The University of Adelaide is a public research university located in Adelaide, South Australia. Established in 1874, it is the third-oldest university in Australia and a member of the Group of Eight, a coalition of Australia’s leading research-intensive universities. The university has five campuses: North Terrace, Waite, Roseworthy, Thebarton and Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences.
The University of Adelaide is one of Australia's leading research universities and is consistently ranked among the top 100 universities in the world. The university aims at excellence in education, research and innovation that benefits its students, staff and society. The university offers more than 200 undergraduate and postgraduate courses across five departments: Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences; Health and Medical Sciences; Arts; Professions; and Sciences. The university also offers various research degrees, such as Master of Philosophy, Doctor of Philosophy and Professional Doctorate.
The University of Adelaide has a strong reputation for its research performance and impact as 41 subjects of the university ranked in the top 100 by the QS World University Rankings by Subject in 2021. The university is also home to several research institutes and centres that address global challenges in areas such as health, environment, energy, food, defence and more. The university has a diverse student community, with over 27,000 students from more than 100 countries. The university provides a range of support services and opportunities for its students, such as academic skills development, career guidance, counselling, scholarships, exchange programs and student clubs and societies.
The University of Adelaide has a rich history and tradition of producing distinguished graduates who have made significant contributions to various fields and sectors. Some of the notable alumni of the university include Nobel laureates Sir Howard Florey, Sir William Lawrence Bragg, Sir Mark Oliphant, J.M. Coetzee and Robin Warren; former Prime Minister Julia Gillard; astronaut Andy Thomas; Supreme Court judge Dame Roma Mitchell; and Young Australian of the Year Isobel Marshall.
Feature | Description |
Established | 1874 |
Type | Public |
Location | Adelaide, South Australia |
Campuses | North Terrace, Waite, Roseworthy, Thebarton and Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences |
Faculties | Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences; Health and Medical Sciences; Arts; Professions; and Sciences |
Campus | Address |
North Terrace | North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5005 |
Waite | Waite Road, Urrbrae SA 5064 |
Roseworthy | Mudla Wirra Road, Roseworthy SA 5371 |
Melbourne | 370 Docklands Dr, Docklands VIC 3008 |
The University of Adelaide is ranked among the top 100 universities in the world by several prestigious ranking agencies. According to the latest rankings, the University of Adelaide is:
74 in US News Best Global Universities Rankings 2023
89 in QS World University Rankings 2024
88 in Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2023
151-200 in ShanghaiRanking Academic Ranking of World Universities 2023
90 in UNSW Aggregate Ranking of Top Universities 2022
The University of Adelaide is also ranked highly for its academic subjects, especially in engineering, sciences, health, and humanities.
The University of Adelaide offers over 200 courses across five faculties: Arts, Business, Law, and Economics; Health and Medical Sciences; Sciences, Engineering, and Technology; Professions; and Education. Some of the top courses available are:
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours): This programme provides students with a solid foundation in engineering as well as possibilities to specialise in civil, mechanical, electrical, chemical, software, aerospace, biomedical, environmental, mining, or petroleum engineering.
Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences: This programme prepares students for employment in research, education, policy, and practise related to health and medicine. It includes a variety of subjects, including public health, neuroscience, psychology, genetics, microbiology, immunology, pharmacology, and anatomy and physiology.
Bachelor of Psychological Science: This programme introduces students to the scientific study of human behaviour and mental processes. It encompasses subjects including biological psychology, abnormal psychology, social psychology, personality psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology in society, research methodologies, and statistics.
Master of Business Administration (MBA): This programme prepares students to lead and manage in a variety of sectors and industries. It includes information on budgeting, investing, marketing, strategy, operations management, human resource management, entrepreneurship, innovation, ethics, and sustainability.
Master of Data Science: This programme trains students on how to study massive, complex data sets using statistical and computational methods. It covers Data mining, data visualisation, data management, data ethics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.
Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD): These courses give students the opportunity to carry out original, independent research on a subject of their choice while being guided by a knowledgeable academic staff member.
The University of Adelaide also offers a medical programme. This course is bifurcated with two 3-year integrated programmes named “Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine”. All candidates are required to do a Bachelor of Medical Studies as the first part of the medicine program and after that, they will get a direct entry into the Doctor of Medicine course. Post-completion of these degrees will qualify the students to practice medicine anywhere in Australia and throughout most of the world.
