If you have the University of Adelaide on your list of study destinations, there is one important update you need to know before anything else. In January 2026, the University of Adelaide will merge with the University of South Australia to form a new university, Adelaide University. From August 2025, both universities will no longer accept new applications under their old names, and all new international students will apply directly to Adelaide University. Adelaide University will combine the strength of research from the former University of Adelaide, a member of Australia’s elite Group of Eight, with the practical, industry-focused programs of the former UniSA. In this guide we will refer to the institution as Adelaide University, since that is the name you will actually apply to for 2026 entry and beyond, while noting where older sources still use the previous name.
In this article, we will walk you, the international student, through all that you need to know about undergraduate and postgraduate admission requirements, the step by step application process, specific entry requirements for the Doctor of Medicine pathway, tuition fees, cost of living on and off campus, and application deadlines and intakes to look out for in 2026.
About Adelaide University
Adelaide University is located in Adelaide, the capital of South Australia. It is renowned for its affordability, liveability and relaxed pace of life compared to Sydney or Melbourne. The merged institution has the former University of Adelaide's Group of Eight research pedigree - a coalition of Australia's most research intensive universities - as well as a much broader course catalogue and larger student population through the merger with UniSA. The university now has over 60,000 students, a significant number of whom are international students. It offers programs in business, engineering, health and medicine, agriculture, food and wine, law, education and the creative arts..
Why International Students Choose Adelaide University
- Group of Eight research strength: The university retains its position among Australia's leading research intensive institutions, offering access to well funded laboratories and internationally recognised academic staff.
- Affordability: Adelaide is consistently ranked as one of the most affordable Australian cities for students, with living costs noticeably lower than Sydney or Melbourne.
- Strong health and medical sciences reputation: The former University of Adelaide has trained doctors and health professionals for more than 135 years, and its medical program remains one of the most sought after in the country.
- Broader course range post merger: Combining two universities means Adelaide University now offers one of the widest ranges of undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs in South Australia.
- Post study work rights: International graduates from Australian universities, including Adelaide University, can generally access post study work visas that allow them to gain professional experience in Australia after graduation.
- Compact, walkable city: Adelaide's city centre campus locations mean many students can walk, cycle, or take a short public transport ride to class, keeping transport costs low.
Undergraduate Admission Requirements for International Students
International undergraduate applicants to Adelaide University are assessed against academic entry requirements, English language proficiency, and, in some cases, prerequisite subjects specific to their intended program.
Academic Requirements
International applicants generally need one of the following to be considered for undergraduate entry.
- Successful completion of a secondary education qualification equivalent to the South Australian Certificate of Education, such as an internationally recognised Year 12 or high school leaving qualification, achieving the minimum entry score set for the applicant's country of academic completion.
- An International Baccalaureate Diploma with a score that meets or exceeds the minimum requirement for the chosen program.
- Successful completion of a recognised foundation studies program, which is a common pathway for students whose secondary qualification does not directly meet Adelaide University's entry standard.
- Completion of a Pre-University Pathway program for students who do not initially meet academic requirements but wish to work toward direct entry.
Some programs, particularly in engineering, science, and health related fields, carry specific prerequisite subjects. A number of programs also require what the university calls an advanced or double mathematics prerequisite, meaning applicants must have completed the equivalent of two senior level mathematics subjects in their final year of secondary school. Applicants whose secondary subjects are not automatically recognised can upload a subject syllabus for individual assessment.
English Language Requirements
All international applicants to coursework programs must meet Adelaide University's minimum English language standards. The university's preferred accredited tests include IELTS Academic, TOEFL, PTE Academic, and Cambridge English Advanced, among others, and it may also accept alternative evidence of English proficiency on a case by case basis. Minimum score requirements vary depending on the specific program, with health, education, and law related courses generally requiring higher scores than the university wide baseline.
Postgraduate Admission Requirements for International Students
Postgraduate coursework applicants must satisfy one of the following minimum academic requirements.
- A completed bachelor's degree from a recognised higher education institution or its equivalent.
- A completed graduate diploma from a recognised higher education institution.
- A completed graduate certificate from a recognised higher education institution.
