Since 1 January 2026 the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia (UniSA) have operated as a single institution, Adelaide University. New students now apply only to Adelaide University; the legacy catalogues are closed to new admissions. A Russian or most other CIS school certificates are not on the university's list of qualifications for direct bachelor's entry, so school leavers from the region usually go through a Foundation year with a partner college or complete at least six months of full-time university study first. International bachelor's tuition for 2027 starts at $31,680 (AUD 45,100) a year for arts and rises to $40,110 (AUD 57,100) for engineering, before accommodation.
The merged university kept its place in the Group of Eight, the association of Australia's most research-intensive universities. It is ranked 79th in the QS World University Rankings 2027 and 133rd in the THE World University Rankings 2026.
| At a glance | Details |
|---|---|
| Official name | Adelaide University; CRICOS 04249J, PRV14404 |
| Origin | merger of the University of Adelaide (opened 1874) and UniSA (formed 1991); students of both transferred on 1 January 2026 |
| Campuses | Adelaide City, Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite in and around Adelaide; Roseworthy; Mount Gambier and Whyalla in regional South Australia |
| Russian/CIS school certificate | not listed for direct entry; routes are Foundation, a partner diploma or six months of a bachelor's degree |
| Teaching starts in 2027 | 22 February (Semester 1) and 2 August (Semester 2) |
| English | from IELTS Academic 6.0; most degrees require 6.5 with no band below 6.0 |
| 2027 bachelor's tuition | $31,680–40,110 (AUD 45,100–57,100) a year; dentistry $76,070 (AUD 108,300) |
| Application fee | $110 (AUD 150), non-refundable |
| International scholarships | tuition reductions of 10–50%, most assessed automatically |
| Housing, 2027 | from $11,690 (AUD 16,640) for 52 weeks |
What the merger changed for applicants
Adelaide University is a new institution established by South Australian legislation, not a rebranded University of Adelaide. A proclamation by the Governor of South Australia moved continuing students of both foundation universities into it automatically on 1 January 2026. Students who had already met their program requirements graduate from their original university; everyone else finishes on an Adelaide University study plan with credit for completed courses.
For a 2027 applicant this has five practical consequences.
- Use only the Adelaide University catalogue. Guides and forum threads from 2024–2025 describe two different universities with different fees, CRICOS codes and requirements.
- Degrees were rebuilt. Faculties gave way to six colleges: engineering with IT, health, science, business with law, the creative arts with the humanities, and education together with behavioural and social sciences. Many degrees now run across two campuses — Computer Science, for example, is taught at Adelaide City and Mawson Lakes.
- There is a Common Core. Most undergraduates take one interdisciplinary course a year from six areas: artificial intelligence, data, entrepreneurship and design thinking, ethics, First Nations knowledges and intercultural understanding. These courses are non-graded and do not affect your GPA.
- The calendar is unchanged for now. The year still has two semesters; the university intends to move to trimesters, but not before 2028.
- The scholarship suite is new. Always read the current Adelaide University pages rather than bookmarked links from the old institutions.
Anyone who has previously studied at Adelaide University, UniSA or the University of Adelaide can receive a separate 10% tuition reduction (Adelaide Global Alumni Scholarship). If that applies to you, check its conditions before you apply.
Can you enter straight from a Russian or CIS school?
Not directly. The official "Undergraduate admission by country" list covers certificates from China, Vietnam, Germany, France and several dozen other systems, but Russia, Kazakhstan, Belarus and Uzbekistan are absent. With no listed equivalence, the university offers no direct-entry route based on those certificates.
The university also admits bachelor's applicants on other bases, which is how most CIS applicants get in:
| Route | Suits | Requirement | What it adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Foundation Studies at Eynesbury College | school leavers after Year 11 | successful completion with the required results | about a year; $25,430 (AUD 36,200) for the 2027 program |
| Eynesbury Diploma (Stage 1 or Stage 2) with credit into a bachelor's | students who want bachelor's credit early | successful diploma; entering Stage 2 directly needs a completed Year 12 equivalent | from $23,880 (AUD 34,000) for Stage 1 |
| Six months of full-time bachelor's study at home | current university students | at least six months of full-time study in a bachelor's program at a recognised institution | one semester at your current university |
| Kaplan International College Adelaide | school leavers or university students | Foundation, degree transfer or Pre-Master's programs | depends on the program |
If your English is below the requirement, the university's English Language Centre (ELC) can package a conditional offer with an English course. That fixes the language gap but does not replace an academic basis for admission.
