Adelaide University
Adelaide University is a new university that will deliver Australia's most accessible, contemporary and future-focused teaching and learning experience. Adelaide's avid cycle culture and natural attractions makes it one of the world's coolest cities.
Adelaide University is where ideas become action, through our world-class research and collaborations. It's South Australia’s largest university with seven campuses across the state.
Often thought of as the "Amsterdam of Australia", Adelaide's plethora of botanical gardens, parks, and cycle pathways has led to its reputation as the world's 5th most livable city in the world (tied with Calgary!).
Adelaide University is located just South of the Barossa valley next to the coast, with an eclectic Central Market and great access by public transit to Glenelg beach, many find that it lives up to its informal moniker - "Radelaide".
Take in a match at the "prettiest cricket stadium in the world" Adelaide Oval, or explore the galleries and botanical gardens of the North Terrace, all located close to the university.
Key information
Program details
Adelaide University offers courses from a wide range of study areas. You can select all your courses from one study area, or you can select courses from different study areas to meet your individual academic needs and interests, provided timetabling permits. Codes that start with a 1, 2, 3, or 4 are generally undergraduate and codes that start with a 5, 6, or 7 are postgraduate.
- Accounting, Commerce & Economics
- Agriculture, Animal and Veterinary Science
- Allied Health
- Architecture & Design
- Arts, Humanities & Social Sciences
- Aviation
- Business, Marketing & Management
- Computer Science & Information Technology
- Creative, Media & Communication
- Engineering
- Health & Biomedical Sciences
- Law & Justice
- Mathematics & Data Science
- Music
- Nursing & Midwifery
- Nutrition & Food Science
- Property, Construction & Real Estate
- Psychology & Social Work
- Science, Environment & Sustainability
- Teaching & Education
- Tourism, Sports & Events.
Not all AU courses are available to study abroad and exchange students. Available courses will be identified in the course information section on the course page. The ‘Fee Group’ label applies only to study abroad (fee-paying) students.
Adelaide University is a multi-campus University. Study abroad and exchange students can study courses across multiple academic units. When choosing your courses, please pay attention to the campus where the course is being taught as you may need to consider travel time. We suggest that you select courses offered at no more than two different campuses. The campus information is displayed in the course information section on each course page.
Closed Programs:
• Veterinary studies
• Dental Surgery
• Medicine (unless specifically covered in a reciprocal exchange agreement)
Research, placements, and internship courses are not available to study abroad and exchange students. Practical courses are available only on a case-by-case basis.
Course Requirements: Courses at Adelaide are usually worth 6 units - exchange students are expected to take a minimum of 18 Adelaide units per semester (typically 3 courses), which are equivalent to 12 units at UCalgary (4 courses); and a maximum of 24 units (typically 4 courses), equivalent to 15 units at UCalgary (5 courses).
The academic year is divided into 2 semesters.
- Semester 1 runs from mid-February to late June
- Semester 2 runs from late July to late November
Students can start in either semester, however full-year students must start in February.
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Costs
Exchange students pay their tuition and academic fees to the University of Calgary. Other expenses are paid directly to the service provider.
Adelaide offers the cheapest living costs of Australia's major cities, though it is recommended that students budget a minimum of AUS$6000-8000 per semester to pay for accommodation and living expenses.
A typical weekly budget at Adelaide might look like this:
Expense Cost (low - high)
Accommodation (shared/single) 135 AUD - 385 AUD
Public Transit 20 AUD - 35 AUD
Food (not including restaurants) 90 AUD - 135 AUD
Utilities 40 AUD - 55 AUD
Mobile Phone & Internet 20 AUD - 40 AUD
Clothes & Entertainment 50 AUD or more
Total estimate weekly in AUD: 355 AUD - 700 AUD
Adelaide cost comparison vs. Calgary: Click HereAdditionally, Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for all students studying in Australia and will be applied for at the time of application to your host university.
Also, don't forget to include things like flights, visas, insurance, vaccinations, etc. in your budget planning.
NOTE: The Australian government has increased the cost of the student visa to $2000 AUD (approx. $1830 CAD).
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Funding
Did you know that you can take your UCalgary funding with you on exchange? Since you remain a degree-seeking student at UCalgary while on exchange, you remain eligible for any awards and scholarships you are eligible to receive from the university as well as student loans.
Our office administers several awards, including the Global Access Fund and the Global Learning Award. Students may only receive these awards once. Please see the funding page, linked below, for more information.
