The Complete Guide To The University Of South Australia (UniSA)

1. Introduction

1.1 Background

 The University of South Australia is relatively new to the education scene in Australia, having only been formed in 1991. However, they have been an unstoppable force since then, producing over 240,000 alumni and working together with 2,500 companies worldwide!

The university is also known as Australia’s University of Enterprise, offering industry-focused and informed degrees, as well as being the largest online education provider of the country. 

Total Student Population	22,822 students
Percentage of International Students	17%
Teaching Faculty-to-Student Ratio	1:30

1.2 University of South Australia Rankings 2025

The University of South Australia is ranked #340 globally on the QS World University Rankings. To add a feather to its already impressive cap, a number of its course subjects rank in the Top 200 of the QS Subject Ranking.

QS Subject Category	Ranking For 2025
Nursing	#51 – 100
Sports-Related Subjects	#51 – 100
Architecture and Built Environment	#101 – 150
Hospitality and Leisure Management	#151 – 175
Accounting and Finance	#201 – 250
Education and Training	#201 – 250
Environmental Sciences	#201 – 250
Pharmacy and Pharmacology	#201 – 250

2. Student Life & Living Cost

2.1 University of South Australia Campuses

The University of South Australia has 6 campuses; 4 metropolitan and 2 regional. The metropolitan campuses are the City West, City East, Magill, and Mawson Lakes campuses, while the 2 regional campuses are the Mount Gambier and Whyalla campuses.

The Whyalla campus is also the largest regional campus in South Australia!

City West Campus

Key Highlights

• Home of the business, law, art, architecture, planning and design courses. 
• Home to Pridham Hall, Bradley Building and the university’s MOD museum. 

How To Get There
🗺️Located 2km from the Adelaide CBD

• The nearest train station is the Currie Street station, located within a 5 minute walk from the campus.
• Buses stop every 2 minutes in front of campus.

City East Campus 

Key Highlights

• Home to the University of South Australia’s medical arm.
• The campus is also home to the Horizon Hospital and Health Service.
• There are also community clinics on campus that provide affordable healthcare to the general public. 

How To Get There
🗺️Located 2km from the Adelaide CBD

• The University tram station is located right outside of the campus entrance. 
• The North Terrace train station is the nearest train station, located 3 minutes away from campus. 
• Buses to campus have a frequency of 10 minutes. 

Magill Campus

Key Highlights

• This campus focuses on education, creative industries, psychology, social work and human services courses. 
• The campus is also home to Australia’s most technologically advanced teacher training facility, the Samsung SMARTSchool. 
• The campus also features industry-standard research laboratories and practical studios. 

How To Get There
🗺️Located less than 500m from the Magill town centre

• Most amenities are within walking distance from the campus.

Mawson Lakes Campus

Key Highlights

• The campus is home to the university’s STEM courses. 
• The campus boasts industry-standard teaching and research facilities, with virtual teaching environments, and laboratories focused on robotics, augmented reality, and more. 
• The campus is also home to several internationally recognised institutes, such as the Future Industries Institute and the Australian Research Centre for Interactive and Virtual Environments. 

How To Get There
🗺️Located less than 500m from the Mawson Lakes town centre

• Many key amenities are within walking distance from the campus. 

Mount Gambier Campus

Key Highlights

• The campus focuses on education, health, and social work courses. 
• Home to the National Institute for Forest Products Innovation Hub. This hub is a partnership between UniSA and the state and federal governments. 

How To Get There
🗺️4km from the Mount Gambier town centre

• The campus has no nearby public transportation, but is surrounded by nearby suburbs within walking distance. 

Whyalla Campus

Key Highlights

• This regional campus offers most courses that the main campus does to the community. 
• The campus is also home to the university’s Innovation and Collaboration Centre regional business incubator programme. 

How To Get There
🗺️Located less than 1km from the Whyalla Norrie and Whyalla Playford town centres

• The campus is within walking distance from many of Whyalla’s key amenities and suburbs.

2.2 Learning Resources

What’s it like to study at the University of South Australia? 

The university is fully equipped with facilities and study spaces that will cater to every student of every course!

2.3 Recreational Facilities

Want to see what recreational facilities the University of South Australia have? Why not watch these videos for a change of pace!

Recreational Facilities – City East Campus

Recreational Facilities – City East Campus

Recreational Facilities – Magill Campus

Recreational Facilities – Mawson Lakes Campus

2.4 Student Activities

The University of South Australia Student Association (USASA) is your student representative and governs over 80 cultural, special interest, academic and social justice clubs! There’s never a dull day at UniSA thanks to that!