Applicants under 18 must have university-approved accommodation, which the accommodation service helps arrange. Compare the routes further in our guides to studying in Australia after Year 11 and studying in Australia.
Degrees and 2027 tuition
Fees below come from Adelaide University degree pages for international students commencing in 2027. They are indicative annual amounts for a full-time load and are reviewed every year.
| Degree | Length | Tuition per year, 2027 | IELTS | Campus |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Arts | 3 years | $31,680 (AUD 45,100) | 6.5 | Adelaide City, Magill |
| Bachelor of Business | 3 years | $36,880 (AUD 52,500) | 6.5 | Adelaide City |
| Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) | 3 years | $38,140 (AUD 54,300) | 6.5 | Adelaide City |
| Bachelor of Computer Science | 3 years | $38,910 (AUD 55,400) | 6.5 | Adelaide City, Mawson Lakes |
| Bachelor of Science | 3 years | $38,910 (AUD 55,400) | 6.5 | four campuses incl. Waite and Roseworthy |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Mechanical) (Honours) | 4 years | $40,110 (AUD 57,100) | 6.5 | Adelaide City, Mawson Lakes |
| Bachelor of Nursing | 3 years | $34,140 (AUD 48,600) | 7.0 | Adelaide City, Mount Gambier, Whyalla |
| Bachelor of Psychology (Honours) | 4 years | $34,140 (AUD 48,600) | 6.5 | Adelaide City, Magill |
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery | 5 years | $76,070 (AUD 108,300) | 7.0 | Adelaide City |
| Master of Data Science | 2 years | $40,110 (AUD 57,100) | 6.5 | Adelaide City, Mawson Lakes |
| Master of Information Technology (Applied AI) | 2 years | $38,910 (AUD 55,400) | 6.5 | Adelaide City, Mawson Lakes |
| Master of Professional Engineering (Civil) | 2 years | $40,110 (AUD 57,100) | 6.5 | Adelaide City, Mawson Lakes |
| Master of Professional Accounting | 1.5 years | $38,140 (AUD 54,300) | 6.5 | Adelaide City |
| Master of Business Administration | 1.5 years | $40,110 (AUD 57,100) | 7.0 | Adelaide City |
| Doctor of Medicine | 3 years | $72,350 (AUD 103,000) | — | Adelaide City |
Reading the table:
- Field, not level, drives price. Humanities cost less than lab-based science, and dentistry costs more than any master's degree.
- Subject strengths are specific. In the QS Rankings by Subject 2026 the university is 18th for mineral and mining engineering, 25th for petroleum engineering, 49th for dentistry and equal 50th for nursing. Viticulture, oenology and agriculture draw on the Waite and Roseworthy campuses.
- Medicine is a two-step route. The Doctor of Medicine admits only graduates of the Bachelor of Medical Studies from the University of Adelaide or Adelaide University; there is no direct entry from school.
- Dentistry has subject prerequisites. You need Year 12-level chemistry, mathematics or physics plus one more science, and IELTS 7.0.
- The MBA starts four times a year (January, April, June, September). The other degrees in the table start in February and July, except psychology and dentistry, which start in February only.
Always open the degree page before applying for current prerequisites, assumed knowledge and closing dates.
How to apply, step by step
Applicants from Russia and the CIS apply directly through the Online Application System. Agent-only applications apply to the Middle East, Africa, South Asia, the Philippines and Latin America.
- Choose a degree and check its conditions — academic basis, English score, prerequisites and closing date are on the degree page.
- Prepare documents: certificates and transcripts, English test results and passport. Non-English documents need official translations with certified copies. Some degrees ask for a personal statement, portfolio or supplementary form.
- Submit and pay the fee. The $110 (AUD 150) fee is non-refundable; it is waived for research degrees, fully online programs and non-award study.
- Wait for the outcome. Because of high application volumes, assessment currently takes up to two weeks, or up to four when credit for prior study is assessed.
- Meet conditions and accept. Acceptance means signing the Offer of Admission, uploading your passport, paying the First Tuition Payment and arranging Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).
- Complete the Genuine Student check. The university may make it an offer condition and invite you to an interview about why study in Australia is your main purpose.
- Receive your CoE and apply for the visa. The Confirmation of Enrolment is issued after payment and is needed for the subclass 500 student visa.
If approved credit shortens your degree, the university recalculates its length and issues a new CoE.