Courses | Duration | International Student | Local Student |
---|---|---|---|
M.A.(34 courses) | 1 year-2 years | ₹21.61 L - ₹29.27 L/yr | ₹2.43 L - ₹23.53 L/yr |
B.A.(29 courses) | 3 years | ₹20.52 L - ₹26.81 L/yr | ₹3.93 L - ₹8.61 L/yr |
B.Sc.(28 courses) | 3 years-5 years | ₹23.53 L - ₹48.97 L/yr | ₹3.06 L - ₹7.82 L/yr |
M.Sc.(19 courses) | 1 year-2 years | ₹21.89 L - ₹28.45 L/yr | ₹2.26 L - ₹23.80 L/yr |
M.E /M.Tech.(13 courses) | 1 year-2 years | ₹27.09 L - ₹28.45 L/yr | ₹4.50 L - ₹23.80 L/yr |
Adelaide is one of the most affordable cities in Australia, with lower costs of living than other major cities such as Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The typical living costs in Adelaide are mentioned below in the table.
University of Adelaide Cost of Living
Category | Cost Range/Week |
Rent | $300-$600 |
Food | $60 |
Utilities | $45-$50 |
Transport | $15 |
Phone | $25 |
Entertainment | $80 |
In order to apply to the University of Adelaide, students have to apply in the online mode. Students have to select their course of study and apply for the same. Before applying for any of the courses, students must check their eligibility criteria first. Students also have to attach all the necessary documents while filling out the application form. The application deadlines are usually in September for the main round and in January for the late round. Applicants can choose up to six preferences of courses and campuses. The application process for studying at the University of Adelaide is as follows:
The applicants must visit the official website of University of Adelaide and select the desired course on Degree Finder on the website.
Apply online through SATAC website by following their step-by-step guide and submit the application along with the required documents.
The applicants can check or change their preferences via ‘My Application’ section on the SATAC website.
SATAC offers only one offer for highest preferred course if the applicant is eligible for it. So, the desired degree should be the first preference for the applicants.
An email with an offer will be sent to the email address specified on the SATAC application.
If an applicant obtains an offer to his or her first choice, he or she does not need to answer because SATAC will do so on his or her behalf. If he/she receives an offer that is not his/her first choice, he/she must log on to the SATAC website and answer by the deadline specified in his/her offer email.
Following acceptance of the offer, the university will send him/her an email with vital information regarding starting at the institution, including his/her new University ID number.
Applicants may be required to apply through a certified University of Adelaide education agent, depending on their region or country of citizenship. Agents and representatives from the University of Adelaide can help students prepare and submit their study application as well as their student visa application.
To nominate or change agents, applicants must complete the Nominate or Change Agent - Request Form and email it to start@adelaide.edu.au. The new agent can also submit the form on the applicant's behalf, but it must be signed by the applicant.
After application submission, an offer letter will be sent to the applicant or agent if successful through email.
Each program has minimum entry requirements that can be accessed in the University Degree Finder. To apply for admission to the University of Adelaide, the student will need to submit the following documents:
Academic transcripts and certificates of your previous qualifications
Proof of English language proficiency (such as IELTS, TOEFL, PTE, or CAE)
Passport copy
Curriculum vitae or resume (for postgraduate coursework and research programs)
Statement of purpose or research proposal (for postgraduate coursework and research programs)
Letters of recommendation (for postgraduate coursework and research programs)
Portfolio or audition (for some creative arts programs)
Birth certificate (for domestic students under 18 years of age)
Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) checklist (for international students applying for a student visa)
The University of Adelaide provides a variety of scholarships to its students. Some scholarships are awarded based on merit, while others are awarded based on financial need or other criteria. Some of the scholarships are:
Global Citizens Scholarship: This scholarship rewards international students commencing an undergraduate or postgraduate qualification who have received academic merit in their studies. Students can receive a reduction between 15% and 30% of the tuition fee.
Global Academic Excellence Scholarship: This scholarship rewards undergraduate and postgraduate coursework international students who have demonstrated academic excellence in previous studies. The scholarship offers a 50% tuition fee reduction for the minimum standard full-time duration of your chosen undergraduate or postgraduate degree1.
Eynesbury College International Scholarship: This scholarship rewards the international graduates of Eynesbury College. The scholarship offers a 10% or 5% tuition fee reduction for the minimum standard full-time duration of the scholar’s chosen undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
University of Adelaide College International Scholarship: This scholarship rewards the international graduates of the University of Adelaide College. The scholarship offers a 10% tuition fee reduction for the minimum standard full-time duration of the scholar’s chosen undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
Indigenous Scholarship Opportunities: The University of Adelaide has a range of scholarship opportunities available specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students who are undertaking Higher Degree Research (HDR) studies.
University of Adelaide Research Scholarships (UARS): These scholarships are provided to support full-time PhD or Masters students who are commencing research in any field.