2.5 Student Services

In need of support during your time at the university? There are plenty of student services that you have access to at the University of South Australia. 

• Academic Support
• Counseling and Wellbeing Services
• Career Services
• Disability Support
• Diversity Support
• Health Services
• International Student Support
• Legal and Advocacy Services
• Religious Needs Support

2.6 University of South Australia Accommodation and Costs

There are plenty of on-campus accommodations provided by the University of South Australia. Within this guide, you will see the options available, and some campuses share similar types. 

For instance, City East, City West, and Magill campus students can enjoy the brand new SCAPE at UniSA with various accommodations available. Students across all campuses will also have student hostels, apartments, and residential colleges available at a standard range of weekly rent prices.  

SCAPE at UniSA

Options Available

Twin Room In 5-Bed Apartment (from AUD 259/week)

Twin Apartment (from AUD 269/week)

6 Bed Apartment (from AUD 359/week)

5 Bed Apartment (from AUD 369/week)

4 Bed Apartment (from AUD 379/week)

Large Studio Apartment (from AUD 499/week)

Large Studio Double Apartment (from AUD 509/week)

All UniSA Campus Accommodation Options

Options Available

Residential Colleges at City East, City West, and Magill Campuses (from AUD 325 – 490/week)

Student Hostels (from AUD 140 – 200/week)

Student Apartments (from AUD 150 – 390/week)

Cost of Living in Adelaide

Want to know the perks of living in “Affordable Adelaide”? 

You’re living in one of the world’s top 35 best student cities (accredited by QS World University Rankings), and living here is 12% more affordable than in Sydney and up to 11% more in Melbourne!

Students can expect to spend an average of AUD 2,788 monthly, with costs covering accommodation, transportation, groceries, mobile plans, and social activities. Bear in mind though, that this will fluctuate depending on your lifestyle!

3. Courses, Fees & Scholarships

3.1 Courses You Can Study At The University of South Australia

Accounting & Finance (Business)	Accounting, Financial Planning, Economics, Finance & Trade, Marketing
Architecture	Architectural Studies, Interior Architecture
Biomedical Science	Biomedical Science, Biomedical Research
Communication	Communication & Media,
Creative Industries	Film & Television, Creative Arts, Digital Media
Design	Graphic & Communication Design, Illustration & Animation
Engineering	Civil Engineering, Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Mechanical Engineering
Health Science	Nutrition & Exercise, Exercise & Sports Science, Clinical Exercise Physiology
Information Technology	Games & Entertainment Design, Mobile Application Development, Software Development
Law	Laws, Legal Studies, Criminology & Criminal Justice
Nursing	Nursing, Midwifery, Community Health
Pharmacy	Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Science
Psychology	Psychology, Counselling & Interpersonal Skills, Cognitive Neuroscience
Tourism, Sport & Events	Sport & Recreation Management, Tourism, Event & Hospitality Management

There’s more that the University of South Australia has to offer to you! So sit down, take your time, and see if any piques your interest! 

Alternatively, you can also speak to a study abroad consultant (like Uni Enrol), who can assist you with your direction. 

3.3 Course Fees At University Of South Australia

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

Coming Soon!

3.3 University Of South Australia Scholarships

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

Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship	Receive a 50% fee reduction for the duration of their degree, up to a maximum of four years.
International Merit Scholarship	Receive a 15% fee reduction for the duration of chosen degree.

3.4 Popular Courses at the University of South Australia

Business Subjects

To understand why it’s such a popular subject in the University of South Australia, one has to also know that the Business faculty here is just one of only 13 institutions in Australia and approximately 200 globally to be EQUIS and AACSB accredited! So yes, you’re studying in a Top 1% Business School!

Business subjects at the University of South Australia blend key topics such as management, marketing, accounting, and more. This exposure to the different business disciplines helps lay a foundation for a diverse and exciting business career. 

Students will also be able to build real-world experience while they are studying, via professional clinics, networking events, pitches, and even internships. They also have the chance to join the Business Career Mentor Program and be paired with an experienced industry professional to help enhance their career. 

The University of South Australia also provides ample spaces for students to fully immerse in a real-world setting, with facilities on campus such as: 

• The UniSA Enterprise Hub
• The Ehrenberg-Bass Institute
• Enterprise Spaces

Nursing Studies

The Nursing course at the University of South Australia is a blend of theory and practical experience and already has a strong record of graduates who can hit the ground running. 

