Study Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students.

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Entry requirements Degree overview Career outcomes How to apply Study experience

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You're considered an International student if you are:

NOT an Australian or New Zealand citizen
NOT an Australian Permanent Resident (including Permanent Humanitarian Visa holders)

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International students

Start date
February
July

Campus
City East

Duration
4 year(s) full-time

Mode
On-campus

Program Code
IBXN

Prerequisites
None

Assumed Knowledge
None

Fees
AUD$ 40,900 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025

Admissions
Student Profile

English Language Requirements

IELTS total [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.5]
IELTS writing [6.5]
IELTS speaking [6.5]
IELTS listening [6.5]

Equivalent English qualifications (PDF)

International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements

CRICOS Code
094936G

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.

Certain conditions apply. For more information refer to Appendix 4 of the University's Selection and Entry policy.

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

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 [6.5]
IELTS reading [6.5]
IELTS writing [6.5]
IELTS speaking [6.5]
IELTS listening [6.5]

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)

Admission Requirements by Country

Bangladesh HSC	5
Canada High School (OSSD)	85
Eynesbury FSP	410
German Abitur	2.5
Kenya KCSE (average)	A
Malaysia STPM (best 3)	12
Malaysia UEC	22
Norway GPA	5
Pakistan HSSC	90
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3)	12
Sweden GPA	17.5
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board	12
Vietnam	9.5
Australia	90
IB (best 6)	33
USA SAT (1600)	1420
India (best 4) State Board	90
India (best 4) Central Board	80
HKDSE	19
Nepal NEB	3.21

View full entry requirements Hide full entry requirements

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Students commencing in July will follow an alternate degree structure to accommodate starting in Second Semester.

Degree overview

Combine your passion for health and exercise with nutrition, and graduate with two highly complementary qualifications with only one extra year of study.
Study South Australia’s first fully accredited exercise and sport science degree by Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA).
Become an expert in the impact of exercise and nutrition on the biological, psychological and social aspects of human performance and wellbeing.
Study at a university ranked 35th in the world for sports science.¹
Choose South Australia’s No.1 university for graduate careers.²
Benefit from UniSA’s expansive industry partnerships when you complete 140 hours of industry placement across sporting clubs, gyms and fitness centres, schools and more.
Learn from expert academics and world-class researchers, including Australia’s leading exercise scientists and nutrition experts.
Access dedicated facilities designed for exercise testing and performance analysis, as well as a nutrition hub.
Learn from a university with well above world-class research in exercise and sport science, as well as nutrition and dietetics.³
UniSA is an unstoppable university for unstoppable people. As one of the World’s Top Young Universities,⁴ we’ll ensure you get the experience your future profession demands so it’ll feel like you’re studying one minute and in a career the next.

¹2021 Shanghai Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.²ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. ³2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). ⁴Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.

Snapshot

Exercise and sport science students using the High Performance Centre Start your unstoppable career in the world of human health and wellbeing with a double degree in exercise and sport science, combined with nutrition and food science.

Studying exercise and sport science will equip you with expertise on the impact of exercise and physical activity on the biological, physiological, psychological and social aspects of human life. Your additional study in nutrition and food sciences will give you hands-on experience in promoting and managing diets and lifestyles, conducting meaningful research for enhanced wellbeing, and developing innovative foods.

As two complimentary areas of health, your career opportunities are diverse. You could be at the forefront of innovation in the food and nutrition industries, with opportunities to go into scientific and advisory roles. You could also design, deliver and assess exercise and physical activity programs to improve the health and wellbeing of clients, their performance, or to reduce risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Further study opportunities may include a Master of Research (Health Sciences) or Master of Health Services Management.

What you'll need

Students who undertake activities where interaction with patients/the public is required for their degree, such as field or clinical placements/visits and in University clinics and gyms, must demonstrate they meet mandatory pre-placement conditional requirements. These include criminal history clearance, a Working with Children Check and immunisation requirements.

