Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (Cardiac)
Degree Level Postgraduate
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
IGSO
Fees
AUD$ 35,600 per annum (per 1.0 EFTSL) for students enrolled in 2025
English Language Requirements
- IELTS total [7.0]
- IELTS reading [7.0]
- IELTS writing [7.0]
- IELTS speaking [7.0]
- IELTS listening [7.0]
International Admission by Country
See full entry requirements
CRICOS Code
This program is not available to students wishing to study in Australia on a student visa
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Entry requirements
Applicants are required to meet the following criteria:
- Complete a letter of support confirming a training position within an ultrasound department or cardiac laboratory that will be supervised by an accredited medical sonographer who is registered with ASAR (Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry) or who has an equivalent registration; AND
- A Bachelor Degree or higher in an approved Field of Education
Approved Fields of Education
Applicants are required to have completed a program of study (at Bachelor level or higher) in one of the following approved Fields of Education (FOE):
- Medical Studies
- Nursing
- Pharmacy
- Radiography
- Rehabilitation Therapies (excluding Audiology and Massage Therapy)
- Dentistry
- Optometry
- Human Movement
- Paramedical Studies
- Health Science
Applicants with a qualification from a FOE not listed above may be considered on a case by case basis.
Note: Applicants are advised that the program requires the completion of 2000 supervised clinical cardiac sonography experiences across various pathologies. Applicants are responsible for organising and maintaining an ongoing training position to acquire the requisite experience; progression through the program is conditional upon meeting prescribed milestones.
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 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 [7.0]
- IELTS reading [7.0]
- IELTS writing [7.0]
- IELTS speaking [7.0]
- IELTS listening [7.0]
Preliminary assessment of pre-requisites is not available for this program. International students in Australia on a student visa cannot enrol in this program as it's delivered online.
Degree overview
- Grow your specialist knowledge and skills in cardiac sonography.
- Study a graduate diploma developed in collaboration with leading cardiac sonography experts to meet current industry demands.
- Suitable for health science, medical radiation and other allied health professionals employed in an appropriate practice with access to clinical cardiac ultrasound experience.
- Join the No.1 university in South Australia for graduate careers.1
- Learn from award-winning teachers at a university with above world-class research in clinical sciences.2
- Get practical experience from 2,000 supervised cardiac ultrasound cases and associated clinical assessments.
- Apply for registration with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) as an accredited cardiac sonographer upon completion of the program.
1ComparED (QILT) Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021-23– Full-time Employment Indicator (Domestic Undergraduate). SA public universities. 22018 Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA).
Snapshot
In two years of part-time, online study you can extend your knowledge and practical skills of cardiac sonography.
This graduate diploma will help you develop knowledge on the cardiovascular system including estimation of cardiac pressures and congenital heart disease, as well as your practical skills in ultrasound.
Completion provides credit toward the Master of Medical Sonography (Cardiac).
We also offer qualifications in other specialisations, including:
What you'll need
All applicants must have a letter confirming a training position prior to applying.
If you’re already registered with the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) as an accredited cardiac sonographer, you might like to consider applying for a master’s program.
What you'll learn
Through a range of assessments and practical experience, you’ll develop the knowledge, critical thinking, clinical and analytical skills to practice as a cardiac sonographer.
You’ll graduate with the ability to apply theoretical principles and critical reasoning to arrive at a provisional diagnosis and a list of differential diagnoses. You’ll also build your competence to respond to the current and evolving healthcare needs within Australia and internationally.
This graduate diploma will teach you:
- anatomy and embryology of the cardiovascular system
- physiology and pathology of the cardiovascular system
- development of an appropriate imaging strategy for safe and confident completion of cardiac ultrasound examinations in a clinical environment
- haemodynamic principles and calculations for estimation of cardiac pressures
- congenital heart disease (including imaging in the pre and post-surgical patient)
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.
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 Graduate Diploma in Medical Sonography (Cardiac)
This graduate diploma is the only one of its kind in South Australia, and UniSA is the only university in Australia to offer a full suite of accredited postgraduate sonography programs including cardiac, general, and vascular specialisations.
We have a well-established history of teaching sonography and are recognised both nationally and internationally for our sonography specialisations.
You’ll enjoy the flexibility of online learning with UniSA’s digital learning facilities and dedicated support staff who are with you every step of the way.
You'll gain advanced knowledge, skills and attitudes required to practice autonomously with expert judgement and adaptability as a cardiac sonographer, as described in the Australasian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR)’s program accreditation standards.
Your career
The field of medical sonography is always evolving with technological advancements, and strong future demand is predicted due to Australia’s national shortage of sonographers.1
With this diploma you can find work as an accredited cardiac sonographer in metropolitan, rural and remote locations across:
- private and public medical imaging departments
- specialist areas including cardiac laboratories and cardiology practices
- hospitals
- tertiary education providers
1National Skills Commission, Skills Priority List 2022
Professional accreditation and recognition
This program enables graduates to apply for full professional accreditation from the Australian Sonographer Accreditation Registry (ASAR) under the Cardiac Sonography category. Evidence of scanning experience in an Australian or New Zealand clinical setting is required for such accreditation.
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 over two decades of experience as a clinical cardiac sonographer, a strong research background reaching national and international groups, and expertise in advanced echocardiographic techniques. All of this informs my teaching as Program Director of the Medical Sonography suite, where I’m dedicated to ensuring our students get a quality education that prepares them for rewarding 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.
What others are saying
It is rewarding to work as part of a dedicated professional team helping patients throughout their cardiac journey and leading them to an improved quality of life. I see the heart as a fascinating organ and enjoy the complexity of scanning such a dynamic structure, whilst providing the best patient care and results.
Sheree Brooks
Clinical Services Manager | SA Heart
