Bachelor of Agricultural Science
Overview
Agriculture is more than farming. It's a vital science that involves understanding the land, crops and animals, and using sustainable methods to feed and clothe our growing population.
In the Bachelor of Agricultural Science you'll learn the scientific, technological, managerial, economic and social principles of agriculture to improve food security, environmental sustainability, and enhance human health.
You'll benefit from the research discoveries and industry connections of our world-class academics. They'll teach you in-demand practical field and lab skills and how to be part of developing solutions to the complex challenges of food security, agricultural sustainability and climate change.
Experience some of the best animal and agricultural facilities in the southern hemisphere, including research greenhouses, a plant nursery, a commercial dairy, and more than 1,000 hectares of unique subtropical farmland.
Participate in industry visits and field trips where you'll see some of the latest industry-transforming technology, like drones, GPS and crop sensors, in action.
Take advantage of a 120-hour industry placement where you apply theory to practice or enhance your research skills with the Summer and Winter Research Programs.
You'll gain in-depth foundations in animal biology, plant science, ecology, chemistry and data analysis, before specialising in one of 3 majors:
- agronomy (field crop production and soil management)
- animal science (livestock production, care and management)
- horticulture (garden and greenhouse crop cultivation).
You can add business skills with electives in agricultural economics, export marketing and people management.
Upon graduation, you'll be in demand with 6 jobs to every agricultural university graduate in Australia.
Program highlights
- Participate in a 120-hour industry placement, and a week-long field trip to Central Queensland.
- Gain exposure to the latest technological advancements in agriculture through practicals and industry engagement.
- Develop practical lab and field skills in the Summer and Winter Research Programs.
- Access some of the best animal and agricultural facilities in the Southern Hemisphere across more than 1,000 hectares of subtropical farmland.
- Customise your study to suit your interests with a major in agronomy, animal science or horticulture.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
- Agronomy
- Animal Science
- Horticulture
How you'll learn
Your learning experiences are designed to best suit the learning outcomes of the courses you choose.
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Work placements
- Overseas study
- Research experience
- Laboratory work
- Fieldwork
- Seminars
- Workshops
What you'll study
At UQ, degrees are called 'programs' and subjects are called 'courses'. Here's a sample of the courses you could study in this program:
- Agricultural Biochemistry
- Sustainable Agricultural & Animal Systems
- Biological Concepts & Plant Science
- Animal Health & Epidemiology
Dual programs
Double your skills and your opportunities with a dual degree. You can study the Bachelor of Agricultural Science as a part of these dual programs:
Career possibilities
Our programs prepare you for your first job and beyond. Depending on which major you choose, here are some of the careers you could be on your way to:
- Agronomist
- Animal technician
- Horticulturalist
- Biosecurity officer
- Research manager
- Animal management officer
- Propagator
- Crop scientist
- Animal health officer
- Plant scientist
Graduate salary
Agriculture & environmental studies (undergraduate)
compared.edu.au
Graduate salary
Science and mathematics (undergraduate)
compared.edu.au
Next steps after graduation
The agriculture sector contributes billions of dollars annually to the Australian and international economies.
A 2021 study from the Australian Farm Institute found there were 6 jobs to every agricultural university graduate in Australia.
You will find diverse career opportunities in organisations such as:
- local, national and international agribusiness companies such as agricultural service companies, banks, seed companies, food producers and agricultural consultancies
- research institutions, including universities and CSIRO
- local, state or federal government departments
- biosecurity, extension and animal production enterprises
- small- or large-scale organisations involved in production, post-harvest and marketing of horticultural products
- feed mills, stock equipment manufacturers, and livestock and poultry health companies within allied industries.
Alternatively, you can further your research ambitions by applying for the 12-month Bachelor of Agricultural Science (Honours) program.
The skills I developed during my time at UQ have equipped me to assess and manage complex challenges, thrive in fast-paced work environments, lead informed decision-making, and be recognised for my strong problem-solving skills and critical thinking capabilities.
UQ gave me the opportunity to develop new ways of thinking. The fundamental knowledge I learnt throughout my degree as well as the opportunity to enhance my problem solving and analysis skills have served me well throughout my career.
The skills I developed during my time at UQ have equipped me to assess and manage complex challenges, thrive in fast-paced work environments, lead informed decision-making, and be recognised for my strong problem-solving skills and critical thinking capabilities.
UQ gave me the opportunity to develop new ways of thinking. The fundamental knowledge I learnt throughout my degree as well as the opportunity to enhance my problem solving and analysis skills have served me well throughout my career.
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Career opportunities in agricultural science
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What's it really like to study agribusiness and agriculture at UQ?
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Entry requirements
Prerequisites
- General English subject (Units 3 & 4, C)
- General Mathematics or Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4, C)
Prerequisites
- General English subject (Units 3 & 4, C)
- General Mathematics or Mathematical Methods (Units 3 & 4, C)
Entry score threshold
| ATAR / Rank | IB |
|---|---|
| 72 | 25.25 |
These are the lowest adjusted scores we made an offer to in Semester 1, 2024. Entry scores are based on the most recent Semester 1 intake and are updated in April each year. Meeting the entry score threshold doesn't guarantee admission.