Please visit the Clinical Placement Unit for information on key requirements, and to access the full student checklists.

What you'll learn

Through theoretical and practical learning, you’ll become an expert in all aspects of exercise and sport science, and graduate with the skills needed to design, implement and evaluate exercise and physical activity programs.

The exercise and sport science component prepares you to provide exercise advice, deliver strength and conditioning services, biomechanical analyses, and skill acquisition knowledge to enhance the physical and mental wellbeing of generally healthy individuals, ranging from children to elite athletes to older persons.

The nutrition and food sciences component will teach you to understand diets and lifestyles for optimum health and the associations between nutrient intake, energy output and physical health and performance. You’ll also learn how to manage and improve nutrition and diet related to physical activity and lifestyle changes, and how to maximise physical performance for healthy, active people.

During the first two years you’ll learn about nutrition and study exercise and sport science courses, which will give you a solid foundation in:

human anatomy and physiology
fundamental movement skills
skill acquisition
chemistry and biology

The third and fourth years have a strong practical focus. You'll develop critical thinking and practice-based skills through learning about:

exercise prescription and delivery
relationship between food bioactives, functional foods and medicines
developing personalised dietary and exercise plans to manage weight
nutrition for sports, exercise and activity

Degree structure

Course name	Area and cat no.	Units
FIRST YEAR
First Semester (Study Periods 1, 2 or 3)
Physical Activity and Health	HLTH 1044	4.5
Physiology Essentials 100	BIOL 1051	4.5
Foundations in Human Movement, Exercise and Sports Science	HLTH 1039	4.5
OR
Introduction to Nutrition and Food Sciences 1	BIOL 1041	4.5
Chemistry 100	CHEM 1006	4.5
Second Semester (Study Periods 4, 5 or 6)
Group and Team Leadership	HLTH 1017	4.5
Motor Development and Ageing	HLTH 1065	4.5
Introduction to Evidence Based Practice and Research in Health Sciences	HLTH 1049	4.5
OR
Quantitative Methods in Health	MATH 1065	4.5
Chemistry of Food	FOSC 2002	4.5
SECOND YEAR
First Semester (Study Periods 1, 2 or 3)
Exercise Physiology 1	HLTH 2006	4.5
Human Nutrition	HLTH 2001	4.5
Human Anatomy 100	HLTH 1020	4.5
Biology A	BIOL 1007	4.5
Second Semester (Study Periods 4, 5 or 6)
Exercise Physiology 2	HLTH 2005	4.5
Functional Anatomy	HLTH 1045	4.5
Food Innovation and Culinary Nutrition	FOSC 2007	4.5
Sensory and Consumer Evaluation of Foods	FOSC 2004	4.5
THIRD YEAR
First Semester (Study Periods 1, 2 or 3)
Motor Control and Learning	HLTH 2026	4.5
Exercise Prescription and Delivery 1	HLTH 2027	4.5
Biochemistry	BIOL 2014	4.5
Microbiology	BIOL 2051	4.5
Second Semester (Study Periods 4, 5 or 6)
Biomechanics of Human Movement	HLTH 2025	4.5
Exercise Prescription and Delivery 2	HLTH 3011	4.5
Health, Exercise and Sport Psychology	HLTH 3014	4.5
Lifespan Physiology	BIOL 2052	4.5
FOURTH YEAR
First Semester (Study Periods 1, 2 or 3)
Exercise and Sport Science Project Design	HLTH 3053	4.5
Communication in Nutrition and Food Sciences	FOSC 3014	4.5
Nutrition, Exercise and Weight Management	HLTH 3001	4.5
Professional Practice in Exercise Science	HLTH 3054	4.5
Second Semester (Study Periods 4, 5 or 6)
Sociology of Health, Physical Activity and Sport	HLTH 3055	4.5
Food Safety and Regulation	FOSC 2006	4.5
Sports Nutrition	HLTH 3002	4.5
Biochemistry of Human Metabolism	BIOL 3035	4.5

Rules & notes

Rules

1. To undertake field/clinical placements students are required to have current criminal history and screening checks as published by the Clinical Placement Unit (unisa.edu.au/CPU). These checks will list disclosable court outcomes that may prevent field / clinical placement involvement and subsequently may prevent completion of the program.

