Study at Adelaide University
Adelaide University is the newest member of the Group of Eight, formed in 2026 from the merger of the University of Adelaide (founded 1874) and the University of South Australia (founded 1991). This new institution debuts at 82nd in the QS World University Rankings 2026 with about 70,000 students — the second largest in Australia after Monash. Located in Adelaide, capital of South Australia, it combines historical academic prestige (the former University of Adelaide counts 5 Nobel laureates) and practical offerings (the former UniSA was known for industry proximity).
Why choose Adelaide
Four strengths. Wine science and viticulture: at the edge of the Barossa Valley, one of Australia’s most prestigious wine regions. The Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology and Bachelor of Wine Marketing are unique in the Go8. Space and defence industry: Adelaide hosts the Australian Space Agency (national headquarters), the Defence Science and Technology Group, and several major military suppliers. For students aiming at aerospace/defence dual industries, it’s one of the most dynamic hubs. Lowest cost of living in the Go8 alongside UWA. Human-scale city: 1.4 million population, short distances, study environment appreciated by international students.
Programmes
- Wine Science / Viticulture and Oenology — unique in the Go8
- Engineering — aerospace, mechanical, civil, software, electrical
- Computer Science / AI — Australian Institute for Machine Learning (AIML) is a top Australian centre
- Business — Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Business
- Health Sciences and Medicine — Medicine, Nursing, Health Sciences
- Science — physics, chemistry, biology, mathematics
- Arts / Education / Law — classic humanities range
- Architecture / Construction Management
Admission requirements
- Strong academic results, distinctions recommended for Medicine, aerospace Engineering, AI
- IELTS Academic 6.5 minimum, sub-bands above 6.0. More stringent for Medicine and Education
- Application via SATAC (South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre) or directly
- Application fee: AUD 150
- International scholarships: the new Adelaide University offers several aids to excellent international students — check adelaide.edu.au/scholarships
Tuition and cost of living
2026 international fees:
- Business: AUD 40,000–49,000/year
- Arts: AUD 33,000–40,000/year
- Sciences: AUD 42,000–45,000/year
Adelaide cost of living: AUD 20,000 to 25,000 per year — cheaper than Perth, similar to Brisbane. Student accommodation near North Terrace campus, free CBD public transport for students, high quality of life on modest budget.
Application calendar
- Semester 1 — starting March, international deadline ~December
- Semester 2 — starting July, international deadline ~May
The 2026 merger creates an administrative adjustment period — check programmes inherited from former UniSA vs former University of Adelaide on adelaide.edu.au.
See our complete guide on Subclass 500 visa and the Australian system.
How YourDreamSchool supports you
Since 2011, YDS has supported students applying to Adelaide University and the other Group of Eight universities. We help structure your Statement of Purpose, prepare you for IELTS, build your Subclass 500 visa application, and anticipate life on the ground. Book a free orientation call with a YDS coach, or contact us with any questions.