The Complete Guide To the University Of Adelaide

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

Since 1874, the University of Adelaide has nailed many milestones in Australian history by

• Being the 3rd university in the nation.

• Being the 1st university to admit women into academic courses (1881).

• Being the 1st university to offer science and business degrees.

• Producing the nation’s 1st female prime minister, astronaut, Indigenous Rhodes Scholar and female Supreme Court judge.

• Associating with 5 Novel laureates and 110 Rhode scholars.

• Contributing to many great inventions, including the X-ray, penicillin and insulin.

• Launching the 1st Australian satellite.

As the top 1% in the world, it encourages students to innovate and work with many research organisations to solve world-changing issues. Moreover, the university provides a large collection of research resources and excellent facilities. 

Total student population	22,700
% of international students	30% coming from over 100 different countries
Teaching faculty-to-student ratio	1:20
Graduate employability rate	#1 in South Australia

1.2 The University of Adelaide’s Rankings 2025

According to the 2025 QS World University Rankings, the University of Adelaide ranks #82 globally. These are the University of Adelaide’s fields of study that ranked top 50 on the QS Subject Rankings:

QS Subject Category	Ranking For 2025
Engineering – Petroleum	#4
Engineering – Mineral and Mining	#28
Anatomy and Physiology	#42
Archaeology	#51 – 100
Earth and Marine Sciences	#51 – 100
Geology	#51 – 100
Geophysics	#51 – 100
Nursing	#51 – 100
Veterinary Science	#51 – 100
Dentistry	#51 – 120
Classics and History	#51 – 150
Agriculture and Forestry	#68
Environmental Sciences	#87
Computer Science and Information Systems	#94
Engineering – Chemical	#96
Life Sciences and Medicine	#99

2. Student Life & Living Cost

2.1  The University of Adelaide Campus

This Australian university has one-of-a-kind facilities and an ambience tailored to each campus’ strengths. For instance, the tranquil Waite campus is a leafy paradise for fauna and wine studies. Meanwhile, its Melbourne campus sits in the buzzing city centre, where its modernity connects you to vital pathway options.

In addition, each location is well connected by bus services running between the institution and nearby public transportation. If you are in the mood for sightseeing, you can stroll to the nearby station. For students in Melbourne, there are always free tram rides to bring you around.

North Terrace Campus

Key Highlights

• As the main campus, North Terrace sets the “historically, energetic” atmosphere. Its development started as early as 1874 when the South Australian Parliament granted five acres of land.
• It has housed several iconic historical architecture, including The Elder Hall and the Tate Museum.
• Today, these majestic heritage sites have become a central hub for modern-day lectures, functions, concerts, lectures and student activities.

How To Get Around?
🗺️Heart of Adelaide

• You can get around sunny Adelaide by car, bus, bike, or train.
• There are also shuttle buses that run between the 3 Adelaide campuses and after hours!

Waite Campus

Key Highlights

• The largest agriculture and wine research concentration, focusing on the Southern Hemisphere.
• The campus sits among lush green land and forest in the Adelaide foothills.
  (You can enjoy both sea and city views).
• Every year about 800 students learn more about plant biotechnology, cereal breeding, sustainable food and agriculture, wine, horticulture and natural resource sciences.

How To Get Around?
🗺️7km south of Adelaide in Urrbrae

• Cycle, bike, drive or take a bus to school.
• The nearest bus stop is a 15-minute walk away.

Roseworthy Campus

Key Highlights

• A 1,600-hectare vast land equipped for its dryland agriculture, natural resource management and animal production studies (Including a commercial farm; and plant nursery)
• Began as Australia’s 1st agricultural college, a.k.a Roseworthy Agricultural College, in 1883.
• Fast forward, there are 700 students within the Roseworthy campus grounds.

How To Get Around?
🗺️ 50km north of Adelaide

• We recommend taking a bus or a train. Alternatively, you can drive too.
• Over 12 direct bus routes from the Brisbane CBD at your service.
• There are 4 train stations near the campus. This campus has a Roseworthy Campus Commuter Service connecting the shuttle bus service to the Gawler train station.

Melbourne Campus

Key Highlights

• A modern campus with many quiet spots for some “me-time”.
  (E.g.: the sunlit lounge and the library)
• Easily accessible to shopping centres, cinemas, and fun events!
• Offers pathway options to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees.

How To Get Around?
🗺️Around 3km from the Melbourne CBD
(16 minutes drive | 22 minutes public transport ride)

• Walk, cycle, drive or hop onto Melbourne’s public transport (bus, train).
• Free city trams stop in front of the campus gates.

