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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 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
Completed one of the following professional courses:
Cisco Certified Networking Associate (CCNA)
Cisco Certified Networking Professional (CCNP)
Cisco Certified Internetwork Expert (CCIE)
CompTIA A+ Certification
Microsoft Certified Solutions Associate (MCSA)
Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE)
Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD)
Microsoft Certified Solutions Master (MCSM)
Red Hat Certified Engineer (RHCE)
VMware Certified Professional (VCP)
Essential requirements for admission
Prerequisites
None
Assumed Knowledge
None
English language entry requirements
In addition to meeting academic entry requirements, international students who speak English as a second or additional language must also meet the University's English language entry requirements.
The minimum language requirements for this program are:
English language test
IELTS total [6.0]
IELTS reading [6.0]
IELTS writing [6.0]
Please access the following link for a comprehensive list of English language tests accepted by UniSA and other important information in relation to meeting the University’s language requirements:
English Language Equivalence Table (PDF)
Study at SA’s number one university for graduate skills in I.T.1.
Enjoy excellent career prospects with the already high demand for software programming skills predicted to increase2.
Learn how large software systems are designed and created.
Benefit from contemporary curriculum informed by UniSA research in areas such as artificial intelligence, virtual and augmented reality and data analytics.
Learn from dedicated, highly experienced teaching staff including leading researchers and practitioners employed in industry.
Benefit from our well-established partnerships with industry offering significant opportunities for placements and industry projects.
Experience purpose-built teaching spaces designed to facilitate collaboration and work-integrated learning.
Learn using the latest industry software and technology.
Professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
Start now, decide later. Enjoy a common first-year across most IT degrees enabling you to switch between IT specialisations and receive credit for completed courses.
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Computing and Information Systems – Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
3Deloitte Access Economics, ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2021
Snapshot
It is predicted that by 2026 there will be nearly 300,000 more technology workers in the Australian workforce. The largest increase in employment is expected for software and applications programmers, with 65,200 workers expected to join the profession between 2020 and 2026¹.
The Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Development) will see you develop specialist expertise in the creation of computer software and applications, preparing you for a rewarding career in this high demand area of ICT. Proficient in programming and equipped to work in a diverse range of programming roles, graduates may find work in IT companies, freelance consulting and IT departments across the public and private sector.
You will learn to write code in several programming languages – Java, C++, Python, SQL, ASP.Net – and develop the skills needed to design, implement, evaluate and test new and existing software programs. You will also learn critical and industry relevant software development methodologies including Agile and SCRUM.
Professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society, you will enjoy a modern, practical approach to your IT education, with significant opportunities to apply the knowledge and skills learned in the classroom in real-world settings so that you graduate ready to meet the needs of industry.
Enjoy a common first-year across most IT degrees enabling you to switch between specialisations and receive credit for completed courses. This means if you change your mind about your IT specialisation after first-year, you can change programs and still complete your degree in 3 or 4 years full-time (depending on your degree length). 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.
1Deloitte Economics, Australia Digital Pulse 2021
What you'll learn
During your first year of study you will gain a solid foundation in networking, database development, programming fundamentals and systems requirements and design, before focusing on your software development specialty that will you see you studying:
Python, Java, Swift and SQL – highly sought-after skills in the Australian job market¹.
Agile and SCRUM methodologies
Data Structures
Design Patterns with C++
Cloud and Concurrent Programming
Web Technology
In your final year, you will put your skills into practice through our ICT Capstone Project. You may have the opportunity to work directly with an industry client, drawing on the technical expertise gained throughout your studies and applying professional skills – communication strategy, stakeholder relationship management, project management – in a real-world setting to produce and deliver an artefact for your client. This could include the application of new technologies, developing proof of concept solutions and analysing current business processes to identify areas for improvement.
You will enjoy access to dedicated learning hubs where you can connect and collaborate, giving you the full workplace and project experience.
1Deloitte Access Economics, ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2021
1. The University elective is a course from academic unit school or program within the University of South Australia that is freely chosen by students, subject to pre-requisite requirements and availability.
2. Enrolment in this course is required at least six weeks prior to the study period beginning so projects can be allocated to student groups.
3. STEM internship electives of either 15, 30, 45 or 60 days are available to students with Program Director approval.
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 practical, professionally-focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:
interactive studio exercises
industry relevant projects
hands-on practical activities
collaborative group projects
reports and project documentation
essays and assignments
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.
Why Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Development)
The Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Development) will see you graduate as an ICT professional with the expertise to pursue a career in the specialist area of computer software and applications development.
Throughout your program you will complete a unique series of collaborative, work-integrated courses, reinforcing the concepts learnt in the classroom in a supportive practice environment. Soft, non-technical skills are also integrated into your learning to develop the qualities highly valued and sought after by industry. Topics include design thinking, system requirements, system design, agile development, and project management.
In your final year you may have the opportunity to work directly with an industry client – from brief through to project delivery – with our ICT Capstone Project. This allows you to demonstrate your ability to deliver work to industry standard, and to the satisfaction of a client.
Most of our IT undergraduate 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 IT program and receive credit for the courses completed. Start now, decide later.
Real-world connections
With more than 200 industry contacts, you will have numerous opportunities to gain real-world experience through projects and placements with organisations such as Adelaide Football Club, Services Australia, SAAB, DST, Forensic Science SA, Top Chop Games and Maptek.
UniSA is also home to several research centres and concentrations, including:
All have world renowned links and associations that provide a dynamic teaching and research base for our students.
