A comprehensive guide to the top universities in Adelaide in 2024

The 5th largest city in Australia, Adelaide is also one of the country's most affordable and easily livable cities. This is one of the primary reasons that it attracts students across the globe. In terms of cost of living, rent, and the quality and fee of education, Adelaide impresses international students. Adelaide universities are renowned for their affordable and top-notch courses as well as acclaimed faculty experts in their respective fields. We have covered the 5 popular Adelaide universities that are worth considering for 2024.

Top Universities in Adelaide, Australia

The Best Student Cities index ranks Adelaide in the 26th position. The city attracts international students in large numbers every year. Listed below are the top 5 universities in Adelaide as per QS World University Rankings 2024:

Related Source: https://www.topuniversities.com/countries=au&sort_by=rank&order_by=asc

  • The University of Adelaide: One of the oldest universities in the region, the University of Adelaide has produced some notable alumni. A few examples include the first female Prime Minister of Australia and the first astronaut in the country to walk in space.

Some of the notable programs offered at the university include Physical Sciences, Mining, Materials and Mineral Engineering, and Performing Arts and Music.

The standard admission requirements for international students at the University of Adelaide are:

  • All India Senior Secondary Certificate from the CBSE Board or the Indian School Certificate (ISC) from other Boards (for UG courses)

  • The aggregate of the best 3 subjects in Class 12, which does not include languages or non-academic subjects (for UG programs)

  • Bachelor’s or equivalent qualification from a recognised university or study institution in India (approved by the University of Adelaide) - for all PG/Graduate courses

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall of 6.5 is required for entry into the university

Related Source: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/degree-finder/2024/maccg_maccntg.html#entry-requirements

Location

Adelaide

Type

Public

QS Ranking

89

Avg Tuition Fee

AUD 49,900 (indicative annual fee for PG courses)

Popular Courses

Physical Sciences

Mining

Materials and Mineral Engineering

Performing Arts and Music

Intakes

Oct, Feb

Related Source: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/degree-finder/2024/maccg_maccntg.html#entry-requirements

Campus facilities at the University of Adelaide include food cafes, parenting rooms, wireless access, defibrillators, career counselling for students, an ATM, a writing centre, a merchandise store, childcare centres, a fitness hub, a math learning centre, a library, and a post office.

International students at the university are also offered comfortable and affordable accommodation options. They can choose from various options, such as Mattanya Student Residences, The Village, and Roseworthy Residential College.

  • University of South Australia: A young and innovation-led institution, it is one of the renowned

    universities in Adelaide. The University of South Australia accepts students from diverse cultural backgrounds, promoting an international study environment on the campus.

A few of the courses offered that are in high demand by international students are Geomatic Engineering, Language and Literature, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Sciences.

International students must meet the following admission criteria for entry into courses at the University of South Australia:

  • Successful completion of Grade 12 or equivalent qualification from a recognised high school in India (for UG courses)

  • PG course applicants must have completed an Undergraduate degree in a subject related to the course applied for

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall of 6.0 for UG courses and overall 6.5 for PG programs

Location

Adelaide

Type

Public

QS Ranking

326

Avg Tuition Fee

AUD 37,100 (indicative annual fee for PG courses)

Popular Courses

Geomatic Engineering

Language and Literature

Occupational Therapy

Physical Sciences

Intakes

Feb, Jul, Aug

Related Source: https://study.unisa.edu.au/degrees/master-of-information-technology-enterprise-management/int

The campus at the University of South Australia provides many high-end facilities to students. Some of these include libraries, lecture theatres, labs, workshops, and simulated work environments. Efforts are made to offer a 24/7 interactive online learning platform to students.

Accommodation facilities on campus are designed to suit varied budgets and student needs. These include homestays, student hostels, private rentals, self-catered accommodation on campus, residential colleges, and student apartments.

  • Flinders University: Taking its name from the renowned explorer from Britain, Matthew Flinders, Flinders University is a popular name among the universities in Adelaide, Australia. The institution has at least 6 colleges spanning across the region, accepting students from all parts of the world.

The most popular programs offered at Flinders are Physics, Electronics, IT Security, and Medicine and Medical Studies.

The entry criteria for these courses are listed below for international students at Flinders University:

  • Secondary education qualification from a recognised high school in India is a must for all Undergraduate courses at the university

  • Completion of a Bachelor’s degree or any other equivalent degree from India at the Undergraduate level is required for all PG courses

  • Some PG programs may require the completion of some specific eligibility criteria in addition to the standard requirements mentioned above

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall of 6.5 is required for all international students.

Related Source: https://www.flinders.edu.au/international/apply/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements

Location

Adelaide

Type

Public

QS Ranking

380

Avg Tuition Fee

AUD 19,700 (indicative starting fee for PG courses)

Popular Courses

Physics

Electronics

IT Security

Medicine and Medical Studies

Intakes

Feb, Jul

Related Source: https://www.flinders.edu.au/content/dam/documents/study/international/international-commencing-tuition-fees-2024.pdf

Flinders campus is equipped with many state-of-the-art facilities for student comfort. Examples include the Student Hub and Plaza, which also provide several dining options on campus. Several local and international business events are hosted at the campus to give students a peek into the real-world industry experience.