Overseas qualifications are assessed for equivalence to these Australian benchmarks, and English language requirements apply in addition to academic requirements. Many postgraduate programs also expect a minimum grade point average, generally in the range of 4.5 to 5.0 on Adelaide University's grading scale, though this varies by course and competitiveness. Applicants for postgraduate research degrees, including Master of Philosophy and PhD programs, apply through a separate process managed by the Adelaide Graduate Research School, and are typically expected to demonstrate strong academic achievement in a related field, identify a research area aligned with a suitable supervisor, and submit a research proposal along with evidence of research capability.
Application Procedure for International Students
Applying to Adelaide University as an international student follows a fairly consistent process across most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs.
- Choose your program using the Degree Finder tool. This tool provides entry requirements, prerequisites, and selection criteria for every undergraduate and postgraduate coursework program, so start here to confirm you meet the baseline requirements before applying.
- Check the admission and fee information tab for your specific program. Some programs have early closing dates or additional requirements such as portfolios, auditions, or interviews, so this step helps you avoid surprises later.
- Gather your supporting documents. This includes certified copies or original academic transcripts, certified English translations where relevant, proof of English language proficiency, a copy of your passport, and any program specific documents such as a personal statement or research proposal.
- Submit your application online or through an authorised education agent. International applicants can apply directly through the university's online application system or through one of Adelaide University's official agency partners.
- Pay the non refundable application fee. Adelaide University charges an application fee of AUD 150 for every application submitted by an international student.
- Wait for assessment. The International Admissions team generally needs six to eight weeks to assess and process a completed application, so build this into your planning timeline.
- Receive and accept your Offer of Admission. Once offered a place, you will need to pay a deposit, generally 50 percent of your first year's tuition fees, which counts toward your first semester or trimester's tuition.
- Apply for your student visa. Once you have accepted your offer and paid the required deposit, you can begin your Australian student visa application through the Department of Home Affairs, using your Confirmation of Enrolment as supporting evidence.
Studying Medicine at Adelaide University as an International Student
Medicine is one of the most searched for and most competitive fields at Adelaide University, and it follows a distinct structure from most other undergraduate programs.
Program Structure
Adelaide University's medical pathway is a single, continuous six year program delivered across two connected degrees: the Bachelor of Medical Studies, completed over the first three years, followed directly by the Doctor of Medicine, completed over the final three years. All students begin in Year 1, there is no credit or advanced standing into later years, and a student who exits the program early with only the Bachelor of Medical Studies conferred is not eligible to later re-enter the Doctor of Medicine. Graduates of the full six year sequence become eligible for registration as a medical practitioner upon completion of an internship.
Entry Requirements for International Students
Entry into the Bachelor of Medical Studies, the entry point into Adelaide's medical pathway, is based on the following.
- A strong academic result equivalent to an ATAR of at least 90, or an International Baccalaureate score of approximately 33 to 34 or higher, or the recognised interstate or overseas equivalent. Higher education applicants who have already completed university level study may instead be assessed on a grade point average, generally around 5.0 or higher, across one to two years of prior study.
- A competitive result in the University Clinical Aptitude Test for Australia and New Zealand, commonly known as UCAT ANZ, which both domestic and international applicants must sit. Performance in the relevant sections of the UCAT ANZ determines who is invited to interview.
- A strong performance at the Adelaide University Medical Interview, which carries substantial weight, often cited at around 40 percent of the total entry rank for domestic applicants, alongside UCAT performance and academic results. International applicants are assessed through a comparable combination of these components.
- English language proficiency, generally requiring an IELTS Academic score of around 7.0 overall, or an equivalent standard on another approved test, achieved within the two years prior to admission.
- Completion of a secondary education qualification within the last two years, since Adelaide's medical program is generally not open to applicants who have already completed another bachelor's degree, except through the Doctor of Medicine graduate entry considerations in specific circumstances.
Importantly, personal statements, references, and predicted results do not form part of the selection criteria for Adelaide's medical program. Selection is based specifically on academic results, UCAT ANZ performance, and the structured interview. Because Adelaide publishes its entry requirements as provisional and does not release historical cut-off scores, prospective applicants should treat published ATAR and IB figures as a minimum floor rather than a target, since successful applicants typically sit well above these minimums.
Tuition Costs for Medicine
Medicine is one of the more expensive programs available to international students at Adelaide University, reflecting the cost of clinical training, simulation facilities, and hospital placements. International tuition for the combined Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine pathway is significantly higher than most other undergraduate programs, so prospective applicants should confirm the current annual fee directly through the official Doctor of Medicine and Bachelor of Medical Studies program pages, since fees are reviewed and may increase each year.
