Exchange guide The University of Adelaide
Courses, housing, visa, campus life and exchange basics for studying at The University of Adelaide in Adelaide, Australia.
City
AdelaideCountry
AustraliaInternational
Approx. 16,600+ international students across the merged Adelaide University network (~25โ30% international representation) from 90+ countries.
Enrollment
Approx. 27,000โ29,000 students in the legacy University of Adelaide cohort, expanding to ~70,000 students across the combined Adelaide University network in 2026.
Study abroad at The University of Adelaide: overview
Study abroad at The University of Adelaide (operating within the newly unified Adelaide University network from 2026) places you on the historic North Terrace cultural boulevard in the heart of Adelaide. Combining Group of Eight research prestige in AI, viticulture, engineering, health and law with a walkable city campus and Australiaโs most affordable 28-day student transit pass (AUD 28.50), it is a standout choice for exchange and Study Abroad students.
Enrollment
Approx. 27,000โ29,000 students in the legacy University of Adelaide cohort, expanding to ~70,000 students across the combined Adelaide University network in 2026.
International Mix
Approx. 16,600+ international students across the merged Adelaide University network (~25โ30% international representation) from 90+ countries.
Why students choose it
Flagship North Terrace campus in the Adelaide CBD cultural boulevard (plus City East/West, Waite agricultural precinct and Roseworthy veterinary campus). Ideal for Engineering, Computer Science & AI, Viticulture & Wine Science, Health Sciences, Law and Business.
Language of instruction: English
Exchange & application at The University of Adelaide
Inbound exchange nominations close on 15 October (application by 1 November) for Semester 1 and 15 April (application by 1 May) for Semester 2. Prepare a 12-unit (4-course) study plan plus backup courses.
Official links
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Open page
Exchange page
The universityโs own page for incoming exchange students.
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See courses
Course catalogue
The official list of courses. Check which ones are open to exchange students and taught in a language you speak.
โ Requirements
Official home-university nomination (for exchange), completion of at least one year of tertiary study with good academic standing (typically GPA 2.5/4.0 or credit average), official academic transcript, English-language proficiency (generally IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 or equivalent), passport and proposed course list.
๐จNomination Process
Your home university submits your nomination to the Study Overseas / Inbound Mobility team first. You then receive the online application link to submit your transcript, English proof and preferred courses for academic assessment.
๐งญOrientation Week
Recommended arrival: Arrive 7โ10 days before Semester 1 (mid-February) or Semester 2 (mid-July) to attend compulsory Study Overseas Orientation and OโWeek on North Terrace.
Compulsory Inbound Exchange & Study Abroad Welcome Session covers MyAdelaide enrolment, campus safety, OSHC activation and Adelaide Metro student concession setup.
Events hub: https://www.adelaide.edu.au/orientation/
๐๏ธDeadlines by intake
| Intake | Nomination deadline | Application deadline |
|---|---|---|
| 1st semester | 15 October of the preceding year (for February Semester 1 entry; check earlier home-university deadlines). | 1 November of the preceding year for February Semester 1 intake. |
| 2nd semester | 15 April of the same year (for July Semester 2 entry; check earlier home-university deadlines). | 1 May of the same year for July Semester 2 intake. |
Arrival Checklist
- Accept your Offer, arrange OSHC covering your full visa dates and obtain your Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500) before departure.
- Book the free University Arrival Service pickup from Adelaide Airport or catch the JetBus J1/J2 into the CBD (20 minutes).
- Log in to MyAdelaide / Access Adelaide to finalise your 12-unit (4-course) enrolment and tutorial/lab timetable.
- Collect your student ID card at Hub Central on North Terrace and buy a Tertiary Student metroCARD for 50% transit fares and the AUD 28.50 28-day pass.
- Explore the OโWeek club stalls along the Goodman Crescent Lawns and Math Lawns to join YouX clubs and sports.