The university has also invested heavily in building one of the most advanced simulated hospital environments and nursing teaching facilities in Australia. The Horizon Hospital and Health Service in the City East, Mount Gambier, and Whyalla campuses are proof of said investment! Within these teaching hospitals and facilities, students will learn in authentic hospital wards, clinical units, and community areas. 

The simulation spaces and teaching clinics also have interactive mannequins, and there are also real people acting as residents who have their own personal stories, relationships, and health histories. Yes, you’re getting the real deal here!

The teaching staff also consists of clinicians and academics who are experienced Registered Nurses or world-class researchers in the field. Students will also benefit from the university’s strong ties to the healthcare industry. Students will conduct clinical placements across regional and rural hospitals and health services throughout their studies. 

Whilst practicals are important in helping students be career-ready, ensuring they transition properly is also vital. Thus, students will be able to do a Transition to Professional Practice Program, an initiative in collaboration with the Government of South Australia, where they will practice in real hospitals that are the university’s participating partners!

Architecture Studies

At the University of South Australia, students will study from industry leaders and world-class researchers. They will also study in purpose-designed design studios (which is basically their classroom!), facilities, and workshops available to them 24/7! All of these can be found within the Kaurna Building and the Dorrit Black Building. 

Here are some of the facilities available for Architecture students: 

• UniSA Architecture Museum 
• Workshops
• Digital Workshop
• Printmaking Studio
• Painting and Drawing Studio
• Photography Studio

Fun fact: The UniSA Architecture Museum has over 200,000 items including records, drawings and photographs of Australian architecture, and is this Australia’s only internationally recognized architecture museum!

The University of South Australia also ensures that students gain real-world experience in designing and building real architectural projects, thanks to its strong relationships with the local, national, and international industries!

As the University of South Australia’s architecture course is not accredited by Lembaga Arkitek Malaysia, local students might not be exempted from the Graduate Architect examinations. A study abroad consultant like what we have at Uni Enrol might be able to advise you on this!

Sports Science

If you have ever dreamt of being an inspiration to all walks of life to be healthier, more active and perform their best in sports, then consider the University of South Australia, who has Sports and Exercise Science at the top ranks in the discipline!

At the University of South Australia, students will be exposed to human anatomy and physiology, physical activity and health, and fundamental movement skills as part of their early years, before diving deeper into biomechanical analyses and knowledge to enhance people’s physical and mental well-being, from children, elite athletes to the elderly. 

Students will also benefit from the university’s expansive industry partnerships! Apart from acquiring skills in the classroom, students will need to complete 140 hours of industry placement across sporting clubs, gyms, fitness centres, schools and more.

While that is the real-world aspect of the discipline, students will learn to prepare themselves via the university’s dedicated facilities to exercise and sports science: 

• High Performance Sport Centre
• Exercise Physiology Clinics
• Enviromental Chamber
• The UniSA Sports gyms
• Alliance for Research in Exercise, Nutrition and Activity (ARENA) Research Centre

4. Entry Requirements & Intake Dates

4.1 University of South Australia Entry Requirements 2025

Minimum entry requirements for Degree:

• UEC: 4B6 1C7 excluding Chinese, Bahasa Malaysia
• STPM: 3C+ of 3 best subjects
• A-Level: DDD
• SACE / WACE : ATAR 68
• IB Diploma: 26 points
• Foundation: Completion of Foundation
• Diploma: Completion of Diploma

Minimum language proficiency requirements (IELTS):

• Undergraduate: 6.0 overall
• Postgraduate: 6.5 overall

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

4.2 University of South Australia Intake Periods For 2025

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

• 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 For Studying In Australia

Psst, want more of this?

You might find these guides helpful to prepare yourself better for your study abroad journey: 

• Your Essential Study In Australia Guide For Malaysian Students
• Top 10 Benefits Of Engaging A Higher Education Consultant 
• Education Consultant: A Free Study Abroad Guide 

5. Student Testimonials & Alumni

Want to know what life is like at the University of South Australia? Here’s what students of South Australia’s #1 university have to say about their time there!

6. Conclusion

It’s time to make yourself unstoppable by studying at the University of South Australia! 

Take this opportunity to study on campuses surrounded by beautiful landscapes, go into classes with high-quality teaching, and work with students in a vibrant environment! 

At Uni Enrol, we have study abroad consultants who are ready to make that dream happen!

SEE OTHER UNI GUIDES

We took the liberty to compile all our University Guides and Course Fees Guides so you don’t have to go anywhere else!

And if you’re still not sure what to study, we have many Course Guide articles that will shed more light on the subject matter. Share with your friends!

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