Student Diversity: South Australia is known for its ‘Festival Fever’, where over 120 nationalities are present. The University of Adelaide has international students from over 100 countries. Among the top 8 countries with the most enrollments are

• China
• India
• Hong Kong
• Malaysia
• Singapore
• Vietnam
• Indonesia
• Sri Lanka

2.2 Learning Resources

“O’ my uni has a FARM?” and a winery too. 

At the University of Adelaide, the facilities are mind-blowing. From historical heritage to modern equipment, they stay true to their roots while being tech-savvy. Several iconic spots transcended time to become learning and recreational venues, including

• Elder Hall
• The University Cloisters
• Waite Historic Precinct
• Roseworthy Agricultural Museum

2.3 Recreational Facilities

We weren’t kidding when we said that the University of Adelaide has mind-blowing facilities. It has many hidden wonders waiting to be discovered. Just take a look at these places!

2.4 Student Activities

Student Life At the University Of Adelaide

If we were to describe the student activities here, it would be “Uniquely diverse”. Indeed, the university caters to vastly different people, including gourmets, athletes, artists, fashionistas, animal lovers, and explorers.

From wine-making to wildlife tours, your days on campus will be filled to the brim. Take the chance to have the first taste at the University of Adelaide’s

• Clubs and Societies
• Wildlife Orienteering Trial (WAWOT)
• Garden and Historic Tours
• Wine Making
• Sports
• Food Adventures
• Volunteering Opportunities (We are referring to both our human and furry pals)

2.5 Student Services

Studying abroad is a huge challenge. Hence, we recommend taking notes on these student services during your stay

• International Student Support
• Accommodation Service
• University Health
• Campus Catering
• YouX student organisation
• Future Student Experience
• Counselling Support
• Disability and Elite Athlete Support
• Writing Centre
• Mathematics Learning Centre
• Teacher and Career Counsellors

2.6 The  University Of Adelaide Student Accommodation And Cost

Sadly, the university does not own any on-campus lodging. However, these off-campus options are worth a stay. They are 

• Safe and secure
• Welcomed by enriching activities
• Near the campuses
• Managed by the university itself!

While you are studying at the University of Adelaide, take the chance to enjoy the city.

North Terrace 

Off-campus

The University of Adelaide Village 🗺️5 minutes walk to Central Market Cost:  AUD 17,680 – AUD 18,980/ year  *Paid over 2 instalments: April & September. *Also covers all utilities.

Mattanya student residences  🗺️15 minutes walk to the North Terrace Campus Cost:  AUD 13,780/ year *Paid over 2 instalments: April & September. *Also covers all utilities.

Scape 🗺️3 Scapes located across the main campus Cost:  AUD 18,148 – AUD 26,468/ year  *Based on 12-month pricing.

Yugo Adelaide City 🗺️Directly across the main campus Cost:  AUD 19,708/ year  *Based on 12-month pricing.

Roseworthy

Off-campus

Roseworthy Residential College  🗺️50 north of the city campuses (AUD 8,150/ 39 week) *Weekday evening meals included (Mondays to Fridays only, excluding public holidays)  *For students studying at the Roseworthy campus.

Waite

Off-campus:

The University of Adelaide Village  🗺️5 minutes walk to Central Market Cost:  AUD 17,680 – AUD 18,980/ year  *Paid over 2 instalments: April & September.*Also covers all utilities.

Mattanya student residences  🗺️15 minutes walk to the North Terrace Campus Cost:  AUD 13,780/ year  *Paid over 2 instalments: April & September. *Also covers all utilities.

Scape 🗺️ 3 Scapes located across the main campus Cost:  AUD 18,148 – AUD 26,468/ year  *Based on 12-month pricing.

*For other types of accommodation inquiries, you can ask our Study Abroad Consultant about them!

Living Cost: For your studies, you will need to spend AUD 355 − AUD 705 per week for all living expenses, including your rent. Thus, you will need a financial record of at least AUD 24,505 a year when you apply for your visa.

3. Courses, Fees & Scholarships

3.1 Courses You Can Study At The University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide has been making history in the Sciences, the Arts and the People. Here are some Foundation, Diploma, and Degree courses for you to start creating your own.

