University of South Australia admissions now run through Adelaide University, the merged successor since January 2026. The institution-wide floor is Class XII at 60% for undergraduate entry and a Bachelor’s degree at 60% or above for postgraduate coursework.
- Next live deadline: Semester 1 2027 (February), submit by 30 November 2026.
- Tuition: AUD 30,800 to 48,100 yearly (INR 20.10 to 31.39 Lakhs), application fee AUD 150 (INR 9,791).
- Eligibility floor: UG Class XII 60%, PG Bachelor’s 60%, IELTS 6.5 minimum.
- Acceptance rate: Around 65% at legacy UniSA campuses, selective but accessible.
Popular programs at the former UniSA campuses, now under University of South Australia (Adelaide University), include Master of Data Science, the MBA, and Master of Pharmacy. Indian students rate the practical industry orientation and strong graduate employment outcomes highly.

Currency note: All INR figures in this article use AUD 1 = INR 65.27 (June 2026). Live rates may vary, so confirm with your bank before remitting.
Admission Status: Rolling. Applications are open for the Semester 1 2027 (February) primary intake. Indian applicants should target 30 November 2026 to leave 8 to 10 weeks for visa processing. Semester 2 2027 (July) applications open from September 2026. Application fee is AUD 150 (around INR 9,791), paid through the Adelaide University apply-now portal at submission.
Table of Contents
- University of South Australia Application Deadlines
- University of South Australia Eligibility
- University of South Australia PG Programs
- University of South Australia UG Programs
- University of South Australia MBA Admissions
- University of South Australia Application Process
- University of South Australia Admission Decisions
- University of South Australia Documents Required
- University of South Australia Acceptance Rate
- Australia Student Visa for South Australia
- Tips for University of South Australia Admissions
- University of South Australia Admissions Checklist
- University of South Australia Admissions FAQs
University of South Australia Application Deadlines
Since January 2026, UniSA programs sit inside Adelaide University and follow a rolling admissions model with two main semester intakes for international students. Indian applicants should plan three months ahead of the chosen semester to account for offer issuance, deposit payment, and Subclass 500 visa processing. Visit intakes and deadlines for Australian universities for more information.
| Intake | Level | Applications Open | Recommended Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1, February 2027 (Primary intake) | UG, PG, MBA | Open now | 30 November 2026 |
| Semester 2, July 2027 | UG, PG, MBA | September 2026 (est.) | 30 April 2027 |
| Research and PhD | Research degree | Rolling | Tied to supervisor and scholarship rounds |
Adelaide University assesses standard coursework files within around two weeks of submission. Cases needing credit transfer review can take up to four weeks, so submit earlier if you hold prior Indian undergraduate credit you want recognised.
University of South Australia Eligibility for Indian Students
Adelaide University publishes country-specific entry routes for Indian applicants. The figures below cover institution-wide minimums for undergraduate and postgraduate coursework, plus accepted English tests. Individual programs may set higher floors, so confirm on each course page after shortlisting.
Academic floors for Indian applicants are set by qualification level:
- UG general entry: Class XII at 60% (CBSE) or 70% (recognised State Board).
- UG selective programs: Class XII at 65 to 75% for Engineering, Nursing, Allied Health.
- UG subject prerequisites: Mathematics for Engineering and IT, Biology for Nursing, Chemistry for Pharmacy.
- PG coursework: Bachelor’s at 60% or CGPA 6.0 of 10 in a related discipline.
- MBA: Bachelor’s at 60% plus 2 or more years of professional work experience.
Adelaide University accepts five English tests, each valid for two years before commencement.
| Test | UG | PG Coursework | Health, Education, Law |
|---|---|---|---|
| IELTS Academic | 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 | 6.5 overall, no band below 6.0 | 7.0 overall, no band below 6.5 |
| TOEFL iBT | 79 (4.0 band under the new pattern) | 79 | 94 ( |
| PTE | 64 | 64 | 72 |
| Cambridge C1 Advanced | 176 | 176 | 185 |
University of South Australia IELTS Waiver Pathway
Adelaide University does not publish a direct medium-of-instruction letter waiver for Indian applicants. Candidates who meet the academic floor but fall short on English can receive a conditional offer packaged with the Pre-Enrolment English Program (PEP). PEP is a bridging course at the Adelaide University English Language Centre that runs 5 to 25 weeks based on starting score. Completing PEP at the required level satisfies the English condition without a fresh IELTS attempt.
