Study in Adelaide, Australia
Adelaide is Australia's most affordable capital for international students and one of the best-kept secrets in Australian higher education. The city ranks #26 in the QS Best Student Cities index and hosts approximately 45,000 international students across three universities, with the University of Adelaide (#82) holding Group of Eight membership. Adelaide's critical advantage is its classification as a designated regional area for immigration purposes — graduates can access up to 2 additional years on the Subclass 485 visa and earn extra points on the skilled migration points test, making it arguably the strongest city in Australia for PR-focused students. Shared accommodation starts from AUD $120–$160/week in suburbs like Mawson Lakes and Salisbury, making Adelaide 30–40% cheaper than Sydney. The city centre is compact and walkable — a grid layout designed by Colonel William Light means most university campuses, shops, and services sit within a 20-minute walk or short tram ride of each other.
Last reviewed: March 2026 · Next review: March 2027 · Let's Go Study Australia editorial team
Adelaide — Livability & Outcomes Data
EIU Global Liveability Index 2025
#9 globallyOverall: 95.1/100
QS Best Student Cities 2026
#26 globallyGraduate Outcomes (QILT GOS 2024)
80.1%
Full-time employment
$66,000
Median salary (AUD)
84.8%
Employer satisfaction
Sources: EIU Global Liveability Index 2025, QS Best Student Cities 2026, QILT Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024. Data is indicative and updated periodically — verify with official sources.
Universities in Adelaide
Adelaide University
Adelaide, SA
Flinders University
Adelaide, SA
University of South Australia (UniSA)
Adelaide, SA
Federation University Australia
Melbourne, VIC
University of the Sunshine Coast
Adelaide, QLD
Torrens University Australia; Torrens University Language Centre; Chifley Business School at Torrens University Australia CBS at Torrens University Australia Blue Mountains International Hotel Management School at Torrens University Australia BMIHMS at To
Sydney, NSW
University of New England
Sydney, NSW
SAE University College
Sydney, NSW
Australian College of Applied Professions, ACAP University College
Sydney, NSW
QS World University Rankings
Why Adelaide for International Students
StudyAdelaide — International Student Support
Level 9, 33 King William Street, Adelaide SA 5000
StudyAdelaide is the South Australian Government's international student support body. It is one of Australia's most active state student agencies, running regular social events, employment workshops, and a Student Ambassador program that pairs new arrivals with experienced students. The Welcome Voucher program provides discounts on Adelaide attractions and services for new international students. StudyAdelaide also partners with the Legal Services Commission of SA for free legal advice referrals.
- ✓ Airport welcome and arrival support
- ✓ Employment workshops and internship connections
- ✓ Social events program (regular meetups, cultural events, weekend trips)
- ✓ Student Ambassador program
- ✓ Safety resources and emergency contacts
- ✓ Free legal advice referrals
- ✓ StudyAdelaide Welcome Voucher program
Cost of Studying in Adelaide
Tuition fees
Undergraduate
AUD $22,000–$45,000
per year
Postgraduate
AUD $21,000–$46,000
per year
VET / TAFE
AUD $4,000–$18,000
per year
Weekly living costs
| Expense | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Shared rental | $120/wk | $250/wk |
| Private rental | $240/wk | $400/wk |
| Groceries | $65/wk | $150/wk |
| Myki (public transport) | $/mo | $/mo |
| OSHC health cover | $50/mo | $120/mo |
A realistic monthly budget in shared accommodation is AUD $1,600–$2,400, excluding tuition. Adelaide is consistently 30–40% cheaper than Sydney and 15–20% cheaper than Melbourne on comparable accommodation and living costs. It is the most affordable capital city in Australia for international students.
Rent by suburb
North Adelaide / CBD
$180–$250/wk
Walking distance to University of Adelaide's North Terrace campus and UniSA City West campus
Bedford Park / Tonsley
$140–$190/wk
Adjacent to Flinders University and Tonsley Innovation District, train to CBD in 20 min
Mawson Lakes
$120–$170/wk
UniSA Mawson Lakes campus, train to CBD in 25 min — large student community with purpose-built student accommodation
Prospect / Kilburn
$130–$180/wk
North of CBD, bus to University of Adelaide in 15 min — affordable with growing dining and cafe scene
After Graduation — Can You Stay in Australia?
Most graduates qualify for a Subclass 485 (Temporary Graduate). The length depends on your qualification level:
Bachelor degree
2 years
Master degree (coursework)
2 years
Master degree (research)
3 years
Doctoral degree
4 years
Regional study bonus
+2 years
Permanent residency routes
Subclass 189 (Skilled Independent)
Points-tested, no employer or sponsor needed. Most successful applicants hold 85–95 points. Your Australian degree contributes 15–20 points. Adelaide's regional classification provides indirect benefits through longer 485 visa duration for accumulating work experience.
Subclass 190 (State Nomination — South Australia)
SA has one of Australia's most generous state nomination programs for international graduates. The SA Graduate Stream provides priority processing for graduates of SA universities. Healthcare, engineering, IT, trades, and education are priority sectors. SA nomination adds 5 points.
Subclass 491 (Skilled Work Regional)
Adelaide qualifies as a regional area for the 491 visa. This adds 15 points to your total and provides a pathway to PR via the 191 visa after 3 years. SA's 491 program is one of the most accessible in Australia, with lower points thresholds than most states.
Subclass 186 (Employer Nominated)
Requires an employer to sponsor you after 2+ years on a 482 visa. Adelaide's growing defence, healthcare, and renewable energy sectors are increasing sources of employer sponsorship.
Let's Go Study Australia is not a registered migration agent and does not provide immigration assistance or migration advice as defined by the Migration Act 1958 (Cth). Information on this website is general in nature. For advice about your specific visa situation, consult a registered migration agent at mara.gov.au or an Australian legal practitioner.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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