The coastal capital of Southern Australia, Adelaide is one of the best cities for students aspiring to study abroad. Discover the top universities, courses, scholarships and much more the city offers for international students in this article.
If you wish to study in Adelaide, then knowing more about the city’s educational system is essential. There are three stages, namely preschool, primary school, and secondary school, followed by tertiary education. Schooling is compulsory between 6-16 years, while in the final two years, students need to complete the SACE (South Australia Certificate of Education). The Education Standards Board(ESB) regulates the quality of education being delivered in the city. Adelaide is also home to three globally reputed public universities.
Why Study in Adelaide- 6 Top Reasons
Here are some of the top reasons to study in Adelaide:
Adelaide offers affordable living costs, around 12% lower than Melbourne and Sydney.
Adelaide is a highly livable city owing to excellent amenities, transportation, and infrastructure.
Adelaide is ranked #26 in the QS Best Student Cities 2024 out of 160 global cities.
Adelaide has been rated as Australia’s safest city in 2023 as per a Suncorp survey, with just 2,365 incidents for every 100,000 people.
There are 50,000+ enrollments in Adelaide from 130 countries, ensuring a cosmopolitan atmosphere.
You can work part-time for up to 24 hours per week while studying in the city.
Best Universities to Study in Adelaide
Here are the best universities to study in Adelaide as per the QS World University Rankings 2024.
University Name
QS WUR 2024
The University of Adelaide
89
University of South Australia
=326
Flinders University
380
Best Courses to Study in Adelaide
Here are some of the courses that you can pursue in Adelaide:
Accounting and Finance
Animal and Veterinary Sciences
Public Health
Biomedical Science and Biotechnology
Architecture
Dentistry and Oral Health
Business
Economics
Engineering
Media
Cost of Living in Adelaide
Students will need to manage their living expenses while studying in Adelaide. Here is a glimpse of the average cost of living in the city.
Type of Expense
Average Weekly Costs
Housing Rentals
AUD300–600
Groceries
AUD60
Utilities (Shared)
AUD 45–50
Public Transportation
AUD15
Entertainment
AUD80
Phone and Internet
AUD25
Cost of Studying in Adelaide
The average cost of studying in the city varies across institutions. The tuition fees for some of the courses are given below:
Course
Average Tuition Fees
Bachelor of Business
AUD47,500 for 24 units
Bachelor of Finance (Honors)
AUD47,500 for 24 units
Master of Philosophy (Arts)
AUD52,500 per year
Master of Philosophy (Sciences)
AUD53,500 per year
Master of Philosophy (Engineering)
AUD53,000 per year
Source: Official University Websites
Top Scholarships for Students to Study in Adelaide
Here are some of the best scholarships worth considering for students in Adelaide.
Scholarship Name
Benefits
Key Aspects
Global Citizens Scholarship (International)- University of Adelaide
15 or 30% reduction in tuition fees.
International students commencing undergraduate or postgraduate programs with outstanding academic achievements in their last qualification.
Global Academic Excellence Scholarship (International)- University of Adelaide
50% reduction in tuition fees
International students starting postgraduate or undergraduate programs with demonstrated academic excellence in previous degrees.
Ashok Khurana Scholarship for Outstanding Indian Student- University of Adelaide
AUD30,000 for tuition, living costs, and airfare along with a 50% discount on tuition fees for the program duration.
Full-time Indian postgraduate students with outstanding academic merit.
International Merit Scholarship- University of South Australia
15% reduction in tuition fees for the duration of the program.
International students securing at least a 5.0 GPA or above while meeting English language requirements and other admission terms and conditions.
Student Life in Adelaide
Adelaide is a great place to live as far as students are concerned. The city is compact and commuting across various places is extremely convenient. Living costs are also 12% lower as compared to other leading Australian cities. Adelaide offers various public transportation options and if you’re living in or near the campus, you can walk or cycle with ease. There are free inner-city buses and trams available with international students receiving transportation discounts too. The city also has dedicated bike lanes along with lovely walking pathways. There are 900+ restaurants, cafes, pubs, and more, including the lively Adelaide Central market. A UNESCO Creative City, Adelaide offers several museums and other attractions for its residents, including the Tandanya National Aboriginal Cultural Institute, Art Gallery of South Australia, South Australians Museum, and National Wine Center of Australia, to name a few.
Student life on campus is vibrant, with universities offering numerous student clubs and associations that take care of interests as varied as writing, singing, dancing, music, debating, acting, gaming, and even yoga. You will also find several sporting clubs on your campus along with opportunities for hiking, field trips, watersports, and more.
Career Prospects for Students in Adelaide
The average salary in Adelaide is approximately AUD71,000 per year according to PayScale. Here are some jobs with their annual average salaries.
Job Role
Average Annual Salary
Operations Manager
AUD59–1,25,000
Accountant
AUD48–84,000
Project Manager
AUD65–1,48,000
Software Engineer
AUD60–1,04,000
Chief Executive Officer
AUD97–2,53,000
Graphic Designer
AUD47–77,000
Mechanical Engineer
AUD59–1,04,000
Source: Payscale(As of April 2024)
Choosing to study in Adelaide will be a great move if you are looking for a world-class education, a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, plenty of cultural attractions and things to do, and of course, lower living costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a student visa to study in Adelaide?
If your university in Adelaide is participating in the SSVF (simplified student visa framework), you can get your visa more swiftly. To obtain a visa, you must show proof of funds and have a valid confirmation of enrolment from the institution. You can apply for your student visa by creating an online ImmiAccount. The Department of Home Affairs may require additional documents during the visa process. It is important to apply for your visa 8 months before your course starts.
Can I work and study in Adelaide?
Yes, you can work up to 48 hours each fortnight in Adelaide, while studying. This is 24 hours per week and you can find opportunities across supermarkets, clothing outlets, bars, cafes, restaurants, tourism companies, tutoring companies, and more.
Which course is best to study in Adelaide?
There are several courses that you can consider studying in Adelaide, including law, medicine, architecture, accounting and finance, and even business. Some other options include animal and veterinary sciences, engineering, and more.
What support services are available for international students in universities in Adelaide?
Universities in Adelaide offer various support services to international students including dedicated peer-assisted study support, learning centers, online resources, and other academic assistance. At the same time, other non-academic services include health and medical support, counseling services, disability support, career services, professional development and internships, and more.
What cultural experiences and attractions can I explore in Adelaide outside of my studies?
You can explore varied cultural attractions in the city beyond your studies, including the Art Gallery of South Australia, Adelaide Symphony Orchestra, Adelaide Festival Center, South Australian Museum, and more.
Urvi has 3 years of experience as a content writer and marketer. Over years, she has established herself as a study-abroad expert and is adept at crafting compelling and engaging content for students. Self-driven and passionate professional, she likes writing poetry and has authored a poetry book ‘Thoughts of a Wallflower’.
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