The Degree Transfer Program Standard Science at Kaplan International College Adelaide (KICA) is a pathway program for international students who want to progress into the second year of a specific undergraduate degree at Adelaide University. KICA states that the program is equivalent to the first year of a bachelor's degree and that students are guaranteed entry to Adelaide University after successful completion, subject to the applicable conditions.

Why Study / Key Benefits

• Direct pathway to the second year of a specific Adelaide University undergraduate degree.
• Equivalent to the first year of a bachelor's degree at university.
• Students receive full credit for university-level courses completed through the pathway.
• Academic English and learning support are provided during the program.
• KICA states that successful graduates do not need to provide further evidence of English-language proficiency for progression.
• Suitable for students who have completed the equivalent of Australian Year 12 or a KICA Foundation Studies Program but did not obtain direct entry to Adelaide University.
• Provides an opportunity to adjust to the Australian academic environment before entering the university degree.
• KICA is located in central Adelaide, with access to Adelaide University facilities and student support services.

Programme Structure and Subjects / Topics

The Standard Science pathway includes compulsory Academic English subjects and additional credit-bearing subjects selected according to the student's destination degree. KICA does not publish one fixed combination of Science electives applicable to every student.

Academic English – Part A

Course code: DT301EAP

The course develops academic English skills needed for undergraduate study, including:

• academic communication
• participation in group work
• communication in collaborative environments
• confidence in an English-speaking academic environment
• productive academic relationships
• skills needed to achieve academic learning goals.

Academic English – Part B

Course code: DT302EAP

The course builds on Part A and develops:

• advanced academic language
• critical thinking
• academic writing
• complex discussion skills
• production of structured academic texts
• independent research
• collaborative and individual academic skills.

Science elective / credit-bearing courses

KICA states that additional credit-bearing courses are based on the destination degree. It also warns that not all elective courses are offered in every intake and that availability is subject to demand.

Disciplines / Specialisations

The Science pathway can lead toward eligible Adelaide University Bachelor of Science study.

The 2026 Adelaide University International Student Guide lists Bachelor of Science majors including:

• Biochemistry
• Biotechnology
• Chemistry
• Computational Physics
• Ecology
• Environmental and Geospatial Science
• Environmental Science
• Evolutionary Biology
• Evolutionary Biology and Palaeontology
• Experimental Physics
• Food Science and Technology
• Genetics
• Geology
• Geology and Earth Resources
• Geology and Palaeontology
• Geophysics
• Marine and Wildlife Conservation
• Medicinal and Biological Chemistry
• Microbiology and Immunology
• Nuclear and Radiation Physics
• Nuclear Chemistry
• Physics and Geophysics
• Plant Biology
• Pure and Applied Chemistry
• Soil Science
• Space Science and Astrophysics
• Theoretical Physics

Programme Highlights

• Science-focused undergraduate pathway.
• Equivalent to the first year of a bachelor's degree.
• Progression into the second year of a specific Adelaide University undergraduate degree.
• Guaranteed entry to Adelaide University after successful completion, subject to conditions.
• 2 or 3 trimesters.
• Approximately 8–12 months.
• March, July and October intakes.
• International tuition fee: A$43,800.
• CRICOS code: 116789E.
• Academic English support.
• Credit-bearing courses linked to the destination degree.
• Central Adelaide location.
• Wide range of possible Science majors at Adelaide University. 

Career Outcomes

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

Career outcomes therefore depend on the Adelaide University Bachelor of Science major completed after progression.

Depending on the chosen Science discipline, graduates may pursue careers in areas such as:

• laboratory science
• biotechnology
• chemistry
• environmental science
• ecology and conservation
• geology and earth sciences
• geospatial science
• physics
• genetics
• microbiology
• food science
• research
• scientific analysis
• environmental consulting
• scientific and technical services

Latest Updates / Special Requirements

The current KICA programme page identifies Standard Science as an active pathway to Adelaide University and gives CRICOS code 116789E.

A key consideration is that the pathway does not have one universal Science subject combination. Additional credit-bearing courses depend on the student's destination degree, and KICA states that elective availability is subject to demand.

For the Adelaide University Bachelor of Science, the 2026 International Student Guide lists:

• Program code: BSCIE
• CRICOS code: 115751E
• Duration: 3 years
• Intakes: February and July
• Indicative annual international tuition fee: A$53,300
• IELTS: 6.5 overall, with 6.0 in each component
• Campus: Adelaide City, with some majors involving other campuses.

International Student Visa Requirements

International students studying the KICA pathway generally require an Australian Student visa (subclass 500).

The Australian Department of Home Affairs currently states that Student visa applicants must be enrolled in a full-time CRICOS-registered course and provide a valid Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE). For packaged courses, all relevant CoE codes must be included in the application.

Key requirements include:

• valid CoE
• enrolment in an eligible full-time course
• adequate OSHC
• Genuine Student requirement
• sufficient financial capacity where required
• applicable health requirements
• applicable character requirements
• valid passport and identity documentation
• Australian Values Statement for applicants aged 18 or over
• compliance with all visa conditions.

Genuine Student requirement

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

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

Work conditions

Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session. When the course is not in session, Student visa holders can generally work unlimited hours, subject to their visa conditions. Students cannot normally begin working before their course starts.

Students should check their individual visa grant and VEVO record because the actual conditions attached to their visa control their work rights.

OSHC

OSHC is mandatory for Student visa holders unless an exemption applies. KICA currently provides A$768 per year as a guide price, but the actual insurance cost varies according to the provider and coverage period.

Visa application charge

The Australian Government states that the Student visa application charge increased from 1 July 2026. The exact amount should be checked through the current Visa Pricing Estimator immediately before submitting the application because concessions and charges can vary.