Guarantee your place at UQ: If you meet our guaranteed minimum ATAR you could secure an offer for your preferred program.
English language requirements
IELTS overall 6.5; reading 6; writing 6; speaking 6; listening 6. For other English Language Proficiency Tests and Scores approved for UQ
TOEFL iBT (including Paper Edition) - Overall 87, listening 19, reading 19, writing 21 and speaking 19.
PTE Academic - Overall Score of 64 and 60 in all sub bands.
BE - A minimum overall grade of 4 plus a minimum grade of C in all macro skills.
CES - Overall 176 and 169 in all sub bands.
OET is not accepted.
There are other ways to meet the English language requirements. For some programs, additional conditions apply.
Student visas
International students who are accepted into full-time study in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science are eligible to apply for an Australian student visa (subclass 500).
There are a number of requirements you must satisfy before a visa is granted, including the Genuine Student (GS) requirement.
Entry score range
This table shows the range of entry scores for recent secondary students offered a place in the B Agricultural Science for Semester 1, 2024
| Without adjustments | With adjustments | |
|---|---|---|
| Highest | 96.3 | 98.3 |
| Median | 78.3 | 78.45 |
| Lowest | 68 | 72.3 |
Who you'll study with
Here's a snapshot of our student intake for this program in Semester 1, 2024:
| Applicant background | Number of students | Percentage of all students |
|---|---|---|
(A) Higher education study | 11 | 35.5% |
(B) Vocational Education and Training (VET) study | <5 | <5 |
(C) Work and life experience | <5 | <5 |
| (D) Recent secondary education | ||
| 11 | 35.5% |
| 0 | 0% |
| 0 | 0% |
International students | 7 | 22.6% |
Total | 31 | 100% |
"<5" — The number of students is less than 5.
N/A — Students not accepted in this category.
N/P — Not published. The number is hidden to protect the privacy of students in other cells.
Need help meeting the entry requirements?
Additional application information
Additional application information
Majors
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
You'll also learn about resilient farming systems that can adapt to environmental changes, ensuring sustainable food and fibre production for the future.
Participate in hands-on practicals, industry visits and field trips throughout your degree and gain in-demand practical skills and industry connections.
Take advantage of a 120-hour industry placement where you apply theory to practice or enhance your research skills with the Summer and Winter Research Programs.
You’ll study topics like crop rotation, irrigation, plant breeding, soil health and pest control. Explore how cutting-edge technology, including AI, automation and data analysis, is integrated into agriculture, equipping you with the skills to make informed decisions in the industry.
You’ll have access to some of the best plant science teaching and research facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, including over 1,000 hectares of farmland, advanced research nursery and glasshouse facilities, and a pesticide wind tunnel facility.
In the animal science major, you'll study nutrition and reproduction of both grazing animals and intensively housed animals, animal health, animal behaviour, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and biochemistry and pasture science. This will help you develop strategies to improve the well-being of animals and make farms more efficient.
Join industry visits, and field trips to local livestock producers throughout your degree and gain in-demand practical skills and industry connections. Participate in regular hands-on practicals where you’ll learn to handle and monitor animals.
Take advantage of a 120-hour industry placement where you apply theory to practice or enhance your research skills with the Summer and Winter Research Programs.
You’ll have access to some of the best animal teaching and research facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, such as the Queensland Animal Science Precinct, the UQ Veterinary Medical Centre and the Gatton Research Dairy.
Horticulturists manage everything from pruning trees and optimising fruit sizes to ensuring year-round production and meeting supermarket demands. They also focus on sustainability by improving soil health, plant genetics, and minimising chemical use to run farms effectively.
In this hands-on major, you’ll study how to grow different types of plants like fruits, vegetables and flowers using field and protected cropping practices. You'll also learn how plants can be used to improve the environment by cleaning the air, conserving soil, supporting biodiversity and helping to cool urban areas.
Participate in hands-on practicals, industry visits and field trips to local fruit, vegetable and flower producers throughout your degree, and gain in-demand practical skills and industry connections.
Take advantage of a 120-hour industry placement where you apply theory to practice or enhance your research skills with the Summer and Winter Research Programs.
Make the most of a smaller cohort experience and spend valuable time in the lab where you’ll learn scientific techniques in plant breeding, biochemistry, physiology and propagation. This will help you enhance plant yield, quality, nutritional value, and resistance to insects, diseases and environmental stresses.
You’ll have access to some of the best plant science teaching and research facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, including over 1,000 hectares of farmland, advanced research nursery and glasshouse facilities, and a pesticide wind tunnel facility.
Majors
Tailor your studies to suit your goals. This program offers these options:
You'll also learn about resilient farming systems that can adapt to environmental changes, ensuring sustainable food and fibre production for the future.
Participate in hands-on practicals, industry visits and field trips throughout your degree and gain in-demand practical skills and industry connections.
