Adelaide awaits: 5 reasons the South Australian capital is the best place for international students

There’s a reason why 54,000 internationals now study in Adelaide and call the city home. With its relaxed and affordable lifestyle, the South Australian capital is well-known as one of the most liveable cities in the world, with greater affordability compared to other Australian cities, a dynamic arts, culture and sporting scene, strong sense of community spirit and world-class education offerings.

And now there is one more reason for international students to consider Adelaide – the launch of a transformative new university, Adelaide University.

Adelaide University has been formed through the coming together of two renowned institutions, the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide.

The University’s dedication to student experience and outcomes is obvious through its modular and stackable approach to curriculum, immense flexibility, and contemporary hybrid learning environment that embraces AI technologies and balances digital learning with rich face-to-face experiences. The expansive research capabilities and industry partnerships of its founding institutions ensure research and industry informed learning is embedded in every degree.

Beyond this new education powerhouse – which aims to sit in the top 1% of the world’s universities from its first semester in 2026 – Adelaide is attractive for its vibrant cosmopolitan lifestyle and stunning beaches, proximity to regional experiences and inclusive multicultural community.

The top five reasons why Adelaide is an ideal city for international students:

1. Lower cost of living

Adelaide consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and has a lower cost of living compared to the nation’s bigger cities, Melbourne and Sydney. South Australia is also the country’s fastest growing economy, with near-record low unemployment rates.

International students can live comfortably thanks to reasonably priced living costs, including accommodation. Rental prices are cheaper in Adelaide than in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane, and location choices are endless – whether you want to live close to beaches, tranquil bushland in the Adelaide Hills, or Adelaide University campuses.

Shrija Saranathan is a Master of Information Technology student at the University of South Australia who arrived in Adelaide from India in 2023. “Coming from Chennai, I sought a city that isn’t as densely populated but still lively with regular events and activities; a city that offers a perfect mix of tranquillity and excitement, which Adelaide provides perfectly,” she says.

“Another important factor that attributed to this decision is its affordability among other Australian cities.”

This city has efficient public transport, walkable streets, and convenient bike paths, so it is easy to get around when you study in Adelaide. Source: AFP

2. It’s easy to get around

The central business district is surrounded by parklands and its compact street grid pattern makes the city easy to navigate by foot, bus or tram. Adelaide’s public transport network services metropolitan suburbs and the city with free buses looping around the CBD daily. A tram service also operates between the city and Glenelg beach. Traffic is good, with little congestion.

Rajiv Shahi is a Master of Education student at the University of Adelaide who came to Australia in 2023 from Nepal. As he’s not a fan of big cities, Adelaide “hits that perfect spot.” “Apart from that, one of the things that attracted me towards Adelaide was how it’s consistently listed as one of the most liveable cities in the world. After I came here, it was evident why,” he says. “I love that fact that if you own a vehicle, you can drive anywhere in Adelaide in less than 30 minutes, given there’s not much traffic.”

Many of South Australia’s attractions are only a short drive away from each other. Within 30 minutes you can leave the CBD and be enjoying a glass of wine among vineyards in the Adelaide Hills or McLaren Vale, laying on the beach, or bushwalking through nature.

3. Superb food and wine

Adelaide is one of 11 Great Wine Capitals of the world, joining the wine regions of Bordeaux, France, and Napa Valley, US. South Australia is home to 340 cellar doors from small batch producers, tucked away in old churches to historic wineries that have stood the test of time. Its food offerings from the CBD to McLaren Vale, the Adelaide Hills all the way up to the Flinders Ranges and Outback and across to the Eyre Peninsula are unmatched. Whether it’s sampling goods at the Adelaide Central Market, bar hopping through laneways of the CBD or enjoying a long lunch among the vineyards, the state’s foodie scene has something for every taste.

Aiden Zeyang Wang is originally from Beijing China and is studying law at the University of Adelaide. His favourite thing to do in the city is to explore the many food and wine offerings. “Adelaide offers beautiful landscapes, exceptional wineries, and charming places like Hahndorf that make for a perfect day trip outside the CBD.”

If you study in Adelaide and love sports, the Oval Stadium is a must-visit destination. Source: AFP

4. So much to see and do

Affectionately known as the festival state, South Australia hosts a diverse range of cultural and sporting events. In February and March, the city transforms into a buzzing hub of music, arts, dance and comedy shows, with annual fixtures the Adelaide Fringe, Adelaide Festival and Womadelaide setting the CBD alight. The festivities don’t end there, with other events such as the Adelaide Cabaret Festival, OzAsia, Illuminate Adelaide and Tasting Australia giving residents and visitors no shortage of experiences to enjoy.

Adelaide is home to one of the country’s most highly regarded sporting venues, Adelaide Oval, which hosts Australian Rules Football and cricket, as well as music concerts and other large events. Sporting fans will also delight in other top-tier events, including the Adelaide Motorsport Festival, VAILO Adelaide 500 car race, LIV Golf tour and Santos Tour Down Under.

Another great reason to study in Adelaide? Newly launched Adelaide University. Source: Adelaide University

5. The friendly city

Adelaide is one of Australia’s friendliest cities, according to travel website Big 7. The people here are laid-back and welcoming, making the city a delightful place to make friends. South Australia hosts students from more than 130 countries around the world, shaping a diverse community.

The creation of the new Adelaide University involves the amalgamation of two established university communities. Aside from the great benefits this brings in terms of industry partnerships, research capacity and expert teachers across all disciplines, it also means the University will have an enormous range of student clubs, facilities and social events lined up from the day it opens. And what better way to introduce new students to each other, and to everything South Australia has to offer.