Adelaide University
Tirkangkaku
Australia's newest Group of Eight university, born from the University of Adelaide and UniSA, and already QS 79th.
- Tuition
- A$54,300
- From · 2027
- Founded
- 2024
- QS World Ranking
- #79
- 2027 edition
- Campus
- Mixed
About Adelaide Uni
Adelaide University is a new public research university created by merging two South Australian institutions: the University of Adelaide, founded in 1874 as Australia's third-oldest university, and the University of South Australia (UniSA), whose roots go back to the South Australian School of Mines and the School of Art. Its founding legislation passed in November 2023, it received TEQSA registration in May 2024, and it opened its doors in January 2026 after 56,000 students were transferred from the two foundation universities. It is a member of the Group of Eight, and its Kaurna name, Tirkangkaku ('place of learning'), was enshrined in legislation in July 2025.
The university draws on more than 180 years of combined history. Its main campuses are City East (the original University of Adelaide campus on North Terrace, next to the Lot Fourteen innovation precinct) and City West (next to Adelaide BioMed City and the Royal Adelaide Hospital), with further campuses at Magill, Mawson Lakes, Waite, Roseworthy, Mount Gambier and Whyalla. Teaching is organised into six colleges: Business and Law; Creative Arts, Design and Humanities; Education, Behavioural and Social Sciences; Engineering and Information Technology; Health; and Science.
In its first QS ranking as a merged institution it placed 82nd, rising to 79th in 2027. Adelaide University suits students who want Go8 research strength in a smaller, more affordable capital city, and who are comfortable joining a university still settling its new structure.
Why students choose Adelaide Uni
A Group of Eight research university ranked 79th in the world in QS 2027 and 2nd in Australia for international research networks.
Global top-100 rankings in 23 subject areas (THE and QS subject rankings 2026), including Education (89th), Medical and Health (91st) and Computer Science (96th) in THE.
Direct-entry medicine through the Bachelor of Medical Studies, with UCAT ANZ and interview selection.
The Elder Conservatorium of Music and Bonython Hall on North Terrace carry the University of Adelaide's 150-year heritage into the new institution.
Admissions
2027 intake (Semester 1, starting February/March 2027)
Selectivity
Adelaide University does not publish an acceptance rate. Most degrees list a minimum ATAR (for example 80 for Commerce and Civil Engineering (Honours), 85 for Laws (Honours), 90 for Medical Studies). Where there are more eligible applicants than places, admission is competitive and ranked on the entry criteria.
Typical entry requirements
| ATAR (Australian Year 12) | Commerce 80; Engineering (Civil) (Hons) 80; Laws (Hons) 85; Medical Studies 90 (plus UCAT ANZ and interview) |
|---|---|
| IB Diploma | Commerce 28; Engineering (Civil) (Hons) 28; Laws (Hons) 30; Medical Studies 33 |
| GCE A-levels | Commerce 9; Engineering (Civil) (Hons) 9; Laws (Hons) 10; Medical Studies 12 (Adelaide University A-level score) |
| SAT (USA / global) | Commerce 1170 (ACT 24, AP 9); Engineering (Civil) (Hons) 1170; Laws (Hons) 1220; Medical Studies 1280 |
| English language | IELTS 6.5 The university-wide undergraduate minimum is IELTS Academic 6.0, but requirements are set by degree: Commerce and Civil Engineering (Honours) need IELTS 6.5 with 6 in each band; Laws (Honours) and Medical Studies need IELTS 7. |
Deadlines
- SATAC standard fee / Medical Studies and Doctor of Medicine closing date Non-binding Passed30 September 2026
Application fees increase after this date. It is also the final closing date for Medical Studies, Doctor of Medicine, Dental Surgery, Oral Health and Veterinary Bioscience at Adelaide University.
- SATAC equal consideration closing date Non-binding Next deadline · In 56 days1 December 2026
Apply by this date to be considered equally with other applicants.
- SATAC Semester 1 change of preferences Non-binding In ~3 months6 January 2027
Mid-January round offers are emailed on 14 January 2027, and a second January round follows on 28 January 2027.
Dates from SATAC's key dates page for 2027 undergraduate study. International applicants apply directly; most degree pages give no fixed closing date, but international applications for Medical Studies closed on 30 June 2026 (UCAT ANZ and interview required).
How to apply
Domestic students apply through SATAC (South Australian Tertiary Admissions Centre), listing up to six preferences. International students apply directly to Adelaide University or through an education agent. Offers may include a Genuine Student condition and interview.
What admissions looks for
- A minimum ATAR or equivalent international qualification for the degree; entry is competitive where there are more eligible applicants than places.
- Degree-specific English language results (from IELTS 6.5 to 7.0 for many degrees).
- For Medical Studies, UCAT ANZ results and interview performance on top of academic results.
- For international applicants, meeting the Genuine Student requirement and showing financial capacity.
Tips for applying to Adelaide Uni
- 1 Medicine applicants: the SATAC closing date for Medical Studies is 30 September 2026 (no late applications), and the international application system for Medical Studies closed on 30 June 2026, much earlier than for other degrees.
- 2 Put your most-wanted degree first on SATAC, because offers work down your preference list and SATAC accepts offers on your behalf.
