Bachelor of Exercise and Sport Science
Undergraduate
2025
You're considered an International student if you are:
Undergraduate
2025
094935G
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
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
OR
Vocational Education and Training (VET)
OR
Work and life experience
Canada High School (OSSD) | 75 |
Kenya KCSE (average) | B+ |
Malaysia STPM (best 3) | 9 |
Malaysia UEC | 26 |
Norway GPA | 4 |
Pakistan HSSC | 85 |
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3) | 9 |
Sweden GPA | 15 |
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board | 9 |
Vietnam | 8.5 |
Australia | 80 |
IB (best 6) | 29 |
USA SAT (1600) | 1270 |
India (best 4) State Board | 80 |
India (best 4) Central Board | 70 |
HKDSE | 17 |
Nepal NEB | 2.81 |
Bangladesh HSC | 4 |
Students commencing in July will follow an alternate degree structure to accommodate starting in Second Semester.
1Ranked #35, 2021 Shanghai Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments. 22024 QS Subject Rankings, Sport-Related Subjects. 3Results in Human Movement and Sports Science - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA). 4Ranked #43, 2024 THE Young University Rankings.
Turn your passion for exercise into an unstoppable career, studying South Australia’s first fully accredited exercise and sport science degree1 from the state’s No.1 university for graduate careers.2
With this highly sought-after degree, you’ll become an expert in understanding the long-term positive effects of exercise on people’s physical and mental health, as well as the knowledge and skills to increase athletic performance and wellbeing. As a hands-on degree, you'll benefit from practical learning opportunities, and will be guided by leading exercise and sport science experts.
Increase your employment opportunities by combining your exercise and sport science degree with a complimentary degree in Nutrition and Food Sciences or Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills), allowing you to graduate with two qualifications with just one year of extra study.
1Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA). 2ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities.
Students undertaking activities involving interaction with patients/the public as part of 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.
You’ll develop effective practical and communication skills to conduct laboratory and field testing, and interpret scientific research. You’ll learn how to conduct physical performance tests to measure strength, fitness, oxygen usage and body composition.
This degree prepares you to confidently advise on exercise plans, and deliver strength and conditioning services. The curriculum teaches biomechanical analyses and skill acquisition knowledge to enhance people’s physical and mental wellbeing – from children to elite athletes to the elderly.
During your first year you’ll develop a solid understanding of:
In your second year you'll focus on:
In your final year of study, you’ll focus on professional studies, the application of exercise science, and sociology of health and physical activity. Additionally, you can tailor your degree with a range of elective courses aligned with your career aspirations. Some of these courses will allow you to upskill, as they provide you with additional industry certificates upon successful completion in areas such as Level 1 Sports Training.
Ranked 35 in the world for sport science,1 UniSA’s expert teaching staff and dedicated learning facilities mean you’ll get the very best foundations for a healthy career.
This degree is a great choice for students interested in the science behind exercise and sport, to inspire all Australians to be healthier and more active, and perform at their best.
You’ll learn how to design, deliver and assess exercise and physical activity programs to improve the health, wellbeing and performance of clients, their performance and to reduce risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. You’ll also get valuable exposure to high profile exercise and sport science industry partners from a range of elite and local sporting organisations through industry placement opportunities.
You’ll benefit from UniSA's on-campus facilities including 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 this growing industry. UniSA is also heavily involved with quality research, and is home to the highly regarded Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA).
Graduates are eligible to apply to become an Accredited Exercise Scientist through Exercise and Sport Science Australia (ESSA).
1Ranked #35, 2021 Shanghai Global Ranking of Sport Science Schools and Departments.
Tertiary-trained exercise and sport science professionals are in growing demand.1 As the health and wellbeing industries continue to grow, employment prospects for graduates of this degree are promising. According to Exercise and Sport Science Australia’s Future Workforce Report, the increased need for effective evidence-based programming for a society with escalating chronic disease is driving this growth.
You could find yourself working in a range of positions in the sport, fitness, rehabilitation, health, government, aged care, education or recreation industries. You may also work across other industries where high levels of education, leadership, communication and organisation are valued.
Careers to consider include:
Become even more employable by combining your exercise and sport science degree with another degree, allowing you to graduate with two qualifications with just one year of extra study. Your options include Nutrition and Food Sciences or Psychology (Counselling and Interpersonal Skills).
If you finish your degree with a credit or higher grade point average (GPA) you could also be eligible for postgraduate study in physiotherapy.
1ESSA Future Workforce Report 2019.
View our guide on Active Careers for more information.
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.
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.
Australian
There are other pathways you can follow to study this degree, including:International
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.
Recipients can get a 50% reduction on tuition fees for up to four years of full-time study for selected degrees.
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
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.
As a hands-on degree, you’ll benefit from UniSA’s practical approach to learning. You'll have access to facilities including:
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.
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.
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.
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.