Academics & courses at The University of Adelaide
Full-time semester enrolment is 12 units (4 courses ร 3 units). Most undergraduate courses are taught on North Terrace, while specialist agricultural/wine courses run at Waite Campus (25 minutes by bus).
๐Course Registration
A standard full-time semester load is 12 units (typically 4 courses worth 3 units each; minimum 9 units / 3 courses where approved for Study Abroad and home-university credit transfer). Courses in Wine/Viticulture at Waite, Music at the Elder Conservatorium, or Health Sciences may have strict prerequisites or campus-specific schedules.
๐Credit System
Standard full-time semester load is 12 University of Adelaide units (4 courses ร 3 units), equivalent to 30 ECTS in Europe or 12โ15 US semester credits.
๐ฏGrading System
Marks are awarded on a percentage scale with five passing/failing grades: HD (High Distinction, 85โ100%), D (Distinction, 75โ84%), C (Credit, 65โ74%), P (Pass, 50โ64%), and F (Fail, <50%).
โ๏ธExam Culture
Courses combine continuous coursework (tutorials, lab practicals, group assignments and mid-semester tests) with a formal two-to-three-week exam period in June (Semester 1) or November (Semester 2).
๐Library Access
Barr Smith Library and the underground Hub Central learning commons on North Terrace offer 24/7 student swipe spaces, peer study booths, Writing Centre drop-ins and specialist law, music and Waite agricultural libraries.
Tuition & fees at The University of Adelaide
Nominated partner exchange students pay AUD 0 tuition to the host university, while visiting Study Abroad students pay a fixed 3-course or 4-course semester fee. Everyday living and transit costs in Adelaide are substantially lower than in Sydney or Melbourne.
| Student Type | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| EXCHANGE | AUD 0 host tuition (waived under bilateral exchange agreement) | Reciprocal exchange students continue paying normal tuition to their home university; OSHC insurance, housing and visa costs are separate. |
| Study Abroad (visiting fee-paying) | Approx. AUD 10,500โ13,900 per semester (9 or 12 units) | Fee-paying visiting Study Abroad students pay a fixed semester package fee depending on whether they take 3 courses (9 units) or 4 courses (12 units). |
| Full degree โ international | AUD 39,000โ52,500 / year (programme-specific) | Annual international degree fees depend on faculty and discipline; check the official course finder for exact 2026 annual tuition. |
AUD 0 host tuition (waived under bilateral exchange agreement)
Reciprocal exchange students continue paying normal tuition to their home university; OSHC insurance, housing and visa costs are separate.
Approx. AUD 10,500โ13,900 per semester (9 or 12 units)
Fee-paying visiting Study Abroad students pay a fixed semester package fee depending on whether they take 3 courses (9 units) or 4 courses (12 units).
AUD 39,000โ52,500 / year (programme-specific)
Annual international degree fees depend on faculty and discipline; check the official course finder for exact 2026 annual tuition.
Fees change annually โ verify current rates on the official exchange office page
Student housing at The University of Adelaide
Choose between The University of Adelaide Village in the CBD West End, five catered residential colleges in North Adelaide, CBD student residences (Scape, Yugo, Switch) along North Terrace, or shared houses in Prospect, Mile End and Brompton.
The University of Adelaide offers official housing
Official University of Adelaide Village townhouses/apartments in the CBD West End (~AUD 315โ420/week with utilities) plus five affiliated residential colleges in North Adelaide and partner PBSA (Scape, Yugo, Switch).
Apply for housingFull housing guide
Find housing in Adelaide
Official contacts, student residences, private platforms, tips & red flags.
Insurance & campus support at The University of Adelaide
Hub Central on North Terrace houses Ask Adelaide, International Student Support, the Writing Centre and 24/7 study commons, with on-campus GP and counselling clinics next door in the Horace Lamb Building.
๐ก๏ธMandatory Insurance
Yes โ Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the full length of your Australian Student Visa (Subclass 500).
