South Australia offers a rich and unforgettable learning experience. The region has a diverse landscape, from its lively capital city Adelaide to a large amount of beautiful natural scenery. Many international students choose to study in South Australia because of its high-ranking universities, low cost of living, and excellent facilities. Students also enjoy the region’s long summers, outdoor adventures, and accessible arts and culture.
South Australia boasts a strong economy and has many thriving industries, from tourism to agribusiness. This provides students with an exciting setting to live and learn in, along with potential employment opportunities.
What is South Australia like?
Location and demographics
South Australia (often abbreviated to SA) is a state in southern central Australia. By size, it’s the fourth-largest state in the country and continent. It shares borders with all other mainland states and the Northern Territory and has 3,800 km of coastline.
It has the second-smallest population among states in Australia. 1.8 million people live there, with the majority living in Adelaide. In addition, around 38,000 international students study there.
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Culture and history
Archaeologists have found evidence of human presence in South Australia dating as far back as 20,000 years. Over history, many indigenous tribes have lived and thrived there, and today are known as Aboriginal South Australians.
In the 18th century, the British colonial takeover disrupted Aboriginal life. The land was named the state of South Australia and part of the British colony. Adelaide was founded soon after. In 1901, Australia became independent from England, and the modern country began to evolve.
Since then, South Australia has had many economic challenges. But today it is a culturally vibrant location. It’s known for its festivals, agriculture, mining, and manufacturing. It’s also famous for wine – more than half of the country’s wineries are in South Australia.
Because of the political and economic stability of the present day, the region is a safe and affordable place to live. Adelaide is continuously voted one of the world’s most liveable cities. Famous people from the region include novelist and Nobel Prize winner J. M. Coetzee, and musical superstar Sia.
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What cities are in South Australia?
Adelaide is the main city in South Australia and the region’s capital. It’s a beautiful location with modern architecture, golden beaches, parklands and a thriving arts, entertainment, and dining scene. You can travel anywhere in Adelaide city centre within 20 minutes by foot, and anywhere in the greater city within 20 minutes by car.
Other cities include Gawler, an old country town known as the Athens of the South. Another city is Mount Gambier, famous for its limestone, crater lakes and volcanic landscape. There is also Whyalla, which is a city with wonderful natural landscapes and experiences. It’s the only place in the world where giant Australian cuttlefish gather each year to breed.
Get the information you need to apply for a student visa in Australia.
How much does it cost to live in South Australia?
The city of Adelaide is 13 per cent more affordable to live in compared to other major cities in Australia. Public transport, accommodation and food come at a low cost, meaning students can enjoy more of the South Australian lifestyle. If you study in Adelaide, it is estimated that you will need approximately AUD 1,755 per month.
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What services are there in South Australia?
The South Australia Government has a student concession program. International students benefit from generous discounts on public transport, including buses, trains, and trams.
What are the post-study options?
Graduates from South Australian universities are often in high demand in the area and internationally. If you decide you want to stay in the region after completing your higher education studies, you can get an additional year of post-study work rights.
South Australia is an economic hub with profitable industries, such as health and medical, tourism, IT, defence, and agribusiness. Many leading global businesses are based in Adelaide, including Microsoft, BAE systems and major accounting firms. It’s also the home of the Australian Space Agency.
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What universities are in South Australia?
International students can study at one of the region’s many universities, language centres, training colleges and other educational institutions. Several South Australian universities rank in the top two per cent globally. Universities include:
● University of South Australia – the largest university in South Australia. It ranks top in the country for research quality and student satisfaction. It’s also named one of the best young universities in the world.
● University of Adelaide – based in the heart of Adelaide city, the university ranks 109th in QS World University Rankings in 2023, and 66th in the US News Best Global Universities in 2022.
●Flinders University – top in the country for business and management; and humanities, culture, and social sciences. It’s partnered with more than 100 institutions in 33 countries.
●Torrens University Australia – the institution boasts industry-focused courses, high-tech facilities, and hands-on learning. It’s one of Australia's newest universities and offers a fresh, progressive approach.
Read more about the top universities in Australia.
What are the main attractions?
If you love nature and adventure, you’re in luck. South Australia is full of green spaces, sandy beaches, stunning mountains, beautiful waterfalls, and wild forests, as well as being next to the vast ocean. You’ll probably come across lots of wild animals, including koalas, kangaroos, sea lions and penguins. Visit places like Kangaroo Island and Seal Bay to witness fascinating Australian wildlife.
If you’re more suited to the city lifestyle, you’ll have plenty to occupy yourself with. In Adelaide, there are shopping malls, zoos, botanic gardens, markets, galleries, museums and more. You can visit famous wine regions, spend a day at the horse races or taste cuisines from all over the world.
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What must you see in South Australia?
Adelaide is known as the ‘festival state’, as it holds more than 350 events each year. It’s a UNESCO City of Music, and many people flock to the city to enjoy events like Tour Down Under, Adelaide Festival and WOMADelaide.
It hosts the second-largest arts festival across the globe – the Adelaide Fringe. The city’s streets and venues come alive with performers, circus, music, comedy, and magic shows, it’s a sight to see.
If racing is more your thing, you can go to watch the Superloop Adelaide 500. The motor racing event is incredibly fast-paced and will get your heart pumping.
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