The University of Adelaide is a prestigious public research university located in South Australia’s capital city, Adelaide. Established in 1874, it is Australia’s third oldest university and a member of the Group of Eight (Go8), a coalition of leading Australian institutions known for academic excellence and research impact.
The University of Adelaide is globally recognized and ranked in the top 100–120 universities worldwide in the QS World University Rankings 2025. It offers a wide range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs across disciplines such as science, engineering, health, business, and the arts. Known for its innovation, vibrant campus life, and strong support for international students, the University of Adelaide is a top choice for quality education in Australia.
University Summary: The University of Adelaide, Australia
- Location: Adelaide, South Australia – a safe, affordable, and student-friendly city
- Founded: 1874 – Australia’s third oldest university
- Global Ranking:
- QS World University Rankings 2025: Top 100–120 globally
- Times Higher Education (THE): Top 150 worldwide
- Available Programs:
- Undergraduate, Postgraduate (Coursework & Research), PhD across various fields
- Program Duration:
- Bachelor’s: 3–4 years
- Master’s: 1–2 years
- PhD: 3–4 years
- Application Timeline:
- Semester 1 (Feb): Apply by November (previous year)
- Semester 2 (July): Apply by May
Study Areas: Program List at University of Adelaide
The University offers programs in:
- Accounting and Finance
- Agriculture, Food and Wine
- Allied Health
- Animal and Veterinary Sciences
- Architecture
- Arts
- Biomedical Science and Biotechnology
- Business
- Defence, Cyber and Space
- Dentistry and Oral Health
- Economics
- Energy, Mining and Resources
- Engineering
- Environment and Sustainability
- Health and Medical Sciences
- Humanities and Social Sciences
- Law
- Mathematical Sciences
- Media
- Medicine
- Mental Health and Wellbeing
- Music
- Nursing
- Psychology
- Public Health
- Sciences
- Teaching and Education
- Technology
- Undergraduate Degree
- Postgraduate Coursework
- Postgraduate research
University of Adelaide Admission Requirements
Bachelor’s Degree:
- Completion of Year 12 or equivalent (e.g., A-Levels, IB, or recognized high school qualifications)
- English Proficiency:
- Standard Requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall, with all bands at least 6.0
- Higher Requirement (some programs):
- IELTS 6.5 overall, with one or more bands at 6.5+
- IELTS 7.0 overall, with all bands at least 6.5
- IELTS 7.0 overall, with one or more bands at 7.0+
- OEFL iBT: 79+ (Writing 21+)
- PTE Academic: 58+ (No band below 50)
Postgraduate Coursework:
- Requires a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from an approved institution
- Some Graduate Certificates/Diplomas may lead into or count toward a Master’s degree
- Graduate Diplomas/Certificates may also be accepted as professional qualifications
- English Proficiency:
- Standard Requirement: IELTS 6.5 overall, with all bands at least 6.0
- Higher Requirement (some programs):
- IELTS 6.5 overall, with one or more bands at 6.5+
- IELTS 7.0 overall, with all bands at least 6.5
- IELTS 7.0 overall, with one or more bands at 7.0+
- TOEFL iBT: 79+ (Writing 21+)
- PTE Academic: 58+ (No band below 50)
- GMAT/GRE: Required for specific programs like MBA
Postgraduate Research:
- Usually requires a Bachelor Honours or Master’s degree with a research component
- Admission details and guidance are provided in the Research Student Handbook
- IELTS: 6.5 overall (Writing 6.5 minimum)
- TOEFL iBT: 79+ (Writing 24+)
- PTE Academic: 58+ (Writing 58+)
- Research Proposal & Supervisor Agreement: Essential
To Know More about english proficiency requirements, Visit
Required Documents to Apply at University of Adelaide
