Study abroad and exchange

Two students sitting on a large green hill looking at the ocean

Start your Australian adventure 

Experience Australia while studying for one or two semesters at Adelaide University.

Enjoy the vibrant lifestyle and incredible culture, food, and entertainment of Adelaide and South Australia, all while earning credit towards your degree back home. 

If you’re a current student interested in studying overseas as part of your Adelaide University degree, please visit the Outbound student exchange webpage. 

Image: Southern Ocean Walk, courtesy South Australian Tourism Commission.

Why Adelaide? 

Explore the best of what Australia has to offer when you study in Adelaide, South Australia. Immerse yourself in a lively urban community with a close connection to South Australia’s regions, from breathtaking natural landscapes and wildlife-rich islands to incredible coastlines and some of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth. There is always something nearby to explore. Visit southaustralia.com to find out more. 

Adelaide is affordable, safe, and friendly. 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 close proximity to the city. 

  • Affordable cost of living – Studying in Adelaide gives you access to one of the highest standards of education and living in the world, in a city that is one of the least expensive. This means more money to spend on food, accommodation, travel, and entertainment.

  • Vibrant lifestyle – In summer, the parklands buzz with open-air festivals and the city comes alive with theatre, comedy, and circus acts. In winter, the streets are illuminated by art exhibitions and light displays. Enjoy street food markets, sporting events, film festivals, and so much more. There are also cool bars, cosy pubs, and award-winning eateries. 

  • Natural beauty – South Australia’s natural beauty is unmatched, with lush city parks, dramatic outback mountain ranges, and a coastline stretching over 3,700 kilometres. 

  • Comfortable climate - Adelaide enjoys a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and mild winters. This means you’ll enjoy four distinct seasons.

  • Community feel - Known for its friendliness, Adelaide makes you feel right at home. Adelaide offers all the advantages of big city life, but is still easy to get around, meet locals, and become part of the community.

Visit studyadelaide.com to find out more about student life in Adelaide. 

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How to apply

Applications for study abroad and exchange at Adelaide University will open in mid-2025 and will be assessed on a rolling basis. 

In the meantime, you can get ahead by reading about the process, and learn how you can prepare to apply.

If you have any questions about the application process, please make an enquiry and our Future Student Enquiry Team can help you.

Study Abroad and Exchange students can study for one or two semesters, commencing in semester 1 (February – July) or semester 2 (July – November). 

For detailed information around semesters, visit the Academic Calendar webpage.

SemesterDatesNomination*ApplicationOrientation
Semester 1February to JuneOctoberNovemberFebruary
Semester 2July to DecemberMarchAprilJuly

*Not applicable for study abroad students

Academic requirements 
You must either be a high school graduate or enrolled in a university or college and in good academic standing.

English language requirements 
If English is not your first language, you may need a valid Academic IELTS, with a minimum overall score of 6.5, with no individual band less than 6.0, or a TOEFL iBT (internet based) with a minimum overall score of 79, and sub-scores of 21 for writing, 18 for speaking, 13 for reading, and 12 for listening. 

For a comprehensive list of all English language evidence accepted by Adelaide University, please visit the English language proficiency webpage.   

There are also a wide range of other tests, and alternative ways of demonstrating English proficiency, which are accepted as meeting English language requirements specifically for entry into the study abroad and exchange programs. Please contact us for further information. 

Documentation

You will need to supply the following documents to apply for the exchange or study abroad program at Adelaide University:

  • Original language transcripts (translated to English if necessary)

  • Current enrolment of courses

  • Grading system used at your home university

  • Evidence of English language proficiency (if required)

  • Details page and signature page of your passport

  • Depending on the courses you apply for, you may also need to provide:     

    • a portfolio of work (for creative courses)

    • syllabi/detailed course description of some courses taken at your home university.

At Adelaide University, individual subjects are called ‘courses’ and there are hundreds to choose from at both the undergraduate and postgraduate level. Full course information will be available from mid-2025. In the meantime, visit the Study section of our website or view our publications to learn about our study areas. 

As an international student, it is an Australian visa requirement that you study full-time. A standard full-time workload per semester is usually considered to be:

  • 24 units (usually four courses) - 100% of a full-time semester load, OR

  • 18 units (usually three courses) - 75% of a full-time semester load

Common credit equivalencies

Adelaide University UnitsUK CreditsECTS (European Credits)US Credits
24603015
184522.512

When submitting your application, you will be asked to nominate six courses per semester that you would like to study at Adelaide University. Even though you will only enrol into a maximum of four courses per semester, having additional courses approved provides flexibility in case of timetable clashes, or other unforeseen circumstances.

