The Degree Transfer Program Extended Science at Kaplan International College Adelaide (KICA) is a specialised undergraduate pathway for international students who want to progress into the second year of a specific science-related bachelor’s degree at Adelaide University. KICA describes the programme as equivalent to the first year of a bachelor’s degree and states that successful students are guaranteed entry to Adelaide University, subject to the applicable progression conditions.

Why Study / Key Benefits

• Direct pathway into the second year of a specific undergraduate degree at Adelaide University.
• The programme is equivalent to the first year of a bachelor’s degree.
• Students receive full credit for applicable university-level courses.
• The programme combines academic English development with science-related academic preparation.
• KICA provides English-language and learning support during the pathway.
• KICA states that graduates who successfully complete the Degree Transfer Program do not need to provide further evidence of English-language proficiency when progressing.
• The programme is designed for students who have completed the equivalent of Australian Year 12 or a KICA Foundation Studies Program but did not gain direct admission to Adelaide University.
• Science subjects such as biology, chemistry, mathematics and physics provide preparation for further university study in science and health-related areas.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Extended Science programme contains compulsory Academic English and science-related credit-bearing courses. The exact credit-bearing course combination depends on the destination degree.

The current programme page lists the following key subjects:

Academic English Fundamentals – DT201EAP

This develops academic English skills required for undergraduate study, including:

• understanding academic texts;
• structuring and formatting assignments and essays;
• academic communication;
• applying academic skills across different disciplines.

Core Mathematics – DT206MAT

Topics include:

• calculus;
• linear algebra;
• mathematical foundations for Science, Engineering and IT;
• mathematical techniques needed for more advanced undergraduate study.

Engineering Mathematics – DT208MAT

Topics include:

• advanced calculus;
• linear algebra;
• calculus involving trigonometric functions;
• vector operations;
• polynomial factorisation;
• parametric curves;
• periodic behaviour.

Physics – DT209PHY

Topics include:

• motion in two dimensions;
• electricity;
• magnetism;
• fundamental physics principles;
• preparation for further scientific and engineering study.

Biology – DT203BIO

This is particularly relevant to students intending to progress into biomedical or health-related study. Topics include:

• biochemistry;
• cell biology;
• human anatomy;
• physiology;
• general biology.

Chemistry – DT204CHE

Topics include:

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

KICA also lists other credit-bearing courses that may be relevant depending on the destination degree, including:

• Computing – DT205CSC
• Programming – DT210CSC
• Statistics – DT211MAT
• Accounting – DT202ACC
• Economics – DT207ECO. 

Disciplines / Specialisations

The principal discipline is Science.

The pathway can support progression into appropriate science-related undergraduate degrees at Adelaide University. The publicly displayed KICA pathway table currently does not populate the individual destination bachelor's degree names, CRICOS codes or progression scores.

The subjects indicate preparation in areas including:

• biological sciences;
• chemistry;
• physics;
• mathematics;
• biomedical and health sciences;
• broader science disciplines.

Programme Highlights

• Specialised Science pathway.
• Equivalent to the first year of a bachelor's degree.
• Direct pathway toward second-year undergraduate study at Adelaide University.
• Successful completion provides guaranteed entry to Adelaide University subject to applicable conditions.
• 3 or 4 trimesters.
• 12–16 months.
• March, July and October intakes.
• Academic English support integrated into the pathway.
• Science preparation through Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Mathematics.
• Full credit for applicable university-level courses.
• English-language and learning support.
• International tuition fee of AUD 52,995.
• Current CRICOS code 116799C.

Career Outcomes

The KICA programme is a pathway programme and is not itself the final professional qualification.

The immediate academic outcome is progression into the second year of an eligible science-related bachelor's degree at Adelaide University.

Long-term career outcomes depend on the bachelor's degree subsequently completed. Depending on the destination programme, possible career areas can include:

• biological sciences;
• biomedical sciences;
• laboratory and scientific work;
• chemistry;
• environmental and related sciences;
• research;
• health and science-related fields.

Students should confirm before accepting an offer:

• the exact Adelaide University destination science degree;
• required progression score;
• subjects that will receive university credit;
• prerequisite science subjects;
• exact trimester sequence;
• availability of electives;
• conditions attached to progression;
• the exact commencement date on the offer and CoE.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students normally require an Australian Student visa, subclass 500, for this programme.

Home Affairs currently requires Student visa applicants to:

• apply online;
• be enrolled in an eligible Australian course;
• hold a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) when the visa is decided;
• hold appropriate Overseas Student Health Cover;
• satisfy the Genuine Student requirement;
• meet applicable health requirements;
• meet applicable character requirements; and
• provide English-language evidence where required or qualify for an exemption.