Founded in 1874, The University of Adelaide is one of Australia's oldest universities and an active member of the Group of Eight (Go8), which brings together the country's most distinguished universities. With a focus on research and academic excellence, the University of Adelaide is an internationally recognized public research university, ranked in the top 1% worldwide.
Ranked 82nd globally by QS World University Rankings 2025, 128th by Times Higher Education 2025 and 99th by U.S. News & World Report 2025, Adelaide stands out on a global scale in terms of both academic and research quality. The university has approximately 30,000 students, 30% of whom are international students. Home to over 7,900 graduate students, the institution offers undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a wide range of disciplines.
Its faculties include engineering, law, health sciences, business, veterinary medicine, computer science, media, environmental sciences and social sciences, and it is a national leader in agricultural and environmental sciences, veterinary medicine, law, artificial intelligence, computing and health sciences. Many areas of research supported by the Australian Research Council have been rated 'world-class'.
The North Terrace campus in Adelaide's city center is notable for landmarks such as the historic Mitchell Building, Bonython Hall and Barr Smith Library. In addition, with the agriculture-focused Waite Campus in Urrbrae, the Roseworthy Veterinary Campus and international centers, the university is active on a regional and global scale. In 2026, it will merge with the University of South Australia to form the new "Adelaide University", a mega-campus university serving around 70,000 students.
With an annual research budget of more than AU$1 billion, the university conducts pioneering work in artificial intelligence, biotechnology and digital systems through innovative centers such as the Australian Institute for Machine Learning. With research facilities and national centers located in the Lot Fourteen innovation district, the institution's global scientific impact is expanding.
Rich in student life, The University of Adelaide offers an active campus experience with Adelaide University Sport, which includes 37 different sports clubs. Students can also benefit from preparatory programs leading to undergraduate and postgraduate degrees through the University of Adelaide College in partnership with Kaplan. Student media, residence facilities, social clubs and alumni support are also strong.
Alumni include Nobel Prize-winning scientists William Bragg, Howard Florey, Robin Warren, novelist J.M. Coetzee, Australia's first female surgeon, politicians, artists and space scientists. The University has pioneered revolutionary discoveries such as X-ray crystallography, penicillin research, wireless communication technologies and polymer banknotes.
At Happy Education, we provide expert guidance to students interested in studying at The University of Adelaide, from the application process, visa counselling, program selection and accommodation planning. With its academic excellence, research strength and cultural richness, The University of Adelaide is a unique choice for students who want to make a difference internationally.
Ranking: 82nd according to QS World Rankings 2025
Location: Adelaide, South Australia
Establishment: 1874
Featured Departments: Veterinary Medicine, Agriculture, Computer Science, Law, Health Sciences, Engineering