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Top Universities in Adelaide Australia: Ranking, Course Fees, Eligibility, and Popular Courses

Study in Australia, Study in New Zealand

 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 Indian, Adelaide is among the 10th most welcoming region in world as per booking.com. Also, studying and living in Adelaide is easier on Indians' 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 16,000-plus Indian 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 2025

Key Fact

University of Adelaide

82

Ranked among the top 100 globally; set to merge with the University of South Australia in 2026 to form "Adelaide University".

Flinders University

336

Achieved a significant rise of 44 places in the QS rankings due to over 140% growth in research output over five years.

University of South Australia (UniSA)

340

Recognized as Australia’s University of Enterprise, collaborating with over 2,500 international industry partners.

CQUniversity Australia

495

Distinguished for its extensive regional campus network and commitment to accessible education.

Torrens University Australia

n/a

A private university known for its flexible, career-focused programmes and strong industry connections.

Let us talk about the 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 rankings, fees, eligibility and popular courses

Category

Details

QS World University Ranking (2025)

89th globally

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate: AUD 31,000 – AUD 63,000 per year

Postgraduate: Varies by course

Eligibility

Academic: Minimum GPA of 3.0/4.0 (approx. 85%)

English: IELTS 6.5 overall (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 Indian 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 rankings, fees, scholarships, popular courses and eligibility

Category

Details

QS World University Ranking (2025)

336th globally

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate: Approx. AUD 35,471 per year

Postgraduate: Approx. AUD 35,300 per year

Eligibility

Academic: Completion of secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 12

English: IELTS 6.0 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 programs (GPA 4.0+ and full-time study load)

Pathway Scholarships: For students progressing through pathway programs; 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.

University of South Australia rankings, fees, popular courses, scholarships and eligibility

Category

Details

QS World University Ranking (2025)

340th globally

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate: Approx. AUD 34,336 per year

Postgraduate: Approx. AUD 33,900 per year

Eligibility

Academic: Completion of Australian Year 12 or international equivalent

English: IELTS 6.0 overall, with no band less than 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, Indian 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 ranks, fees, eligibility, popular courses, scholarships:

Category

Details

QS World University Ranking (2025)

495th globally

Tuition Fees

Varies by course, generally ranges between AUD 28,000 – AUD 35,000 per year

Eligibility

Completion of secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 12

English: IELTS 6.0 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: AUD 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. For Indian students, Torrens offers strong student support and a vibrant campus experience—making your academic journey both enriching and enjoyable.

Torrens University fees, rankings, eligibility, courses, popular courses, scholarships:

Category

Details

Tuition Fees

Undergraduate: AUD 22,000 – AUD 35,000 per year

Postgraduate: Similar range depending on the course

Eligibility

Academic: Completion of secondary education equivalent to Australian Year 12

English: IELTS 6.0 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

Tuition Fees (UG/PG per year)

Popular Courses

University of Adelaide

AUD 31,000 – AUD 63,000

● Engineering, Medicine & Health Sciences, Business, Arts & Humanities

Flinders University

AUD 35,471 (UG) / AUD 35,300 (PG)

● Medicine & Public Health, Science & Engineering, Humanities, Education

 

University of South Australia

AUD 34,336 (UG) / AUD 33,900 (PG)

● Business & Law, Education, Arts & Social Sciences, Health Sciences

CQUniversity

AUD 28,000 – AUD 35,000

● Engineering & Technology, Business & Accounting, Health Sciences, Education

Torrens University

AUD 22,000 – AUD 35,000

● Business, Design, Health, Education

Cost of living in Adelaide

According to AECC experts, 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 Indian students in Adelaide:
  • Rent (Shared Accommodation):
$160 – $250 AUD per week (via Flatmates.com.au, Student.com, etc.)
  • Public Transport (Concession metroCARD):
$14.45 AUD per week (based on 28-day pass @ $57.80)
  • Groceries and Eating Out:
$80 – $120 AUD per week (basic groceries, occasional meals out)
  • Utility Bills (Electricity, Gas, Water):
$25 – $35 AUD per week (typically split in shared accommodation)
  • Phone and Internet:
$15 – $25 AUD per week (prepaid mobile plan + shared Wi-Fi)
  • Entertainment and Miscellaneous:
$30 – $50 AUD per week (movies, eating out, gym, etc.)
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 Indian students also have access to a wide range of 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 Indian students navigating a new culture and education system, this kind of support can make all the difference in settling in and succeeding.

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 candidate 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. 
Nidhi Mehrotra

Nidhi Mehrotra

Study in Australia, Study in New Zealand

Nidhi Mehrotra, with extensive experience in Australian education, has helped countless students achieve their dreams of studying in Australia. Known for her expertise in visa applications and course selection, her guidance ensures success. Outside work, she enjoys reading and exploring new recipes, adding a personal touch to her mentoring.

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