Top Universities and Popular Courses in Adelaide 2026
Explore top universities and popular courses in Adelaide for 2026. This guide details the landmark institutional merger, updated tuition fees and scholarships, highlighting unique regional visa benefits for graduates.
Universities in Adelaide rank among the top universities globally, providing world-class education, facilities, and a lifestyle that is welcoming and nurturing during a student's educational journey. These universities cover a wide range of subjects, like medical science, engineering, management studies, arts, and environmental science, with the most popular ones being the latter.
When considered for living as an international student, Adelaide is among the 10th most welcoming region in world as per booking.com. Also, studying and living in Adelaide is easier on students' pockets, as the rent is 47% lower than Sydney, 20% lower than Perth and 8% lower than Melbourne as per the official StudyAdelaide website.
No wonder thousands of international students choose the south of Australia as their desired city to study in Australia. In this blog, we will give you a list of top universities in Adelaide, their tuition fees, rankings, eligibility and popular courses.
Top Universities to Study in Adelaide
Adelaide is a key educational hub of Australia. Multiple institutions in this city cater to various educational programmes like higher education, vocational education, English language schools and many more. Here is the list of the top 5 universities in Adelaide and their rankings, course fees, eligibility, and popular courses:
| University | QS World University Ranking 2026 | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|
| University of Adelaide* | #82 | Ranked among the top 100 globally |
| Flinders University | #387 | Achieved a significant rise of 44 places in the QS rankings due to over 140% growth in research output over five years |
| CQUniversity Australia | #499 | Distinguished for its extensive regional campus network and commitment to accessible education |
| University of South Australia (UniSA)* | NA | Recognised as Australia's University of Enterprise, collaborating with over 2,500 international industry partners |
| Torrens University Australia | NA | A private university known for its flexible, career-focused programmes and strong industry connections |
*The University of South Australia (UniSA) and the University of Adelaide have officially announced their merger and formed a new entity, Adelaide University, on January 1, 2026.
Let us talk about these top universities in Adelaide in detail.
University of Adelaide
Situated right in the heart of the city, the University of Adelaide stands out for its strong focus on employability and generous scholarship opportunities. It's a great choice for students interested in STEM programmes, offering access to top-notch faculty with a student-to-teacher ratio of 20:1, ensuring a more personalised learning experience.
With nearly 30% of its student body coming from around the world, you will also be part of a diverse and vibrant community that blends global perspectives, academic excellence, and rich history.
University of Adelaide Fees, Eligibility, Popular Courses, Scholarships
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Undergraduate: AU $31,000 - $63,000 per year Postgraduate: Varies by course |
| Eligibility | Academic: Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (approx. 85%) English: IELTS Academic 6.5 bands overall, with no band below 6.0 *Some courses may require work experience or specific subjects |
| Popular Courses | Engineering and Technology Medicine and Health Sciences Business and Economics Arts and Humanities |
| Scholarships | Global Citizens Scholarship: 15-30% tuition fee reduction (GPA 5.0/7) Global Academic Excellence: 50% tuition waiver (ATAR 99.9+ / GPA 6.9/7) Family Scholarship: 10% fee discount for eligible family ties UARS: Full tuition coverage + stipend for research students |
Flinders University
Flinders University is recognised globally for its cutting-edge research and modern approach to education. With an impressive legacy that includes five Rhodes Scholars and 26 Fulbright Scholars, the university stands as a testament to academic excellence.
Guided by a strong commitment to equality, diversity, and respect, Flinders offers a welcoming and inclusive environment, making it a great choice for international students looking to feel at home while studying in Australia. Plus, with over 450 scholarships on offer, funding your education becomes that much easier as you take the next step toward your academic goals.
Flinders University Fees, Eligibility, Popular Courses, Scholarships
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Undergraduate: Approx. AU $35,471 per year Postgraduate: Approx. AU $35,300 per year |
| Eligibility | Academic: Completion of secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 12 English: IELTS Academic 6.0 bands overall, with no band less than 6.0 |
| Popular Courses | Medicine and Public Health Science and Engineering Humanities and Social Sciences Education |
| Scholarships | FIPRS: Full tuition + living expenses for research-based Master's or PhD students Go Beyond Scholarship: 25% tuition fee reduction for eligible UG/PG coursework programmes (GPA 4.0+ and full-time study load) Pathway Scholarships: For students progressing through pathway programmes; eligibility based on course-specific requirements |
University of South Australia (UniSA)
Located in South Australia, the University of South Australia is a well-established institution known for its high student satisfaction and strong industry ties. With over 2,500 global industry partnerships, the university offers students hands-on learning opportunities that are closely aligned with real-world demands. At UniSA, innovation is at the heart of the learning experience--bringing together ideas and expertise from around the world to help students grow, develop, and thrive in their chosen careers.