Adelaide can offer advice on the various types of accommodation available, helping you find the best match for your needs and budget. The two most popular types of accommodation for study abroad and exchange students are:
Student Accommodation
Provided exclusively for students, student accommodation offers a supportive environment designed to help you transition smoothly into university life. With convenient locations, fully furnished rooms, inclusive fees, and a built-in community of like-minded students, you'll have all the support you need for your academic journey.
Private Rental Accommodation
Private rental accommodation refers to domestic residential properties available to rent, or individual bedrooms in established households offered as share accommodation. This option provides flexibility and independence, allowing you to choose a living arrangement that fits your lifestyle.
Visit the Accommodation webpage to learn more.
This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at UCalgary, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.
For applicants from the UCalgary Faculty of Law, a minimum GPA of 2.7 is required, as well as an academic reference letter. Please click here to view the reference letter guidelines & submission instructions. It must be submitted at the time of your application to UCalgary.
What's special about Adelaide?
Tied with Calgary for one of the top 5 most livable cities in the world, Adelaide is often informally referred to as the "Food and wine capital of Australia" for its abundant markets and wineries, and the "Amsterdam of Australia" for its flat terrain and expansive cycle culture. Bike rentals can be found throughout the city (note cycling without a helmet is illegal in Australia!) and the relatively calm traffic and plentiful bike paths make it an accessible form of transit. Adelaide is also one of the most affordable cities in Australia (14% more affordable overall compared to over major cities in Australia, or for a detailed breakdown: 21% cheaper than Melbourne, 23% cheaper than Sydney, 4% cheaper than Brisbane and Perth), saving you money for travelling across the continent.
Adelaide Central Market is South Australia's most visited landmark, is one of the country's oldest (since 1869) and largest fresh produce markets, making it a mecca for foodies and connoiseurs, with unique offerings and culinary delights you can't easily find elsewhere in Australia. Also, check out some of Adelaide's best festivals and events across South Australia!
Adelaide has a Mediterranean climate, ranging from 10 degrees as a winter average up to 25-30 degrees as a summer average. However, it's still a good idea to pack a light jacket, hoodie, and jeans as insulation in Australian buildings tends to be less common than in Canada.
For information about Halal food availability in Adelaide, check out the "Muslim students' guide to Adelaide", which is published online by the organization Study Adelaide.
Support Services
At Adelaide University, we want you have the best possible experience studying and living in South Australia. Feel welcomed to Adelaide University with pre-arrival information and our exciting Orientation program that will connect you with fellow students, staff and programs.
We also provide a specialist help service to assist you with any issues that could impact the conditions of your student visa.
As an international student, you’ll have opportunities to get involved in a range of social programs – from clubs and societies to sport. Get ready to make meaningful connections with your peers while exploring all that South Australia has to offer.
We offer a range of student support services and resources to help you along your journey at Adelaide University.
Find out more on our Student Services page.
Have questions?
The exchange advisor for this program is: Veronica V. Cardoso
How to Apply
Download the application guide
This PDF contains information on how to complete your application and what to do after you have applied.
Identify three programs of interest
We recommend applying for your top three programs for the priority application deadline, as placement may be competitive. We will assess your applications in ranked order.
Check requirements and deadlines
These may vary by program, so check the individual program pages and make sure that you are aware of any different application deadlines or eligibility requirements.
Start your application
Once you have gathered everything you need, you can begin your application!
Please note: Applications will not be considered complete until all required documents are submitted in full.
International travel presents challenges that may not be found when attending classes on campus. There may be a lack of resources, emergency services, hospitals, accessibility issues and/or demands on the physical and the mental self, all of which can challenge individuals when away from their usual support systems and structures. Adequate preparation is essential.
For this reason, it is imperative that you evaluate all aspects of your own physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual condition against the rigors of the particular global learning program you are selecting. If you are unsure of whether or not this program is a good fit for you and/or if you have any circumstances that could impede your enjoyment of the program, please contact us. Our Global Learning Advisors will be happy to assist in finding the best options for you and arrange any supports or accommodations necessary to ensure your success.
If you have or are seeking a certificate from Student Accessibility Services, you should provide this early to your Global Learning Advisor to ensure that the option that you are seeking can support your needs.
Please note: All participants must adhere to COVID-19 and other vaccination-related requirements for the destinations visited on this program. Failure to do so may have consequences such as being denied access to accommodation/housing, program activities, or to the host country itself.