Adelaide

Adelaide is the capital city of South Australia and the fifth most populous city of Australia with 1.34 million people (2020) which is roughly about 78% of South Australia´s population. Adelaide is well-known for its diverse cultural scene, classic architecture and unique city planning that sees the Adelaide CBD surrounded by parks on all sides, which makes for a picturesque and thriving place to live and study. Named in honour of Queen Adelaide, the city was founded in 1836 as the planned capital for the only freely settled British province in Australia. Today, Adelaide is noted for its many festivals and sporting events, its food and many wineries, its coastline and hills, and its large defence and manufacturing sectors. Adelaide’s quality of life has ranked consistently highly in various measures through the 21st century. The timezone in South Australia and Adelaide is GMT +9:30.

Leading industries in Adelaide, sector of employment

South Australia’s largest employment sectors are health care and social assistance, surpassing manufacturing in South Australia as the largest employer since 2006–07. Health care and social assistance represented nearly 13% of the state average annual employment. The Adelaide Hills wine region is an iconic and viable economic region for both the state and country in terms of wine production and sale. Four out of six of Australia’s top wine regions are in South Australia; Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, McLaren Vale and Riverland.

Is Adelaide a good place to live in?

The city is beautiful and well-planned with developed infrastructure and suburbs. It is a desirable place for professionals, entrepreneurs, students, families, elderly, and independent adults, as there are abundant work opportunities, excellent education options, and high quality of living. Adelaide’s often said to be “not too big, nor too small”. You are never far from the beaches, the wine regions of the Adelaide hills, the bustling centre or quiet suburbs. Adelaide is nicknamed the 20-minute city, as you can get anywhere in 20 minutes. Plentiful jobs, great schools and top-class hospitals round off why it is one of the world’s most liveable cities.

Accommodation in Adelaide for International Students

Which is the best suburb to live in Adelaide?

• Adelaide is a well-connected and compact city. Every destination is approximately within a 20 minutes drive, and most suburbs are close to the central business district. Depending on your requirements, you can choose to live in apartments in the city centre or townhouses south of the CBD or move to any suburb on the outskirt of the surrounding park.

The Adelaide Hills are considered the safest suburbs in the Adelaide area, following with Salisbury as a quiet suburb, great for families, professionals, the elderly, and anyone who wants to live a tranquil life, with a great public transport system, parks, cafes and it has a lot to offer for families.

Henley Beach is a coastal suburb that is 10 km west from the CBD. The area is marked by sandy beaches, fantastic eateries, reputed schools, green parks, and much more. It is a popular tourist destination making it suitable for entrepreneurs and professionals from the travel industry. Glenelg is another popular coastal suburb south of Henley Beach, as many tourists come to visit it. This suburb is renowned for the Jetty, beach, amusement parks, high-rise developments, museums, and many other historical places. 

How much are student accommodation and rent in Adelaide?

In Adelaide, you can expect to spend $160-$250 per week in a share house (usually living with professionals or other students), $200-$500 per week for managed student accommodation (this price will normally include amenities like 25-hour support and internet), or $450-$550 per week a room in a residential college (which tend to be located conveniently close to campuses).  Flatmates and Flatmate Finders are popular sites to find shared accommodation in Adelaide and will help you fall on the cheaper end ($160) of the rental price. The average cost of living on campus at a university in Adelaide area ranges between $300 – $550 per week (that usually includes food).

Does universities and colleges in Adelaide offer student apartments?

Yes. Many universities and vocational institutes in Adelaide have a variety of different student apartments and dorms both on-campus and off-campus. Adelaide Student Housing and other student accommodation sites can help you to find perfect student housing in Adelaide.

How do I find accommodation in Adelaide?

• Flatmates.com.au
• Gumtree.com.au
• Hostelworld.com
• Realestate.com.au
• Domain.com.au
• Reiwa.com.au
• Different Facebook groups

Which accommodation should I select? Who provides accommodation for international students?

Deviating from the traditional norms of campus cultures, local university students in Adelaide do not have a norm of living on campus – however, a majority of the institutions in Adelaide serve the option of living on campus that cater to both international and local students.

Cost of living in Adelaide for International Students

How expensive is Adelaide? Is Adelaide more expensive than other cities?

Compared to many of the other capital cities in Australia, Adelaide is more affordable to live in. For instance, Adelaide is relatively inexpensive when it comes to accommodation, perfect for international students. Additionally, all students get discounts on public transport. Like any of the major capital cities in Australia, it’s going to cost more to live directly in the city than it is to live further out in the suburbs.

