- On 29 January 2026 the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia merged to form Adelaide University, a Group of Eight institution
- It ranks 79th in the QS World University Rankings and sits in the global top 100
- Indicative international tuition for 2026 runs from about AUD 43,400 to AUD 104,100 per year, and the direct application fee is AUD 150.
What Is Adelaide University and Its Link to the University of Adelaide?
Adelaide University opened on 29 January 2026, merging the University of Adelaide, the third oldest university in Australia, with the University of South Australia. It is a Group of Eight research university based across South Australia, and the programmes long taught as University of Adelaide degrees now continue under this new combined institution.
The University of Adelaide has long been one of the most premier institutions in Australia. Alongside world-class research and academic facilities, it was the third oldest university in the country and the pride of South Australia. From 2026 its teaching, research and heritage continue within Adelaide University, which brings together the strengths of two respected universities into a single Group of Eight institution.
Government Education Loan for Study AbroadRead →Why Should You Study at the University of Adelaide?
The University of Adelaide is one of Australia's oldest and most respected universities, now part of Adelaide University. Students choose it for research intensity, Group of Eight standing, strong industry partnerships and a global top 100 reputation. Its focus on innovation and hands-on learning helps graduates emerge as capable, work-ready leaders.
- Holistic development into leaders: the university encourages students to pursue their interests, build skills and drive innovation, with strong academic exposure that helps them grow into the leaders of tomorrow.
- Depth of experience: as one of Australia's oldest universities, it carries more than 180 years of combined academic heritage that underpins its teaching and research quality.
- Leader in innovation: researchers make revolutionary contributions across health, science and social welfare, benefiting the South Australian community and tackling global challenges.
- Industry connections and partnerships: quality research, deep experience and strong employer links help students set a course for a bright career.
What Is the University of Adelaide Ranking in 2026?
As part of the newly merged Adelaide University, the institution ranks 79th in the QS World University Rankings, placing it among the world's top 100 and eighth in Australia. This reflects strong academic reputation, research citations, international outlook and employer recognition built over more than 180 years of combined heritage.
The university has long reigned as a beacon of academic achievement, and that reputation has translated into strong global rankings for the merged Adelaide University. It debuted at 82nd in its first QS World University Rankings and has since risen to 79th, keeping it firmly within the world's top 100 institutions.
| Ranking Body (2026) | Result |
|---|---|
| QS World University Rankings 2026 | 79th (global top 100) |
| QS ranking within Australia 2026 | 8th nationally |
| Group of Eight | Member (research-intensive universities) |
Which Courses Does the University of Adelaide Offer?
The University of Adelaide, now Adelaide University, offers hundreds of programmes spanning engineering, health and medical sciences, natural sciences, business, arts, law and agriculture. Options include undergraduate bachelor degrees, honours degrees, master's coursework and research programmes, doctoral degrees, diplomas and fully online courses, giving international and domestic students wide academic choice across many disciplines.
The university sits among the world's leading institutions and offers a broad catalogue of degrees across many disciplines. The table below summarises the main degree levels and the fields they cover.
| Degree Level 2026 | Fields and Disciplines |
|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | Engineering and technology, life sciences and medicine, natural sciences, business and management, arts and humanities, social sciences |
| Master's Degree | Life sciences and medicine, business and management, arts and humanities, engineering and technology, natural sciences |
| MBA and business | Business administration, marketing, entrepreneurship, leadership, international trade, project management |
University of Adelaide Undergraduate Courses
Undergraduate study builds core skills in communication and research while exposing students to global opportunities. Popular undergraduate degrees include:
- Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) in fields such as mechanical, software, chemical, electrical and electronic, civil and mining
- Bachelor of Computer Science and Bachelor of Mathematical and Computer Sciences
- Bachelor of Health and Medical Sciences and Bachelor of Psychological Science
- Bachelor of Science across biomedical science, biotechnology, animal science and marine biology
- Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Finance, Bachelor of Business and Bachelor of Accounting
- Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Laws, Bachelor of Media and Bachelor of International Relations
- Bachelor of Agricultural Sciences and Bachelor of Viticulture and Oenology
University of Adelaide Master's Courses
Postgraduate study suits students seeking depth and authority in a chosen field. Widely chosen master's degrees include:
- Master of Data Science, Master of Computer Science and Master of Machine Learning
- Master of Engineering across mechanical, electrical, civil, chemical and aerospace specialisations
- Master of Cyber Security and Master of Software Engineering
- Master of Finance and Business Economics, Master of Professional Accounting and Master of Commerce
- Master of Public Health, Master of Psychology and Master of Biotechnology
- Master of Wine Business and Master of Viticulture and Oenology
- Master of Marketing, Master of Project Management and Master of International Trade and Development
What Are the University of Adelaide Tuition Fees in 2026?