University of South Australia PG Programs
UniSA legacy postgraduate degrees, now hosted by Adelaide University, span business, technology, health, education, and social services. Base tuition for international PG coursework runs AUD 32,100 to 48,100 (INR 20.95 to 31.39 Lakhs) per year. For per-course figures see the course-wise fees breakdown.
| Programme | Duration | Minimum Eligibility | English Req. Min. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master of Data Science | 2 years | Bachelor’s at 65% in CS, IT, Math, or Engineering | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Information Technology (Cyber Security) | 2 years | Bachelor’s at 60% in any discipline | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Business Administration | 1.5 years | Bachelor’s at 60% plus 2 years of work | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Engineering (Civil) | 2 years | Bachelor’s in Civil Engineering at 65% | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Pharmacy (Clinical) | 2 years | Bachelor of Science with chemistry and biology | IELTS 7.0 |
| Master of Public Health | 2 years | Bachelor’s at 60% in health or science | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Clinical Pharmacy | 1.5 years | Bachelor of Pharmacy or equivalent | IELTS 7.0 |
| Master of Project Management | 1.5 years | Bachelor’s at 60% in any discipline | IELTS 6.5 |
| Master of Social Work | 2 years | Bachelor’s degree in any field | IELTS 7.0 |
| Master of Teaching (Secondary) | 2 years | Bachelor’s with teaching subject discipline | IELTS 7.0 |
Insider note: Master of Data Science and Master of Information Technology are the most popular UniSA legacy PG picks for Indian applicants. Both qualify for the Subclass 485 Temporary Graduate post-study work visa.
Note: Program-specific entry requirements, fees, and intake availability may differ from the institution-wide minimums shown above. Always confirm on the official Adelaide University international applicants page for your chosen program before applying.
University of South Australia UG Programs
Undergraduate bachelor’s degrees at the former UniSA campuses now run under Adelaide University with the same campus footprint. Base tuition for international UG students sits at AUD 30,800 to 43,500 (INR 20.10 to 28.39 Lakhs) per year, with Engineering and Health programs at the higher end.
| Programme | Duration | Minimum Eligibility | English Req. Min. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor of Information Technology | 3 years | Class XII at 60% with Mathematics | IELTS 6.5 |
| Bachelor of Engineering (Civil) (Honours) | 4 years | Class XII at 65% with Mathematics and Physics | IELTS 6.5 |
| Bachelor of Business (Legal Studies) | 3 years | Class XII at 60% in best four subjects | IELTS 6.5 |
| Bachelor of Nursing | 3 years | Class XII at 65% with Biology | IELTS 7.0 |
| Bachelor of Computer Science | 3 years | Class XII at 65% with Mathematics | IELTS 6.5 |
Engineering Honours and Nursing carry the strictest cut-offs because each requires registration with a professional body after graduation. State Board applicants typically need 5 to 10 percentage points more than CBSE applicants for the same program.
University of South Australia MBA Admissions for Indian Students
UniSA’s MBA program now runs under the Adelaide Business School inside Adelaide University. Full-course tuition is around AUD 54,900 (INR 36.86 Lakhs), completed in 1.5 to 2 years full-time.
What are the MBA Entry Requirements?
- Academic floor: Bachelor’s at 60% (CGPA 6.0+) in any discipline.
- Work experience: Minimum 2 years of full-time professional experience post-bachelor’s.
- English: IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0.
- GMAT and GRE: Not required, application essays and references substitute.
- Recommendations: Two professional references, ideally from current or recent line managers.
The MBA opens twice yearly with Semester 1 (February) and Semester 2 (July) starts, per Adelaide Business School. There are no fixed rounds, and offers issue within four weeks of a complete file. Indian candidates targeting February 2027 should submit by 30 November 2026.
Planning note: Indian applicants without a Bachelor’s degree but with 7 or more years of senior management experience may apply through the experience-substitution pathway, subject to portfolio review by the Business School.
