South Australian Institute of Business and Technology (SAIBT)

The South Australian Institute of Business and Technology (SAIBT) is located in the heart of Adelaide, the vibrant capital city of South Australia. As a leading institution, SAIBT offers direct entry into a wide range of undergraduate programs at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Starting in 2026, SAIBT will also provide pathways into the new Adelaide University, built on the legacies of UniSA and the University of Adelaide.

SAIBT is committed to helping students bridge the gap between school and university, making higher education more accessible to all. With small class sizes, personalised teaching, and comprehensive student support, SAIBT creates an environment where students can thrive.

SAIBT offers a range of preparatory courses tailored to different stages of students' educational journeys. All programs are designed to ensure a smooth transition into degree programs at UniSA and, starting in 2026, Adelaide University.

By completing a Diploma program at SAIBT, students are guaranteed entry into the second year of most degree courses at UniSA and Adelaide University. SAIBT also offers an Early Transition Program (ETP) and graduate certificate options, providing efficient entry options for postgraduate students.

Studying at SAIBT means enjoying life in Adelaide, a coastal city known for its pleasant climate and welcoming atmosphere. The college is centrally located on UniSA's East campus, offering students easy access to everything the city has to offer. With numerous restaurants, cafes, and cultural venues nearby, SAIBT students have the perfect base to experience Australian life while balancing their studies.

SAIBT's diverse community includes students from over 70 countries around the world, along with many Australians. Students benefit from full access to UniSA's world-class facilities and student societies, making their transition into degree-level study smooth and rewarding.

Since its founding in 2001, SAIBT has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality teaching and support. Through its partnership with UniSA, SAIBT has successfully guided thousands of students through its Diploma and Early Transition Program (ETP), helping them progress into undergraduate degree courses.

SAIBT fosters a positive, inclusive environment, which plays a key role in its success as a pathway provider. With transition programs for both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, students can begin their academic journey at multiple entry points, with guaranteed progression into degree-level study at UniSA and, from 2026, the new Adelaide University.

SAIBT's programs are delivered by a team of highly qualified faculty members, many of whom have years of international experience. This expertise allows them to effectively teach and mentor students from diverse global backgrounds. Students at SAIBT enjoy small class sizes and a personalised learning environment, ensuring more contact time with faculty and learning advisors to support their academic success.

UniSA, ranked among the world's top young universities (#43 in the 2024 The Young University Rankings), provides students with an exceptional education.

As Adelaide University launches in 2026, students who complete a pathway program at SAIBT will continue to benefit from the same high-quality education and opportunities at the new Adelaide University.

SAIBT offers a variety of transition options into degree programs at the University of South Australia (UniSA), which will merge with the University of Adelaide to form the new Adelaide University in 2026. Its diploma programs provide alternative pathways into a wide selection of undergraduate degrees, provided students maintain the required academic standards.

There are five main diploma pathway options at SAIBT:

• Diploma of Arts
• Diploma of Business
• Diploma of Engineering
• Diploma of Health Science
• Diploma of Information Technology

Prospective students who have completed Year 12 or an equivalent qualification can choose one of these diploma pathways. Each diploma consists of eight university-level subjects, studied over three trimesters, and offers direct entry into the second year of a UniSA (or Adelaide University from 2026) undergraduate degree, provided a satisfactory GPA is maintained. Fast-track options are available to complete the diploma in just two trimesters.

For applicants who have completed Year 11, SAIBT offers Early Transition Programs (ETP) in Arts, Engineering, and Health Science. The ETP consists of eight pre-university level units studied over two or three trimesters, bringing students up to Year 12 level before progressing to the first year of their undergraduate degree.

Additionally, SAIBT offers a Graduate Certificate in Business and Management for international students. This program guarantees entry into the first year of a master's degree at UniSA (or Adelaide University from 2026).

Students enrolled in any of SAIBT's preparatory programs will also benefit from improved English language proficiency and develop a range of transferable skills to support their university studies.

