About South Australia
Located in the southern centre of Australia, South Australia offers world-class education, strong industry connections, an affordable lifestyle, stunning landscapes and a high quality of life.
South Australia is home to 1.8 million people, with Adelaide as its capital city. The state is known for its safety and welcoming, multicultural community, recognised as one of the world’s most welcoming regions.
Map of study locations in South Australia
A snapshot of South Australia
High quality education
South Australian public universities are ranked in the top 2% globally
Post-study work rights
Additional year of post-study work rights for South Australian graduates with a Higher Education qualification who remain in South Australia
Welcoming community
In 2025, South Australia was named one of the top 10 Most Welcoming Regions on Earth by Booking.com’s Traveller Review Awards 2025
Diverse study options
South Australia is a leading and student-focused destination, globally recognised for its education excellence, with established institutions across all areas of study. From schools to vocational education, through to undergraduate, postgraduate and doctorate programs, you’re sure to find an option that suits your goals.
The state’s public universities, Adelaide University and Flinders University, are ranked in the top 2% of universities worldwide. Adelaide University is ranked 82nd in the world, being recognised globally as a leading research university. Flinders University is ranked 39th in the world for Nursing* and ranked 7th nationally for undergraduate students’ rating of student support.**
*2025 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects
**Quality Indicator for Learning and Teaching (QILT) Student Experience Survey
Key industries
South Australia has a high-performing economy. Strong ties between industry and education create job opportunities for international students, including internships, casual, part-time and graduate roles.
Major industries include:
- Food, wine and agribusiness
- Critical technologies
- Resources, fuel and clean technologies
- Health and medical
- Creative industries
- Space
About Adelaide
Students from more than 130 countries choose to study in Adelaide. Consistently ranked among the world’s most liveable cities and recently named Australia’s happiest city, Adelaide provides a supportive and balanced lifestyle where students can study, work and live.
A snapshot of Adelaide
Major education providers
Flinders University, The University of Adelaide, University of South Australia, Torrens University and TAFE SA.
Population
Over 1.4 million
Liveability
Adelaide has been named one of the most liveable cities in the world and rent is lower than most major Australian cities
Image credit: StudyAdelaide
With friendly locals, and strong student support services, Adelaide provides a safe environment where you can focus on your studies and personal wellbeing.
The city also offers a very convenient lifestyle. With a well-connected airport, a compact city layout and a wide range of public transport options, Adelaide offers free tram and city connector bus routes within the central business district. Full-time international students also receive a 50% discount on monthly metroCARDS, offering unlimited travel. Adelaide is compact and convenient to move around, with major campuses, workplaces, purpose-built student accommodation, essential services and key attractions all located in and around the city centre, allowing students to achieve more in one day.
Completely surrounded by parklands, Adelaide also gives you easy access to nature, green spaces and cleaner air.
Lower cost of living
With a warm Mediterranean climate, lower rent and cost of living than most major cities, you can enjoy and afford more of what Adelaide has to offer.
Adelaide has a vibrant, multicultural food scene with everything from casual, budget-friendly spots perfect for students, to highly awarded, premium restaurants. Adelaide is also home to several produce markets, including Adelaide Central Market, one of the largest undercover markets in the Southern Hemisphere. Here, you’ll find fresh produce and multicultural cuisines, making it easy to enjoy both local flavours and familiar comforts.
The event capital
Adelaide has a packed year‑round calendar of world‑famous events and festivals celebrating food and wine, sport, art, culture and vibrant city life, ensuring there’s always something to do. Major events include the Adelaide International Tennis Tournament, Adelaide Fringe Festival, Tasting Australia, Illuminate Adelaide, OzAsia Festival and the National Pharmacies Christmas Pageant.
Stunning landscapes
Australia’s iconic landscapes and natural wonders are as little as 30 minutes from Adelaide’s central business district, including 70 km of metropolitan beaches and the Adelaide Hills (Mount Lofty, Cleland Wildlife Park and the village of Hahndorf).
Cleland Wildlife Park
Travel a little further to experience some of Australia’s most popular tourist destinations including the Barossa Valley, Kangaroo Island, Limestone Coast and Flinders Ranges.
From the day I arrived , Adelaide has welcomed me with warmth and made me feel at home.
Isha from India
How much will it cost?
Use our Cost of Living calculator to find out how much you will need to live and study here.
Adelaide information and support
StudyAdelaide is a partnership between the South Australian Government and the education sector, dedicated to supporting international students from arrival to post-graduation. Through a year-round calendar of events, employment resources and workshops, you can connect with other students, build industry connections, and access practical support for studying, working and living in Adelaide.
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