AUSTRALIA · ADELAIDE
University of South Australia
public · Founded 1991 · Languages: en
In short
The University of South Australia, located in the liveable city of Adelaide, is a large public research university offering a range of programs. It is ranked among the world's top universities and is known for its strong industry connections and high graduate employment rates, providing an affordable Australian study experience.
Key facts
- Type
- Public
- Founded
- 1991
- Students
- 25,000
- International students
- 6,000
- Acceptance rate
- 70%
- Tuition (intl)
- €16–28k/yr
- Languages
- EN
- Location
- Adelaide, Australia
The University of South Australia (UniSA) is a public research university founded in 1991 and based in Adelaide. It is South Australia's largest university with over 25,000 students including approximately 6,000 international students from more than 100 countries. UniSA is ranked in the world's top 2% of universities and is particularly strong in engineering, health sciences, business, and information technology. Its applied research focus — including Australia's only CRC for augmented and virtual reality — and deep industry partnerships deliver strong graduate employment outcomes.
Why study here
- Ranked in the world's top 2% of universities with strong subject rankings
- Australia's only CRC for Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality — cutting-edge research exposure
- Located in Adelaide, one of the world's most liveable and affordable student cities
- Work-integrated learning built into most programmes with strong industry partnerships
- International Merit Scholarships worth up to AUD 10,000/year automatically assessed on application
Student life
UniSA's Adelaide City campuses place students at the heart of a compact, walkable CBD with cafes, galleries, and the famous Central Market nearby. The Student Association (UniSA Student Association) organises clubs, events, and advocacy. On-campus gyms, study lounges, and student hubs provide a vibrant daily environment. Adelaide's affordability — lower rents than Sydney or Melbourne, strong public transport — makes day-to-day life comfortable. Abundant regional and coastal natural attractions are also easily accessible for weekend trips.
Fees
InternationalAUD 27,000–48,000/year (approx. €16,000–28,000) depending on programme and faculty
HomeAUD 7,000–12,000/year (Commonwealth Supported Place); HECS-HELP loan available
LivingAUD 1,500–2,000/month in Adelaide (approx. €880–1,200); lower than Sydney or Melbourne
International students must hold Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) throughout their enrolment. Fees shown are indicative annual amounts; refer to the fee schedule for exact programme costs.
Admissions
Undergraduate entryAustralian Year 12 ATAR or international equivalent (IB, A-levels, Indian CBSE 12th); minimum scores vary by programme
Postgraduate entryAn AQF Level 7 Bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant field
English proficiencyAll non-native English speakers must demonstrate proficiency via an accepted test
IELTS Academic6.0 overall (no band below 5.5); 7.0 for health programmes
TOEFL iBT79 overall (minimum 18 in writing)
PTE Academic50 overall (no band below 42)
Rankings
QS World University Rankings 2025501
Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025401–500
ARWU Shanghai Rankings 2024301–400
QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022Top 50 worldwide
University scholarships
UniSA International Merit ScholarshipsAUD 5,000–10,000 per year; automatically assessed on application
Samstag International Visual Arts ScholarshipsAUD 75,000 tax-exempt plus flights and insurance for one academic year overseas
Graduate Research ScholarshipsStipend ~AUD 32,000/year plus full tuition waiver for PhD students
Accreditation
Registered Australian university under the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA); programmes accredited by Engineers Australia, CPA Australia, AHPRA (health), and other professional bodies
For international students
AustraliaStudent visa & funds
International students need the Student visa (subclass 500), which requires a Confirmation of Enrolment from a CRICOS-registered provider, Overseas Student Health Cover, and a health and character check. Since May 2024 applicants must show financial capacity of at least AUD 29,710 for one year of living costs, plus first-year tuition and around AUD 2,500 for travel. Since March 2024 all applicants must also satisfy the Genuine Student (GS) requirement, which replaced the former Genuine Temporary Entrant test.
Working while you study
Student visa holders may work a maximum of 48 hours per fortnight while their course is in session — a cap re-introduced in July 2023 — and unlimited hours during official scheduled course breaks. Students enrolled in a master’s by research or a doctoral degree have no work-hour limit at any time. Work must not begin before the course start date.
After you graduate
Eligible graduates may apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) within six months of completing their studies. In the Post-Higher Education Work stream, bachelor’s and master’s (coursework) holders receive up to two years and master’s (research) or doctoral holders up to three years; regional study and the Australia–India trade agreement can add further time. The general age limit is under 35 at the time of application, rising to under 50 for research-degree holders.
English tests
- IELTSUG 6.0–6.5; PG 6.5–7.0; Group of Eight typically 6.5–7.0 with no band below 6.0
- TOEFL iBT79–100; UG 79–90, PG 90–100
- PTE Academic50–65; UG 58+, PG 65+
Main intakes
FebruaryJuly
Typical living cost
€1,600/month
Approximate all-in student budget; major cities run higher.
SourcesDepartment of Home Affairs — Student visa (subclass 500) · Study Australia — Student visa (subclass 500) work rights · Study Australia — Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485) · IDP IELTS — Minimum IELTS scores for Australian universities · AECC — Cost of living in Australia for international students
Programs
a selectionUniversity of South Australia · Australia
Doctor of Philosophy
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of South Australia · Australia
Graduate Certificate in Research Design
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
University of South Australia · Australia
Graduate Certificate in Research Skills
The Graduate Certificate in Research Skills is a 0.5-year coursework program designed to enhance your career prospects or prepare you for further postgraduate research. It focuses on developing a broad range of essential research competencies. You will gain experience in various research methods, ethical considerations, academic writing, and effective research communication. This certificate serves as a valuable pathway towards a Master of Research degree.
