How to Study at Adelaide University (Formerly the University of Adelaide) as an International Student: The Complete 2026 Guide

If you are searching for the University of Adelaide, the most important thing to know is this: you will now be applying to Adelaide University. The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia (UniSA) have combined into one new institution, which teaches across seven campuses and calls itself South Australia's largest university. Applicants who understand the change can target the right degree codes, the right scholarships and the right entry benchmarks with confidence.

The good news is that the reputation carries over. Adelaide University is a Group of Eight member, is ranked #79 in the QS World University Rankings 2027, and draws on what it calls "more than 180 years of collective experience" from its foundation institutions. For Indian students planning to study in Australia, this guide covers how to study at the University of Adelaide, now Adelaide University, as an international student: what the merger means for you, the entry marks, 2027 fees, scholarships and the post-study advantage of studying in Adelaide.

Adelaide University at a Glance

The Merger: What It Means for 2026–27 Applicants

• One university, one application: you apply to Adelaide University, with Adelaide University degree codes, fees and scholarships. Old University of Adelaide course pages and brochures you find online may be out of date. Always work from the current Adelaide University degree page.
• Seven campuses: the Adelaide City Campus in the CBD (with eastern and western precincts), suburban campuses at Magill, Mawson Lakes and Waite, and regional campuses at Mount Gambier, Roseworthy and Whyalla. Check which campus your degree is taught at. The Master of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, for example, is at the Adelaide City Campus, while Master of Computer Science students can take most first-year courses at either Adelaide City or Mawson Lakes.
• New college structure: 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.
• Scholarships reflect the transition: the Adelaide Global Alumni Scholarship explicitly covers students who previously studied at the University of Adelaide, UniSA or Adelaide University. It is useful if you or a sibling studied at either former university.
• Rankings reset: as a new institution, Adelaide University now has its own ranking. Older University of Adelaide rankings you see online belong to the former university.

What Can You Study at Adelaide University?

1. Computer Science, AI and Data Science

The Master of Computer Science, Master of Data Science and Master of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning each take 2 years full-time, with February and July intakes. They require a GPA equivalent to 4.5 on Adelaide University's 7-point scale. The Master of Computer Science expects a bachelor degree in computer science, computer systems engineering or software engineering, or a graduate diploma in computer science. For school-leavers, the three-year Bachelor of Computer Science has the same February and July intakes.

2. Business

The Master of Business Administration runs for 1.5 years full-time and has four intakes a year, in January, April, June and September, which is useful if you want to start outside the usual February and July cycle. Its English requirement is higher than most, at IELTS 7.0 overall.

3. Engineering, Health and Science

The College of Engineering and Information Technology, College of Health and College of Science cover a broad range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. Because degree names and structures changed with the merger, search the current Adelaide University catalogue by subject rather than relying on old University of Adelaide or UniSA course titles.

Entry Requirements for Indian Students

Undergraduate: Clear Published Benchmarks

Adelaide University publishes its Indian school benchmarks clearly, which makes planning straightforward. The table shows the general minimum; some degrees set higher scores or subject prerequisites, and English requirements still apply. The minimum English requirement for undergraduate entry is IELTS Academic 6.0 overall, but many degrees ask for more. The Bachelor of Computer Science, for example, asks for 6.5 overall with 6 in each band.

Postgraduate

• Academic: a completed bachelor degree (or equivalent) from a recognised institution, with the GPA set for each degree. The computing and AI master's degrees ask for 4.5 on the 7-point scale.
• English: IELTS 6.5 overall with 6 in each band for the computing master's degrees, and IELTS 7.0 overall for the MBA. Test results must be from the last two years.
• English-medium study: in some cases, previous study or work in English can count towards the English requirement, with certified documentation from your institution or employer.

Adelaide University Fees and Scholarships (2027)

Adelaide Academic Excellence Scholarship (50%)

A 50% tuition fee reduction for international students starting undergraduate or postgraduate coursework degrees. Places are limited, it requires a high distinction average, and you need to complete an application form.

Adelaide Emerging Leaders Award (25%)

A 25% tuition fee reduction, assessed and granted automatically to international applicants with a distinction average.

