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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.
OR
Higher education study
Complete or partly complete a recognised higher education program at a recognised higher education institution, or
Complete at least four Open Universities Australia (OUA) courses at undergraduate level or above, or
Complete the Associate Degree in Engineering at the University of South Australia
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
Complete an award from a registered training organisation at Certificate IV or above
OR
Work and life experience
Qualify for Special Entry, or
Complete a 12-month UniSA Foundation Studies program or equivalent, or
Hold completed secondary qualifications equivalent to SACE obtained more than 2 years in the past
Fast-track your career and complete a master degree in just one year instead of two.
Discover the latest in machinery design, advanced materials, manufacturing technologies and sustainable energy systems and learn to engineer solutions to everyday challenges.
Build and design solutions that use contemporary mechanical engineering industry tools and advanced technologies.
Extend your skills into the specialised field of engineering management focusing on operation management, resource planning, supply chain and project management.
Benefit from a program of study that is informed by our well above world-class research in engineering1.
Study at SA’s No. 1 university for graduate careers 16 years running2.
Gain real-world experience through the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program involving 450+ hours of placements, internships, site visits and networking events.
Complete a thesis or research project in your area of interest with opportunities to work on an industry-related project.
Professionally accredited by Engineers Australia (EA)3, graduates are eligible for membership with EA and comparable international institutions.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
2Graduate Destinations Survey 2007-2015 and Graduate Outcomes Survey 2016-2022 (Domestic Undergraduate Full-time Employment Indicator for SA public universities).
3Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical)
Snapshot
This fast-tracked program of study offers an accelerated pathway to a master level qualification that provides you with an advanced level of knowledge in the specialised field of engineering management.
Mechanical engineering is a diverse field that can be applied right across numerous industries – from robotics and automation, to manufacturing, defence technology, aerospace, mining, construction and energy.
You will learn to engineer solutions to everyday challenges, discovering the latest in machinery design, advanced materials, manufacturing technologies and sustainable energy systems.
As a mechanical engineering student, you will have access to industry standard facilities, with UniSA ranked No. 1 in SA for engineering facilities1. Facilities include the Mechatronics Lab, Experience One Studio and Experiential Learning Suite.
By combining your undergraduate studies in mechanical engineering, with a Master of Engineering (Engineering Management) you will further develop your skills to include managing the operations of an engineering organisation.
Our connections with industry will see you gain at least 450 hours of skills and competencies through the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program, including placements, internships, guest lectures, industry panels, site visits and networking events. Hear more about the benefits of the UniSA Industry experience from graduates William, Franke and Teresa here.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2020-21, Learning Resources Indicator (Postgraduate). SA public universities.
What you'll learn
Your undergraduate degree has a strong focus on real solutions for real-world engineering problems, you will study:
dynamics and controls
fluid mechanics and thermodynamics
mechanical system design and digital prototyping
advanced materials and renewable energy technology
You can also choose from a second major in Mechanical Design, Engineering Management or Energy Systems.
A significant portion of your honours year will then involve a major project, where you will take the lead as an engineer in a project environment, working with industry, a government organisation, or an academic research area. You will also have internship opportunities in the final year of your undergraduate degree.
Progressing through to your postgraduate studies you will learn about the strategic management of engineering operations as they relate to managing an engineering organisation. You can study topics such as:
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 for the course. Students will not be eligible to graduate until they have obtained a Non-Graded Pass (NGP) for this course.
3. At least one of the Discipline Elective courses students enrol in during the final year must have a catalogue number starting with 4 (e.g. MENG 4XXX) or 5 (e.g. MFET 5XXX).
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.
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 mechanical design, advanced manufacturing and applied mechatronics.
Why Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical) (Pathway to Master of Engineering (Engineering Management))
This fast-track to master program enables you to commence a Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) (Mechanical) and secure a place in the Master of Engineering (Engineering Management) to be completed in five years of study instead of the typical six years, with the program granting you one year of advanced standing.
Professionally accredited by Engineers Australia, your undergraduate degree will see you learning in industry-standard facilities, applying engineering theory to real-world challenges. You will also enjoy significant opportunities to apply your knowledge and skills through the 450+ hours of the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program.
Progression to the master degree will see your learning supported by world-class engineering research, with UniSA rated well above world-class for research in engineering1, and strong theoretical teaching integrated with experienced-based learning. The program provides engineering management skills for future leaders in the industrial engineering sectors, equipping you with the skills and knowledge needed to strive in the ever-competitive global market.
12018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Real-world connections
UniSA collaborates with over 2,500 companies worldwide to ensure our degrees remain relevant and connected to industry. All undergraduate engineering students at UniSA participate in the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program, giving you the opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience and make industry connections.
Industry work placements and internships enhance the employability skills of our graduates, with many gaining employment through work placements or internships.
Overall, engineering vacancies have increased by 22 per cent in 2022 and shows engineering as one the strongest professions in demand in Australia1.
Careers to consider:
mechanical engineer: developing products from small parts to large plant, machinery or vehicles; can work on all stages of a product such as research, development, design, manufacture and installation
production engineer: working to eliminate wastefulness in production processes; develops systems, facilities and equipment that increase efficiency, reduce costs and improve quality and safety
mechanical engineering supervisor: overseeing the design of mechanical equipment, industrial processes and robotics; supervising the production, operation, repair and maintenance of equipment; managing staff, resources and work processes
hydraulics engineer: focusing on fluid mechanics – the motion, control and storage of water and sewage; designs and develops structures and facilities, such as canals, rivers, dams, reservoirs and water treatment plants; works on large scale issues such as power generation, flood control and access to drinking water
mechanical designer: creating machines, products, and new technologies; using computer aided design software (CAD) and tools; understanding of drafting practices and standards relevant to their industry and products
With the combination of the Bachelor and Masters program there are additional career options, with employment opportunities in engineering consulting firms, construction companies, and local, state and federal government. You could consider:
energy manager: monitoring and reducing energy usage; understanding where and how energy is used; highlight energy reduction across business, projects and work sites
engineering operations manager: supervising and leading teams of engineers, scientists and technicians who work on projects; overseeing production and quality control; directing operations, testing and maintenance; planning and scheduling, client consulting, budgetary responsibilities
quality assurance manager: working with management and staff to establish procedures and quality standards and to monitor these against agreed targets; writing management and technical reports; determining training needs; promoting change and improvement in performance and quality
business development engineer: developing and maintain excellent client relationships; working with new and existing clients to create new business and identify new markets; proposing business ventures, providing project details, writing business proposals, meeting business revenue targets
You could also continue with a PhD through one of our dynamic research concentrations.
1Engineers Australia: Australian Engineering Employment Vacancies, February 2023
Industry facts
There is strong future demand for Design, Engineering, Science and Transport Professionals in Australia
(National Skills Commission 2021)
Employment for Industrial, Mechanical and Production Engineers in Australia is projected to increase by 5.5 per cent (or 1,500 jobs) by 2026
(National Skills Commission 2021)
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.
go to the top of this page and make note of the SATAC code, then click Apply
you will be redirected through to the SATAC website to continue your application
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 program director
I work on a number of consultancy and research projects in resource-efficient product and service innovation, sustainable industry and community transformation, and low-carbon urban precincts. I am particularly dedicated to incorporating social, economic, and environmental perspectives into tertiary engineering education to achieve sustainability in engineering practice.
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.
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.)
