University Preparatory Program
The University Preparatory Program (UPP) is a FREE* one year program for anyone who wants to get ready to enter university. It has been designed for those who have never been to university or have not studied for a long period of time. Best of all, there are no prerequisites for entry into the UPP.
The program will help you to improve your skills in numeracy, literacy and research, while providing an introduction to university culture. The program aims to give you the tools to become a successful university student so you will come away from the program with the confidence to go on to further university study.
When you enrol into the UPP you will study at the University of Adelaide's North Terrace campus, having access to all of the first class facilities the University has to offer.
Adelaide University Pathways 2026
The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia are combining their strengths to create a new university for the future, Adelaide University, opening in January 2026.
Planning to start your pathway studies in 2026? Please apply for an Adelaide University pathway program.
Upon satisfactory completion of the UPP, students will be eligible for entry into a range of undergraduate degree programs at the University of Adelaide, including:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Economics
- Bachelor of Finance and Banking
- Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences
- Bachelor of Nursing
- Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Bachelor of Science
- Bachelor of Sociology
- Bachelor of Teaching/Bachelor of Arts
In addition to completion of the UPP, completion of specific courses will be required for entry into certain programs (see program structure).
Please note:
- Entry into the Bachelor of Nursing is competitive and based on student Grade Point Average (GPA) across the whole UPP.
- Entry into Bachelor of Teaching degrees will also be based on successfully meeting the non-academic requirement.
You must be 17 years or over by 1 January on the year you commence study. If you have not completed Year 12, you must have been out of school for at least one year.
You must be an Australian citizen, New Zealand citizen resident in Australia, permanent resident of Australia, or holder of a permanent Humanitarian Visa.
You must not have studied for longer than one semester of full-time undergraduate studies at any Australian university, regardless of the results, unless that study was undertaken more than five years previously.
- Free with no course fees (although there may be cost for traveling to university and stationery)
- Centrelink approved as long as you study 75% load.
- As a UPP student, you will have a University of Adelaide student card and access to support services and facilities
- Full-time and part-time study options available. The program can be completed one year full-time or two years part-time.
- No long term obligation: a great way to see if university is for you!
As a University of Adelaide Preparatory Program student, you will gain access to the first class facilities, support programs and services available to University of Adelaide undergraduate students
Please note that the above services are only available to students studying on the North Terrace campus.
To apply for the University Preparatory Program, please complete an online application form.
If you have not applied for the UPP before, you will need to create a University of Adelaide Account. You can follow our guide to help you along the account creation process .
Semester 2 2025 application dates:
Applications close: Sunday 6th July 2025
Application Outcomes Available: Monday 15th July 2025 (approximately)
UPP Enrolment Session: Tuesday 22nd July 2025
Semester starts: 28th July 2025
Late applications may be accepted. Please email the UPP Program Coordinator before submitting an application after this date.
Phone: +61 8 8313 0168 Email: amy.k.robinson@adelaide.edu.au
Wirltu Yarlu University Preparatory Program
This program is for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students aged 17 years and older. For more information, visit the Wirltu Yarlu website.
The Centre for Aboriginal Studies in Music (CASM) Foundation Year
This program is for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander students wishing to study music. For more information, visit the CASM website.
Rural Background Entry Pathway to Medicine
If you have lived for 5 years or more in a rural or remote location, you may be eligible apply to study medicine at the University of Adelaide under the Rural Background Entry (RBE) pathway. Find out more in our knowledgebase.
*No course or amenity fees apply, however this does not consider other incidental costs and living expenses such as; travel, stationary etc. For more information visit our other financial considerations page for future students.
UPP graduate testimonials