International tuition at the University of Adelaide for 2026 is set per degree. Indicative annual fees range from about AUD 43,400 for a Bachelor of Arts to AUD 104,100 for the Bachelor of Dental Surgery. Engineering and data science sit near AUD 54,900, while the Doctor of Medicine is about AUD 99,000 yearly.
The university attracts students worldwide, and roughly one in four students is international. Tuition is charged per degree based on a standard full-time load, and the indicative annual international fees for 2026 are shown below, taken from the university's official degree pages.
| Programme (2026) | Indicative Annual International Tuition (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | AUD 43,400 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Electrical) (Honours) | AUD 54,900 |
| Master of Data Science | AUD 54,900 |
| Doctor of Medicine | AUD 99,000 |
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery | AUD 104,100 |
Fees vary by discipline. Humanities and social science degrees sit at the lower end, science and engineering fall in the middle, and health programmes such as medicine, dentistry and veterinary science are at the upper end. Always confirm the indicative annual fee on the specific degree page before applying, as figures are reviewed each year.
How Do You Apply and What Is the Application Fee?
International students apply directly through Adelaide University's online application system or an approved agent, submitting academic transcripts, English test scores, a personal statement and identification. A non-refundable application fee of AUD 150 applies to each coursework application, though research degrees, fully online programmes and non-award study are exempt from this charge.
When applying for your preferred course you must submit the required documents, certificates, CV, test scores and references. A non-refundable application fee of AUD 150 is payable for each coursework application submitted directly to the university. Once you accept an offer, a deposit of fifty per cent of the annual programme fee is typically required.
Scholarships for Indian Students to Study in USARead →Which Campuses Does the University of Adelaide Have?
Adelaide University spans seven campuses across South Australia, not Melbourne. The main Adelaide City campus sits on North Terrace amid the city's cultural precinct. Waite focuses on agriculture and wine science, Roseworthy on veterinary and animal science, while Mawson Lakes, Magill, Mount Gambier and Whyalla round out the metropolitan and regional network.
Following the merger, the university operates seven campuses across South Australia. Each has its own character and specialisation, and they are well connected to shops, hospitals and transport. The main campuses are summarised below.
- Adelaide City (North Terrace): the main campus in the heart of the city, surrounded by the state art gallery, museum and library, and the primary hub for teaching and research.
- Waite: about seven kilometres from the city, home to the renowned Waite Research Institute and a leading centre for plant, agricultural and wine science.
- Roseworthy: about 50 kilometres north of the city, home to South Australia's only veterinary school and a centre for dryland agriculture and animal production.
- Mawson Lakes: about 12 kilometres from the city beside wetlands and Technology Park, with strengths in space, defence and technology.
- Magill, Mount Gambier and Whyalla: additional metropolitan and regional campuses serving students across South Australia.
Who Are the Notable University of Adelaide Alumni?
The University of Adelaide has produced an outstanding alumni community, including Nobel laureates and national leaders. Notable graduates include Robin Warren, Howard Florey and Lawrence Bragg, former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard, Nobel author J. M. Coetzee, former Singapore president Tony Tan and astronaut Andy Thomas, reflecting the university's global academic influence.
A focus on academic excellence, research and career opportunity has helped the university build an esteemed alumni base. Distinguished graduates include:
- Robin Warren, Nobel laureate in Medicine
- Julia Gillard, former Prime Minister of Australia
- J. M. Coetzee, Nobel laureate in Literature
- Tony Tan Keng Yam, former President of Singapore
- Howard Florey, Nobel laureate credited with developing penicillin
- Lawrence Bragg, Nobel laureate in Physics
- Andy Thomas, NASA astronaut
- Adam Liaw, author and television presenter