University of South Australia Application Process
Indian applicants submit through the Adelaide University Online Application System (StudyLink) or via a registered education agent. The end-to-end timeline from submission to visa lodgement is 6 to 10 weeks for most coursework files.
- Shortlist 2 to 3 Adelaide University programs and confirm campus and intake choice.
- Verify entry requirements for Indian qualifications and the program’s specific English floor.
- Gather scanned, certified documents in PDF with English translations where needed.
- Create a StudyLink account and complete the online application with three program choices.
- Pay the application fee of AUD 150 (around INR 9,791) on the Adelaide apply-now portal.
- Submit and track the application, responding promptly to document or clarification requests.
- Accept the offer, pay tuition deposit, request the eCoE, and lodge the Subclass 500 visa.
Education agents on the Adelaide University recognised list often waive the application fee and handle document follow-up directly. Most Indian applicants use the agent route for the first attempt, then switch to direct portals for subsequent communication.
University of South Australia Admission Decisions
Adelaide University responds to complete coursework applications in around two weeks for standard files and up to four weeks where credit transfer assessment is required. Decisions arrive by email with a digital offer letter PDF.
- Offer types: Full offer (all conditions met) or conditional offer (pending IELTS, final transcripts, or PEP completion).
- Acceptance deadline: Typically 4 to 6 weeks from the offer date to accept and pay the tuition deposit.
- Tuition deposit: Usually one semester’s tuition, applied as credit to first-semester fees.
- Deferral: Single-semester deferral allowed where visa is not yet granted, on written request.
- Reapplication: Rejected candidates may reapply for the next intake with a stronger English score or updated transcript.
Once deposit is paid and English conditions cleared, the International Admissions team issues the electronic Confirmation of Enrolment (eCoE). The eCoE is the trigger document for the Subclass 500 student visa application at the Department of Home Affairs.
Know more: Australian universities application process
University of South Australia Documents Required
The document checklist for Indian applicants applies across UG, PG coursework, and MBA. Submit scanned PDFs in colour; the Admissions team may request certified hard copies before issuing the eCoE.
- Valid Indian passport, with at least 6 months validity beyond intended departure.
- Class X and Class XII certified mark sheets and passing certificates from CBSE, ICSE, or State Board.
- Bachelor’s transcripts, consolidated mark sheets, and provisional or final degree certificate (PG applicants).
- English test score report (IELTS, TOEFL iBT, PTE, or Cambridge) within 2 years validity.
- Statement of Purpose (SOP) of 600 to 800 words covering academic background and Australia choice.
- Two academic or professional letters of recommendation, on official letterhead.
- Updated CV with chronological education and work history.
- Work experience letters from employers (MBA and senior coursework applicants).
- Passport-size photograph in white background, JPEG format.
- Portfolio sample (Architecture, Design, and Communication programs).
University of South Australia Acceptance Rate
The legacy UniSA acceptance rate was around 65%, placing it on the accessible end of the Australian university spectrum for international applicants. Adelaide University does not publish a combined institutional figure yet, with the merged intake still in its first cycle.
A 65% admit rate means most Indian applicants who meet published academic and English minimums receive an offer. Selective programs in Pharmacy, Medical Radiation Science, and Engineering Honours sit closer to 40 to 50% due to capped intakes. Business, IT, and general arts programs run higher than the institutional average.
Insider note: Indian applicants with Class XII above 75% and IELTS 7.0 often receive offers within 10 working days, ahead of the standard 2-week assessment window.
Australia Student Visa for University of South Australia Applicants
Indian students at Adelaide University apply for the Subclass 500 student visa after receiving the electronic Confirmation of Enrolment. The Department of Home Affairs processes most files in 4 to 8 weeks, so lodge at least 10 weeks before the semester start.
The financial capacity requirement for 2026 entry is AUD 29,710 (INR 19.39 Lakhs) per year of living costs, plus one year of tuition shown on the eCoE, plus return airfare of AUD 2,000 to 3,000 (INR 1.31 to 1.96 Lakhs). Proof includes 3 to 6 months of bank statements or an approved education loan letter. Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) is mandatory for the full visa duration and runs AUD 600 to 800 (INR 39,162 to 52,216) per year. The Genuine Student response covers ties to India, course rationale, and post-study plans.
