University of South Australia

UniSA offers a wide variety of courses, including Aboriginal Studies, Animation, Arabic Studies, Art & Design, Asian Studies, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Communications, Computer Science, Drama, Environmental Systems, Film & Television, Gender Studies, Geoscience, Human Movement, Information Systems, International Studies, Justice, Librarianship, Linguistics, Math, Outdoor Education, Performing Arts, Physics, Psychology, Public Relations, Religious Studies, Sociology, Sport Studies, Social Work*, and more. Explore course offerings online here.

Haskayne Students: A Haskayne Specific Exchange is available at UniSA. Students can take two senior commerce and/or non-commerce options, and/or a maximum of 2 concentration courses (not ACCT/PLMA). Review your course selection with a Haskayne exchange advisor before your exchange commences to confirm transfer credit. Find your Haskayne exchange advisor online. 

Social Work Students: There is a Social Work Practicum at UniSA. As of 2021, this option is only available for Masters level students. Please speak with the UCalgary Social Work Practicum Advisor if you are interested in this, as selection is done through the faculty.

When searching for courses, ensure that you are checking the semester it is offered (Study Period 2 = Winter, Study Period 5 = Fall) and that all your desired courses are offered at the same campus (City East is main campus). You can also see courses popular with exchange students in UniSA's exchange brochure here on page 24.

Course Requirements: Course credits at UniSA are called "units". Exchange students are expected to take 18 units (typically 4 courses) per semester. 4 courses at UniSA = 5 courses at UCalgary; students may be allows to take 3 courses at UniSA = 3 courses at UCalgary. 

"Exchange Plus" Internship Program: Accepted exchange students for UniSA may also be able to participate in the Exchange Plus program. Exchange Plus at UniSA is designed to provide you with a range of services to increase your future employment prospects by completing, alongside your studies, a four week (20 day) Internship. As places are limited, please express your interest to the exchange advisor upon or before nomination. Further information will also be provided during Orientation - additional cost is $2000 AUD. 

The academic year at UniSA is divided into several study periods; exchange students will attend Study Period 2 and/or Study Period 5.

• Study Period 2 runs from early March to early July. 
• Study Period 5 runs from late July to late November.

Students can start in either semester, however full-year students must start in March.

UniSA does not manage any student housing. However, they provide advice and assistance to help students find their own housing, including managing an online rental database for both shared and private accommodations. Options may range from residential complexes, apartments, homestays, and more. There may private or shared housing available as well as self, semi-, or fully-catered meal options. Because of the range in housing types, and the variance by location in and around Adelaide, rental fees can vary drastically. Students are encouraged to look into the detailed information providedonline for their desired housing types.

Rooms offered by Urbanest, UniSA's main provider of student accommodation, range from $199 AUD to $489 AUD per week.

At the main city campus, Pridham Hall offers a 25m 5-lane swimming pool, fitness centre, rock climbing wall, and multi-purpose courts! There are also multiple food vendors across campus.

This exchange is open to regular, full-time students in any faculty at the U of C, who have completed at least 1 full year (10 courses) at the post-secondary level, with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5.

Haskayne Students: There are additional eligibility requirements – see the Haskayne Outgoing Exchange Students page for details. When applying in the online application portal, be sure to select the Haskayne version of this exchange. If you do not meet the eligibility requirements, you may be able to participate in the non-Haskayne version of this exchange; contact your Haskayne exchange advisor to discuss.

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 (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. Check out some of Adelaide's best festivals at this link! 

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. 

What resources are available for new students?

UniSA runs an orientation O-Week for incoming students before the semester starts, which includes plenty of informative and social events. They also offer extensive events for students during the academic year.

What supports or services are available at UniSA?

UniSA's Disability Hub provides comprehensive support for students with disabilities. Several of UniSA's campuses have Access Maps that indicate full-access facilities (click on the campus to view its maps).

Also, please note that UniSA has a smoke-free campus policy. Smoking on campus is not permitted.

Student Experience Quotes

"Adelaide is great in that even though it is a small city, there is so much to do inside and outside of Adelaide! I would recommend using Facebook to keep up with events going on in the city. The Fringe takes place from February-March every year I believe and it brings people from all over! It is similar to Stampede in terms of city spirit. Go check it out and see a few shows if you can! I enjoyed going to the Barossa Valley, surfing, kayaking in the dolphin sanctuary and the ships graveyard, doing a Great Ocean Road tour to Melbourne (G’s Adventures was amazing!), going to the central market and Plant 4 Bowden Market, the zoo (there is also an open zoo where you ride in a safari cart around the open exhibits - I wanted to do this, but didn’t have time). There are also hikes that are accessible by bus close to the city. Kangaroo Island is about a 1.5 hour drive from the city to get to the ferry and I would highly recommend going on a tour there! It is beautiful! Glenelg beach is also stunning and is one of the first places I went to when I got to Adelaide and never got bored with it!"

"I wish I had brought warm clothes (more sweaters, long sleeved shirts, and jackets). I was surprised that it was actually cold in Australia in May, June, and July! I also wish I packed my rain boots and more formal clothes as well. The last thing I wish I packed was a reusable mug or a tea infuser. I don't think there were any items that I could not get in Australia that I did not bring."

"Climate wise- it is really hot in January/February and even in March still. However, it will get cold! 10-15 degrees Celsius does not seem cold- however, in Australia- it feels very cold! The houses are not insulated the best there either, so bring warm clothes/gloves/scarves too!".