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 #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 one of the most sustainable destinations worldwide.*

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.

*Ranked #6, 2022 National Geographic Best of World

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.

Life in Adelaide as a UniSA international student

UniSA Video

Hear from Maria Camila, business student at the University of South Australia. Originally from Colombia, Maria Camila gives you a glimpse into the lifestyle and affordability of living in Adelaide as a student.

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

Fast facts

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Adelaide population: 1.4 million

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Capital city: Adelaide

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Language: English

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Currency: AUD$