2026 update: Australian financial proof rose to AUD 29,710 (INR 19.39 Lakhs) for a single applicant. Sponsor income alone is no longer accepted, with bank balance evidence or sanctioned loan now mandatory.
Tips for University of South Australia Admissions
The following tips are drawn from Indian-applicant patterns at the former UniSA, now Adelaide University, across the past two intake cycles.
- Apply by November: Lock 30 November 2026 for February 2027 entry, well before quota close.
- CBSE Math advantage: Math, Physics, Chemistry holders outpace State Board peers at Engineering and IT cut-offs.
- Use the PEP bridge: Conditional offer plus PEP saves a second IELTS attempt if speaking is borderline.
- Verify credit transfer early: Indian B.Tech students often get 12 months credit toward Master of Engineering.
- Pick a recognised agent: Agent submissions process in parallel and the AUD 150 fee is often waived.
- Track program tuition: Adelaide University releases program-specific tuition each November for the following year.
University of South Australia admissions, now run by Adelaide University, remain accessible for Indian applicants meeting the 60% academic and IELTS 6.5 floors. Target 30 November 2026 for the February 2027 primary intake, budget AUD 150 for the application, and use the PEP bridge if English is borderline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ques. Is the University of South Australia still accepting separate applications in 2026?
Ans. No. From 4 August 2025, UniSA stopped accepting standalone applications. All admissions, including for legacy UniSA programs, now run through Adelaide University, the merged institution that opened in January 2026.
Ques. What is the application fee for Adelaide University in 2026?
Ans. The non-refundable application fee is AUD 150 (around INR 9,791). Research, online-only, and non-award program applicants are exempt. Education agent submissions often waive the fee for Indian applicants.
Ques. What is the IELTS minimum for an Indian applicant at UniSA programs?
Ans. The institution-wide minimum is IELTS 6.5 overall with no band below 6.0 for both UG bachelor’s and PG coursework. Health, Education, and Law programs require IELTS 7.0 overall with sub-bands at 6.5.
Ques. When should an Indian student apply for the February 2027 intake?
Ans. Target submission by 30 November 2026. This leaves 8 to 10 weeks for offer issuance, deposit payment, eCoE generation, and Subclass 500 visa lodgement before the February semester start.
Ques. Is GMAT or GRE required for the University of South Australia MBA?
Ans. No. Adelaide Business School waives GMAT and GRE for the MBA. Selection is based on bachelor’s transcripts, 2 or more years of professional experience, and two professional references.
Ques. Can Indian applicants get an IELTS waiver based on English-medium schooling?
Ans. Adelaide University does not offer a direct medium-of-instruction waiver for Indian applicants. The Pre-Enrolment English Program (PEP) is the alternative route for those who do not meet the English score requirement.
Ques. What Class XII percentage do Indian students need for engineering UG admission?
Ans. Class XII at 65% in best four subjects, with Mathematics and Physics studied through Class XII. CBSE applicants meet the floor at 65%, and State Board applicants usually need 70% or higher.
Ques. What documents do Indian applicants need for postgraduate coursework?
Ans. Passport, Class X, XII, and Bachelor’s mark sheets, degree certificate or provisional, IELTS or equivalent score, SOP, two LORs, CV, work experience letters where applicable, and passport-size photo.
Ques. How long does Adelaide University take to issue an offer letter?
Ans. Standard coursework files are assessed within two weeks. Files needing credit transfer assessment can take up to four weeks. MBA and Honours applications may take a further week for additional review.
Ques. What is the Australian student visa financial requirement for 2026?
Ans. The Department of Home Affairs requires evidence of AUD 29,710 (INR 19.39 Lakhs) for living costs per year, plus first-year tuition shown on the eCoE, plus return airfare. Bank balance or sanctioned loan is mandatory.
Ques. Can Indian applicants apply directly without using an education agent?
Ans. Yes. Indian applicants can apply directly through the Adelaide University StudyLink portal. Education agent submissions are also accepted and often process faster with fewer document follow-ups.