In addition, there are exclusive study spaces for students, including modern lounge areas and high-speed Wi-Fi access. There are on-campus accommodation facilities or you can choose to live in Adelaide City at an accommodation partner organisation in Flinders. You may also rent out private housing options off-campus, and the university will assist you in finding suitable living options within your budget.

  • CQUniversity Australia: Experience the privilege of studying at the largest regional university in Australia. It also features on the list of top universities in Adelaide for its innovative research and learning facilities for students.

The university offers some very popular programs among international students. These are Avionics and Aeronautical Engineering, Podiatry, Music, and Business.

To seek admission to one of the programs at CQUniversity Australia, make sure you meet the following eligibility requirements:

  • Bachelor’s courses require completion of a high school degree as the minimum prerequisite.

  • Masters degrees require completion of an undergraduate qualification with an aggregate score equivalent to the Australian pass grade in the last 2 terms of the bachelor's degree.

  • Some PG programs may require the completion of some specific eligibility criteria in addition to the standard requirements mentioned above

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall of 6.0 is required for all international students.

Location

Adelaide

Type

Public

QS Ranking

590

Avg Tuition Fee

AUD 56,764 (indicative average fee for two-year PG courses)

Popular Courses

Avionics and Aeronautical Engineering

Podiatry

Music

Business

Intakes

Jan, Jun, Oct

Related Source: https://www.cqu.edu.au/study/international/fees

Campus facilities at the Adelaide campus of CQUniversity Australia have many essential student facilities. These include an interactive rail simulator, free Wi-Fi access, tutorial meeting rooms for group study, a sleep laboratory with 6 bedrooms, a photocopier, printer, scanner, and an online study centre.

Students can also engage in student clubs, cultural events, sports, and initiatives for social innovation.

Accommodation is provided on campus for the benefit of students at CQUniversity Australia. Students can choose from ensuite, budget, self-catered, or fully catered stay options per budget or living preferences.

  • Australian Catholic University: Ranked five stars by students in the Good Universities Guide 2023, Australia Catholic University, or ACU, is regarded among the most respectable universities in Adelaide for international students.

The most popular programs that international students opt for at ACU are Mathematics, Studies in Human Society, Occupational Therapy, and Nursing and Midwifery.

The common admission requirements for international students at ACU are:

  • Equivalent certificate to Australian Year 12 qualification to apply for UG courses

  • The equivalent of a Bachelor’s qualification in Australia from a recognised Indian university

  • Proof of English language proficiency test, such as IELTS, with an overall between 6.5 and 7.0 is required for all international students. The actual score requirement may vary as per the course pursued.

Related Source: https://www.acu.edu.au/handbook/handbook-2021/policies-and-general-information/admission-to-coursework-programs-policy-and-procedures/admission-to-coursework-programs-policy#collapseTwentyNine1

Location

Adelaide

Type

Public

QS Ranking

801-850

Avg Tuition Fee

AUD 25,824 (indicative annual fee for a PG course)

Popular Courses

Mathematics

Studies in Human Society

Occupational Therapy

Nursing and Midwifery

Intakes

Feb, Jul, Nov

Related Source: https://www.acu.edu.au/-/media/feature/pagecontent/richtext/study-at-acu/fees-and-scholarhsips/2024-schedule-of-tuition-fees-aw.pdf?la=en&hash=7CACEBB220BDAC9A0D2EDA5CB4AB37A6

The Adelaide campus of ACU is well-equipped with sports and exercise options for students in addition to public art galleries, clubs, moot courts, student lounges, simulation labs, gyms, and conference centres.

There are plenty of accommodation options for students available on the ACU campus. Off-campus stay options are also offered, including ensuite rooms, shared apartments, and private studios to cater to varying needs and budget preferences.

FAQs

1. How many universities are in Adelaide, Australia?

The following 5 universities are the most popular in Adelaide:

  • The University of Adelaide

  • University of South Australia

  • Flinders University

  • CQUniversity Australia

  • Australian Catholic University

2. What are the benefits of studying in Adelaide?

Education in Adelaide is relatively more affordable than that in other Australian cities like Sydney or Melbourne. Adelaide is also considered among the most livable cities in Australia.

3. What jobs are available easily after studying at a university in Adelaide?

Graduates from Adelaide universities can apply for the following jobs:

  • Government Policy Officer

  • Govt. School Teacher

  • Mining Engineer

4. Which universities are the best for International students in Adelaide Australia?

International students arriving in Adelaide for higher education prefer the following 3 universities:

  • The University of Adelaide

  • University of South Australia

  • Flinders University

5. How much does it cost to study in Adelaide, Australia?

The average fee for a Postgraduate course at an Adelaide university is estimated at AUD 25,824. This may vary between universities in Adelaide and from one course to another.

Related Source: https://www.acu.edu.au/-/media/feature/pagecontent/richtext/study-at-acu/fees-and-scholarhsips/2024-schedule-of-tuition-fees-aw.pdf?la=en&hash=7CACEBB220BDAC9A0D2EDA5CB4AB37A6

6. What is the average cost of living in Adelaide for international students?

The average cost of living in Adelaide for students from other countries is likely between AUD 350 and AUD 700. This cost may vary depending on the student's lifestyle.

7. How is life in Adelaide for international students?

Adelaide is counted among the most liveable cities in Australia. Students enjoy a relaxed and comfortable lifestyle, which is also quite affordable compared to other Australian cities.

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