UniSA Fees, Eligibility, Popular Courses, Scholarships
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Undergraduate: Approx. AU $34,336 per year Postgraduate: Approx. AU $33,900 per year |
| Eligibility | Academic: Completion of Australian Year 12 or international equivalent English: IELTS Academic 6.0 overall bands, with no band below 6.0 |
| Popular Courses | Business and Law Education Arts and Social Sciences Health Sciences |
| Scholarships | Vice Chancellor's International Excellence Scholarship: 50% tuition fee reduction for up to 4 years (GPA 5.0+) International Merit Scholarship: 15% tuition discount for eligible high-performing students RTPi Scholarships: Full tuition + living stipend for research students, awarded based on academic merit and research potential |
Central Queensland University
With more than 30,000 online and on-campus students, international students can pick from its 250 programmes covering training, certificates, undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees. If you are someone looking for study flexibility or an online programme through a reputed university, CQUniversity is a pioneer in that.
CQUniversity Fees, Eligibility, Popular Courses, Scholarships
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Varies by course, generally ranges between AU $28,000 - $35,000 per year |
| Eligibility | Completion of secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 12 English: IELTS Academic 6.0 bands overall, with no band less than 5.5 |
| Popular Courses | Engineering and Technology Business and Accounting Health Sciences Education |
| Scholarships | International Merit Scholarship: Up to 25% tuition fee reduction for eligible new international students (vocational, UG, PG, research) Destination Australia Scholarship: AU $15,000 per year for students studying at regional campuses |
Torrens University Australia
Torrens University is a forward-thinking institution designed to help you achieve your career goals faster with flexible course options and a modern programme structure. Whether you choose to study full-time or part-time, the availability of online course materials means you can easily shape your study schedule around your lifestyle. Torrens offers strong student support and a vibrant campus experience, making your academic journey both enriching and enjoyable.
Torrens University Fees, Eligibility, Popular Courses, Scholarships
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Tuition Fees | Undergraduate: AU $22,000 - $35,000 per year Postgraduate: Similar range depending on the course |
| Eligibility | Academic: Completion of secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 12 English: IELTS Academic 6.0 bands overall, with no band less than 6.0 |
| Popular Courses | Business Design Health Education |
| Scholarships | Torrens University offers a range of scholarships for international students, including merit-based and regional awards. |
Comparison of Top Universities in Adelaide
Struggling to make a pick between these stellar universities? Here is a Comparison Table on these top 5 universities in Adelaide for you to make an informed choice:
| University Name | Annual Tuition Fees (in AUD) | Popular Courses |
|---|---|---|
| University of Adelaide | AU $31,000 - $63,000 | Engineering, Medicine & Health Sciences, Business, Arts & Humanities |
| Flinders University | UG: AU $35,471 PG: AU $35,300 | Medicine & Public Health, Science & Engineering, Humanities, Education |
| University of South Australia | UG: AU $34,336 PG: AU $33,900 | Business & Law, Education, Arts & Social Sciences, Health Sciences |
| CQUniversity | AU $28,000 - $35,000 | Engineering & Technology, Business & Accounting, Health Sciences, Education |
| Torrens University | AU $22,000 - $35,000 | Business, Design, Health, Education |
Cost of Living in Adelaide 2026
Adelaide is one of the more affordable cities in Australia, especially when compared to places like Sydney and Melbourne. With the Adelaide Metro offering reliable and student-friendly transport, getting around the city is both easy and budget-friendly.
Here's a look at the average weekly living expenses for international students in Adelaide:
| Expense Category | Weekly Costs (in AUD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (Shared Accommodation) | AU $160 - $300 |
| Public Transport (Concession metroCARD) | AU $2.50 - $15 |
| Groceries and Eating Out | AU $90 - $140 |
| Utility Bills (Electricity, Gas, Water) | AU $25 - $40 |
| Phone and Internet | AU $15 - $25 |
| Entertainment & Miscellaneous | AU $40 - $80 |
| Total Estimated Weekly Cost | AU $332.50 - $585 |
Note: These are the estimates as of December 2025. All costs are subject to change.
When it comes to studying in Australia, Adelaide stands out as a cost-effective option compared to many other popular destinations. Not only are tuition fees and living expenses relatively affordable, but international students also have access to a wide range of Australian scholarships that can significantly ease the financial load.
Beyond affordability, what truly sets Adelaide apart is the support system its universities offer. From international student offices to academic mentoring, career guidance, and mental health services, there is a solid network in place to help students thrive. For international students navigating a new culture and education system, this kind of support can make all the difference in settling in and succeeding.
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Student Testimonials
Still having doubts about studying in Adelaide, well firm your decisions with these student testimonials.
"I initially chose Adelaide because of the scholarship opportunities, but I've stayed because of the incredible lifestyle. The city is the perfect size - big enough to have everything you need but small enough that you quickly feel at home. My university has strong connections with local businesses, which helped me secure an internship at a tech startup. The international student community here is so supportive; we celebrate festivals together and help each other navigate life in Australia." - Jiao Li, PhD in Computer Science
Another student pointed out:
"Coming to the University of Adelaide was one of the best decisions I've ever made. The campus is absolutely gorgeous with its blend of historic and modern architecture, and the research facilities are world-class. As an engineering student from India, I've found incredible opportunities to work on projects with real-world impact while being supported by professors who are leaders in their fields." - Rajiv Patel, Master of Engineering
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