You will benefit from our culture of innovation and startup community. We’re helping IT entrepreneurs and innovators turn their ideas into startup enterprises with a bright future. Through the Innovation and Collaboration Centre (ICC), the University’s startup incubator, you have access to programs (such as Venture Catalyst), services and expertise including:
Workshops
One-on-one mentoring
Office space for startups and entrepreneurs
Access to a global pool of expert advisers
Small funding stipends
Events to kick-start ideas and competitions like hackathons
Explore our purpose-built IT facilities at the UniSA Mawson Lakes campus.
Career outcomes
Your career
The number of technology workers in Australia is expected to pass 1 million in 2024. By 2026, it is predicted there will be nearly 300,000 more technology workers in the Australian workforce – an average annual growth rate of 5.4%. And software programming skills are in particularly high demand¹.
There are strong employment prospects for suitably qualified ICT professionals.
Graduates of this degree may wish to consider the following career options:
Software Developer: working in a diverse range of programming roles designing, coding, testing and debugging software applications; interpreting customer requirements into a code solution; working with a team to research, design, and implement a software solution; working with others to extend existing software functionality; producing standalone software solutions for a client; producing a solution that contributes to a large software system.
Analyst Programmer: working in support of achieving business objectives, analysing system needs and providing technology-based solutions, including the development of software, processes, procedures and documentation.
Cloud Developer: designing cloud-based solutions to achieve business objectives and strategies; responsible for managing cloud services and solutions; developing applications for a variety of devices and virtual infrastructure.
Web Developer: designing, developing, testing and debuging dynamic websites in order to meet client requirements.
SCRUM Developer: working in a scrum team developing quality software artefacts in a diverse range of contexts.
Front / back-end Developer: working across both the front-end and back-end of technology (languages and frameworks) to design, develop, test and debug dynamic websites in order to meet client requirements.
Career progression may see you take on roles such as:
Team Leader
Software / Solution Architect
Integration Specialist
IT Consultant
1Deloitte Access Economics, ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2021
Professional accreditation and recognition
This program is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
Industry facts
Professionals in Technology are expected to represent 8.5 per cent of the Australian workforce by 2027, which by far outpaces employment growth in the broader economy
(Australia Digital Pulse 2022)
Software and Applications Programmers are expected to grow very strongly by 27 per cent (or 42,200 jobs) by 2026
(Labour Market Insights 2022)
How to apply
How to apply for international students will give you helpful information about the application process at the University of South Australia. When you are ready, apply through our International Application System. If you would like to talk to someone near you about studying at the University of South Australia, we have agents all over the world who can assist you. Find an Education Agent in your country.
Alternative Pathways
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:
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.
As a UniSA student, you will have unique access to work placement opportunities, overseas study tours and exchanges, networking events, internships, guest speakers and more.
Our campuses are equipped with state-of-the-art facilities including modern lecture theatres, libraries, workshops and laboratories, as well as spaces that simulate real work environments. These are all supported by the latest technologies and a 24/7 online learning platform. We have health services on campus, gymnasiums, technology zones and great student lounges. You will also gain access to a range of community clinics, which provide professional and cost effective services in areas of health, business, law and psychology. 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 lots 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 international 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:
We also offer study support from our Learning Advisers face-to-face or online. They are here to help you develop academically and professionally during your studies, and can offer help with the English language too. 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
UniSA is ranked Number 1 in SA for campus facilities in IT¹.
During your studies you will have access to purpose-built learning spaces such as:
Game Development Lab
Software Development Lab
Network and Cyber Security Labs
IT Project Space
IT Development Studio
Mac Lab
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2019-20 – Computing and Information Systems – Learning Resources Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
There are a number of ways to apply to study UniSA's undergraduate and postgraduate coursework degrees.
You can access our online International Application System through our How to Apply page. The International Application System is an easy and secure online application and acceptance process. You will have visibility of your application through the secure online portal with the ability to download offer documents, submit your acceptance and make a payment.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC http://www.satac.edu.au/.
If you are applying for the UniSA Study Abroad or Study Abroad Plus program, you can submit your application online here.
Postgraduate study by research For information on applying to do postgraduate study by research, including Masters by Research, PhDs or Doctorates, please visit http://unisa.edu.au/resdegrees.
There is no closing date for submitting your application however the admissions process takes between one and three weeks from the date that we receive your application and all required supporting documentation.
If you are completing an Australian year 12 qualification in Australia or overseas, or the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme in Australia, you must apply through SATAC. Key dates for applications can be found here.
You may be eligible to receive credit or advanced standing for your chosen UniSA degree based on your previous studies, if they are in a related area at an equivalent or higher level. Receiving credit will reduce the number of courses you undertake within the degree, and may also reduce the overall duration of your degree.
The amount of credit you may be eligible to receive is assessed on a case-by-case basis by the Admissions team.
The best way to determine your eligibility to receive credit or advanced standing is to apply using our International Application System which can be found on our How to Apply page. You will need to supply detailed syllabus documents with your application.
UniSA welcomes the opportunity to speak with you regarding your study options. Our staff are able to talk to you about degree information, career outcomes and pathways, entry requirements, applications, and student life, so that you are able to make the best study decision for your future.
Click here to book a 1:1 appointment with one of our enquiries team.
We also have many events throughout the year in Australia and overseas where you can speak with UniSA representatives about your area of interest. View our calendar of events in your home country by selecting the 'International' filter.
An IT, engineering and the environment student of tomorrow is someone with a burning sense of curiosity, a desire to tinker with every little bit of the world around them, and a drive to make the very best out of whatever life throws at them.
Jacques Fourie
Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Development)
Jacques Fourie
Bachelor of Information Technology (Software Development)
Fees This is based on the total number of units for this program where one EFTSL is expressed as 36 units.
*UniSA accepts applications for programs commencing beyond the year advertised and tuition fees for these years will be higher. Please note that your tuition fees will be subject to an annual increase.
