Associate Degree in Engineering
Degree Level Undergraduate
Year 2025
You're viewing degree information for International students
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)
Program Code
LTEN
Prerequisites
Refer to Entry Requirements
More info
Assumed Knowledge
None
Fees
AUD$ 44,300 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
English Language Requirements
- IELTS total [6.0]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
066197C
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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.
Prerequisite: Students should have achieved SACE Stage 1 passes, or an equivalent TAFE or other approved qualification in Mathematics.
Applicants are also 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
Refer to Entry RequirementsAssumed Knowledge
NoneEnglish 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 testPlease 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)- IELTS total [6.0]
- IELTS reading [6.0]
- IELTS writing [6.0]
Admission Requirements by Country
Vietnam 7 Australia 63 IB (best 6) 26 USA SAT (1600) 1050 India (best 4) State Board 70 Canada High School (OSSD) 60 Eynesbury FSP 310 India (best 4) Central Board 60 German Abitur 3.8 HKDSE 15 Bangladesh HSC 3.5 Kenya KCSE (average) B Malaysia STPM (best 3) 6 Malaysia UEC 32 Norway GPA 2.8 Pakistan HSSC 75 Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3) 6 Sweden GPA 12.5 UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board 6 Nepal NEB 2.41
This program will not be offered in 2025. Please view our full suite of engineering programs here.
Degree overview
- Pathway into further study or a professional career in civil, mechanical, mechatronic and electrical engineering.
- Study online, on-campus or a combination of both.
- Graduate with credit to use towards an Engineering (Honours) bachelor degree with UniSA.
- Develop competencies through the UniSA STEM Professional Practice Program.
- Learn introductory mathematics, physics and chemistry along with core engineering courses.
- Study at one of Australia's leading universities for Engineering research1.
1 UniSA's Engineering research rated well above world-class - 2018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA)
Snapshot
This two-year qualification is an introduction to university-level study and is a pathway towards UniSA’s Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) degrees, with specialisations in civil, mechanical, mechatronics, electrical engineering and/or surveying.
You will graduate with the knowledge and skills required in higher-level technical and management roles, supporting your transition from tradesperson to engineering professional. This qualification is also a great starting point if you’re looking to change careers and enter the engineering industry for the first time.
Depending on the combination of courses you choose, you may be eligible for up to 1.5 years of credit towards an Engineering (Honours) Bachelor degree with UniSA. Alternatively, you could go directly into employment as an engineering associate, designer drafter, developer or engineering technical officer across a range of industries.
What you'll learn
You will be introduced to core concepts across civil, electrical and mechanical engineering disciplines, developing your understanding of each field.
Engineers apply science and maths concepts to solve practical problems. The maths skills you gain will be essential to further your understanding of more complex engineering concepts. You’ll learn the basics of algebra, trigonometry and calculus.
You will also cover basic concepts in chemistry and physics and their practical engineering applications. Explore fluid mechanics, circuits and signals, and the structures and properties of materials. Develop the skills to produce 2D engineering drawings and 3D engineering models, which is an essential skill to communicate visual designs.
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:
- essays, assignments, reports
- quizzes
- group projects
- portfolios
- 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 Associate Degree in Engineering
The Associate Degree in Engineering covers a broad range of subjects, including essential maths, physics and chemistry topics, as well as first-year courses from UniSA’s engineering bachelor degrees.
Our practical approach to learning means you’ll gain the skills to hit the ground running. You’ll learn to use industry-standard software such as SolidWorks to produce 3D CAD models that bring your designs alive, Enovia (Dassault Systems) to develop detailed project plans, MATLAB to process data and Mulitsim to instantly visualise and analyse electronic circuit behaviour. You’ll discover how engineering intersects with essential business management practices across diverse environments, and study systems and design thinking techniques.
Your career
Careers you could consider:
- Electrical Engineering Technologist: design, build, test and repair electronic parts in mobile phones, medical equipment, machinery control systems, or computers; use computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-assisted engineering (CAE) software to design systems and products.
- Engineering Design and Development: work on products such as mobile phones or car part construction; research using mathematical modelling; use CAD and CAE software; test prototypes and analysing results.
- Maintenance Technician: preventative maintenance work such as checking and calibrating instruments, fitting new parts or carrying out quality inspections; emergency maintenance work such as fixing equipment breakdowns or faults.
- Engineering Associate: work as a paraprofessional and design, develop and maintain products, equipment and processes; apply technical knowledge to complete routine engineering tasks such as performing calculations, operating machinery and preparing reports; and manage small projects under the supervision of a senior engineer.
- Design Drafter: support engineers to research and design new products and systems for an organisation; draft blueprints, model new components using 3D sketches; interpret engineering sketches, specifications and drawings; create test prototypes and oversee manufacturing processes; collaborate with design and production teams; and apply in-depth knowledge of the latest design trends and engineering software.
- Engineering Technical Officer: support engineers to analyse and modify new and existing engineering technologies and apply them in the testing and implementation of engineering projects; monitor and test apparatus and operating equipment; conduct statistical studies to analyse production costs for a range of designs; and organise and direct site labour and the delivery of construction materials, plant and equipment.
- Engineering Developer: work with engineers to plan, design, develop, test and release new products and features, enhancements or fixes; assist with developing new methodologies and implement emerging technologies; write diagnostic programs and design and write code for operating systems; work on products such as mobile phones or car part construction; research designs using mathematical modelling using CAD and CAE software; and test prototypes and analyse results.
This associate degree is a pathway into UniSA Engineering (Honours) degrees, so you may choose to continue your studies and become a fully-qualified engineer.
Explore a range of engineering and construction careers here.
Industry facts
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.
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.
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.
International Merit Scholarship
Recipients can get a 15% reduction on tuition fees for the duration of their chosen degree.
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 program director
I have been educating the next generation of students for the past 25 years, dedicating my time and effort to improving the learning experience and empowering them to become competent engineers. I have served as the head of the department and the faculty’s deputy dean at Bu-Ali Sina University and University of Isfahan, Iran, and recently as the program director of Associate and Flexible Degree in Engineering at UniSA.
My career began at a pioneer ICT manufacturing firm as an Electronic Designer, before becoming Production Line Supervisor in 1991, and moved to a newly established petrochemical complex in 1994 where my role involved the maintenance of electronic and electromechanical instruments. In 1997, I discovered my passion for teaching and ensuring young Electrical and Computer Engineering students get the best possible training and education for their future careers.
Ask UniSA
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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.
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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.
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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.
