Universities in Adelaide Australia

Are you looking for the best universities in Adelaide? Australia ranks 3rd globally for international student numbers, and Adelaide is a rising star in this education-friendly country.

Often dubbed the 20-minute city due to its smart urban planning and easy commutes, Adelaide offers the perfect blend of lifestyle, affordability, and academic excellence.

Unlike the hustle of Sydney or Melbourne, Adelaide gives you space to breathe, both physically and financially. It's consistently ranked among the most livable cities in the world and offers significantly lower living costs, making it a magnet for both domestic and overseas students. Better still, the city has booming industries in health, tech, renewable energy, and defense, opening doors for internships and job placements post-study.

Let’s dive into the top universities that make Adelaide a powerhouse of education.

Why study in universities in Adelaide Australia?

The University of Adelaide is a member of Australia’s prestigious Group of Eight and boasts Nobel Laureates among its alumni.
UniSA leads the way in applied research, industry partnerships, and hands-on learning.
Flinders has a world-class medical school and close links with major hospitals.
Torrens is known for its flexible learning, global partnerships, and emphasis on creativity.
Carnegie Mellon is a U.S. university with a strong focus on leadership and innovation in the heart of Adelaide.
The University of South Australia is a public university and one of the top young universities in the world.
CQ University is located in Rockhampton, Queensland. It is a public university that offers various UG, PG and PhD programs.

Top 5 Universities in Adelaide

As per the best student cities index, Adelaide ranked in 26th position. This Australian city attracts a large number of international students every year. Here is the university in Adelaide Australia list as per QS World Ranking:-

The University of Adelaide
University of South Australia
Flinders University
CQUniversity Australia
Australian Catholic University

Top Ranked Universities in Adelaide in Detail

University Name	Type	University in Adelaide Ranking (QS Ranking)	Popular Course
The University of Adelaide	Public	89	Physical Sciences, Mining, Materials and Mineral Engineering Performing Arts and Music
University of South Australia	Public	326	Geomatic Engineering Language and Literature Occupational Therapy Physical Sciences
Flinders University	Public	380	Physics Electronics, IT Security Medicine, and Medical Studies
CQUniversity Australia	Public	590	Avionics and Aeronautical Engineering, Podiatry, Music Business
Australian Catholic University	Public	801-850	Mathematics Studies in Human Society, Occupational Therapy, Nursing and Midwifery
University of South Australia	Public	#=340	Education, Arts and Social Sciences, MBA, IT, Engineering, and The Environment
CQ University	Public	#=495	Business and Law, Engineering and Technology, Nursing, Midwifery, and Social Sciences

Source: Top Universities

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FAQs on Universities in Adelaide Australia

How many universities are in Adelaide?
Adelaide is home to four major universities: the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, the University of South Australia, and Torrens University, offering a range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs.

What are the top 5 universities in Adelaide, Australia?
The top universities include University of Adelaide, Flinders University, University of South Australia, Torrens University, and Carnegie Mellon University Australia (a U.S. campus based in Adelaide).

Is Adelaide a good student city?
Yes, Adelaide is ranked among Australia’s most affordable and student-friendly cities, with a relaxed lifestyle, vibrant culture, and strong academic infrastructure.

What is the largest university in Adelaide?
The University of South Australia (UniSA) is the largest by student population, offering over 200 degrees and multiple campuses across the city and suburbs.

Where to study in Adelaide?
Students can choose from top institutions like University of Adelaide, UniSA, Flinders, and Torrens, each known for specific strengths like health, engineering, and business.

Is it expensive to live in Adelaide?
Adelaide is considered one of the most affordable major cities in Australia, with average living costs around AUD 20,000–25,000 per year for students.

Flinders University

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Flinders University Ranking