Popular Programs at Adelaide University
The table below summarises some of the programs most frequently searched for by international students, spanning both the former University of Adelaide's traditional strengths and the broader course range added through the merger with UniSA.
| Program | Level | Typical Entry Requirement | Typical Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Medical Studies / Doctor of Medicine | Undergraduate to Postgraduate (integrated) | ATAR 90+ or IB 33+, UCAT ANZ, interview, IELTS 7.0 | 6 years total |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) | Undergraduate | Strong secondary results, advanced mathematics prerequisite | 4 years |
| Bachelor of Computer Science | Undergraduate | Secondary qualification meeting entry score, mathematics prerequisite | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Nursing | Undergraduate | Secondary qualification meeting entry score, English proficiency | 3 years |
| Bachelor of Business | Undergraduate | Secondary qualification meeting entry score | 3 years |
| Master of Data Science | Postgraduate | Bachelor's degree, quantitative background preferred | 1.5 to 2 years |
| Master of Business Administration | Postgraduate | Bachelor's degree, relevant work experience often preferred | 1 to 2 years |
| Master of Public Health | Postgraduate | Bachelor's degree, health background preferred but not always required | 1.5 to 2 years |
| Master of Wine Business | Postgraduate | Bachelor's degree in any discipline | 1 to 1.5 years |
| Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), various departments | Postgraduate research | Honours degree or Master's degree, research proposal, supervisor match | 3 to 4 years |
Cost of Living for International Students in Adelaide
One of Adelaide's biggest selling points for international students is affordability. Adelaide is consistently cited as one of Australia's most budget friendly capital cities, with living costs noticeably lower than Sydney or Melbourne, particularly when it comes to rent and everyday transport.
On Campus and Purpose Built Student Accommodation
On campus or purpose built student accommodation is the most convenient option for many international students, particularly in their first year, since it typically includes utilities, internet, security, and a built in community of fellow students. Weekly rates for this style of accommodation generally fall somewhere between AUD 230 and AUD 500 per week depending on room type, whether meals are included, and the specific residence, with homestay options, where students live with a local family and receive meals, typically priced in a broadly similar range.
Off Campus Rental Accommodation
Off campus private rental is usually the more affordable option for students willing to share accommodation with housemates. A single bedroom apartment rented independently can cost roughly AUD 1,500 to AUD 2,200 per month, while a shared room or shared apartment typically costs somewhere in the region of AUD 700 to AUD 1,200 per person per month, with outer suburbs generally offering better value than areas closest to the city centre. Students renting privately also need to budget separately for electricity, water, gas, and internet, which are not automatically included the way they often are in student accommodation.
Other Monthly Living Costs
Beyond rent, international students in Adelaide should budget for the following recurring costs.
- Food and groceries: Students who cook at home and shop at budget supermarkets can generally keep grocery costs to a few hundred dollars per month, while regular restaurant dining adds considerably more.
- Public transport: Adelaide's public transport is among the more affordable in Australia, with student concession card holders typically spending around AUD 20 to AUD 35 per week, and many students choosing to walk or cycle to campus to cut this cost further.
- Utilities and connectivity: Students renting privately without utilities included typically spend around AUD 120 to AUD 200 per month on electricity, gas, water, and internet combined.
- Overseas Student Health Cover: All international students on a student visa are required to maintain Overseas Student Health Cover for the duration of their studies, generally costing somewhere around AUD 45 to AUD 65 per month depending on the provider and level of cover.
- Entertainment and personal spending: Adelaide is known as the Festival City and hosts numerous free or low cost cultural events throughout the year, along with beaches, parks, and hiking areas in the nearby Adelaide Hills, giving budget conscious students plenty of affordable ways to enjoy their time outside study.
| Expense Category | On Campus / Purpose Built | Off Campus (Shared Rental) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation | AUD 230 to 500 per week (often includes utilities and internet) | AUD 700 to 1,200 per month per person, plus separate utility bills |
| Utilities and internet | Usually included | AUD 120 to 200 per month combined |
| Food and groceries | AUD 300 to 500 per month if self catering | AUD 300 to 500 per month if self catering |
| Public transport | AUD 20 to 35 per week with concession | AUD 20 to 35 per week with concession |
| Overseas Student Health Cover | AUD 45 to 65 per month | AUD 45 to 65 per month |
| Estimated total monthly cost | Roughly AUD 1,600 to 2,400 | Roughly AUD 1,400 to 2,200 |
These figures are general estimates intended to help with budgeting and will vary based on lifestyle, exact suburb, and individual spending habits. Prospective students should always check the most current cost of living guidance published directly by Adelaide University or StudyAdelaide before finalising a budget, since prices are reviewed regularly.