English requirements
The undergraduate minimum is IELTS Academic 6.0, but most degrees require 6.5 with no band below 6.0; nursing, dentistry and the MBA require 7.0. Results are generally valid for two years before admission and must come from an official test centre.
| IELTS Academic | TOEFL iBT | PTE Academic | Cambridge C1/C2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0 | 60 | 60 | 169 |
| 6.5 | 79 | 64 | 176 |
| 7.0 | 94 | 72 | 185 |
| 7.5 | 107 | 74 | 191 |
The table shows overall scores only; band minimums are listed on each degree page.
Scholarships: what is realistic
Adelaide University's international awards all work the same way: a percentage comes off tuition for the standard length of the program. Citizens of any country can receive them, but not students whose sponsor already waives their tuition (for example, Australia Awards holders).
| Scholarship | Reduction | School-leaver threshold | University GPA or pathway threshold | Application form |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adelaide Academic Excellence Scholarship | 50% | ATAR 99 or international equivalent | GPA 6.7/7 | yes; forms accepted from 24 August 2026 while places last |
| Adelaide Emerging Leaders Award | 25% | ATAR 95 or equivalent (IB 33) | GPA 6.0/7; 5.5 after an approved pathway provider such as Eynesbury Foundation | no; leadership is also considered |
| Adelaide Merit Scholarship | 15% | ATAR 75 or equivalent | GPA 5.0/7; 4.5 after an approved pathway provider | no |
| Adelaide Sibling Award | 10% | a brother or sister is a current student or graduate of Adelaide University | — | no |
| Adelaide Global Alumni Scholarship | 10% | earlier study at Adelaide University, UniSA or the University of Adelaide | — | no |
| Adelaide Partner Award | 10% | students from approved partner institutions | — | no |
For a Russian school leaver going through Foundation, the pathway GPA thresholds matter most: 5.5/7 opens the 25% award and 4.5/7 the 15% award.
Keep in mind:
- Awards have to be kept. The 50% scholarship requires a program term GPA of at least 5.5/7 each compulsory study period or it may be suspended.
- Some programs are excluded, including dentistry, the Doctor of Medicine, the Bachelor of Medical Studies, the MBA and several health and psychology programs.
- The 50% award is rolling. Early applicants compete for more of the remaining places.
Wider options are covered in our guides to scholarships in Australia and scholarships abroad in 2026.
Accommodation and prices
The university recommends student housing for the first year. Options are university-managed residences, partner-operated buildings and fully catered residential colleges; university residences include furniture, internet and utilities.
| Residence | 2027 price | Included |
|---|---|---|
| Adelaide University Village (city centre) | $15,340 (AUD 21,840) with private bathroom; $13,880 (AUD 19,760) with shared bathroom | 52 weeks, utilities and unlimited Wi-Fi; free resident shuttle |
| Mattanya Student Residences (North Adelaide, 15-minute walk to city campuses) | $11,690 (AUD 16,640), shared bathroom | 52 weeks, utilities |
Fees are paid in two instalments plus a refundable $350 (AUD 500) security deposit; meals are extra. The 24/7 accommodation service also arranges airport pickup and helps under-18 direct-entry students find approved housing.
First-year budget
A school leaver going through Foundation into the Bachelor of Computer Science would plan at least:
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Eynesbury Foundation Studies, 2027 | $25,430 (AUD 36,200) |
| First bachelor's year, 2027 | $38,910 (AUD 55,400) |
| Living funds to show for the visa, per year | $20,870 (AUD 29,710) |
| Student visa charge from 1 July 2026 | $1,760 (AUD 2,500) |
| University application fee | $110 (AUD 150) |
| OSHC | set by the chosen insurer |
The living-cost figure is a visa requirement, not a real-life estimate. Paying tuition and deposits from Russia is covered in how to pay for studies abroad from Russia, and a country-wide breakdown is in the cost of studying in Australia.
Visa and post-study work
- Student visa (subclass 500). Lodged online in ImmiAccount after you receive the CoE; the charge is from $1,760 (AUD 2,500) since 1 July 2026. The Department of Home Affairs tells you whether and where to give biometrics.
- Funds. You show first-year tuition, travel and $20,870 (AUD 29,710) for 12 months of living costs for one student.
- OSHC must cover the whole visa period; buy it through the university's preferred provider or another approved insurer.
- Work. Up to 48 hours per fortnight while your course is in session; master's by research and doctoral students have no limit once their course has started.
- After graduation. The Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485, Post-Higher Education Work stream) gives 2 years after a bachelor's or coursework master's and 3 years after a research master's or PhD. Applicants must be 35 or under (under 50 if the research master's or PhD is the qualifying degree); the charge is $4,040 (AUD 5,750) since 1 July 2026.
Visa decisions belong to Home Affairs. More in our guides to the Australian student visa and working while studying and the 485 visa.