Ques. Do legacy UniSA scholarships carry over to Adelaide University?
Ans. Most legacy UniSA international scholarships, including the Vice Chancellor’s International Excellence Scholarship, have transitioned into the Adelaide University scholarship portfolio. Confirm the latest tiers on the Adelaide University scholarships page before applying.
College Student Profiles
University of South Australia Program Fees & Deadlines
| Program | Important Dates | Fees | Eligibility | Financial Aid |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| USD 31,464 /Yr AUD 43,700 /Yr | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 79, PTE: 58 | |||
M.Eng Electrical Power 2 years | USD 31,464 /Yr AUD 43,700 /Yr | IELTS: 6.5, TOEFL iBT: 79, PTE: 58 |
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9 Reviews Found
Likes
- University of South Australia has a unique multi disciplinary Design course which includes students from different design background coming together. No other university in South Australia offers this program.
Overview
UniSA has become a very important part for my career with lots of exposure in academics and personal life.
Likes
- I have chosen Adelaide specifically as getting a PR was relatively easy compared to other cities. I have chosen this course as I was more inclined towards becoming a Data Analyst/Data Engineer and the course provided by university was good compared to all other universities.
- The curriculum was more hands-on rather than theoretical which I liked the most. The faculty were also friendly and also helpful. I also got an opportunity to work as an intern in the research and development department during my 2nd year.
Dislikes
- Nothing much that I actually disliked about the university. Its a nice beautiful campus located in Adelaide which has a train facility from the city. However, I had to switch between the city campus and Mawson lakes campus depending on the chosen topic.
Overview
It all depends on the individual person. You yourself have to take the responsibility. There’s is no one to push you to do something. The faculty are just there to guide you. Ultimately, it is your duty to learn as much as you can and get a job.
Scholarship
Yes, I received a 25% reduction in my tuition fee for the 1st year which is around AUD $4350/semester.
Overview
I chose University of South Australia for the following reasons: 1. Ranking: it is one of the top ranked universities in the world for accounting and finance. It is ranked in top 100 for accounts and finance and is ranked never 1 In Australia for quality education. Also it is top 30 in the world young university rankings. 2. Cost: it fitted my budget fabulously so it became a top preference pretty quick. 3. Location: The University of South Australia is located in Adelaide which is one of the most desirable places to live in the world according to world living index.
Scholarship
Merit based scholarship i.e.15%per semester.
Overview
Because it's in Adelaide where sibling is also studying, I had good reviews about this university from my sister
Scholarship
Yes , International Merit Scholarship of 25%
Overview
I wanted to do Pharmacy and UniSA is the only university in SA that offers this course and that too without maths as I did PCB in year 12. Also, Adelaide is a very good city as it is small and comfortable with everything in a radius of 10km. Therefore, it is very easy and fast to get to the universities from any part of Adelaide and thus students can invest more time on studies rather than on transport.
Scholarship
Yes I got the UniSA Vice Chancellor scholarship which is 50% of the tuition fees per semester for the course of my degree. It is just for the new students and is given to those who score 95% or above in year 12. It is not awarded automatically and has to be applied by the student separately. It is given per semester and the student has to maintain a GPA of 5 or above every semester to continue having this scholarship in the next semester. If at any point the student is not able to score GPA 5 , the scholarship is not applied to the fees for the next semester but if the student is again able to achieve a GPA of 5 in the next semester, the scholarship is again renewed.
Overview
It was the first offer I received and I didn't want to wait for one from Adelaide Uni, as I had been panicking about whether or not the grades I provided were indeed up to scratch for University-level education. When I looked into it I also discovered that the courses were very similar and there was no particular reason I necessarily needed to go to Adelaide.
Overview
It has a good reputation in the arts as well as a high percentage of graduate careers. Also just because it was the first university I got accepted into and I just went for it without waiting for any other responses.
Scholarship
No, I haven't. My parents are supporting me entirely with all my finances.
Overview
The university was well advertised at school and on an orientation day. The facilities suit my needs and the location is suitable for me (closer than others). My chosen course was also only offered at this university.















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