The University of South Australia is located in Adelaide - Australia’s education city and the state capital of South Australia. As a welcoming and multicultural city, it’s no surprise that Adelaide is one of the world's most liveable cities.*
Adelaide is a cultural destination with many different nationalities, foods, festivals and sporting events. It’s home to some of the country’s best beaches, wine regions and parklands, all in very close proximity to the city centre.
Adelaide is a city shaped by stories. The first of these stories were created by the Kaurna people of the Adelaide Plains, which remain alive today and are interwoven with the stories of all the people who choose to live, work and study in Adelaide. The city is a celebration of diversity and inclusion with a strong sense of community.
*Ranked equal 12th, 2023 Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index.
Accessible
Did you know Adelaide is ranked in the world’s top 35 for best student cities?* Adelaide offers all the advantages of big city life but is still easy enough to get around. It takes just 15 minutes to travel from the airport to the city and 20 minutes from the city to the beach or hills.
Transport
It's a quick and easy city to get around with an integrated bus, train and tram public transport system connecting all parts of the city and suburbs. You can travel between City West and City East campuses by using the free tram service that runs every 10 minutes. The free tram also stops at the Adelaide Central Market, Adelaide Railway Station, Royal Adelaide Hospital, Botanic Gardens and the Adelaide Zoo.
As an international student, you’ll also be offered the same public transport discounts as local students. For further information on public transport timetables and buying tickets for public transport, visit Adelaide Metro. For details about driver’s licence, motor vehicle registration and road laws visit SA.GOV.AU.
Free Wi-Fi
While in Adelaide, you can keep in touch with friends and family using AdelaideFree – a free wireless internet network in outdoor areas across the city centre and North Adelaide. Many cafes and restaurants also offer free WiFi to paying customers. Just ask for the password when you place your order.
On-arrival Airport Pickup
We offer a free on-arrival reception service to all newly commencing UniSA international students who are arriving onshore for the first time. Once you have confirmed your arrival and accommodation details, you can book your On-arrival Airport Pickup.
*Adelaide ranked equal #31, QS Best Student Cities 2023.
Multicultural
South Australia is rated one of the World’s Friendliest Cities* and almost one in four people in South Australia were born overseas with ancestry tracing back to more than 120 countries. Australia also has a democratic system of government and is accepting of different religious beliefs.
Cultural organisations
In Adelaide, it’s easy to discover new cultures as well as stay connected to your home country and community. There are many different community groups, associations and clubs that you can join. Take a look at our USASA Clubs and Societies or the local Multicultural Community Groups.
Places of worship
Adelaide has a variety of churches, cathedrals, temples, mosques and synagogues in and around the city centre, as well as in the wider metropolitan area. In fact, Adelaide is home to one of the oldest mosques in the Southern Hemisphere – the Adelaide Mosque, built in 1888. Additionally, all students are welcome to use the prayer rooms located on all UniSA campuses.
*2018 Condé Nast Traveller Awards
Affordable
Adelaide is up to 12% more affordable than Sydney and up to 11% more affordable than Melbourne.*
Adelaide has one of the highest standards of living in the world yet is one of the least expensive. This means more money to spend on food, accommodation, supplies, travel and entertainment.
If you’d like to understand the costs of an average student living in Adelaide, there’s some helpful information on StudyAdelaide.
*2022 EIU Cost of Living Survey
Explore
There’s so much to love and do in South Australia. The State is recognised for its pristine beaches, wine regions, wildlife, mountain ranges, award-winning food and wine, and so much more. There’s something for everyone in the Capital City of Adelaide, home to more than 400 sporting, food, arts and cultural events each year!
Explore events and destinations in South Australia via StudyAdelaide and the South Australian Tourism Commission.
Shopping at the Adelaide Central Market - South Australian Tourism Commission ©
Adelaide Oval - Hirokazu Ishino ©
Kayaking at Port Willunga Beach - Ryan Formosa Photography ©
Eyre Peninsula - South Australian Tourism Commission ©
South Australian winery
Glenelg Beach - StudyAdelaide
Climate
Adelaide is considered to have a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. This means you’ll enjoy four distinct seasons.
Summer
December - February
25°C - 35°C
Hot & dry
Autumn
March - May
20°C - 25°C
Mainly dry
Winter
June - August
10°C - 15°C
Cool & wet
Spring
September - November
20°C - 25°C
Sunny & Showers
