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Pathway options
Applicants can apply for this course using Year 12 qualifications, previous higher education study, TAFE/VET qualifications, or through adult entry (STAT/Foundation Studies/tertiary preparation course).
Start dates
March
July
*Years 1 undertaken at the City Campus, years 2, 3 and 4 undertaken at Tonsley.
The apps you use, the cars you drive, the tools that power industries—they all rely on software. The Bachelor of Engineering (Software) (Honours) at Flinders equips you to design, test and optimise complex systems that keep modern life running.
Whether you’re passionate about problem-solving, automation, data or user experience, this degree sets you up to build impactful, high-performance software in any industry.
The Good Universities Guide 2025 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only
The Good Universities Guide 2025 (undergraduate)
THE Subject Rankings 2025
From fintech to health, defence to space, software engineers are in demand across almost every sector. Australia’s growing digital economy offers strong job prospects for graduates with technical skill and creativity. You’ll be studying towards an amazing career, like one of these:
Salary
$110K
typical salary in Australia
Job opportunities
1,790
in Australia, 2025
Build the tech behind everything. From backend systems and mobile apps to cloud services and automation tools, software engineers make it all work.
You’ll design and build scalable, reliable systems across industries—from MedTech and agriculture to AI and gaming.
Keep software moving at speed. Help teams build, test and release code quickly and reliably using automated pipelines and cloud tools.
DevOps engineers work behind the scenes to ensure systems scale and software keeps evolving.
Jobs growth
27%
5-year projection
Salary
$125K
typical salary in Australia
Write software for hardware-based products like medical devices, robotics and smart appliances. This role blends coding with electronics—great for students who enjoy systems thinking and real-world impact.
Design the big picture—how software components interact, scale and evolve. Ideal for students who are strong problem solvers and like planning and structure.
Design secure systems that protect data and prevent cyberattacks. You might work on defence networks, payment platforms or cloud infrastructure. Perfect for students who love puzzles and responsibility.
Build the pipelines that collect, store and move data across systems. Data engineers are key in sectors like health, logistics, finance and government.
This hands-on degree teaches you to create robust, reliable and scalable software systems—from mobile apps and cloud infrastructure to embedded devices and intelligent automation. You’ll gain skills in coding, software architecture, testing, teamwork and innovation.
In your first year, you'll study core topics and your choice of two option topics.
Your first year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
In your second year, you'll build on your foundations:
Your second year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
In your third year, you'll study core topics and your choice of two option topics. You'll also get hands-on experience with placement opportunities and undertake an industry project.
Your third year might include the following topics. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
In your fourth year, you'll begin the honours program soft Software Engineering.
Your fourth year has you beginning the honours component of the Software Engineering degree. For exact topic information, visit the course Handbook.
This course is accredited by Engineers Australia at the level of professional engineer. Professional engineering courses accredited by Engineers Australia are recognised internationally under the Washington Accord. Graduates meet the academic requirements for attaining chartered professional engineering status.
The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate)
The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate), public SA-founded universities only
The Good Universities Guide 2024 (undergraduate)
Where world-class education meets laid-back coastal living. With pristine beaches, acclaimed wineries, and vibrant festivals at your doorstep, South Australia offers an unmatched student experience.
Photo credit: SATC
Discover more about Flinders University’s Bachelor of Software Engineering.
Mechanical and Electrical Engineering
Meet Cameron Pike and Jessica Muster – both completing a Mechanical Engineering honours degree at Flinders. Jessica is also completing an Electrical Engineering honours degree.
Check out Flinders at Tonsley
Discover Flinders at Tonsley, the home of Engineering
International Student Services (ISS) is the first point of contact for international student support. The university also offers everything from cultural, health, and wellbeing services, to academic support.
Take a virtual tour of our campuses, guided by your fellow international students.
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you'll find out about events, club memberships, and extracurricular activities.
Adelaide has many accommodation options for international students. You can choose to live on campus, at our city accommodation provider The Switch, or in rental accommodation.
Flinders offers a vibrant, fun, supportive uni experience you’ll remember for a lifetime.
From cultural, health and wellbeing services, to study and financial support, enrolment advice and more, we’re here to help.
Flinders University Student Association (FUSA) is the heart of the Flinders Experience. FUSA is where you’ll find out about events, club memberships and extracurricular activities.
Flinders’ campuses are hubs of activity, with retail and food outlets, library spaces, study and chill spaces and more.
We know not everyone begins uni the same way, so we offer a variety of pathways into Flinders.
Use the dropdown to tell us a bit about you.
If you’re in Year 12, taking the free uniTEST can help boost your chances of getting into Flinders.
Strong results in your Research Project B subject along with your Year 12 results can be considered for entry.
By using three of your best Year 12 grades, you can also gain a place in your course of choice.
Your school’s recommendation about your academic performance may be considered as part of your admission.
The Foundation Studies Program is free and guarantees entry to a range of degrees.
If you’re studying at another university, you may be able to transfer to Flinders based on your Yr 12 results, current GPA or other factors.
Even if you didn’t finish high school (Year 12), you may be able to study at Flinders through your TAFE/VET qualification.
You may be able to complete a TAFE SA course and have guaranteed entry into Flinders.
The TAFE/VET stud you’ve already done may be able to be used as credit towards a Flinders’ course.
The Foundation Studies Program is free and guarantees entry to a range of degrees.
