Are you considering Adelaide for your studies in Australia? With 121 CRICOS-registered providers and over 2,400 active courses, Adelaide offers a vibrant and affordable study destination for international students. Australia has over 1,500 CRICOS-registered providers offering more than 26,000 courses to international students, and Adelaide is home to a significant share of these opportunities. Known for its relaxed lifestyle, world-class universities, and growing industries, Adelaide is a city that balances academic excellence with a high quality of life. Whether you're looking to study a bachelor's degree at the University of Adelaide, a vocational course at TAFE SA, or an English language program, Adelaide has options for every level. In this guide, we'll explore why Adelaide is a great choice, the providers and courses available, living costs, transport, and how to apply. All data is sourced from the official CRICOS register as at April 2026, ensuring you get accurate and trustworthy information. Let's dive in.
Counted from the official register for Adelaide: 2,407 non-expired CRICOS courses across 121 providers.
Most common course levels
Planning baseline from the CRICOS register [CRICOS register, Apr 2026]. Confirm fees, intakes and visa settings with the provider and government sources before applying.
Ranked by active CRICOS course coverage for Adelaide on the April 2026 register snapshot. Recalculated this build (2026-10-07). Use this as a shortlist, then confirm current fees and intakes with each provider.
Commercial disclosure: Payment does not affect this ranking or inclusion. Ordering is coverage-based from the CRICOS register — not an endorsement or quality score. How we rank · Is this legit?
Adelaide University is a government CRICOS provider with 470 active courses matched to Adelaide. Indicative course totals on register from A$12,110 to A$592,590. Common levels include Non AQF Award, Associate Degree, Bachelor Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 04249J, Government, 470 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
University of South Australia (UniSA)
University of South Australia (UniSA) is a government CRICOS provider with 217 active courses matched to Adelaide. Indicative course totals on register from A$1 to A$231,000. Common levels include Graduate Diploma, Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree (Coursework).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00121B, Government, 217 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Flinders University is a government CRICOS provider with 144 active courses matched to Adelaide. Indicative course totals on register from A$5,655 to A$301,869. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Masters Degree (Coursework), Bachelor Honours Degree.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00114A, Government, 144 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Torrens University Australia Limited
Torrens University Australia Limited is a private CRICOS provider with 108 active courses matched to Adelaide. Indicative course totals on register from A$500 to A$129,000. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Diploma, Masters Degree (Coursework).
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03389E, Private, 108 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
SAE Institute Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 54 active courses matched to Adelaide. Indicative course totals on register from A$12,498 to A$85,249. Common levels include Bachelor Degree, Associate Degree, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 00312F, Private, 54 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Young Rabbit Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 47 active courses matched to Adelaide. Indicative course totals on register from A$4,100 to A$23,130. Common levels include Non AQF Award, Diploma, Advanced Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 01331F, Private, 47 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Greenwich College Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 44 active courses matched to Adelaide. Indicative course totals on register from A$1,660 to A$28,000. Common levels include Non AQF Award, Certificate IV, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 02672K, Private, 44 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Mechanical Institute of Training and Technology Pty Ltd
Mechanical Institute of Training and Technology Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 35 active courses matched to Adelaide. Indicative course totals on register from A$9,250 to A$21,000. Common levels include Certificate IV, Certificate III, Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03529J, Private, 35 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Kaplan Business School Pty Ltd
Kaplan Business School Pty Ltd is a private CRICOS provider with 33 active courses matched to Adelaide. Indicative course totals on register from A$9,900 to A$75,180. Common levels include Masters Degree (Coursework), Graduate Diploma, Graduate Certificate.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 02426B, Private, 33 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
SALFORD COLLEGE PTY LTD is a private CRICOS provider with 32 active courses matched to Adelaide. Indicative course totals on register from A$4,150 to A$38,500. Common levels include Non AQF Award, Diploma, Advanced Diploma.
How this listing is sourced: Official CRICOS register (Apr 2026) — provider code 03076M, Private, 32 non-expired course listings for this page filter.
Similar to a register-first directory: every claim you can act on should be checkable against an official source. Full ranking rules: methodology.
