Adelaide University : Rankings, Fees & Courses Details | TopMBA

About Adelaide University

We are Australia’s new major university – focused on making a transformative impact in our world, and yours. Adelaide University is built on a collective 180 years of experience and achievement, combining the esteemed University of Adelaide and enterprising University of South Australia to unlock a comprehensive and for-purpose university for the future.

Our foundation universities are recognised as some of the best in the world and have educated Australia’s first female prime minister, the first space-walking astronaut and more than 100 Rhodes Scholars, along with conducting ground-breaking research and discoveries that underpin modern-day life such as medical imaging, development of antibiotics, and the production of the world’s first shatterproof mirrors.   Adelaide University has a bold ambition to be a place for both educational excellence and equity – ensuring a better tomorrow where contemporary learners, thinkers and ethical leaders can thrive.

Our leading academics and innovative teaching staff are reimagining and redesigning our curriculum, in partnership with industry, so that our graduates are prepared for cutting-edge jobs– and to meet the demand for critical skills around the world. 

Our future-making research of scale and focus will make the relevant shifts our society needs – like tackling climate change, advancing space exploration, leading the green energy transition, protecting our waterways and food supplies, and improving healthcare through disease prevention and enhanced treatments. Opening in 2026, we will be home to a highly diverse community of around 70,000 students, who also form part of our global network of 400,000 alumni. 

We will drive progress that transcends borders, with 7,000 industry, education and research collaborators. Adelaide University is ready to shape what’s next.

About Adelaide University

We are Australia’s new major university – focused on making a transformative impact in our world, and yours. Adelaide University is built on a collective 180 years of experience and achievement, combining the esteemed University of Adelaide and enterprising University of South Australia to unlock a comprehensive and for-purpose university for the future.

Our foundation universities are recognised as some of the best in the world and have educated Australia’s first female prime minister, the first space-walking astronaut and more than 100 Rhodes Scholars, along with conducting ground-breaking research and discoveries that underpin modern-day life such as medical imaging, development of antibiotics, and the production of the world’s first shatterproof mirrors.   Adelaide University has a bold ambition to be a place for both educational excellence and equity – ensuring a better tomorrow where contemporary learners, thinkers and ethical leaders can thrive.

Our leading academics and innovative teaching staff are reimagining and redesigning our curriculum, in partnership with industry, so that our graduates are prepared for cutting-edge jobs– and to meet the demand for critical skills around the world. 

Our future-making research of scale and focus will make the relevant shifts our society needs – like tackling climate change, advancing space exploration, leading the green energy transition, protecting our waterways and food supplies, and improving healthcare through disease prevention and enhanced treatments. Opening in 2026, we will be home to a highly diverse community of around 70,000 students, who also form part of our global network of 400,000 alumni. 

We will drive progress that transcends borders, with 7,000 industry, education and research collaborators. Adelaide University is ready to shape what’s next.

University information

Adelaide University proudly holds the largest campus footprint in South Australia, with metropolitan and regional campuses as well as connections to rural, interstate and transnational locations and pathway colleges.

Our purpose-built facilities are modern and equipped with industry-standard tools and technologies, helping you prepare for career success. You will have access to some of the best learning areas, including simulated spaces that replicate financial trading rooms, operating theatres, dental clinics, microbreweries, and immersive 3D environments.

Student life

Adelaide is often described as the perfect home away from home — thanks to its diversity, vibrant cultural and sporting festivals, strong sense of community, safety and multicultural population. With accessible services, world-class healthcare, and a strong focus on student wellbeing, it offers a safe and welcoming environment where students can thrive.

Ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities (#11 in the 2024 Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index), Adelaide is a great place to study. You will have access to one of the highest standards of living in the world in a city that is one of the least expensive. Visit the StudyAdelaide website for a comprehensive guide to living and studying in our vibrant city.

Adelaide has several free tram and bus services throughout the city centre. As an international student in Adelaide, you are also eligible for the same public transport discounts as local students, saving you hundreds of dollars each year.

With its thriving music and arts scene, world-famous festivals, buzzing food and wine culture, and passion for sport, there’s always something happening in Adelaide.

Cost of Living

Accommodation
$15,170
Food
$3,950
Transport
$990
Utilities
$4,740

Scholarships

Selecting the right scholarship can be a daunting process. With countless options available, students often find themselves overwhelmed and confused. The decision can be especially stressful for those facing financial constraints or pursuing specific academic or career goals.

To help students navigate this challenging process, we recommend the following articles:

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Campus locations

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Frequently Asked Questions

Adelaide is a mid-sized, compact city with a lower cost of living than many larger Australian cities. Planning your budget ahead will help you make the most of your student experience. Along with visa and tuition fees, you’ll need to budget for accommodation, food, transport, utilities, study materials, health and entertainment.
Accommodation is usually the largest expense, with student options ranging from AUD $150–$600+ per week. Groceries typically cost AUD $60–$200 per week if you cook at home, while eating out costs around AUD $15–$30 per meal.
Public transport is affordable, with concession fares for full-time students and free services in the CBD. Cycling is also popular. Owning a car may cost AUD $50–$100 per week. Utilities can range from AUD $150–$300 per month, and mobile plans from AUD $25–$110. Study materials may add extra costs beyond tuition.
Working part-time is a great way to meet people and gain skills while studying in Australia. On a student visa, you can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester, with unlimited hours during semester breaks. Master of Research and PhD students have no formal work limits, but are expected to commit 40 hours per week to full-time study or 20 hours if part-time, and maintain satisfactory progress.
In Australia, full-time employees work 38+ hours per week and part-time employees work fewer than 38 hours, usually with fixed hours, wages, and benefits such as paid sick and holiday leave. Casual workers have flexible hours, no guaranteed shifts, and no paid leave, but typically receive a higher hourly rate.
Entry-level pay starts at around AUD $20 per hour in sectors like retail and hospitality. To ensure fair pay, check the Fair Work Ombudsman website. Study Adelaide’s JobShop also offers helpful advice on working while you study.
  • Lectures: Include interactive elements like polls, quizzes, and group discussions; some are delivered online with flexible, self-paced content.
  • Clinical Activities: Provide hands-on learning in healthcare settings with real-time feedback, integrating theory with practice.
  • Practical Classes: Focus on skill development through demonstrations and simulations in labs, online, or fieldwork.
  • Forums: Online presentations by industry leaders or experts offering insights into key course topics.
  • Studios: Conducted in on-campus, field, or industry settings to enhance real-world learning.
  • Tutorials: Discussion-based sessions for exploring concepts, solving problems, and developing communication skills; held on-campus or online.
  • Workshops: Group-based, problem-solving sessions focused on applying knowledge to real-world scenarios.

Depending on your program, you may also attend rehearsals, studio sessions, masterclasses, placements, internships, work-integrated learning, or study tours.

Adelaide University advanced no 20748591