USP's admission criteria differ according to the level and type of program you are applying for as well as whether you are under 23 years of age or a mature entrant. Applicants under the age of 23 are admitted to USP on the basis of their school leaving qualifications, while for mature entrants their work experience and any tertiary courses completed since leaving school may also be considered.

In addition USP requires all new students taking undergraduate degree-level courses to sit an English proficiency test called ELSA (English Language Skills Assessment). The purpose of the ELSA test is to determine that all students have the English language skills needed for successful university study. Students who fail the ELSA test will be required to pass EL001 before registering for any 200-level courses.