Established in 1874, the University of Adelaide is home to a thriving community, all working to make an impact. It’s a university of outstanding quality, ranked among the top 1% globally and recognised among the world top 100 universities in 23 different subject areas*.
As a member of the prestigious Group of Eight research-intensive universities and ranked #1 in South Australia for graduate employability** a degree from the University of Adelaide sets graduates apart in the job market.
Table of Contents
Overview
About this university
Renowned for its history-making graduates, University of Adelaide alumni include 5 Nobel Prize winners, Australia’s first female prime minister and the first Australian astronaut to walk in space.
The University of Adelaide’s award-winning^ career service team is dedicated to helping students unlock their potential and access a range of global work opportunities. The service includes 1:1 career mentoring, employer meet and greets, professional skills workshops and networking events.
Located in the heart of Adelaide city, the main campus is home to state of the art learning and research facilities as well as iconic heritage-listed architecture, creating a rich and inviting learning environment. The strong connection between teaching and academic research equips students with the practical skills and advanced knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen profession.
Recently named Australia’s most liveable city+, Adelaide is known its safety and affordability. Students can enjoy a vibrant city lifestyle, close to pristine beaches, award winning restaurants and stunning natural landscapes.
*Total unique entries across QS World University Rankings by Subject, and Academic Ranking of World Universities by Subject, 2021.
**QS Graduate Employability Ranking, 2022
^Winner, Exclusive Global Employers Choice Award, GUCDC Awards, 2021
+ Economist Intelligence Unit, Global Liveability Index, 2021.
CRICOS: 00123M
University ranking
| Academic Ranking of World Universities | QS World University Rankings | Times Higher Education World University Rankings |
| 2022 | 2021 | 2020 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 |
| 101 | 101 | 151 | 89 | 109 | 110 | 88 | 111 | 118 |
| +50 | +20 | -1 | +23 | +7 |
Graduate outcomes
The careers service at the University of Adelaide equips students with skills in career management which will help them to compete in the international marketplace.
The careers service also provides a wide range of resources and workshops to help the students with their job applications and interviews. This includes preparing a resume which articulates the students’ experience and a cover letter that highlights their main achievements.
The University of Adelaide also helps students prepare for their interview, by conducting regular workshops. The University offers an online interview tool which helps them to experience a real video interview.
The University’s careers service is free and is available to all of its current students as well as recent graduates for about one year after they complete their education.
What’s new
A boost in reputation for outstanding teaching and learning and world-class research has seen the University of Adelaide climb in the world university rankings – reaching 111 globally and 7 in Australia in the Times Higher Education (THE) World University Rankings for 2022.
The latest THE rankings have now seen the University of Adelaide soar by almost 100 places in less than 10 years, amid growing competition among tens of thousands of universities around the world.
“The University of Adelaide truly is a world-class university, with an excellent reputation for its teaching and learning and research. Our community and the people of South Australia should be justifiably proud of this latest result,” says the University’s Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Peter Hoj AC.
Finances
How much will it cost?
| Average tuition fees per year | Living costs |
| A$46,850 | A$44,320 | A$27,300 | A$13,520 |
| Undergraduate | Postgraduate | Living costs | To live on campus |
| A$47,500 | |||
| Vocational |
Scholarships & funding
The University of Adelaide has a number of scholarships on offer for international students.
Global Citizens Scholarship
International students, who have a record of academic merit, commencing qualifications at the undergraduate and postgraduate levels can receive a 15 per cent to 30 per cent tuition fee reduction. This is awarded during the time of program offer.
Global Academic Excellence Scholarship
This is a competitive award offered to international students, who have shown academic excellence in their previous course of study, commencing undergraduate and postgraduate coursework. Students will be offered a tuition fee reduction of 50 per cent for their chosen undergraduate or postgraduate degree.
Family Scholarship
This scholarship is awarded to family members of graduates or current students of the university. Students will receive a 25 per cent reduction in tuition fee. On completion of the degree within the minimum timeframe, this reduction will be offered to the student each year of the degree.
Eligibility
Entry requirements
Language requirements
International students are required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language based on their language test scores. The accredited English language tests preferred by the University of Adelaide are:
- IELTS – Academic Test.
- Pearson Test of English – Academic.
- TOEFL – internet based and paper based.
- Cambridge English: Advanced.
- International Baccalaureate Diploma.
Academic requirements
Undergraduate programmes
Each undergraduate programme has minimum entry requirements that students need to have completed successfully. Some programmes like music, oral health, medicine, and dentistry consider other selection criteria in addition to the minimum entry requirements.
Postgraduate programmes
Students who wish to pursue a postgraduate coursework programme require a bachelor degree or its equivalent qualification offered by an approved institution. Some graduate diplomas and graduate certificates may also be accepted as work that qualifies for pursuing a master degree.
Department and Faculty
Teaching quality
The University of Adelaide is one of the members of the esteemed ‘Group of Eight’ that comprises of the leading research-intensive universities in Australia. The University is among the world’s premier institutions of innovation and learning.
The University is rated consistently high by some of the respected international assessment bodies, including Times Higher Education, QS World University Rankings, and Shanghai Jiao Tong’s Academic Rankings of World Universities (ARWU). All of these rankings indicate that the University belongs to top 1% of the world’s universities.
A vast majority of the University’s research, assessed by the Australian Research Council’s Excellence in Research Australia programme, is rated ‘above or well above world standard’. The University’s exchange and study abroad programmes help students to become global citizens and experience studying in a foreign country. The University of Adelaide partners with businesses, government, and communities, traversing international boundaries which help to magnify the university’s work.
The University has produced distinguished alumni including five Nobel Laureates and more than 100 Rhodes Scholars. Many of the University of Adelaide’s teachers and staff are globally recognised leaders in their chosen fields. The University attracts a diverse student body of over 27,000 from more than 100 countries.
Department structure
The University of Adelaide offers a world class education that fully meets the expectations of its students. The University’s undergraduate, postgraduate and research programmes are offered across its five faculties:
Faculty of Arts
The Faculty of Arts offers degrees in arts, humanities and social sciences. It equips students with the necessary tools and knowledge to have a real impact on the world. The aim is to help students think, communicate clearly, and research, providing them with the academic abilities and intellectual skills to develop a stimulating and rewarding career.
Faculty of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences
The faculty’s schools are ranked among the top 50 globally, according to the 2018 Academic Ranking of World Universities. It has an excellent reputation for research, teaching, and the quality of its graduates. The faculty offers programmes across its eight schools and degrees obtained from the faculty will allow students to work in a number of industries.
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
Students can take advantage of the unique location of the Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences building situated adjacent to the new Royal Adelaide Hospital. The faculty offers degrees in dentistry, medicine and surgery, health and medical sciences, nursing, public health, counselling psychology, psychotherapy, and addiction studies.
Faculty of the Professions
The faculty offers students an exceptional teaching-learning environment based on the wants and needs of the professions they would cater to. It offers programmes across schools of business, economics and law.
Faculty of Sciences
The Faculty of Sciences is an interdisciplinary hub of the most advanced teaching and research. With world-class facilities and scientific expertise, training of high-quality at the masters, doctorate, and honours levels, the faculty prepares students for their future careers.