Adelaide University has multiple campuses in metropolitan and regional locations, with courses delivered across one or several of these campuses. You can study at more than one campus, though we suggest you keep your selection to a maximum of two campuses, as it can become difficult to manage classes otherwise.

Please note: Medicine and dentistry courses are not available to study abroad or exchange students unless supported by a specific agreement. Certain other courses may also be restricted and unavailable to study abroad and exchange students.

Exchange students must be nominated by their home university before applying to Adelaide University. Contact your home institution to find out about your exchange program and student application process.

Once you’ve been nominated by your home university, you will receive an email with instructions and a link to the online application system.

Your selected courses will be assessed, and you will receive an Offer Letter once your courses are approved. You may be asked to select additional courses during the assessment process if our admissions team are unable to approve the courses you initially selected.

You will use the online application system to accept your place at Adelaide University.

If you're an international student interested in studying at Adelaide University for one or two semesters, but you do not qualify for an exchange place, then the study abroad program is for you. 

Applications for study abroad at Adelaide University will open from mid-2025 to commence study in Semester 1, 2026.

When applications open, there will be three main ways to apply:

  • Applying through your home university: Speak to your home institution to find out if this is an option for you.

  • Applying through an international representative or agent: Contact one of our authorised Education Agents. Visit the Find an Education Agent webpage to find an agent in your country. 

  • Applying directly to Adelaide University: Direct applications will open in mid-2025 and more detailed information will be available then. 

Fees and costs

If you’re coming to Adelaide University as an exchange student you will pay tuition fees to your home university and won’t pay fees to Adelaide University. 

If you’re a study abroad student, you are required to pay tuition fees to Adelaide University. 

The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study. You may choose to study either 24 units (usually four courses), or 18 units (usually three courses). 

2025 indicative fees 

Discipline Group A

  • AUD$5,975 for three courses (18 units), or 
  • AUD$7,967 for four courses (24 units). 

Discipline Group A includes a wide range of courses from study areas including arts, business, computing, design, economics, education, humanities, law, mathematics, non-lab based science, and social science.  

Discipline Group B

  • AUD$8,869.50 for three courses (18 units), or 
  • AUD$11,826 for four courses (24 units). 

Discipline Group B includes a select group of courses from study areas such as engineering and lab-based science.  

If all of your chosen courses fall within Discipline Group A, your fees would be that of Discipline Group A. If any of your courses belong to Discipline Group B, your fees would be that of Discipline Group B. 

2026 course fees are yet to be confirmed. Detailed Adelaide University course information will be available from mid-2025. 

Whether you’re studying as an exchange or study abroad student, there will be other costs that you’ll need to consider.

Life in Adelaide is relatively affordable compared to many other Australian capital cities. As a student, you’ll benefit from discounted fares on public transport, as international and local students pay the same fare. You’ll also have access to numerous discounts including on festivals, movies, and technology. 

Accommodation is another significant expense – but Adelaide University students have access to a range of options, so you’ll be able to find accommodation that suits your needs and budget. Visit the Accommodation webpage to find out more about the options available. 

You can refer to StudyAdelaide's cost of living information to begin planning for your expected living costs in Adelaide. 

Other costs to budget for include: 

Overseas Student Health Cover

Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is compulsory for all international students. You can purchase cover through Adelaide University's preferred provider or you may choose your own provider. However, there are some exceptions: you don't need OSHC if you’re covered under a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement. This includes students from Belgium, Norway, and Sweden. Visit the Australian Government’s Private Health website to learn more.

It’s also strongly advised that Study Abroad and Exchange students have comprehensive travel insurance cover for the length of their stay in Australia.

Visas

Study Abroad and Exchange students are required to apply for a non-award student visa depending on length of stay and purpose of the visit. Additional costs will apply.

Flights and travel

The cost of a return flight to Adelaide varies dramatically depending on where you’re coming from, so make sure you factor this into your budget. Adelaide is also a great base for you to explore other parts of Australia, so don’t forget to include some funds for extra travel if you can!

Study materials

It’s a good idea to allow AUD$250 - $500 per semester for the cost of textbooks and other basic study materials. If you’re studying specialist courses, you may also all incur costs for specialist study materials and/or field trips. Visit the Non-tuition fees webpage for more information. 

Visit the Preparing to come to Australia webpage for more information. 

You might like to consider part-time work while you’re studying in Adelaide. In accordance with your student visa, you may be entitled to work a maximum of 48 hours a fortnight (equivalent to approximately three full days per week). 

For information on the permission to work arrangements for student visa holders, please visit the Australian Government’s Department of Home Affairs website.

Part-time work can help to offset the cost of living, and it’s an excellent way to meet new people, improve your English skills, and broaden your understanding of Australian culture.

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