The Express Preparation Program (EPP) at Kaplan International College Adelaide (KICA) is a fast-track undergraduate pathway for international students who have completed Australian Year 12 or an equivalent qualification but did not gain direct admission to an Adelaide University bachelor's degree. The program is designed to prepare students academically for university and provide a pathway into year 1 of the chosen bachelor's degree. KICA describes it as a 12-week, face-to-face program.

Why Study / Key Benefits

• Fast-track preparation in just one trimester, rather than a longer foundation pathway.
• Designed specifically for students who have completed the equivalent of Australian Year 12.
• Provides academic preparation before starting the first year of a bachelor's degree.
• KICA states that successful completion provides guaranteed entry to Adelaide University, subject to applicable conditions.
• Face-to-face study provides an opportunity to adjust to Australia's academic environment before university.
• Students can select elective subjects relevant to their intended degree.
• The program develops academic English, academic integrity, referencing and university-study skills.
• Subject options include accounting, economics, statistics, computing, programming, mathematics, physics, biology and chemistry, allowing students to prepare for different undergraduate disciplines.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The EPP consists of:

• 1 compulsory course
• elective courses selected according to the student's intended university pathway.

KICA states that not all elective courses are offered in every intake and that availability is subject to demand.

Compulsory Course

Academic English Fundamentals

Course code: DT201EAP

This course develops essential academic English and university-study skills.

Topics include:

• understanding academic texts
• structuring written assignments and essays
• academic writing
• lecture comprehension
• speaking for academic discussions
• participation in group work
• academic integrity
• referencing
• applying academic English skills across disciplines.

Elective Course – Accounting

Accounting

Course code: DT202ACC

Topics include:

• fundamental accounting concepts
• accounting terminology
• accounting methods
• financial information
• general-purpose financial reports
• balance sheets
• income statements
• account classification
• use of accounting information by management and external users.

Elective Course – Economics

Economics

Course code: DT207ECO

Topics include:

• microeconomics
• macroeconomics
• economic principles
• theoretical economic concepts
• application and analysis
• problem-solving
• analytical skills
• economic communication.

Elective Course – Statistics

Statistics

Course code: DT211MAT

Topics include:

• data collection
• data summarisation
• numerical and graphical techniques
• descriptive statistics
• inferential statistics
• sampling
• estimation
• hypothesis testing
• interpreting statistical results.

Elective Course – Computing

Computing

Course code: DT205CSC

Topics include:

• computer hardware
• software
• computer systems
• Microsoft Office
• word processing
• spreadsheets
• databases
• file management
• interpersonal and communication skills.

Elective Course – Programming

Programming

Course code: DT210CSC

Topics include:

• programming fundamentals
• hardware and software concepts
• binary and hexadecimal number systems
• algorithms
• flowcharts
• pseudocode
• problem-solving
• Python programming.

Elective Course – Engineering Mathematics

Engineering Mathematics

Course code: DT208MAT

Topics include:

• calculus
• linear algebra
• trigonometric functions
• vectors
• polynomial factorisation
• parametric curves
• periodic behaviour
• mathematical applications for engineering and scientific study.

Elective Course – Physics

Physics

Course code: DT209PHY

Topics include:

• fundamental physics
• mechanics
• motion in two dimensions
• electricity
• magnetism
• introductory concepts relevant to mechanical, civil and electrical engineering.

Elective Course – Core Mathematics

Core Mathematics

Course code: DT206MAT

Topics include:

• calculus
• linear algebra
• mathematical foundations
• mathematical problem-solving
• preparation for Engineering, IT and Science degrees.

Elective Course – Biology

Biology

Course code: DT203BIO

This subject is designed for students intending to study Biomedical and Health Sciences.

Topics include:

• biochemistry
• cell biology
• human anatomy
• physiology
• general biology
• foundational biological sciences.

Elective Course – Chemistry

Chemistry

Course code: DT204CHE

Topics include:

• atomic structure
• periodic table
• chemical bonding
• stoichiometry
• energy changes
• redox reactions
• reaction rates
• chemical equilibrium
• acids and bases
• introductory organic chemistry.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The EPP itself does not have formal majors or specialisations. Instead, students choose elective subjects appropriate to their intended Adelaide University bachelor's degree.

The subject choices support pathways in areas including:

• Business and Commerce
• Economics
• Accounting
• Computing
• Information Technology
• Computer Science
• Engineering
• Science
• Biomedical and Health Sciences.

Programme Highlights

• Fast-track 12-week pathway.
• 1 trimester / approximately 3.5 months.
• March and October intakes.
• Face-to-face delivery.
• Designed for international Year 12-equivalent graduates.
• Pathway into year 1 of an Adelaide University bachelor's degree.
• International tuition fee: A$24,500.
• Domestic tuition fee: A$17,200.
• CRICOS code: 116881J.
• One compulsory Academic English course.
• Range of discipline-specific electives.
• Academic English, referencing and academic-integrity preparation.
• Mathematics and science preparation available.
• Computing and programming preparation available.
• KICA states that successful completion provides guaranteed entry to Adelaide University, subject to conditions. 

Career Outcomes

The Express Preparation Program is not a standalone professional qualification and does not itself lead to a specific career.

Its purpose is to prepare students for the first year of their selected Adelaide University bachelor's degree. Career outcomes therefore depend on the degree subsequently completed.

Depending on the selected pathway, students may eventually enter careers in areas such as:

• accounting
• economics
• business
• information technology
• software and computing
• engineering
• science
• biomedical sciences
• health-related professions.

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current KICA website lists the EPP as an active pathway program with:

• CRICOS code 116881J
• 1-trimester duration
• March and October intakes
• A$24,500 international tuition fee.

A particularly important requirement is that some destination degrees have higher English requirements than the standard EPP admission requirement.

The following require IELTS 7.0 with no band below 7.0, or equivalent:

• Bachelor of Social Work
• Bachelor of Teaching (Early Childhood Education)
• Bachelor of Teaching (Primary)
• Bachelor of Teaching (Secondary)
• Bachelor of Physiotherapy
• Bachelor of Occupational Therapy
• Bachelor of Nursing
• Bachelor of Midwifery.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require an Australian Student visa (subclass 500) for the EPP and subsequent packaged university study.

The Department of Home Affairs states that Student visa applicants must be enrolled in an eligible course and hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when the visa is decided.

Key requirements include:

• valid passport and identity documents
• valid CoE
• Overseas Student Health Cover
• Genuine Student requirement
• applicable financial-capacity evidence
• health requirements
• character requirements
• Australian Values Statement for applicants aged 18 or older
• compliance with all visa conditions.

Genuine Student requirement

Applicants must demonstrate that they are genuine students and understand that study in Australia is the primary reason for the Student visa.

Home Affairs asks applicants to answer questions addressing their circumstances, reasons for choosing the course and provider, understanding of studying and living in Australia, and the future benefit of the study. Supporting documentation may also be required.

Student visa English requirement

The visa English requirement is separate from KICA's admission requirement.

Home Affairs requires evidence of an approved English test score where applicable, unless the applicant falls within an exemption category. The applicable score depends on the test, date of test, pathway circumstances and any exemption.

Therefore:

• KICA admission requirement: IELTS 6.0 overall with no band below 5.5, or equivalent.
• Australian Student visa requirement: must be assessed separately under the current Home Affairs rules.