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A complete guide for students
Universities in Adelaide
With four leading universities, Adelaide is a top study destination. Get everything you need to know about UofA, UniSA, Flinders & Torrens in our handy guide.
Universities in Adelaide: a complete guide for students
So, you’re considering a move to Adelaide for your studies? The city may not be as widely known outside of Australia as Sydney and Melbourne, but when it comes to universities, it’s up the with the best in the country!
In this guide, we’ll run through everything you need to know about the four main universities in Adelaide, including courses, reputation and campus life, so that you can make the most informed choice of university.
University of Adelaide
Topping the list is the University of Adelaide – the highest-ranked university in South Australia and a regular feature among the top 100 universities in the world. It’s also one of Australia’s prestigious ‘Group of Eight’ universities, so you’re in good company if you choose to study here!
Like most universities in Australia, the University of Adelaide is public, meaning tuition fees are subsidised by the government. Generally, though, this only applies to domestic students, with international students having to pay more.
Nonetheless, the University of Adelaide is a fantastic option for ambitious students looking to a world-class education. There are three main academic faculties, each with a long list of associated schools:
Faculty of Arts, Business, Law and Economics
Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences
Faculty of Sciences, Engineering and Technology
The university is especially well known for environmental science, with its courses in agriculture and forestry, archaeology and earth sciences among the best in the world. It’s also an excellent place to study medicine, engineering and computer science.
There are four campuses with the main one centrally located in Adelaide’s CBD, putting students on the doorstop of top attractions like the South Australian Museum and the Art Gallery of South Australia.
In terms of student life, there are over 130 clubs and societies to get involved in, as well as ample support services for international students, who make up around 30% of the 29,000-strong student body.
One thing to note: the University of Adelaide is set to merge with the University of Adelaide – another popular university in Adelaide – in 2026.
National ranking: #8
International ranking: #82
Source: QS World University Rankings
Flinders University
Regularly ranked among the top universities in Australia, Flinders University is another leading public university that prides itself on its strong research output and high-quality teaching.
The main campus is based in Bedford Park, about 12km south of Adelaide city centre, providing a more suburban feel with beautiful tree-lined surroundings and plenty of walking trails. The university also opened its City campus in 2024, giving you the option to head into Adelaide for your studies and explore the city in your downtime.
With over 500 undergraduate, postgraduate and research degrees on offer, the options for students are virtually endless. Courses are delivered by six colleges, which comprise the core structure of the university:
College of Business, Government and Law
College of Education, Psychology and Social Work
College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences
College of Medicine and Public Health
College of Nursing and Health Sciences
College of Science and Engineering
Flinders University is certainly worth considering if you’re looking to study law, psychology, education, healthcare or social sciences – subjects where it places among the top institutions nationally.
Around 26,000 students are enrolled at the university, including more than 5,000 international students, which makes for a vibrant campus life with plenty of clubs, societies and social events taking place daily.
National ranking: #21
International ranking: #336
Source: QS World University Rankings
Interested in studying abroad in Australia? Have a read of our guide on how to become a foreign exchange student in Australia!
University of South Australia
Another standout option when it comes to universities in Adelaide, the University of South Australia (UniSA) has the largest student body of any university in the city and is top-ranking institution nationally across a number of key indicators.
The university has two regional campuses in Adelaide and a further two in the CBD – City West and City East. The latter is located just doors down from the University of Adelaide, which will join forces with UniSA in 2026.
Students can pick from around 400 undergraduate and postgraduate programmes. Each course sits within one of the university’s seven core academic units:
UniSA Business
UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance
UniSA Clinical & Health Sciences
UniSA Creative
UniSA Education Futures
UniSA Justice & Society
UniSA STEM
UniSA scores highly in a number of subjects, particularly business, engineering, nursing and education – so it’s a great choice if you’re interested in these areas.
Another reason to consider the university is its strong emphasis on work experience. UniSA has close ties with local businesses and many of its courses include work placements. As a result, it often ranks first in the country for graduate employability.
While the campuses are spread across the city, there’s still plenty of opportunity to connect with the 35,000 or so students who make up the university by getting involved in the various clubs, societies and activities running throughout the year.
National ranking: #22
International ranking: #340
Source: QS World University Rankings
Torrens University
Founded in 2013, Torrens University is one of Australia’s newest and fastest-growing universities. Despite only being around a short time, the university has built a strong reputation for its flexible, career-oriented programmes.
It has campuses in most major Australian cities, including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. The Adelaide campus is based on Wakefield Street, just a stone’s throw from Victoria Square, offering a selection of courses in the following areas:
Health
Business
Design
English
A number of special work-integrated learning programmes are also delivered at the Adelaide campus, giving students the chance to build hands-on experience through placements and internships.
It’s worth noting that Torrens University is the only private university on this list, meaning tuition fees tend to be higher than at Adelaide’s public universities. On the other hand, class sizes are usually smaller, so you get more time with teaching staff.
The university has a very diverse student body, with international students accounting for around half of all students. This makes it a great place not only to build key career skills but also meet people from around the world.
National ranking: #32
International ranking: #3,486
Source: Scimago Institution Rankings
Adelaide: a university city
Adelaide may not spring to mind right away when thinking of the top student cities, but with four excellent universities – including one in the global top 100 – there are few better places to study.
Want more information about the city? Check out our handy student guide on the top things to do in Adelaide. Already secured your place at university? Then browse our range of student accommodation in Adelaide.
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Frequently asked questions
Is Adelaide a good place to study?
With several top universities, plenty for students to do and a lower cost of living than most other Australian cities, Adelaide is indeed a great place to study. Whether you’re looking to live in the city or the suburbs, follow an academic pathway or take the vocational route, there are plenty of options for prospective students.
How many universities are there in Adelaide?
Adelaide is home to four universities: the University of Adelaide, Flinders University and the University South Australia – the city’s three public universities – and Torrens University. In 2026, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia will merge to form Adelaide University.
What is the highest-ranked university in Adelaide?
The University of Adelaide is the highest-ranked ranked university in Adelaide and consistently lands among the top 100 universities in the world. Other reputable universities in Adelaide are Flinders University and the University of South Australia, which make up two of Australia’s top universities.