2. Students must have a 'Provide First Aid Certificate', Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certificate (CPR) and Mandatory Notification Training Certificate, prior to the commencement of any field placement.

3. The program requires participation in practical classes where manual skills are practiced. Essential learning activities in some classes may require that students partially remove their clothing to a level that is appropriate to the learning activity. Students may also be asked to act as subjects for their peer group members. If a student is unable to meet these requirements they may be at risk of being unable to successfully complete course objectives and assessments and progress through the program.

4. Students who do not maintain continuous enrolment in this program after commencing work integrated learning placements, or are returning from a period of absence of more than 12 months after the 2nd year in the program will be required to undertake a competency assessment and/or recency training at an upfront cost, in addition to the program tuition fees. This is to ensure students have maintained competency in the required skills to protect the safety of the public during work integrated learning arrangements.

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 will incorporate practical, professionally focused and research-based learning, so assessment types will vary. You can expect them to include:

presentations and portfolios
quizzes
research assignments
practical projects and case studies
essays and assignments
examinations

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.

Take a look at the global opportunities available.

Why Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science, Bachelor of Nutrition and Food Sciences

Students in the nutrition and food science hub commercial kitchen Graduate with two highly complimentary degrees with just one extra year of study, with a unique set of health skills relevant to current and emerging market trends.

UniSA offers the first fully accredited exercise and sport science degree in South Australia.¹ You'll benefit from practical learning opportunities and be guided by leading exercise and nutrition experts, while studying from a curriculum informed by our above world-class research in nutrition and dietetics, as well as exercise and sports science.²UniSA is also home to the highly regarded Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA).

You’ll build industry connections while you study, from industry placements with a range of elite and local sporting organisations to field trips at South Australia’s major nutrition and food providers.

You’ll train in UniSA’s dedicated on-campus facilities including a purpose-built sensory laboratory, microbiology laboratory and commercial kitchen. There is also the High Performance Sport Centre, exercise physiology clinics, environmental chamber and UniSA Sport gyms. Learning in these facilities is a great way to develop practical skills and experience the hands-on nature of these fast-growing industries.

Graduates are eligible to apply to become an Accredited Exercise Scientist through Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA).

¹Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). ²2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).

Real-world connections

UniSA has strong alliances with industry, ranging from elite and local sporting clubs to not-for-profit organisations.

You’ll complete a minimum of 140 hours of exercise science industry placement, further enhancing your networks and relationships with industry. Our industry placement providers include elite and community sports clubs, public and private schools, gyms and fitness centres, aged care, local councils and not-for-profit organisations. Examples of hands-on placement opportunities include:

working with older adults in community settings, including aged care
empowering athletes at amateur or elite sporting clubs
supporting serving and veteran service personnel and first responders as part of the Invictus Pathways Program

As part of your nutrition and food science stream, you’ll attend field trips to some of the state’s major nutrition and food providers, which are a great opportunities to build your industry relationships.

We also host regular University-wide alumni events, employee master classes and employment expos in Australia and overseas.