What is the living cost for international students in Adelaide?

The living cost in Adelaide for international students typically consists of the rent (on-campus or off-campus), school fees and other general living costs. You can find many good lunch and dinner deals around the city, as well as sales in supermarkets and retails shops.

International students are offered discounts on public transport and in entertainment and hobby areas. Some sporting clubs have their own teams and the membership fees are lower than in other clubs.

What salary do you need to live in Adelaide? How much money do I need at the beginning in Adelaide?

It is recommended that you should have access to around A$3000* when you arrive in Adelaide to settle in and pay your bond (which is a security deposit for your landlord), and a budget of approx. A$300-A$400* per week to cover the cost of living in Adelaide.

*It is good to remember that the amounts depend on your rental cost and lifestyle.

How much does food cost in Adelaide?

The price of basic dining out menu, including a drink, in the business district in Adelaide, is around AU$15. The prices in the grocery stores are average Australian prices.

Jobs in Adelaide for International Students

Most international students do some amount of part-time work in Adelaide while studying to assisting with living expenses, meet new people and gain experience of an Australian workplace. There are many opportunities for you to undertake part-time work from a wide range of industries in Adelaide.

What sort of jobs can I do in Adelaide as an international student?

• Catering and hospitality business
• Retail and warehouse staff
• Office and retail cleaning industry
• Health and aged care
• Car wash and automotive industry
• Painting and construction
• Different office jobs
• And many more!

How much can international students earn in Adelaide?

A student on a Student Visa is entitled to earn a minimum wage of $19.49 per hour or $740.80 per 38-hour week (before tax) for working both on-campus and off-campus during the period of their full-time study. An average pay is usually higher, so you are likely to earn more.

How can an international student get a job in Adelaide?

International students in Adelaide often work within the hospitality and childcare section; however, students are working in a wide range of different jobs. It is essential to look for work in the area that you will be studying in and, therefore, internships are an option to gain work experience and a future paid job.

Is it hard to get a job as an international student in Adelaide?

Having a part-time job is often an essential part of studying abroad and international students are a big part of the job market in Adelaide. The Student Visa allows you to work up to 20 hours per week. Make sure you’re realistic about the work you can take on with your level of experience – but try to pick an area that will help you in your career. Jobs that aren’t in your field can still help you gain transferable skills that will be valuable and look great on your resume!

What is the minimum salary in Australia?

The current minimum wage in Australia is $740.80 per week, which equates to a minimum hourly rate of $19.49. However, usually, the pay is higher depending on your field of work. Many hospitality jobs also offer penalty rates.

Transport in Adelaide

With convenient public transportation, you can easily move around Adelaide without a hassle. Public buses, o-Bahn, trains, trams, taxis and rideshare services (Uber, Ola, Didi, Taxify and Sheba in Adelaide) are the options for you if you don’t want to worry about parking. The rush hours in Adelaide are typically before 9am and after 3pm on weekdays.

How does public transport work in Adelaide?

Almost all of Adelaide’s education providers have their campuses within the park-bounds of the city’s CBD, which means public transport access is very easy. For campuses outside of the city limits, there are usually frequent buses provided for students. The city’s train network is called the Adelaide Metro. Residents are encouraged to purchase a MetroCard for all of their travel purposes. Tertiary students are entitled to a 50% discounted fare in the public transport, which makes a month of MetroCard pass only $50. The city has after-midnight bus services on almost every bus route to and from the city. So, no matter where you live, you can still enjoy a night out at your favourite bar or a late-night study session. Taxis and Uber services are also available with the touch of your phone screen, with prices varying depending on where you live.

What is the most popular mode of transportation in Adelaide?

Public transportation, such as train and buses, is quite easy when travelling within the city, but it is also easy to use Uber, Ola, Didi and Taxify and while going out in the evenings.

Is public transport free in Adelaide?

Adelaide Metro offers some free public transport services within the city centre. The free City Connector bus service runs on two loops – an inner-city loop and an extended loop around North Adelaide providing a link to popular city attractions and shopping, dining and services destinations. The Free city tram takes you between the South Terrace tram stop, the Entertainment Centre, Botanic Gardens and Festival Plaza. The Free city tram will also take you to the new Royal Adelaide Hospital at the west end of North Terrace. The Free Jetty Road, Glenelg tram takes you between the Brighton Road tram stop and Moseley Square.

How much does public transport cost in Adelaide?