Maintained by HeadStart Academy editorial · Snapshot recalculated this build (2026-10-07).
| Item | Indicative Weekly Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared or studio) | $250 – $450 |
| Groceries | $70 – $110 |
| Transport (public, with concession) | $30 – $50 |
| Total (excluding tuition) | $400 – $750 |
Adelaide, the capital of South Australia, is home to approximately 1.4 million people, including a thriving international student community. The city enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild winters and warm summers, making it pleasant year-round. Key industries include health and medical research, defence, advanced manufacturing, and creative arts. Adelaide is also known for its affordable cost of living compared to Sydney and Melbourne, with lower rent and transport costs. The city has dedicated student precincts like the Adelaide CBD, North Terrace, and the Adelaide University campus cluster. Public transport is student-friendly with concessions available. Adelaide's airport connects to major Asian and domestic hubs. Additionally, South Australia offers generous post-study work opportunities through the regional migration system, as parts of South Australia are classified as regional. This means eligible graduates may access an additional year of post-study work rights. For international students, Adelaide provides a safe, welcoming environment with strong support services through institutions and the South Australian Government's StudyAdelaide initiative. Greater Adelaide encompasses the city and its suburbs, all well-connected by public transport.
There are 121 CRICOS-registered providers delivering courses in Adelaide, comprising 9 government institutions and 112 private providers. All are registered on the Commonwealth Register of Institutions and Courses for Overseas Students (CRICOS), ensuring they meet Australian Government standards for international student education. Well-known providers include:
These institutions offer a wide range of courses from English language to PhD. When choosing a provider, always verify their CRICOS registration status at cricos.teqsa.gov.au to ensure your rights are protected under the ESOS Act.
Adelaide offers approximately 2,407 active courses across all study levels, from Foundation programs to Doctorates. The most popular fields of study include Management and Commerce (business, accounting, marketing), Health (nursing, medicine, public health), Information Technology, Engineering, and Society and Culture (psychology, social work). Many courses are available at bachelor's, master's, and diploma levels. For example, the University of Adelaide offers 1,200+ courses, while TAFE SA provides hundreds of vocational certificates and diplomas. You can also find English language courses (ELICOS) at various colleges. All courses listed are CRICOS-registered, meaning international students can study them on a Student visa (Subclass 500). Use HeadStart Academy's course search to filter by field, level, and city to find the right program for you.
Adelaide is one of Australia's more affordable capital cities. The indicative weekly living costs for a single international student are:
| Item | Indicative Weekly Cost (AUD) |
|---|---|
| Rent (shared or studio) | $250 – $450 |
| Groceries | $70 – $110 |
| Transport (public, with concession) | $30 – $50 |
| Total (excluding tuition) | $400 – $750 |
These are estimates and vary based on lifestyle and accommodation type. Adelaide offers cheaper rent than Sydney or Melbourne, and student concessions on public transport further reduce costs. Always budget for Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC), which is mandatory for student visa holders. For accurate and up-to-date cost information, visit the Department of Home Affairs or the StudyAdelaide website.
Adelaide has a well-connected public transport network of trains, trams, and buses operated by Adelaide Metro. Students can purchase a concession metroCard for discounted fares. The city centre is compact, making it easy to walk or cycle to many campuses. Major universities are located in or near the CBD:
Travel times from the city to outer campuses vary from 10 minutes (by train to Flinders) to 40 minutes (by bus to Mawson Lakes). The Adelaide Free Tram runs through the city centre, and the O-Bahn busway serves the north-east suburbs.
Adelaide offers a unique combination of affordability, quality education, and lifestyle. Pros include lower cost of living, smaller class sizes, a tight-knit student community, and access to regional post-study work benefits. The city is known for its festivals, food scene, and nearby natural attractions like the Barossa Valley and Kangaroo Island. However, consider the cons: fewer job opportunities compared to Sydney or Melbourne, especially in specialised fields, and a quieter nightlife. The weather can be hot in summer (up to 40°C) and cool in winter. Your choice depends on your priorities: if you value a relaxed, affordable environment with strong support for international students, Adelaide is an excellent choice. If you prefer a larger city with more corporate opportunities and vibrant nightlife, Sydney or Melbourne might suit better. Always research your field of study and employment prospects in South Australia before deciding.
Follow these three steps to begin your study journey in Adelaide:
Use HeadStart Academy's search tools to find providers in Adelaide that offer your desired course level and field. Check CRICOS status to ensure the provider is approved to enrol international students.
Once you've shortlisted providers, review their entry requirements: academic qualifications, English language proficiency (e.g., IELTS, TOEFL), and application deadlines. Submit your application online or through a registered agent.
If accepted, the institution will issue a CoE. You then apply for your student visa through the Department of Home Affairs, providing evidence of enrolment, OSHC, financial capacity, and genuine temporary entrant (GTE) statement. Visa processing times vary; apply well in advance. For visa assistance, consult a registered migration agent (MARA).
Ready to explore courses in Adelaide? Use HeadStart Academy's search tool to find your ideal CRICOS-registered course today.