be taken to where you need to go if you hit the 'apply' button.
If you are interested in studying one of our 100% online degrees you'll need to apply directly to UniSA Online.
You can find more information about the application processes for UniSA on our How to Apply webpage.
If you're more interested in applying for a postgraduate degree by research, check out and follow the information in our step by step guide to applying.
Applications for all degrees will close ahead of study commencing, but the timelines may vary for undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.
Undergraduate
The deadline to apply to study a degree at UniSA for semester one (commencing late February) and be guaranteed equal consideration is generally in very late November or early December. While you may be able to apply after this date, you are not guaranteed to be considered equally with other applicants and your application may not be assessed in time for the main round of offers. More competitive degrees may not make any offers after the main offer round. Find more information on the Key Dates section of the SATAC website, but you can also call the Future Student Enquiries team for more information on 08 8302 376.
Postgraduate
Many postgraduate by coursework degrees do not have set closing dates. The exceptions are highly competitive degrees, so it is best to check – either on the degree homepage on the SATAC website or by checking with our Future Student Enquiries team.
As most postgraduate applications are assessed as they are submitted and offers are continuous, there are no set closing dates for applications. Degrees can be filled and closed with little notice so it is best to apply as soon as possible to avoid missing out on a place. For more information, please contact our Future Student Enquires team on (08) 8302 2376 or submit an enquiry.
You may be eligible for credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area and completed within a certain timeframe. Receiving credit or RPL will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree. You can read more about our pre-existing credit agreements through our online Credit Assessor. If you have related industry experience, you may also be eligible to receive recognised prior learning (RPL) for this experience. Credit and RPL is assessed by the Program Director once you've received an offer, and you apply through UniSA's current student experts, Campus Central.
Future Student Enquiries welcomes the opportunity to meet with you to discuss your study options at UniSA. We can discuss degree information, entry requirements and pathways, applications, general career outcomes and student life, so you have the information to make the best study decision for your future. Head to our Book an Appointment webpage to find a date and time to speak with us, and take your next steps on journey to university study.
My degree was very practical, which has been useful in my career. You’re provided the foundation needed to become an engineer and once you’re working, everything makes sense as you can apply your skills to real situations. You can go anywhere with civil engineering because it’s such a broad area of practice, it’s really unlimiting.
Cindy Oliver
Civil Engineering
Principal Engineer | Greenhill Engineers
Cindy Oliver
Civil Engineering
Principal Engineer | Greenhill Engineers
Hear from a UniSA graduate
Hear from Amelia Rosella, a UniSA civil engineering and construction management graduate, about how her degree helped her get to where she is today.
Entry Scores The rules and values that specify the level of attainment required to qualify for consideration for admission to UniSA. Below ATAR-based represents your Selection Rank (ATAR plus any adjustment factors.)