Fields Of Study	Courses
Foundation	Foundation Studies (Standard and Accelerated)
Accounting and Finance	Commerce, Finance and Banking (and more)
Agriculture, Food and Wine	Agribusiness Science; Food and Nutrition Science;  Viticulture and Oenology (and more)
Allied Health	Occupational Therapy; Physiotherapy; Speech Pathology
Animal and Veterinary Sciences	Animal Behaviour; Animal Sciences; Veterinary Technology (and more)
Architecture	Architecture Design; Construction Management; Architectural and Structural
Art	Arts; Languages (and more)
Biomedical Science and Biotechnology	Biotechnology; Biomedical Science
Business	Business; Commerce; Project Management (and more)
Defence, Cyber and Space	Computer Science; High-Performance Computational Physics; Space Science and Astrophysics (and more)
Dentistry and Oral Health	Dental Surgery; Oral Health
Economics	Economics; Philosophy, Politics and Economics
Energy, mining and resources	Environmental and Climate Solutions; Mining; Petroleum; Mineral Geoscience (and more)
Engineering	Construction Management; Mechanical Engineering; Software Engineering (and more)
Environment and Sustainability	Environmental Policy and Management; Marine and Wildlife Conservation (and more)
Health and Medicine Sciences	Health and Medical Sciences; Medical Studies
Humanities and Social Sciences	International Development; International Relations (and more)
Law	Criminology; Law
Mathematical Sciences	Applied Data Analytics; Mathematical Sciences; Mathematical and  Computer Sciences (and more)
Media	Media
Medicine	Medical Studies /  Doctor of Medicine; MBBS
Mental Health and Wellbeing	Psychological Science; Sociology
Music	Classical Performance; Jazz Performance; Music Education; Music Theatre (and more)
Nursing	Nursing
Psychology	Psychological Science; Sociology
Public health	Health and Medical Sciences
Sciences	Science in High Performance Computational Physics; Science (and more)
Teaching and Education	Teaching (Secondary)*Combined with a degree in either Arts, Mathematical and Computer Sciences; Music; or Science
Technology	Computer Science; Information Technology

3.2 Course Fees At The University Of Adelaide

We have also saved you the hassle and compiled the full list of university’s detailed course fees into one article below. Check it out and share it!

Coming Soon!

3.3 University Of Adelaide Scholarships

These are some of the scholarships offered by the University of Adelaide to international students. Check out the full list here. (Coming Soon)

Alumni Scholarship (International)	Value: 10% reduction of international tuition fees For former students who meet the minimum score.
Articulation Partner Scholarship (International)	Value: Annual AUD 5,000 reduction of tuition fees. For students with good academic results and applying from a formal international articulation pathway. Must enrol on a mapped articulation pathway.
Adelaide Sarawak Alumni Scholarship	Value: AUD 5,000 per year. For full-time Malaysian students who will be undertaking the 2nd or subsequent year of their degrees.
Global Citizen Scholarship (International)	Value: 15% or 30% reduction of tuition fees For commencing students with good academic results.
Family Scholarship (International)	Value: 10% reduction of tuition fees For students with family members who are studying/ previously studied at the university.
Global Academic Excellence 50% Scholarship (International)	Value: 50% reduction of tuition fees For commencing students with good academic results.

3.4 Popular Courses At The University of Adelaide

Energy, Mining and Resources Courses

The University of Adelaide changes the trajectory of this field in 3 steps:

Step 1: Develop and teach mine automation. To date, it helped companies like BHP, Boart Longyear and Orica, incorporate or improve self-learning extraction and processing control systems.

Step 2: Specialise in many areas of the energy sector. The university has a repertoire for providing companies guidance on optimal power systems, energy storage, renewable energy and all things natural resources.

Step 3: Provide quality-assured education to the future generation. As shown in their QS Subject ranking for 

• Petroleum Engineering (QS #7)
• Mineral and Mining Engineering (QS #19)

Dentistry Courses

Say “Cheese 😁”. The institution has built top-notch facilities that simulates essential clinical settings. Meaning, no real human beings were harmed during the tutorial sessions.

Moreover, the University of Adelaide forges meaningful bonds with the oral health communities. It works hand-in-hand with trained veterans like Colgate-Palmolive and SA Dental Service, in improving your education. To up your skills, you can chew on fieldwork and research opportunities at the

• SA Service
• The Community Outreach Dental Programme
• Australian Research Centre for Population Oral Health (ARCPoH).

Animal and Veterinary Sciences Courses

Another faculty that is big on giving back to the community is the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences. One notable win was working with Zoos SA to create Zoo on-line, a project allowing children to virtually observe endangered animals. Moreover, it provides study tours overseas and the Volunteer with Animal Fiji programme 

Back on campus, you will learn in smaller, simulated classes. At Roseworthy, the institution surrounds you with amazing facilities and learning resources for more on-field experiences. Among them include:

• A plant nursery
• Pig and poultry research units
• An aquatic reserve, ephemeral swamp and fauna park

These are reasons why Adelaide uni ranks QS #50–#70 for Veterinary Science and QS #51–#101 for Marine Studies.