Adelaide Merit Scholarship (15%)

A 15% tuition fee reduction, assessed and awarded automatically to international applicants with a credit average.

10% awards

The Adelaide Sibling Award (a sibling currently studying at, or a graduate of, Adelaide University), the Adelaide Global Alumni Scholarship (former students of Adelaide University, UniSA or the University of Adelaide) and the Adelaide Partner Award (students from approved partner institutions).

Each scholarship has its own terms, excluded programs and conditions, so read the terms for your degree. As a guide, a 25% award on a A$57,100 master's reduces tuition by A$14,275 a year.

Your Student Visa and Post-Study Work Rights

• Student visa (subclass 500): from A$2,500 for the main applicant (Home Affairs pricing from 1 July 2026). You need a Confirmation of Enrolment, OSHC from the day you arrive, and evidence of A$29,710 for 12 months of living costs plus first-year tuition and A$2,000 for travel, or a parent or partner income of at least A$87,856 in the 12 months before you apply (A$102,500 with family).
• Genuine Student requirement: you answer questions in English, each with a 150-word limit, about your circumstances, why you chose this course at Adelaide University and how it fits your future. Adelaide University also lists Genuine Student and financial capacity checks as part of its own admission requirements, so prepare both early.
• Work: up to 48 hours a fortnight while your course is in session, and unlimited hours during scheduled course breaks. Master's by research and PhD students have no limit.
• First 485 visa: for Indian nationals under AI-ECTA, 2 years after a bachelor degree, 3 years after a bachelor with first-class honours in STEM (including ICT), 3 years after a master's degree and 4 years after a PhD. You must be 35 or under when you apply, with exceptions for research graduates. The 485 visa charge is currently A$5,750.
• Second 485 visa: Adelaide is a Category 2 city. If you studied here and have lived in an eligible regional area for at least 2 years, you may be eligible for a second Temporary Graduate visa of 1 year.

Applying from Bangalore and Karnataka

Adelaide University publishes a separate benchmark for Indian state boards, which makes planning simple for Karnataka students.

• II PUC students: the Karnataka School Examination and Assessment Board's II PUC is a state-board Standard XII qualification, so plan around the 80% in your best four approved subjects benchmark. If you are at a CBSE or CISCE school in Bangalore, the benchmark is 70%.
• Pick your best four wisely: because entry is based on your best four approved subjects, confirm which of your subjects count for your chosen degree, especially for computing and engineering, where maths matters.
• Graduates from VTU colleges, Bangalore University and other Karnataka institutions: your degree is assessed against the GPA set for each degree (4.5 out of 7 for the computing and AI master's degrees). Clear semester-wise transcripts make the assessment quicker.
• Lodging your visa from Bangalore: the Student visa is lodged online in ImmiAccount. If Home Affairs needs your biometrics, it tells you after you lodge how to provide them (at an Australian Biometrics Collection Centre or, if eligible, through the Australian Immi app) and gives you 14 days. India is not on Home Affairs' current list of collection-centre countries, so read the request letter carefully and act on it promptly.
• Meet us in person: Falcon Nova's office is on the 7th floor of Kirloskar Business Park in Hebbal, North Bangalore, and free counselling is available in person or online.

Life in Adelaide

The Adelaide City Campus puts you in the middle of the CBD, including the sandstone North Terrace precinct shown above. Adelaide is a compact, easy-going city, and Adelaide University describes it as one of Australia's most liveable cities. On campus, students have access to libraries, study spaces, gyms and eateries at the city and suburban campuses, plus counselling, learning support and prayer rooms.

If Adelaide's Category 2 status appeals to you, compare it with Perth in our University of Western Australia guide. If you prefer a bigger city, see our Monash University guide.

Is Adelaide University Right for You?

Adelaide University suits students who want a Group of Eight, QS top-100 degree, clearly published Indian entry benchmarks, scholarships of up to 50% and the extra post-study year that comes with a Category 2 city. It is a particularly good fit for computing, AI, data science and business students who like the idea of a compact city to study and start their career in.