Certificate
Level
—
Tuition
6 mo
Duration
University of South Australia · Australia
Master of Research
Enhance your research abilities and gain specialised knowledge with UniSQ's Master of Research. This program helps you develop advanced research techniques, produce original contributions to your chosen field, and improve critical thinking, applied research, and evaluation skills. You'll build rigorous research design capabilities and learn to effectively report and share your findings. This degree is ideal for those seeking to advance their academic careers, position themselves for success in various professional roles, or lay a strong foundation for doctoral studies. The Master of Research offers opportunities to explore diverse research areas supported by expert professionals and renowned academics. The program emphasizes independent, original investigation under academic supervision, contributing new knowledge while developing advanced research skills and subject-matter expertise.
Master's
Level
€22k
Tuition
24 mo
Duration
University of South Australia · Australia
Philosophy, MA/PhD
This graduate program offers advanced study and research opportunities in various philosophical subdisciplines. You will deepen your understanding of core philosophical areas while also having the flexibility to conduct interdisciplinary research with fields like social sciences, linguistics, physics, gender studies, and religious studies. The program is situated in an affordable and growing city.
PhD
Level
—
Tuition
—
Duration
Scholarships
for Australia
full fundingAustralian Government - Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (Australia Awards)
ASEAN-Australia Awards Scholarships
Open to citizens of eligible ASEAN countries (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and Timor-Leste) applying for a master's degree by coursework or research at an Australian university. Applicants need a strong academic record, leadership potential, relevant work experience and English proficiency, and must meet Australian visa and health requirements. Exact terms are set each cycle by the Australian Government.
full
Funding
€120k
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
full fundingForrest Research Foundation (Minderoo Foundation)
Forrest Research Foundation Post-doctoral Fellowships
Open to early-career post-doctoral researchers of any nationality and from all academic disciplines. Applicants must be in the final year of their PhD or no more than two years past PhD completion at the time of taking up the fellowship, be proficient in English, and meet the employment-eligibility conditions of the host Western Australian university. Fellows must reside at Forrest Hall in Perth for the full term and commit to mentoring Forrest Scholars, undertaking ambassadorial duties and providing leadership within Forrest Hall.
full
Funding
€90k
Max
May 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Melbourne
Hansen Scholarship at the University of Melbourne
Australian citizens, permanent residents or holders of an Australian temporary or permanent protection visa who are enrolled in an Australian Year 12 or IB programme, aged 16-20 at application, with a predicted ATAR of 90+ (or IB equivalent) and demonstrated financial hardship (e.g. a family receiving Centrelink benefits). Asylum seekers are eligible for full fee remission.
full
Funding
€65k
Max
Mar 31, 2027
Deadline
full fundingAustralian Government (Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade)
Australia Awards Scholarships
Open to citizens of ~30+ eligible developing countries (mostly the Indo-Pacific), who are not married to/engaged to an Australian or NZ citizen, meet academic and English requirements, and commit to returning home for at least 2 years after study. Fields must align with the partner country's development priorities.
full
Funding
€60k
Max
Apr 30, 2027
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Sydney
University of Sydney International Research Scholarship (USydIS)
For international students undertaking a postgraduate research degree (a master's by research or a PhD) at the University of Sydney. It covers tuition fees and a living-allowance stipend; applicants need a strong research background and a confirmed place and supervisor for their research project.
full
Funding
€45k
Max
Sep 30, 2026
Deadline
full fundingUniversity of Melbourne (School of Computing and Information Systems)
University of Melbourne CIS PhD Scholarship
Open to domestic and international students of all nationalities. Applicants must hold a Master of Computer Science from the University of Melbourne, apply for the Doctor of Philosophy – Engineering and IT (Computing and Information Systems) programme (DR-PHILEIT), and demonstrate strong academic performance, leadership, and research potential. A research proposal, a personal statement, and a letter of support from the proposed PhD supervisor are required.
full
Funding
€42k
Max
-18d left
Deadline
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees for international students at the University of South Australia?
+
International student tuition fees at the University of South Australia range from approximately AUD 27,000 to AUD 48,000 per year, depending on the specific program and faculty. It's recommended to check the official fee schedule for exact costs.
Does the University of South Australia offer scholarships for international students?
+
Yes, the University of South Australia offers several scholarships for international students, including the UniSA International Merit Scholarships worth up to AUD 10,000 per year, which are automatically assessed upon application. Other scholarships, such as the Samstag International Visual Arts Scholarships, are also available.
What are the English language requirements for international applicants?
+
International applicants typically need to demonstrate English proficiency through tests like IELTS Academic (6.0 overall, with no band below 5.5, or 7.0 for health programs) or TOEFL iBT (79 overall, with a minimum of 18 in writing). PTE Academic is also accepted.
Where is the University of South Australia located and what is the cost of living?
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The University of South Australia is based in Adelaide, South Australia, a city known for its liveability and affordability. Estimated monthly living costs in Adelaide are between AUD 1,500–2,000, which is generally lower than in Sydney or Melbourne.
What makes the University of South Australia stand out?
+
UniSA is ranked in the world's top 2% of universities and is noted for its applied research, including Australia's only CRC for Augmented Reality/Virtual Reality. It also has strong industry partnerships contributing to excellent graduate employment outcomes, with a global ranking in the top 50 for graduate employability.
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