Application Deadlines and Intakes for 2026
Adelaide University runs two major intakes each year for most undergraduate and postgraduate coursework programs: Semester 1, which begins in February or March, and Semester 2, which begins in July. For most programs, there is no single fixed application closing date printed on the university's website, but the university strongly recommends submitting a complete application at least three months, and no later than six weeks, before your intended intake's start date. This buffer allows enough time for the International Admissions team to assess your application, which generally takes six to eight weeks, and afterward gives you time to accept your offer, pay your deposit, and complete your student visa application before classes begin.
Some programs, particularly competitive ones such as the Bachelor of Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine, along with select postgraduate courses, do apply earlier or fixed closing dates in a given cycle. Applicants targeting these programs for 2026 entry should confirm the exact current deadline on the specific program's Degree Finder listing, since these dates can shift from year to year and are not always the same as the general recommended submission window. Postgraduate research programs, including PhD and Master of Philosophy applications, are generally more flexible and can be submitted throughout the year depending on supervisor availability and relevant scholarship rounds, so prospective research students should check the Adelaide Graduate Research School's international application rounds directly.
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start early, especially for Medicine or other selective programs, since the UCAT ANZ registration window, interview scheduling, and document verification all take time to complete properly.
- Use the Degree Finder tool before you apply, not after, so you know exactly which prerequisites, English requirements, and supporting documents your specific program needs.
- Have your documents certified in advance. Academic transcripts and English translations must generally be original or certified true copies, and arranging this can take longer than expected depending on your home country's processes.
- Apply through an authorised agent if you want extra support. Adelaide University works with official agency partners in many countries who can help guide you through the process at no additional cost to you.
- Budget realistically for both tuition and cost of living from the very beginning, since Australian student visa applications require proof of sufficient financial capacity to support your studies and living expenses.
- Apply for scholarships at the same time as your course wherever possible, since many merit based international scholarships at Adelaide University are awarded automatically based on your application and do not require a separate submission.
Getting Started With Your Application
Once you have identified your program and confirmed you meet the entry requirements, you can begin your application through the Adelaide University international student application portal, where you will also find the Degree Finder tool, current entry requirements, and program specific deadlines for 2026 entry.
Is Adelaide University Right for You
For international students weighing academic reputation against everyday affordability, Adelaide University offers a genuinely rare combination. It carries the research credibility of a Group of Eight institution, now paired with a substantially wider course catalogue following the merger with UniSA, all set in a city that remains noticeably cheaper to live in than Australia's larger capitals. Students aiming for competitive fields such as Medicine will need to prepare thoroughly for the UCAT ANZ and interview process well ahead of time, while students applying to standard undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programs will generally find a more straightforward path, provided they apply within the recommended window and keep their supporting documents organised from the start.
Frequently Asked Questions About Adelaide University Admission for International Students
Is the University of Adelaide still accepting applications under its old name?
No. Since August 2025, new applicants apply directly to Adelaide University, the institution formed from the January 2026 merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.
What UCAT score do international students need for Medicine at Adelaide University?
Adelaide University does not publish a fixed minimum UCAT ANZ score, since performance in the test is used alongside academic results and interview performance to rank applicants, and it does not release historical cut-offs. Applicants should aim to perform as strongly as possible, since interview invitations are competitive.
Is it cheaper to live on campus or off campus in Adelaide?
Off campus shared rental accommodation is generally the more affordable option on a pure cost basis, while on campus or purpose built accommodation often costs more per week but includes utilities, internet, and built in support, which can offset the price difference for many students, particularly in their first year.
Is there a fixed application deadline for Adelaide University in 2026?
Most coursework programs do not have a single fixed deadline, but applicants are strongly advised to apply at least three months before their intended intake, either February or July, since some competitive programs, including Medicine, do carry earlier or fixed closing dates that should be confirmed directly on the program page.