Humanities and Social Sciences Courses

Calling all people watchers, the University of Adelaide can sharpen your interest. Its courses are high on the QS ranking, including

• Philosophy (QS#50)
• Classics and Ancient History (QS #50–#90)
• Development Studies (QS #51–#100)

The institution’s main campus is the best spot to be. It is at the centre of Adelaide’s business district and cultural precinct, a stone’s throw away from many related organisations. There, you can study hoomans from many angles, like

• Politics
• Gender-related
• Anthropology
• History
• Literature

Environmental and Sustainability Courses

If you are looking for a shifu in Environmental and Sustainability studies, you cannot leave out this Southern Australian university.

1- It is QS #51–#100 for Earth and Marine Sciences as well as Geology.

2- It is highly specialised.  The university is famous for being multidisciplinary in water management. Your classes allow you to touch on related topics, like

• rainfall-runoff modelling 
• river health prediction and management
• soil settlement prediction and microbiology studies 
• wastewater treatment and contaminant removal
• environmental remediation.

3- It teaches you the usage of the latest electrical tools, such as remote sensing and geographic information systems.

3.5 Industry Partners

Our experienced Australian university here has added more chapters to its history through its vast partnerships. It works with experts across multiple fields to tackle current issues and challenges. Here are several notable examples that made an impact: 

3.5 University Partners

“Around the world on a campus?” Let the University of Adelaide take you there. 

The bond it has with its 100 international partnered institutions has created joint programmes and exchange opportunities. (Psst..13 of these collaborators are in the QS Top 50!)

Bonus Fact: Together with UNSW, Adelaide uni led the Defence Trailblazer Project, a programme to improve Australia’s security and economic growth.

4. Entry Requirements & Intake Dates

4.1  The University of Adelaide Entry Requirements 2025

Minimum entry requirements for a Foundation:

• SPM – 5C (excluding language subjects)
• UEC – Completion with 70%
• IGCSE -Complete Year 12 or equivalent 

Minimum entry requirements for a Degree:

• UEC – 22 points (Best of 5 subjects)
• STPM or Matrikulasi – GPA 2.74
• A-levels – 7 (CCD Grade)
• IB Diploma – 26 points 
• SACE/WACE –  ATAR 73
• Foundation Programme – *Varies depending on the college 
  • The University of Adelaide College Foundation Program & Non-Go8 Foundation: 73%
• Canadian Programme –  68%

Minimum English requirement (IELTS)

• Foundation: 5.5
• Degree: 6.5

Some courses may require you to earn higher entry requirements and additional qualifications.

4.2 The University Of Adelaide Intake Periods For 2025

If you are planning to apply, these are important periods to note.

• Foundation:
  • Standard: March, August
  • Accelerated: April, October
• Degree: February, July
• Postgraduate: February, July

Please note that the intake periods may vary depending on the courses. For specific intake periods and dates, click here (Coming Soon!).

4.3  Admission Process To Australia

The process of studying in Australia can be tedious especially when applying to various universities before their application deadlines and ensuring proper documents are submitted to procure your student visa.

Here are some more helpful articles to help you navigate:

• Your Essential Study In Australia Guide For Malaysian Students
• Education Consultants And The 8 Steps To Study Abroad
• Top 10 Benefits Of Engaging A Higher Education Consultant

5. Student Testimonials & Alumni

5.1 Student Testimonials

5.2 Notable Alumni

As this Australian university turns 150 this year, let us get to know some of its impressive alumni: 

• Julia Gillard – Australia’s 1st Female Prime Minister
• Andy Thomas – 1st Australian-born astronaut to enter space
• Dame Roma Flinders Mitchell – Australia’s 1st Female Supreme Court Judge
• Dr Tony Tan – Singapore’s 7th Prime Minister

Nobel Laureates

• William Henry Bragg & William Lawrence Bragg – Nobel Prize in Physics (1915)
  > Together, they helped develop the X-ray crystallography. 
• Lord Howard Florey – Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (1945)
  > He was co-awarded with Sir Alexander Fleming and Ernst Boris Chain for discovering penicillin and its cure.
• Professor John M. Coetzee – Nobel Prize in Literature (2003)
  > He is a South African novelist who often used his country’s apartheid system and its post-apartheid transition to reflect the human condition’s bleakness.
• Dr Robin Warren – Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2005)
  >  Together with Barry J Marshall, they discovered the bacterium Helicobacter pylori and its role in gastritis and peptic ulcer disease. 

6. Conclusion

So, why put the University of Adelaide as a top choice?

• Renowned for its research efforts
• Located in a well-loved and affordable student city, i.e Adelaide
• Has a supportive and resourceful learning environment
• Creates many opportunities to be part of education and research activities through various (academic and industrial) collaborations

If you’re ready to learn more, click below and ask any questions on your mind to our friendly and experienced counsellors today!

SEE OTHER UNI GUIDES

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