Applications for SAIBT are completed online via Studylink. The college offers an alternative route to degree-level qualifications, and applicants from a broad range of academic and cultural backgrounds are encouraged to apply.

There are separate academic and English language pre-requisites for entry into the ETP and diploma pathways, which applicants must attain to be admitted onto the pathway programs.

The SAIBT website publishes a list of country-by-country grade level equivalents where prospective students can find details needed to complete their applications. All pre-requisites are subject to consideration by the SAIBT admissions team, on a case-by-case basis. Consideration can be made for applicants with relevant work experience or employment.

There are also requirements for English language proficiency, which vary by course, and are listed on the SAIBT website. All courses are taught in English, so students must be able to provide evidence of approved test scores to demonstrate they are sufficiently proficient.

Tuition fee details for international students can be found on the SAIBT website.

Additionally, students must organise their own health insurance before arrival in Australia. SAIBT can provide Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) for a fee. In addition, students under the age of 18 must pay a guardianship fee (all published on the website).

The SAIBT financial support services team are available all year round to advise students with further financial issues such as visa requirements, accommodation and living costs.

SAIBT recognises the cost of living and studying abroad and awards a selection of scholarships and bursaries to international, full-fee-paying students, subject to consideration by the college admissions staff. Further scholarships from the University of South Australia may also be available once students progress onto their university degree.

Information about scholarships and bursaries, including full eligibility criteria and information on how to apply, can be found on the institute's website.

Students at SAIBT have access to the same high-quality facilities available to university students at UniSA and, from 2026, Adelaide University. The City East campus, located in one of Adelaide's most vibrant and connected districts, is a bustling hub of student activity. The campus offers a wide range of learning facilities, services, and social spaces to help students achieve both academic and personal success.

Facilities include computer rooms, study areas, a student bookshop, and a well-equipped library stocked with thousands of books, eBooks, journals, and online resources to support around 30,000 students. The campus also has a post office, ATMs, a health clinic, and a fully equipped gymnasium.

An outdoor plaza offers social spaces and a variety of food and drink options on-site. The SAIBT student body is diverse and multicultural, and students share access to a prayer room, as well as free and confidential multi-faith services.

The campus is conveniently located with access to local public transport routes, including buses, trains, and trams. Additionally, UniSA is ranked as Australia's most environmentally sustainable university, according to the Mercer Study, and the campus provides ample on-site bike parking, promoting eco-friendly commuting.

SAIBT understands that finding the right accommodation is crucial for students, which is why it offers dedicated support to help students find options that fit their budgets and personal preferences. Accommodation choices include:

• Homestay
• Fully catered student residences
• Student hostels
• Private rental accommodation

With such a comprehensive range of facilities in the heart of a dynamic city like Adelaide, it's no wonder that the 2022 ComparED (QILT) Student Experience Survey ranked UniSA number one in South Australia for student experience. From 2026, students transitioning from SAIBT will also benefit from Adelaide University's world-class facilities and academic offerings.

SAIBT offers excellent preparatory and pathway programs to help students transition smoothly into degree-level study at the University of South Australia (UniSA). From 2026, SAIBT will also provide pathways into the newly established Adelaide University, which will carry forward the legacies of both the University of Adelaide and UniSA.

UniSA is rated 5 stars for excellence in research, employability, teaching, facilities, internationalisation, inclusiveness, and innovation by QS stars rating 2023, and is ranked top 5 in Australia for quality education by The University Impact Rating 2023. The university offers programs at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels, and successful completion of a diploma at SAIBT guarantees a transfer to degree-level study at UniSA (Adelaide University from 2026), making it an attractive option for students who wish to bridge the gap between high school-equivalent educations and university study.

SAIBT also offers the Graduate Certificate in Business and Management, developed in collaboration with UniSA. This one-semester program provides a nationally recognised Level 8 qualification, allowing successful students to progress to the second semester of various master's degrees at UniSA (or Adelaide University from 2026).