Take advantage of a 120-hour industry placement where you apply theory to practice or enhance your research skills with the Summer and Winter Research Programs.
You’ll study topics like crop rotation, irrigation, plant breeding, soil health and pest control. Explore how cutting-edge technology, including AI, automation and data analysis, is integrated into agriculture, equipping you with the skills to make informed decisions in the industry.
You’ll have access to some of the best plant science teaching and research facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, including over 1,000 hectares of farmland, advanced research nursery and glasshouse facilities, and a pesticide wind tunnel facility.
In the animal science major, you'll study nutrition and reproduction of both grazing animals and intensively housed animals, animal health, animal behaviour, microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and biochemistry and pasture science. This will help you develop strategies to improve the well-being of animals and make farms more efficient.
Join industry visits, and field trips to local livestock producers throughout your degree and gain in-demand practical skills and industry connections. Participate in regular hands-on practicals where you’ll learn to handle and monitor animals.
Take advantage of a 120-hour industry placement where you apply theory to practice or enhance your research skills with the Summer and Winter Research Programs.
You’ll have access to some of the best animal teaching and research facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, such as the Queensland Animal Science Precinct, the UQ Veterinary Medical Centre and the Gatton Research Dairy.
Horticulturists manage everything from pruning trees and optimising fruit sizes to ensuring year-round production and meeting supermarket demands. They also focus on sustainability by improving soil health, plant genetics, and minimising chemical use to run farms effectively.
In this hands-on major, you’ll study how to grow different types of plants like fruits, vegetables and flowers using field and protected cropping practices. You'll also learn how plants can be used to improve the environment by cleaning the air, conserving soil, supporting biodiversity and helping to cool urban areas.
Participate in hands-on practicals, industry visits and field trips to local fruit, vegetable and flower producers throughout your degree, and gain in-demand practical skills and industry connections.
Take advantage of a 120-hour industry placement where you apply theory to practice or enhance your research skills with the Summer and Winter Research Programs.
Make the most of a smaller cohort experience and spend valuable time in the lab where you’ll learn scientific techniques in plant breeding, biochemistry, physiology and propagation. This will help you enhance plant yield, quality, nutritional value, and resistance to insects, diseases and environmental stresses.
You’ll have access to some of the best plant science teaching and research facilities in the Southern Hemisphere, including over 1,000 hectares of farmland, advanced research nursery and glasshouse facilities, and a pesticide wind tunnel facility.
Fees and Scholarships
Indicative annual fee
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your selected courses and study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
$5,573
2024
Fee information for 2025 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2024.
$5,573
2025
Approximate yearly cost of tuition (16 units). Your fees will vary according to your study load. Fees are reviewed each year and may increase.
AUD $50,560
2024
Fee information for 2025 is not yet available. Fee information displayed is for 2024.
AUD $50,560
2025
Additional costs
- This program includes majors and minors that may require completion of one or more field trip courses that may incur additional costs. Please check the course descriptions for more information.
Government assistance
Financial aid
As an international student, you might be eligible for financial aid – either from your home country, or from the Australian Government.
HECS-HELP
Domestic places in the Bachelor of Agricultural Science are Commonwealth Supported. This means the cost of your education is shared between you and the Australian Government.
Instead of tuition fees, Commonwealth Supported students pay what are called student contribution amounts.
HECS-HELP is an Australian Government loan scheme to assist eligible students with the cost of their student contribution amounts.
Centrelink support
The Australian Government offers a number of income-support payments to eligible Australian university students.
Scholarships
You may be eligible for more than 100 scholarships, including:
How to apply
Applying online
If your senior schooling is from outside Australia, you can submit your application to UQ. Or, if you prefer, you can use an approved UQ agent in your country.
The program code for the Bachelor of Agricultural Science is 2448.
Find out more about applying for undergraduate study
If your senior schooling is from Australia
Submit your application to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre if you're an international student who is currently studying:
- Australian Year 12 (in Australia or another country), or
- the International Baccalaureate in Australia.
The QTAC code for the Bachelor of Agricultural Science is 762019.
Applying through QTAC
All domestic applications should be submitted to the Queensland Tertiary Admissions Centre (QTAC).
The QTAC code for the Bachelor of Agricultural Science is 762019.
Important dates
If you’re studying Year 12 in Australia, go to the QTAC website to check the closing date for this program.
If you’re applying to UQ, the closing date for this program is:
- To commence study in semester 1 - November 30 of the previous year.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Important dates
To check the closing date for this program, go to the QTAC website.
To learn more about UQ dates, including semester start dates, view the Academic Calendar.
Admissions schemes
Applying to university can be both exciting and daunting, which is why we’ve tried to make the process as simple as we can.
We have several schemes in place to improve your chances of getting a place at UQ.
Pathway options
A rank or score doesn’t determine your potential.
If you're not offered a place in your first-choice program – or if you don't meet the entry requirements – you still have a number of options.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander applicants
For support with applying – or if you have any questions about university life – get in touch with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies Unit.
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