Consistently ranked as one of the top ten most liveable cities in the world, Adelaide is a popular destination for international students in Australia. This is because the city offers a balanced lifestyle with world-class educational institutions and a thriving local economy.
Living in Adelaide
Adelaide, located in South Australia, is a vibrant and welcoming city with a population of over 1.3 million people. Known for its Mediterranean climate, beautiful beaches, and world-renowned wine regions, Adelaide offers an enviable lifestyle. The city boasts a thriving arts and cultural scene, excellent food and wine, and easy access to nature reserves and wildlife parks. Adelaide's affordable cost of living and high standard of living make it an ideal destination for both students and professionals.
Adelaide Student Accommodation
Adelaide has a range of student accommodation options available to suit different budgets and lifestyles. On-campus accommodation is available at the Regency TAFE campus, offering easy access to campus facilities and a supportive community. Off-campus options include shared apartments, private rentals, and homestays, with varying levels of privacy and independence. The cost of student accommodation in Adelaide is generally affordable compared to other major Australian cities, and many options are located within easy reach of public transport and local amenities. It's important for students to research and compare their options to find the accommodation that best suits their needs.
For more information about finding student accommodation in Adelaide, visit Study Adelaide.
Adelaide Employment
Adelaide has a diverse economy with employment opportunities across various sectors. Adelaide's central business district is home to numerous financial institutions and professional service firms, offering job opportunities in finance, accounting, and law. The city's vibrant hospitality and tourism industry also provides job opportunities, particularly during the summer months. Adelaide offers many part-time and casual job opportunities for students who want to work while studying. With Adelaide's lower cost of living and ample employment opportunities, students can balance their studies and work without compromising their academic progress.
For more information about finding work as a student in Adelaide, visit Study Adelaide or Seek.
Adelaide Health Services
Adelaide has a robust health services sector, including world-class hospitals and research institutions. The city's hospitals offer comprehensive medical care across a range of specialties, and there are numerous medical centers and clinics throughout the city.
For more information about finding a range of health and support services in Adelaide, visit SA Health.
Adelaide Transport
Adelaide has a reliable and affordable public transportation system, including buses, trams, and trains. The city's public transport network is operated by Adelaide Metro, which provides frequent services throughout the metropolitan area and beyond. Students can purchase discounted public transport tickets and passes, making it easy to get around the city and attend classes. Adelaide also has an extensive network of bike lanes and bike paths, making cycling a popular and environmentally-friendly transportation option.
For more information on Adelaide's public transportation system, including schedules, fares, and routes, visit Adelaide Metro.
Adelaide Student Support Services
Student support services are available to all students in Adelaide, with plenty of assistance available to find accommodation and employment, as well as access to legal advice and counselling services. UBSS also offers an abundance of academic and personal support to all of our students to ensure they are excelling both in and outside of the classroom.
Safety in Adelaide
Adelaide is a safe city with a low crime rate. Students can feel secure while living and studying in the city.
For more information about staying safe in Adelaide, visit Study Adelaide.
Adelaide is a city that's brimming with culture, entertainment, and delectable flavors. You can indulge in the world-renowned wine regions located just a few minutes away from the city, bask in the sun at the picturesque metropolitan beaches, partake in the immersive festivals and events, or revel in the bustling restaurant and bar scene that Adelaide has to offer. Adelaide is a gateway to some of Australia’s best wine country with tourist attractions including lush parklands and some of the country’s best beaches.
Ultimate event guides
Adelaide is exploding with variety – you can enjoy exhibitions, performances, musicians, history and local talent. Check out South Australia's website to discover the events happening in Adelaide and indulge in the fascinating array of activities taking place throughout the city.
Top attractions
Adelaide offers a cost-effective alternative to other major cities in Australia, with a cost of living that is up to 12% lower than the national average. In fact, it boasts the lowest average rent in the country, making it an attractive option for those seeking an affordable lifestyle. With lower expenses on rent, food, and public transportation compared to other metropolitan areas in Australia, living in Adelaide means you can stretch your budget further and enjoy more of the wonderful lifestyle that Australia has to offer. To assist you in effectively managing your finances while studying in Adelaide, we have provided a sample breakdown of living costs to help you plan ahead.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) advises that a single international student requires approximately AU$21,041 per year for living costs. These expenses are in addition to tuition and study fees, and include things like your accommodation, food, textbooks, transport and other costs that will crop up from time to time. Living expenses vary according to your circumstances, such as the type of accommodation you choose, its location, the number of people you live with, and your lifestyle. Student life can be expensive, and most people live on a limited income while they are studying.
Living costs
To help you understand what costs to expect, we have developed a sample weekly budget for you.
The following estimated costs are based on a single student living in shared accommodation (per Mar 2023)*:
| Item | Cost per person per week |
| Rent (shared) | AU$180 - 185 |
| Electricity, gas and water (shared) | AU$15 - 40 |
| Food | AU$60 - 150 |
| Phone and Internet | AU$15 - 25 |
| Public Transport | up to AU$30 |
| Entertainment | AU$80 - 200 |
Disclaimer: The prices listed in this article are listed in AUD$ and are intended as a guide and are indicative only, it does not include the living cost of personal care items. We highly recommend you investigate costs specific to your own personal circumstances.
Find out about other lifestyle costs in Adelaide.
Estimate your living costs
Knowing the average living costs in Australia is an important part of your financial preparation. To get a better idea, check out the handy Cost of Living Calculator. This tool is designed to help you estimate how much it could cost to have the lifestyle you choose in Australia. You can compare accommodation arrangements, transportation options as well as other lifestyle choices.
The costs provided are an approximate guide only. The Cost of Living Calculator is designed to help you think about how you spend money and to give you a broad estimate of potential costs in Australia.
Note: The Department of Home Affairs has financial requirements you must meet in order to receive a student visa for Australia. For more information please click here.
Estimated figures accurate as of March 2023.
*expatistan.com/cost-of-living, 2023