The admission requirements for studying at the University of Adelaide vary depending on the course, level, and mode of study. The general admission requirements are:
For undergraduate courses
Applicants must have completed an Australian Year 12 qualification or an equivalent qualification from another country with a minimum grade point average (GPA) or Australian Tertiary Admission Rank (ATAR) specified by the course. Some courses may also require prerequisite subjects, such as mathematics, physics, chemistry or biology. Applicants may also need to submit additional documents, such as personal statements, portfolios or interviews.
For postgraduate coursework courses
Applicants must have completed an Australian bachelor’s degree or an equivalent qualification from another country with a minimum GPA specified by the course. Some courses may also require relevant work experience, professional accreditation or registration, or completion of a graduate certificate or diploma in the same or related discipline. Applicants may also need to submit additional documents, such as personal statements, resumes, references, or interviews.
For postgraduate research courses
Applicants must have completed an Australian bachelor’s degree with honours or an equivalent qualification from another country with a minimum GPA specified by the course. Applicants must also have a research proposal that aligns with the research interests and expertise of a potential supervisor at the university. Applicants may also need to submit additional documents, such as academic transcripts, publications, research samples or interviews.
Some of the highlights of University of Adelaide campus life include:
Access to state-of-the-art facilities such as libraries, laboratories, studios, sports centres and health services.
Participation in a variety of clubs and societies that cover academic, cultural, social, religious and recreational interests.
Engagement in student leadership and representation through the Adelaide University Union, Student Representative Council and Faculty Clubs.
Involvement in community service and social justice initiatives through the Adelaide University Volunteer Program and Student Community Action Network.
Enjoyment of cultural events and festivals such as O’Week, International Cultural Night, Pride Week and Oktoberfest.
The university has modern and well-equipped classrooms with audio-visual equipment, wireless internet access and comfortable seating.
The University of Adelaide has six libraries across its campuses. These libraries provide students access to books, journals, databases, e-resources and other learning materials. The libraries also offer study spaces, computers, printing and scanning services, and academic support.
The university has state-of-the-art laboratories for teaching and research in various fields, such as engineering, health sciences, agriculture, wine science and more. The laboratories are equipped with the latest technology and instruments to facilitate learning and discovery.
The University of Adelaide has an alumni association that connects its graduates with each other and with the university. The alumni association offers various benefits and services to its members, such as networking opportunities, career development, mentoring programs and events.
The university has various sports facilities and grounds on its campuses, such as gyms, swimming pools, tennis courts, soccer fields and more. The university also has a sports association that organises sports clubs, teams and events for students and staff.
The University of Adelaide offers a range of transport options for students, staff and visitors, including public transport, cycling, carpooling and car parking. The University also provides free intercampus shuttle buses between North Terrace, Waite and Roseworthy campuses.
There are several auditoriums and lecture theatres at the University of Adelaide that can accommodate large audiences for events, seminars, workshops and presentations. The auditoriums are fitted with sound systems, projectors and screens.
The university has several cafeterias and food outlets on its campuses, offering a variety of cuisines and options for students and staff. The cafeterias also provide catering services for events and functions.
The University of Adelaide has a health practice on its North Terrace campus that provides general medical services, mental health support, immunisations and travel advice to students and staff. The university also has a dental clinic on its North Terrace campus that offers dental care to students at reduced rates.
The University of Adelaide has a robust IT infrastructure that supports its teaching, learning and research activities. The university provides wireless internet access, email accounts, online learning platforms, software licenses and IT support to students and staff.
For international students, the University of Adelaide provides additional support and services to help them adjust to living and studying in Australia. These include-
Orientation programs that introduce them to the University and the city of Adelaide.
International Student Support team that offers advice and assistance on academic, personal, visa and welfare matters.
International Student Centre that organises social activities and excursions for international students.
Peer mentoring program that matches international students with local students who can guide them through their first semester.
Scholarships that are available for international students who demonstrate academic merit or financial need.
The University of Adelaide offers a range of accommodation options for students, both on-campus and off-campus. Students can choose from:
University-managed student accommodation: These are residential facilities operated by the University for the exclusive use of its students. They offer furnished rooms with shared or private bathrooms, kitchens and common areas. They also provide free wifi, utilities, security and support services. The University-managed student accommodation options include The University of Adelaide Village (city centre), Mattanya Student Residences (North Adelaide), Roseworthy Residential College (Roseworthy campus) and Thebarton Senior College (Thebarton campus). Students can apply online for a place in these facilities.
NPAS accredited student accommodation: These are privately owned and operated residential facilities that have been accredited by the National Property Accreditation Scheme (NPAS) as meeting certain standards of quality and safety. They offer furnished rooms with shared or private bathrooms, kitchens and common areas. They also provide wifi, utilities, security and support services. Some of the NPAS accredited student accommodation options near the University are Urbanest (city centre), Atira Waymouth Street (city centre), UniLodge City Gardens (city centre) and UniLodge @ Metro Adelaide (city centre).