Who Adelaide suits
| Strengths | Know before you apply |
|---|---|
| Group of Eight, 79th in QS 2027 | The merged university has a short ranking history |
| Strong mining and petroleum engineering, dentistry, agriculture and wine | No direct entry with a Russian/CIS certificate |
| Tuition reductions up to 50%, most assessed automatically | Reductions cover part of tuition only |
| 2027 bachelor's fees already published | Medicine only via the university's own Bachelor of Medical Studies |
| City-centre residences priced for 52 weeks | Some pages and programs are still being updated after the merger |
Adelaide fits students who want a Group of Eight degree in a calmer city and are heading into engineering, mining, IT, dentistry, nursing or agricultural science. If a larger job market matters more, compare it with the University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland and Monash University, or start from our overview of universities in Australia.
Costly mistakes
- Using University of Adelaide or UniSA prices. Those catalogues are closed; check the 2027 Adelaide University degree page.
- Applying with a school certificate as the direct-entry basis. Russia is not listed, so the application fails the academic criterion without Foundation or university study.
- Aiming for IELTS 6.0. Most degrees need 6.5 with no band below 6.0, and some need 7.0.
- Leaving the 50% scholarship form until late. Offers are made on a rolling basis until places run out.
- Planning medicine straight after school. The path starts with the Bachelor of Medical Studies.
FAQ
Does the University of Adelaide still exist?
Not as an independent university. On 1 January 2026 its students, programs and campuses moved to Adelaide University. Earlier graduates keep their degrees; new applicants apply only to Adelaide University.
Is an Adelaide University degree recognised like the old one?
The new university is a Group of Eight member and works with the same professional bodies as its predecessors. Accreditation is shown on each degree page, so check it if you are entering a regulated profession such as engineering, medicine or accounting.
How much does a year cost for an international student?
In 2027 bachelor's tuition runs from AUD 45,100 (Bachelor of Arts) to AUD 57,100 (engineering) a year, with dentistry at AUD 108,300. IT, data and engineering master's degrees cost AUD 54,300–57,100 a year. Housing, insurance and the visa are extra.
Can I apply without IELTS?
You need an accepted test such as IELTS Academic, TOEFL iBT, PTE Academic or Cambridge C1/C2. If your score is short, the English Language Centre can issue a conditional offer packaged with an English course.
When does teaching start in 2027?
Semester 1 teaching starts on 22 February 2027 after orientation from 8 February; Semester 2 starts on 2 August after orientation from 26 July. Application closing dates vary by degree.
Can I work during and after my studies?
During semesters the student visa allows up to 48 hours of work per fortnight. After graduating you can apply for a 485 visa of 2–3 years depending on your degree; the usual age limit is 35, and 49 for research graduates.
How can StudyU help with Adelaide?
Under a service agreement we help you choose the degree and the Foundation or university route, prepare the application and documents, the scholarship form and the visa paperwork. The university decides on admission and Home Affairs decides on the visa.
Sources
- Adelaide University: Rankings and recognition, Our proud shared history, Transitioning students
- Adelaide University: How to apply (international), International entry requirements, Undergraduate admission by country (PDF), English language proficiency, Pathway providers
- 2027 international degree pages, e.g. Bachelor of Computer Science, Bachelor of Dental Surgery, Doctor of Medicine, MBA
- Adelaide University: Common Core, Academic calendar
- Adelaide University: International scholarships, Academic Excellence Scholarship, Emerging Leaders Award, Merit Scholarship
- Adelaide University: Student accommodation, Adelaide University Village, Mattanya Student Residences
- Eynesbury College: International fees 2027
- Home Affairs: Student visa (subclass 500), Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), Study Australia: visa charge increase
- QS World University Rankings 2027
Dollar amounts are converted at the ECB reference rate of 28.09.2026 (AUD 1 = $0.7024) and rounded to the nearest $10.
If you want to know which route into Adelaide — Foundation, diploma or university study — is realistic for you, send us an application.
During the free initial consultation, we clarify your goal, profile, timing, and budget and identify the next realistic step.
Next steps
- Australian University Entry After 11 Years of School: Foundation, Diploma or a Year at a Home University
- Working While Studying in Australia and the 485 Graduate Visa in 2026: Hours, Pay, Tax and Post-Study Stay
- Scholarships in Australia for International Students in 2026–2027: What Is Actually Available
- Cost of Studying in Australia in 2026–2027: University Fees, Living Costs, Visa and a First-Year Budget
- Scholarships abroad 2026: where international students study for free
- How to Pay for Studies Abroad from Russia: What Works in 2026
