Adelaide University
Adelaide University is a public Australian university formed through the merger of the University of Adelaide and UniSA. It opened in 2026 with about 56,000 students, making it one of Australia’s largest universities.
The university’s main presence is in central Adelaide, where the former institutions had adjoining precincts along North Terrace. Adelaide University also retains major teaching facilities at Mawson Lakes and a wider network of metropolitan and regional campuses.
What Adelaide University Is Known For
Adelaide University combines the strengths of the University of Adelaide and UniSA. The merger aims to add scale without losing the standing of the older university.
- Research prestige. The University of Adelaide brought Group of Eight membership and a strong reputation in medicine, law, science and research.
- Professional education. UniSA brought large programs in business, health, education, engineering, technology and design. It was also known for close industry links.
- A university still taking shape. Students have reported problems with enrolment, timetables and course changes during the merger. The new identity is not yet settled.
What Do People Study at Adelaide University?
Adelaide University has a health-dominated enrolment profile. Health is by far the largest undergraduate field, while arts and humanities, business, engineering and information technology form the next major areas. At postgraduate level, Management and Commerce narrowly leads Health.
| Field of study | Undergraduate | Postgraduate |
|---|---|---|
| Health | 12,004 | 3,573 |
| Management and Commerce | 6,740 | 3,940 |
| Society and Culture | 7,646 | 2,733 |
| Engineering and Related Technologies | 4,093 | 2,166 |
| Information Technology | 3,500 | 2,495 |
| Education | 2,971 | 1,452 |
| Smaller fields combined | 7,700 | 2,341 |
| Total | 44,654 | 18,700 |
Source: Australian Government Department of Education, Perturbed Student Enrolments Pivot Table 2024. Smaller fields combined groups the remaining fields of study.
Health accounted for 12,004 undergraduate enrolments in 2024, or about 27% of the undergraduate total. Society and Culture was the next largest field with 7,646 enrolments, followed by Management and Commerce with 6,740.
Postgraduate enrolments were more evenly distributed. Management and Commerce led with 3,940 students, just ahead of Health with 3,573, while Information Technology and Engineering also had large postgraduate intakes.
Courses for International Students
International students were enrolled across a broad range of study areas at the two universities that formed Adelaide University. Management and commerce attracted the most enrolments, followed by information technology, engineering and health.
Management and Commerce accounted for 4,328 international enrolments in 2024, or more than one-quarter of the total. Information Technology attracted 3,252 enrolments, while Engineering and Related Technologies recorded 2,575.
| Field of education | International enrolments |
|---|---|
| Total enrolments | 16,297 |
| Management and Commerce | 4,328 |
| Information Technology | 3,252 |
| Engineering and Related Technologies | 2,575 |
| Health | 1,981 |
| Society and Culture | 1,033 |
| Other fields | 3,128 |
Source: Australian Government Department of Education, Perturbed Student Enrolments Pivot Table 2024. Figures combine undergraduate and postgraduate international enrolments at the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.
International demand was not concentrated in business alone. Information technology and engineering together accounted for 5,827 enrolments, while health and society and culture added another 3,014.
Adelaide University Campus Map
Adelaide University has seven campuses across South Australia. Adelaide City is the main campus. Magill and Mawson Lakes retain specialist roles. Waite and Roseworthy support agricultural and veterinary studies. Mount Gambier and Whyalla offer regional degrees.
Adelaide City Campus
Adelaide City spans the eastern and western ends of North Terrace. The eastern precinct contains the historic University of Adelaide campus. The western precinct adds modern teaching buildings and creative arts facilities.
- Barr Smith Library and its historic Reading Room
- MOD., Samstag Museum of Art, SASA Gallery and Architecture Museum
Mawson Lakes Campus
Mawson Lakes is the main campus for engineering, aviation and advanced technology. It sits beside Technology Park and several space and defence companies.
- Adelaide Planetarium
- Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 flight simulators, engineering laboratories and workshops
Magill Campus
Magill is a leafy suburban campus for education, psychology, media and creative studies.
- Dedicated theatre and creative studios
- Industry-standard television and radio station
Waite Campus
Waite specialises in agriculture, food, wine and plant science. The Urrbrae site forms part of a major agricultural research precinct.
- Waite Research Institute
- Waite Arboretum, greenhouses and wine science facilities
Roseworthy Campus
Roseworthy is the animal and veterinary science campus. The 1,600-hectare site is about 50 kilometres north of Adelaide.
- Roseworthy Veterinary Hospital
- Working livestock farm and animal science facilities
Regional Campuses
Mount Gambier and Whyalla provide local study options outside Adelaide. Both offer degrees in nursing, midwifery, teaching and social work. Whyalla also offers occupational therapy and physiotherapy.
- Mount Gambier Campus in the Limestone Coast region
- Whyalla Campus and its on-campus student village
Student Accommodation
Student housing is concentrated around Adelaide City, especially North Terrace and the CBD. Students can choose university-managed residences, residential colleges, private rentals and purpose-built student buildings. Mawson Lakes and Magill have fewer dedicated options nearby.
- Adelaide City: North Terrace, the East End and the CBD offer the shortest walks to campus. North Adelaide is quieter, while Bowden and Brompton have tram connections to the city.
- Mawson Lakes: Mawson Lakes offers the shortest trip to campus. Students can also commute by train from central Adelaide.
- Magill: Magill, Kensington Gardens and Norwood are nearby rental areas. Buses connect the campus with the city.
- Roseworthy and Whyalla: Both campuses have university-managed student accommodation.
Private rentals, shared housing and purpose-built student residences can be compared through Adelaide University accommodation on uhomes.com. Check whether furniture, utilities and internet are included. Inspect the property in person or by video before paying a deposit.
University-managed options include Adelaide University Village on Grote Street and Mattanya Student Residences in North Adelaide. Scape and Yugo are preferred providers near the city campuses. Places can fill before the start of semester, so early applications are advisable.