๐ฅCampus Clinic
University Health Practice (Horace Lamb Building, North Terrace) provides on-campus doctors, nurses and direct billing for preferred OSHC cards.
๐ง Mental Health
University Counselling Support (Ground Floor, Horace Lamb Building) provides free confidential counselling, crisis triage and Disability Support academic adjustments.
Medibank or Allianz Care Australia OSHC (University preferred providers arranged with offer acceptance)
Bupa, nib or ahm government-approved OSHC policies
Limited reciprocal national insurance exemptions for eligible Norwegian, Swedish or Belgian students per Home Affairs rules
Campus services
Study Overseas & Inbound Exchange Office
Partner nominations, Study Abroad admissions, course approvals, Learning Agreement signatures and orientation.
Ask Adelaide & Hub Central (North Terrace)
Central student hub for ID cards, enrolment help, transcripts, metroCARD student verification and 24/7 study spaces.
University Accommodation Service
Applications for The University of Adelaide Village, residential college referrals and free private lease checks.
YouX (Adelaide University Union / Student Life)
Over 150 student clubs, Student Care welfare advocacy, free breakfast bars, equipment loans and OโWeek festivals.
International Student Support (ISS) & Writing Centre
Dedicated international student advisors, visa compliance guidance, peer mentoring and drop-in academic writing help in Hub Central.
Student life at The University of Adelaide
Student life blends 150+ YouX clubs, the active Exchange and Study Abroad Club (ESAC), Torrens riverfront sports and immediate access to Adelaide Fringe, Rundle Mall and Glenelg Beach.
Student Clubs
- 150+ YouX student clubs including the Exchange and Study Abroad Club (ESAC).
- Adelaide University Mountain Club and Outdoor clubs for hiking and climbing in the Adelaide Hills and Flinders Ranges.
- StudyAdelaide city-wide international student mixers, beach days and regional tours.
Buddy Program
The Universityโs Peer Mentor and Language & Cultural Engagement (LCE) programmes pair new international and exchange students with current Adelaide students during Orientation and throughout the semester.
Sports & Recreation
- Adelaide University Sport & Fitness (The Fitness Hub on North Terrace plus over 35 sporting clubs from rowing on the River Torrens to surfing, rugby and ultimate frisbee).
- Park Lands playing fields and the River Torrens Linear Park cycling/running trail immediately behind the North Terrace campus.
- Annual intervarsity sports competitions and social night-league futsal and basketball.
Public Groups & Communities
Your First 2 Weeks
- Attend Inbound Exchange Orientation and OโWeek on North Terrace.
- Pick up your student ID at Hub Central and buy your Adelaide Metro Tertiary Student metroCARD (AUD 28.50 / 28-day pass).
- Verify your 12-unit course enrolment and campus locations in MyAdelaide.
- Join the Exchange and Study Abroad Club (ESAC) and YouX clubs.
- Visit Adelaide Central Market and Glenelg Beach via the tram.
Key exchange dates at The University of Adelaide
Target the 1 November (Semester 1) and 1 May (Semester 2) application deadlines, arrive for mid-February or mid-July OโWeek, and remain onshore through the end of the June or November exam period.
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1
Semester 1 nomination & application
Nomination by 15 October; application by 1 November (prior year)
Applies to February Semester 1 start; arrives right as Adelaide Fringe and Adelaide Festival transform the East End.
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2
Semester 1 OโWeek, classes & exams
OโWeek mid-February; classes late FebโMay; exams in June
Warm late-summer arrival; do not book flights before final June examination dates.
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3
Semester 2 nomination & application
Nomination by 15 April; application by 1 May (same year)
Applies to July Semester 2 start; apply early for University Village or North Adelaide colleges.
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4
Semester 2 OโWeek, classes & exams
OโWeek mid-July; classes late JulyโOctober; exams in November
Starts during Illuminate Adelaide in July and finishes in sunny November weather.
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