Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours)
Undergraduate
2025
You're considered an International student if you are:
Undergraduate
2025
081819G
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
German Abitur | 3.5 |
Kenya KCSE (average) | B+ |
Malaysia STPM (best 3) | 6 |
Malaysia UEC | 30 |
Norway GPA | 3 |
Pakistan HSSC | 85 |
Sri Lanka A Levels (best 3) | 7 |
Sweden GPA | 13 |
UK Board GCE A Levels/HK Board | 7 |
Vietnam | 7.5 |
Australia | 72 |
IB (best 6) | 26 |
USA SAT (1600) | 1110 |
India (best 4) State Board | 75 |
India (best 4) Central Board | 65 |
HKDSE | 15 |
Nepal NEB | 2.61 |
Bangladesh HSC | 4 |
Canada High School (OSSD) | 65 |
Eynesbury FSP | 330 |
1ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey 2021-22, Computing and Information Systems – Skills Development Indicator (Undergraduate). SA public universities.
2Deloitte Access Economics, ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2021
Fast paced and innovative, the software engineering industry has reshaped the world as we know it, creating disruptive technologies that impact society on every level. From connectivity, to e-commerce, artificial intelligence and automation, highly trained software engineers are sought after to solve the business challenges of today, and tomorrow.
Software engineers are engaged in the full life cycle of software development, from the initial planning stage, through to costing, designing, developing, testing and maintaining large and complex systems. They understand how software systems are designed and built, and require effective communication, interpersonal and problem-solving skills, as well as advanced technical knowledge.
Professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society, the Bachelor of Software Engineering (Honours) offers a highly supportive learning environment, recognising the importance of developing the full range of skills to ensure you graduate with the knowledge and experience sought after by industry.
You will enjoy a modern, practical approach to your IT education, with significant opportunities to apply the skills learned in the classroom in real-world settings, including through a year-long project where you will develop a solution to an IT challenge faced by industry.
You will graduate highly skilled in programming, with employment opportunities available in defence primes, and IT companies and organisations that build large, complex software systems and solutions.
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.
New in 2024: UniSA and the Ai Group, along with industry partners and the South Australian Government, have partnered to create a degree apprenticeship to meet the fast growing demand for Software Engineers in local industry. You will study UniSA’s Software Engineering (Honours) degree over five years while having a paid position working for one of our industry partners. This unique combination of paid work and study that is co-delivered by UniSA and your host employer, allows for immersive on-the-job training ensuring that you graduate with the knowledge and skills required of a software engineer. You will earn while you learn and graduate as an experienced software engineer. Applications for this program are via direct application to the Ai Group and not through SATAC. Further information about the degree apprenticeship is available here.
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 engineering specialty that will you see you studying:
You will build expertise in Python, Java, C++, ASP.Net and Agile methodologies – highly sought-after skills in the Australian job market¹.
As part of your honours year, you will put your skills into practice with a year-long IT 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 in a real-world setting to produce and deliver a quality software artefact for your client.
You will enjoy access to dedicated learning hubs where you can connect and collaborate, giving you the full workplace and project experience.
An honours degree is a higher-level qualification giving you a competitive edge in the job market and preparing you for further study, including Master of Research or a PhD, should you wish to pursue a career in research.
1Deloitte Access Economics, ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2021
Our researchers are leading the way in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, Industry 4.0, augmented and virtual reality, and Internet-of-Things (IoT), with their work not only informing the curriculum, but brought into the classroom through our experts, ensuring contemporary knowledge and skills are at the forefront of your education.
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 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 – on a year-long IT Project undertaken as part of your honours year. You will draw on the software engineering principles, practices and research methods learned throughout your studies. You will also apply professional skills such as workplace communication and stakeholder relationship management to deliver work to an industry standard and to the satisfaction of a client.
The final year project is one of numerous chances you will have to engage with industry, with placements and internships also available.
Most of our IT programs share a common first year, so choosing this degree offers a level of 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.
Hear from Swetha a UniSA software engineering graduate.
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%.
Skills in software and applications programming are expected to be in particularly high demand, with an additional 65,000 workers needed between 2020 and 2026¹.
There are strong employment prospects for software engineers. Graduates of this degree may wish to consider the following career options:
Career progression may see you take on roles such as:
1Deloitte Access Economics, ACS Australia’s Digital Pulse 2021
This program is professionally accredited by the Australian Computer Society.
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.
UniSA is ranked number one in South Australia for campus facilities in IT¹. During your studies you will have access to purpose-built learning spaces such as:
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.
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.