- 3 International students with a credit average (for example ATAR 75 or equivalent) are automatically considered for the Adelaide Merit Scholarship (15% off tuition); top achievers (for example ATAR 99 or equivalent) can apply for the 50% Academic Excellence Scholarship, reviewed on a rolling basis from 24 August 2026.
- 4 Degree pages still carry University of Adelaide and UniSA heritage programs under new names, so compare majors carefully (for example, Commerce is offered as separate majors such as Accounting or Banking and Finance).
Costs & financial aid
2027 · figures in AUD
International students can receive the Adelaide Merit Scholarship (15% tuition reduction, awarded automatically at offer for a credit average such as ATAR 75) or compete for the Adelaide Academic Excellence Scholarship (50% tuition reduction; minimum ATAR 99 or GPA 6.7/7; medicine and dentistry excluded). Domestic students can defer their contribution through HECS-HELP.
- 15% off tuition, automatic at offer
- Adelaide Merit Scholarship (international)
- 50% off tuition, competitive
- Adelaide Academic Excellence Scholarship (international)
Academics
Academic calendar: Semesters
Bachelor of Medical Studies
Direct-entry medicine (minimum ATAR 90, UCAT ANZ and interview).
Bachelor of Laws (Honours)
Offered with double degrees including Commerce, Economics, Psychology, International Relations and Journalism.
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)
Offered by discipline (for example Civil and Electrical), alongside a large suite of Master of Professional Engineering programs.
Bachelor of Commerce
Offered as specialised degrees such as Accounting, Banking and Finance, Business Analytics and Property, with work-integrated learning built in.
Elder Conservatorium of Music
Carries the music school tradition of the University of Adelaide into the College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities.
Research
- Ranked 2nd in Australia for international research networks in the QS World University Rankings 2027.
- The University of Adelaide, a predecessor, is associated with five Nobel laureates, including Howard Florey and Lawrence Bragg.
- Global top 100 in 23 subject areas across the THE and QS subject rankings 2026.
Schools & faculties
- College of Business and Law
- College of Creative Arts, Design and Humanities
- College of Education, Behavioural and Social Sciences
- College of Engineering and Information Technology
- College of Health
- College of Science
Student life
Student life is split between the two city campuses on North Terrace, with sandstone halls such as Bonython Hall and the Mitchell Building, and several suburban and regional campuses. City East is next to the Lot Fourteen innovation precinct, and City West is next to the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Adelaide BioMed City. As a new institution that opened in 2026, clubs, traditions and student services are being consolidated from the two former universities, so expect some change while the merged university settles in.
- City East and City West campuses on North Terrace in central Adelaide.
- Heritage buildings such as Bonython Hall and the Mitchell Building.
- Regional campuses at Mount Gambier and Whyalla, and specialist sites at Waite and Roseworthy.
- Industry partnerships such as the Diploma in Sport Management delivered with the Adelaide Crows.
Location
Adelaide is South Australia's capital, which the university describes as one of Australia's most liveable cities. Both main campuses are on North Terrace in the city centre, near the Lot Fourteen innovation precinct, the Royal Adelaide Hospital and Adelaide BioMed City. Further campuses at Magill, Mawson Lakes, Waite, Roseworthy, Mount Gambier and Whyalla spread the university across the state.
Nearest airport: Adelaide Airport (ADL)
Notable alumni
- HF Howard FloreyNobel laureate in medicine (University of Adelaide alumnus)
- LB Lawrence BraggNobel laureate in physics (University of Adelaide alumnus)
- MO Mark OliphantPhysicist and first demonstrator of nuclear fusion (University of Adelaide alumnus)
- RW Robin WarrenPathologist who, with Barry Marshall, showed that peptic ulcers are largely caused by infection (University of Adelaide alumnus)
- JG Julia GillardFirst female Prime Minister of Australia (studied at the University of Adelaide)
- JB Julie BishopFirst female Minister for Foreign Affairs of Australia (University of Adelaide alumna)
- AT Andy ThomasFirst Australian-born astronaut (University of Adelaide alumnus)
Frequently asked questions
Is Adelaide University the same as the University of Adelaide?
No. Adelaide University is a new institution formed by merging the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. It was established in 2024 and opened its doors in January 2026, when students of both foundation universities moved to the new university.
What is Adelaide University's QS ranking?
79th in the QS World University Rankings 2027, up three places from its inaugural 82nd, and 8th in Australia.
What ATAR do you need for Adelaide University?
Examples: Commerce 80, Civil Engineering (Honours) 80, Laws (Honours) 85 and Medical Studies 90 (plus UCAT ANZ and interview). Entry is competitive where applications exceed places.
How much does Adelaide University cost for international students?
Indicative annual fees are A$54,300 for Commerce (Accounting), A$57,100 for Civil Engineering (Honours) and Laws (Honours), and A$103,000 for Medical Studies.
Does Adelaide University offer scholarships for international students?
Yes. The Adelaide Merit Scholarship (15% off tuition) is awarded automatically at offer to applicants with a credit average (for example a minimum ATAR of 75), and the Adelaide Academic Excellence Scholarship (50% off) is a highly competitive award for top achievers (for example a minimum ATAR of 99).
Sources & methodology
Figures on this page were checked against official university publications, national application services and ranking publishers in September 2026. Each number is shown with the year or admissions cycle it describes. Always confirm deadlines and fees on the university's own website before applying.
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