- Academic transcripts and graduation certificates for all school and tertiary studies you have undertaken (original language and certified English translations)
- Official English testing results from IELTS, TOEFL, Pearson or Cambridge CAE/CPE (if applicable)
- Syllabus of subjects if you wish to be considered for advanced standing (credit transfer)
- Any professional qualification or memberships you may have
- A copy of your passport and visa (if applicable)
- Payment of $150 for the application fee (required upon submission)
Tuition Fees for International Students (Approx.):
Health and Medical Sciences
| Degree | 2024 Tuition (per year) AUD | 2025 Tuition (per year) AUD | CRICOS code |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Dentistry) | 60,000 | 62,500 | 001417M |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) Medicine, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Psychology | 60,000 | 62,500 | 001319B |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) Nursing | 53,500 | 56,000 | 094497C |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Medicine) Public Health | 53,500 | 56,000 | 094498B |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Ophthalmology) | 60,000 | 62,500 | 094499A |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Surgery) | 60,000 | 62,500 | 001319B |
| Master of Clinical Science | 53,500 | 56,000 | 001322G |
| Master of Clinical Science (Nursing) | 49,500 | 52,000 | 0101875 |
| Master of Philosophy (Clinical Science) | 53,500 | 56,000 | 072067G |
| Master of Philosophy (Clinical Science) Nursing | 49,500 | 52,000 | 0101876 |
| Master of Philosophy (Dentistry) | 60,000 | 62,500 | 072068F |
| Master of Philosophy (Medicine) Medicine, Pharmacology, Physiology, and Psychology | 60,000 | 62,500 | 072070A |
| Master of Philosophy (Ophthalmology) | 60,000 | 62,500 | 072071M |
| Master of Philosophy (Public Health) | 53,500 | 56,000 | 077763J |
| Master of Philosophy (Surgery) | 60,000 | 62,500 | 072072K |
Arts, Business, Law and Economics
| Degree | 2024 Tuition (per year) AUD | 2025 Tuition (per year) AUD | CRICOS Code |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Arts) Communication & Media Studies, Human Society, Language & Literature, Philosophy, and Political Science | 42,500 | 44,500 | 001425M |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Arts) Environmental Studies | 52,500 | 55,000 | 094495E |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Arts) Physical Geography | 52,500 | 55,000 | 094496D |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Education) | 42,500 | 44,500 | 046396F |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Law) | 48,500 | 50,500 | 001348G |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Music) | 42,500 | 44,500 | 001318C |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Professions) Accounting, Banking & Finance, Business & Management, and Sales & Marketing | 48,500 | 50,500 | 069205F |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Professions) Economics & Econometrics | 48,500 | 50,500 | 036285G |
| Master of Philosophy (Arts) Communication & Media Studies, Human Society, Language & Literature, Philosophy, and Political Science | 42,500 | 44,500 | 072075G |
| Master of Philosophy (Arts) Environmental Studies | 52,500 | 55,000 | 072076F |
| Master of Philosophy (Arts) Geography | 52,500 | 55,000 | 072077E |
| Master of Philosophy (Economics) | 48,500 | 50,500 | 072081J |
| Master of Philosophy (Education) | 42,500 | 44,500 | 072083G |
| Master of Philosophy (Law) | 48,500 | 50,500 | 072082G |
| Master of Philosophy (Music) | 42,500 | 44,500 | 072074G |
| Master of Philosophy (Professions) Accounting, Banking & Finance, Business, and Sales & Marketing | 48,500 | 50,500 | 072079C |
Fees vary depending on the program and faculty.
