Adelaide University has a ranking inside the top 8 universities in Australia.
Adelaide University is ranked #126 in the world, based on a composite of QS, Times Higher Education, ARWU, and Webometrics rankings. In Australia, Adelaide University is ranked #8 out of 42 universities.
Adelaide University is South Australia’s leading public university, with a strong national and international profile. The main city campus runs along North Terrace, between the Torrens River and the eastern edge of the CBD, forming one of the largest and most concentrated university precincts in Australia. The university attracts a large share of South Australian school-leavers and international students seeking a high-ranking, city-based institution.
Website: adelaide.edu.au
Campuses: Adelaide (City Campus including North Terrace and surrounding CBD sites), Waite, Roseworthy, Mount Gambier, Whyalla [SA], Singapore
Adelaide University was formed through the 2026 integration of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, creating a single consolidated public university for South Australia.
World Ranking
Global Ranking: 126
Adelaide University is ranked 126th globally and is generally considered a top-150 university worldwide. Its strongest result is in QS, with lower placements in ARWU and Webometrics.
QS ranking: 82
Times Higher Education: 128
ARWU: 175
Webometrics: 117
Australia Ranking
Australia Rank: 8
Adelaide University is the eighth-ranked university in Australia. It sits behind the University of Western Australia and ahead of UTS, Macquarie University, and Deakin University. Adelaide University is the highest-ranked university in South Australia.
Above: University of Queensland (5), Australian National University (6), University of Western Australia (7)
Below: UTS (9), Macquarie University (10), Deakin University (11)
Is Adelaide University Good?
Adelaide University combines the expertise of the former University of Adelaide and University of South Australia, creating the state’s largest network of campuses. Key locations include Adelaide City, Magill for teaching, Waite for agricultural research, and Roseworthy for veterinary science.
Go8 member
Serving South Australia
Programs and centres
The university offers strong programs across health, technology, and environmental sciences, with notable research centres in each area. As a Group of 8 member, it has a strong research focus.
Satisfaction: 74.8%
Adelaide University reviews indicate satisfaction levels of 71.7% for bachelor degrees and 77.9% for postgraduate students, slightly below national averages. Uni Reviews provides individual ratings and comments.
How Many Students?
Students: 64,556
Adelaide University had a total of 64,556 students in 2024, making it the 6th largest university in Australia.
- International students: 16,432 (25%)
- Postgraduate students: 18,700 (29%)
- Gender ratio: 56% Female : 44% Male
- On-campus students: 47,765 (74%)
Biggest strength: Health (24% of enrolments here vs 18% nationally).
Source: Australian Government, Student Enrolments Pivot Table 2024. Calculations verified by Dr Andrew Lancaster (PhD, Economics).
Acceptance Rate
Acceptance Rate: 60%
The Adelaide University acceptance rate is 60%. Among students with an ATAR that qualifies for university, 40% are unable to be admitted into their preferred degree.
Required ATAR: 70
It is not hard to get into Adelaide University, with a minimum ATAR of 70 on average. At the time of publishing, the ATAR threshold was 70 for Arts, Bachelor of Business, and Science degrees.
Is Adelaide Uni Online?
Yes. Adelaide University delivers a substantial proportion of its teaching online, including many undergraduate programs. As well, face-to-face lectures have largely been replaced by online content and digital learning activities.
Around 11,607 undergraduate students and 5,184 postgraduate students study online, representing approximately 26% of total enrolments. Popular fields at Adelaide University Online include Management and Commerce, and Society and Culture.