Career outcomes

Your career

As the health, nutrition, exercise and wellness industries continue to grow, employment prospects for graduates are promising. Employment for nutrition professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 7.2% by November 2026.¹

Careers to consider include:

Exercise scientist: assist people to increase their fitness, sporting performance and general health using a combination of biomechanics, physiology and performance analysis.
Physical training specialist: advise clients on exercise, health, wellbeing and nutrition; develop and implement individual training plans.
Sports and fitness nutritionist: responsible for improving the health and optimising the performance of athletes and exercisers.
Food scientist: use chemistry and biology to look at the microbiological, chemical and physical properties of food and ingredients. Analyse nutritional content, discover new food sources, and ensure the manufacturing process is safe.
Product development manager: develop innovative products and solutions to meet strategic business objectives.
Researcher: plan and conduct laboratory-based investigations, experiments and trials, and analyse results in order to broaden scientific understanding.
Community nutritionist: create changes in attitude toward nutrition and health; provide advice, guidance and support to the community.
Health promotion officer: plan and coordinate health promotion programs for various community groups.
Community sports project officer: develop, coordinate and manage programs delivered by community sport organisations.
Food policy advisor: offer qualified health and nutrition advice to the public.
Flavour technologist: sample products and conduct experiments to alter the ingredients in food and beverages to make it taste better, replicate a taste, or develop a new taste.
Health promotion officer: use social and environmental interventions to improve the health of groups and individuals.

¹Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

Professional accreditation and recognition

This program is accredited by Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). Graduates satisfy the academic requirements and are eligible to apply for registration as an Accredited Exercise Scientist through ESSA. Requirements for registration as determined by ESSA are available on their website.

Industry facts

Employment for sport and fitness coaches, instructors and officials in Australia is projected to increase by 9.8% by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

Employment for nutrition professionals in Australia is projected to increase by 7.2% by November 2026.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

To November 2026, healthcare and social assistance is projected to make the largest contribution to employment growth in Australia – an increase of 301,000 jobs.

Australian Government National Skills Commission Employment Projections 2021

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:

UniSA College Diploma in Health (Sport)
UniSA College Diploma in Health (Biomedical Science)
UniSA College Undergraduate Certificate in University Studies (Health)

SAIBT Diploma of Health Science

International

There are other pathways you can follow to study this program, including:

SAIBT Diploma of Health Science

Credit transfer

You could be eligible for credit for previous studies you have undertaken. Find out online.

Go to credit assessor

Life in Adelaide

Current international students talk about living in Adelaide and studying at UniSA.

Hear from our students

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.

More scholarships

Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship

Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.

Learn more

International Merit Scholarship

Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.

Learn more

Your study experience and support

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:

career advice and mentoring
help with student visas and health cover
personal counselling
academic counselling
fees and finance help
common rooms
prayer rooms
security officers
accommodation services
as well as services offered through our student association, USASA.

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.

Your study spaces

UniSA Sport Gym.jpg

As a hands-on degree, you’ll benefit from UniSA’s practical approach to learning. You'll have access to facilities including:

exercise physiology clinic
High Performance Sport Centre
environmental chamber
exercise physiology laboratory
biomechanics laboratory
UniSA Sport gyms
sensory laboratory
chemistry laboratory
microbiology laboratory
commercial kitchen
anatomy laboratories
physiology laboratory
human performance and resistance training laboratory

From 2025, students in our Human Movement, Exercise and Sport Science and Clinical Exercise Physiology programs will benefit from an integrated practical learning experience with the South Australian Sports Institute (SASI). You can study alongside elite athletes and leading industry experts, and learn how to use the latest equipment and sport science technology in new, purpose-built facilities.

You’ll also have access to a range of on-campus spaces including modern lecture theatres, collaborative teaching rooms and relaxed student lounges.

Your program director

I am proud to direct a program that is delivered by a team of highly-qualified researchers and educators with a genuine interest in developing students into industry ready graduates. This Exercise and Sports Science Australia accredited program utilises innovative and safe learning environments, and offers opportunities for practical experience within industry settings, to enable students to pursue excellence and fulfil their highest potential.

Dr Tom Wycherley

Program Director

Enquire

Dr Tom Wycherley

Program Director

Enquire

Ask UniSA

How do I apply?

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.

Alternatively you can submit an application through one of the University's registered Education Agents.

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.
Is there a closing date for applications?

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.
What credit can I receive for previous studies?

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.
Can I speak to someone regarding my study options?

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.