Sciences, Engineering and Technology
| Degree | 2024 Tuition (per year) AUD | 2025 Tuition (per year) AUD | CRICOS Code |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Architecture) | 49,000 | 51,500 | 001457C |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Engineering) Biomedical, Civil & Environmental, Electrical & Electronic, Mechanical, and Process & Resource Engineering | 53,000 | 55,500 | 001409M |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Maths and Computer Science) Computer Science, Mathematics | 53,000 | 55,500 | 001341D |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Sciences) Agriculture, Bioscience, Biometrics, Chemical Science, Earth Science, Environmental Studies, Fish Studies, Food Science, Horticulture & Viticulture, and Physics & Astronomy | 53,500 | 56,000 | 001313G |
| Doctor of Philosophy (Veterinary Science) | 60,000 | 62,500 | 074259E |
| Master of Philosophy (Architecture) | 49,000 | 51,500 | 072080K |
| Master of Philosophy (Computer Science) | 53,000 | 55,500 | 072066G |
| Master of Philosophy (Engineering) Biomedical, Civil & Environmental, Electrical & Electronic, Mechanical, and Process & Resource Engineering | 53,000 | 55,500 | 072064K |
| Master of Philosophy (Mathematical Science) | 53,000 | 55,500 | 072065J |
| Master of Philosophy (Sciences) Agriculture, Biological Science, Biometrics, Chemical Science, Earth Science, Environmental Studies, Fisheries Studies, Food Science, Horticulture & Viticulture, and Physics & Astronomy | 53,500 | 56,000 | 072084F |
| Master of Philosophy (Veterinary Science) | 60,000 | 62,500 | 072085E |
Living Expenses
Here’s a simplified breakdown of living expenses for international students in Australia (in AUD – Australian Dollars):
Accommodation
- On-campus: AUD 450–750/month
- Shared rental: AUD 600–1,200/month
- Homestay: AUD 1,000–1,400/month
- Private rental (1-bedroom): AUD 1,200–2,200/month
Food & Groceries
- Supermarket groceries: AUD 300–600/month
- Dining out occasionally: AUD 50–100/week
Transport
- Public transport (metro/bus): AUD 30–60/week
- Student discounts available in most cities
Utilities & Internet
- Electricity, gas, water: AUD 140–200/month
- Internet/mobile: AUD 40–80/month
Study Materials
- Books and supplies: AUD 500–1,000/year
Health Insurance (OSHC)
- Required for all international students
- Approx. AUD 500–700/year
Personal & Miscellaneous
- Clothing, entertainment, gym, etc.: AUD 100–300/month
Estimated Total Monthly Living Cost
- AUD 1,400 to 2,500/month depending on lifestyle and location
Why Choose the University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide combines rich heritage with cutting-edge research. It’s a member of the Group of Eight (Go8), reflecting its elite academic reputation. With a strong support network for international students and a vibrant campus culture, the university is a hub for innovation and global collaboration. Moreover, Adelaide’s low cost of living and safe environment make it an ideal study destination.
Suggestions for International Applicants
Start your application early to avoid last-minute stress. Make sure your documents are certified and translated into English. If you’re applying for research programs, contact potential supervisors ahead of time. Also, attend university webinars or consult education agents to clarify doubts. Don’t forget to apply for scholarships early, as many are competitive.
Additional and Important Information
- The University offers flexibility through double degrees and online courses
- Work opportunities through internships and part-time jobs are available
- Students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semester
- Health insurance (OSHC) is mandatory for all international students
- Academic support, peer mentoring, and career services are accessible year-round
Available Scholarships for Interested Students
- Adelaide Global Excellence Scholarships – 50% tuition fee reduction
- Global Citizens Scholarship – Up to 30% reduction for eligible international students
- Research Training Program (RTP) – For PhD students (includes stipend and tuition)
- Higher Degree by Research Scholarships – Competitive and available to high-performing applicants
- Faculty-specific awards – Offered based on merit and study area
- Scholarships for International Students
Most scholarships require strong academic performance and early application.
FAQ about the University of Adelaide
Q1. Is the University of Adelaide good for international students?
Yes, it provides top-tier education, strong student support services, and a multicultural environment.
Q2. How long does it take to receive an offer letter?
Generally, 4–6 weeks after submitting all required documents.
Q3. Can I work while studying?
Yes, international students can work up to 48 hours per fortnight during semesters.
Q4. Is on-campus accommodation available?
Yes, the university offers various options including residential colleges and student housing.
Q5. What are the intakes for international students?
There are two main intakes: February (Semester 1) and July (Semester 2).
