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University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide, founded in 1874, is one of Australia's prestigious sandstone universities and a proud member of the Group of Eight. With five Nobel laureates among its alumni and faculty — more than any other Australian university per capita — Adelaide has a distinguished history of academic excellence.
Located on North Terrace in Adelaide's cultural boulevard, the university combines heritage sandstone architecture with cutting-edge facilities. Home to over 28,000 students from 100+ countries, Adelaide offers a supportive, high-quality educational experience in one of the world's most liveable cities.
1874
Founded
#89
World Ranking
28K+
Total Students
5
Nobel Laureates
Sandstone Heritage
Founded in 1874, Adelaide is one of Australia's sandstone universities with a rich heritage. Its North Terrace campus sits on Adelaide's cultural boulevard, surrounded by the Art Gallery, Museum, and State Library, blending historic architecture with modern facilities.
Nobel Laureate Legacy
Adelaide has produced five Nobel laureates — more than any other Australian university per capita. This tradition of research excellence continues through 100+ research centres, including the Robinson Research Institute and the Australian Institute for Machine Learning.
ATAR & Admission Requirements
| Undergraduate Program | ATAR Requirement | Additional Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) | 85.00 | Direct entry with specialisations from year one |
| Bachelor of Computer Science | 85.00 | Maths Methods prerequisite |
| Bachelor of Commerce | 80.00 | Majors in Accounting, Finance, International Business |
| Bachelor of Laws | 92.00 | Direct entry; dual degree options |
| Bachelor of Dental Surgery | 95.00 | Highly competitive; UCAT ANZ and interview |
Note: ATAR requirements reflect recent entry data. Competitive programs like Dental Surgery and Medicine require additional testing (UCAT ANZ) and interviews beyond ATAR.
International Pathways
- Adelaide College FoundationGuaranteed entry via foundation studies program
- Adelaide College DiplomaDirect pathway into second year of select degrees
- A-LevelsABB to A*AA depending on program
- IB Diploma24-39+ points with specific HL requirements
- Mature Age EntrySTAT or Adult Entry Pathway for 21+ students
English Requirements
- IELTS AcademicOverall 6.5, no band below 6.0 (some 7.0+)
- TOEFL iBT79+ with writing 21, speaking 18, reading 13, listening 13
- PTE Academic58+ with no communicative skill below 50
- Cambridge EnglishC1 Advanced 176+ overall
- English MediumExemptions for previous English study
The Adelaide Experience
North Terrace Campus
Adelaide's main North Terrace campus is located in the heart of the city's cultural precinct, surrounded by the Art Gallery, Museum, and State Library. The campus blends historic sandstone buildings with modern facilities and offers easy access to Adelaide's markets, parklands, and world-famous festivals.
- Heritage sandstone architecture on North Terrace
- 100+ student clubs and societies
- Access to Adelaide’s vibrant festival culture
Wine & Agricultural Leader
Adelaide is a global leader in wine research through the renowned Waite Research Institute. The university's expertise in viticulture, oenology, and agricultural sciences attracts students from around the world, with strong industry connections in South Australia's premium wine regions.
- Waite Research Institute — global wine research leader
- Australia’s leading viticulture & oenology program
- Strong agribusiness and food science connections
Explore by Faculty
Arts, Business, Law & Economics
- Humanities & social sciences
- Business & economics
- Law & legal studies
- Economics & finance
- Teacher education
Health & Medical Sciences
- Medicine & surgery
- Dentistry & oral health
- Nursing & allied health
- Psychology & counselling
- Public health
Sciences, Engineering & Technology
- Engineering disciplines
- Computer science & AI
- Biological sciences
- Physics & chemistry
- Mathematics & statistics
Application Process & Deadlines
Key Dates
Early August
SATAC applications open
August–September
School Recommendation Scheme
December–January
Change of preference deadline
Mid-January
Main round offers released
Late February
Orientation Week
Late February
Semester 1 begins
Application Steps
Explore Programs
Research Adelaide programs and entry requirements for your chosen degree
Prepare Documents
Gather academic transcripts, English test results, and supporting materials
Submit Application
Apply through SATAC for domestic or directly to Adelaide for international
Receive Your Offer
Offers released in rounds from September to February
Prepare for Arrival
Enrol in courses, arrange accommodation, and attend O-Week
Tips for a Strong Application
ATAR Strategy
Aim 5+ points above the minimum — Dental Surgery and Law require significantly higher ATARs.
School Recommendation
SATAC School Recommendation Scheme offers early offers based on school assessment.
Prerequisites Check
Engineering needs Maths Methods; Dental Surgery needs Chemistry.
Scholarships
Adelaide International Scholarship covers up to 50% of tuition fees.
Your Path to University of Adelaide
The University of Adelaide offers a world-class education with a rich heritage of Nobel laureates and research excellence. From its sandstone North Terrace campus to its globally recognised wine research, Adelaide prepares graduates for leadership roles worldwide in a more affordable, liveable city.
Plan Ahead
Start preparing 12–18 months before your intended start date
Excel Academically
Focus on prerequisite subjects and maintain strong grades
Apply Strategically
Submit a well-prepared application before deadlines
Pro Tip: The University of Adelaide values academic excellence and intellectual curiosity. With five Nobel laureates, Adelaide has a proud tradition of breakthrough research — start exploring your research interests early.