It primarily focuses in the areas of teaching, theology, and nursing, but also offers bachelor's degrees in business, science and the arts as well as certificate studies in outdoor recreation.

The library on its Lake Macquarie campus houses a local research centre of the Ellen G. White Estate.

During the 1890s, Ellen White reformed the curriculum to make the Bible the center of study, in place of the classics.

[18] A common account is the furrow story, in which Ellen White was reported to have had a vision concerning the land.

[19] Finding land for a college seemed to be an impossible task, as the small church in Australia at the time did not have the finances to support such a project.

[23] Information and records of the Oceania region are kept at the Adventist Heritage Centre, which is located within the library of the University campus.

Photographs and memorabilia of the College in its early years are housed in the Sunnyside Museum located at the nearby EG White Estate.

The university offers Master's degrees (taught and research) and graduate certificates/diplomas in education, nursing, leadership and management, arts, theology and ministry.

[40] Avondale University fosters a wide variety of students from varying cultural backgrounds and beliefs.

The auditorium, gym, library, College Hall, and cafeteria all provide meeting places for students.

In common with the Seventh-day Adventist community, Avondale University ceases secular activities on a Friday afternoon.

There student-led Bible study groups and evening worship services open to students and staff alike.

Evangelical author Philip Yancey gave a presentation at Avondale College Church on 20 October 2001, which was broadcast throughout the South Pacific Division.

Students also have the option of renting a College View residence, an off-campus housing estate owned by the university.

The Sydney campus (nursing school) has a single large hall of residence mainly for female students.

Keynote speakers at the presentation have been Fritz Guy at the 13–15 September 2002 conference, "Being Adventist in 21st Century Australia" (papers available online), Bill Johnsson in the 22–24 August 2003 conference, "Hebrews for Aussies in Century 21",[46] Alden Thompson in 2004, and Kendra Haloviak in 2005.