The STAT is a 2-hour multiple choice test that assesses your abilities.
If you completed Year 12 more than two years ago you can still use your results to apply.
Concerned about your ATAR? If it doesn't meet the course requirement, or if you don't receive one, we offer alternative pathways to admission. Contact us to discuss your options—we're here to help.
If you don’t meet our English language entry requirements and need to improve your English language proficiency, you can do so through Flinders University Academy – or our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.
This means that you can attend the required English language tuition at approved ELICOS providers and gain direct entry into university without an IELTS or TOEFL test.
If you don’t meet our academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through Flinders University Academy. With a range of diplomas, foundation and English language courses, students can find a direct pathway into the destination degree of their choice.
Select your course.
Check entry requirements.
Check your eligibility for credit.
Obtain certified documents.
Submit your application and documents.
Follow up our step-by-step guide to help you with your application to study at Flinders.
Our registered education agents around the world understand the university system and will guide you through the application process.
Get in touch with our team to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways, and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.
If you lack required English proficiency, improve through Flinders University Academy or approved ELICOS providers for direct university entry without IELTS/TOEFL tests.
If you do not meet entry requirements for your desired degree, Flinders University Academy will provide you with a direct pathway into the destination degree of your choice.
Over the years, many questions have been asked by students before. For the quickest answers view our frequently asked questions or browse the full list @ Ask Flinders.
Software engineering is the discipline of designing, building and maintaining large, reliable, scalable software systems—everything from apps and websites to AI and embedded systems.
No! You’ll learn everything from the ground up, starting in first year with core programming topics.
Computer science focuses more on theory and algorithms. Software engineering focuses on applying those principles to design real, working systems at scale.
Almost all of them—tech, banking, defence, MedTech, transport, government, energy, space, startups… software is everywhere.
Yes. You’ll have opportunities to focus your projects or electives on areas like embedded systems, AI, secure systems or web technologies.
Yes! In your final year, you’ll complete an industry placement (practicum), as well as a major honours project.
Absolutely. Many graduates launch or join startups using the skills they develop here—especially in areas like SaaS, mobile apps and automation.
The table below shows ATAR and Selection Rank data for students offered a place wholly or partly on the basis of ATAR commencing in Semester 1, 2024. It is limited to applicants that have recently completed secondary education (within the last two years). Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
ATAR-based offers only across all offer rounds | ATAR - Excluding adjustment factors | Selection Rank - ATAR plus any adjustment factors |
---|---|---|
Highest rank to receive an offer | 99.40 | 99.95 |
Median rank to receive an offer | 73.35 | 77.78 |
Lowest rank to receive an offer | 57.75 | 65.50 |
The table below gives an indication of the likely peer cohort for new students in this course. It provides data on students who commenced study in this course in Semester 1, 2024 including those admitted through all offer rounds and international students studying in Australia. Applicant background groupings are based on educational background, not basis of admission. Data may reflect multiple courses available within a suite of courses.
Applicant background (Semester 1, 2024) | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
---|---|---|
Higher education study (includes a bridging or enabling course) | 46 | 34% |
Vocational education and training (VET) study | <5 | <5% |
Work and life experience | 11 | 8% |
Recent secondary education - Admitted solely on the basis of ATAR (regardless of whether this includes the consideration of adjustment factors such as equity or subject bonus points) | 37 | 28% |
Recent secondary education - Admitted where both ATAR and additional criteria were considered (e.g. portfolio, audition, extra test) | <5 | 2% |
Recent secondary education - Admitted on the basis of other criteria only and ATAR was not a factor (e.g. special consideration pathways) | 17 | 13% |
International Students | 18 | 13% |
All students | 134 | 100% |
Get in touch with us to discuss your preferences, career options, pathways and course and entry requirements. We are here to ensure you have everything you need to choose the right degree for you.
The type of documents you will need for your international application depends on what course you are applying for and which country you are a citizen of. Course requirements are stated on each course webpage. Examples of documentation you might expect to provide for your international application include a copy of personal identification, academic transcripts or a resume.
Once you have received your Confirmation of Enrolment (CoE) letter from Flinders University, you should apply for your visa as soon as possible as visa processing times can vary. You will receive your CoE letter after you have applied to study at Flinders, accepted your offer and paid the semester tuition fee.
No. Part-time study is currently not available for international students due to visa conditions.
No. Online study is currently not available for international students due to visa conditions.
If you don’t meet our English language or academic entry requirements, you can still gain entry to Flinders University through our on-campus pathway provider Flinders University Academy. Alternatively, you can improve your English language proficiency through our approved English Language Instruction Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) providers.
You can apply to study as an international student directly through Flinders University or an authorised agent in your country.
If you are from one of the countries listed here, you are required to apply via an education agent. If you reside onshore in Australia, you will not require an agent even if you are from the countries listed above.
Yes. As a student visa (subclass 500) holder, you and your dependents (family members) can work up to 48 hours a fortnight when your course of study is in session. If you have started a master degree by research or doctoral degree, this rule does not apply to you and working hours are not restricted.
Our dedicated International Student Services (ISS) team provide a range of programs supporting your enrolment, study and social life, as well as a referral service to facilities on campus and within the local community.
Sturt Rd, Bedford Park
South Australia 5042
South Australia | Northern Territory
Global | Online
CRICOS Provider: 00114A TEQSA Provider ID: PRV12097 TEQSA category: Australian University
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