Adult tickets are for everyone aged 16 years and older and the prices for the tickets start from $2.11 per trip. You can save up to 30 per cent by travelling off-peak hours, which are typically between 9am and 3pm on weekdays. These services are also quieter and you’re more likely to find a seat.

International students are eligible for concession rates.

How to use public transport in Adelaide?

To use public transport, including buses, trains, and trams in Adelaide, it’s recommended that you purchase a metroCARD for use on the Adelaide Metro network. You can purchase a regular metroCARD, or a metroCARD Visitor Pass, which gives you three days of unlimited travel for one fixed fee.

MetroCARD also has a convenient app to plan your trips.

Education in Adelaide for International Students

There were nearly 36,000 international student enrolments in South Australian institutions in 2017 of which 20,000 were for universities. Around 4,000 international students are living in the city centre area. Many of Adelaide’s university students live in the outer suburbs for practical reasons, especially those studying at Flinders University and the Magill and Mawson Lakes campuses of the University of Adelaide. The outer suburbs offer low-cost living and easy parking.

Is Adelaide a good place for international students?

Adelaide is a great place for international students by offering a lot of opportunities for international students. The layout of the city means you spend less time commuting and more time enjoying life. And with a lower cost of living than other capital cities in Australia, you have more money to enjoy it too.

What are the best Universities in Adelaide?

Adelaide has four high-quality universities. Torrens University has been recently established in the Adelaide CBD. The university offers Bachelor and Master’s degrees in fields such as education, management, media design, and public health.

Flinders University was founded in 1966 after demand for university places went beyond the physical capacity of the University of Adelaide. It is located on a large campus 12km south of the city centre.

The University of Adelaide is the city’s prestige teaching institution. It has an international reputation for academic research and tends to attract the strongest local students. Its teaching facilities are mostly located on a single campus in the city centre. The University of South Australia is Adelaide’s largest university and was formed in 1991 by the merger of non-university teaching institutions. It has six campuses, four of which are in the city. The largest campus, City West, is close to the University of Adelaide. Another of its major campuses, Mawson Lakes, is 12km north of the CBD.

What can I study in Adelaide?

You can study vocational courses, English courses, both Bachelor and Master’s degrees or PhD for example in fields such as business, education, management, media design, and public health and anything else!

How good is education in Australia?

The Education Index, published with the UN’s Human Development Index in 2018, based on data from 2017, listed Australia the second highest in the world! Australia is also a leading global provider of education to international students – and, after the United States and the United Kingdom, is ranked as the third-largest provider of international education.

Weather in Adelaide

What is the warmest and coldest months of the year in Adelaide?

The warmest month in Adelaide is January and February with an average temperature of 29°C, but can be up to over 40°C, while the coldest month in Adelaide is July with an average maximum temperature of 15°C.

As in the rest of Australia, summer is during December to Feb, while winter is during June and August.

When is the best time to visit Adelaide?

March through May and September through November are deemed to be the best time to visit South Australia. Fall boasts a low possibility of rains and an excellent chance to explore Simpson Dunes.

March is an eventful season in Adelaide with the Fringe Festival, lasting a month and attracting tourists from all around South Australia and the whole country.

Does it rain a lot in Adelaide?

Adelaide is the driest of all the Australian capitals. June is the wettest month, averaging around 80 mm. Rainfalls in Spring are low but evenings can be quite brisk as temperatures drop quickly.

What are the seasons in Adelaide?

• Summer: December to February
• Autumn: March to May
• Winter: June to August
• Spring: September to November

Culture in Adelaide

Adelaide has many cultural institutions, such as museums and galleries and it hosts events, live music and festivals, such as the Fringe Festival and WOMAD. Adelaide is noted for its many festivals and sporting events (Adelaide 500) and its food and famous wineries and wine tours. Adelaide is also home to the largest display of Aboriginal artefacts. You can see this huge range on display at the South Australia Museum. Go in for an exceptional education of the past and present lives of the Indigenous communities of Australia.

Is Adelaide a global city?

Adelaide is noted for its many festivals and sporting events, its food and wine, its coastline and hills, and its large defence and manufacturing sectors. Adelaide’s quality of life has ranked consistently highly in various measures through the 21st century. The index, published annually by The Economist, ranks global cities based on their stability, healthcare, culture, environment, education and infrastructure. 2018 represents the seventh consecutive year that Adelaide has been listed in the index’s top 10.

5 interesting facts about Adelaide:

1. Adelaide is the only capital city in Australia that was not settled by convicts. Established in 1836, the city was a planned capital for free British settlers. A majority of the people had no criminal history, the city was thought to have little crime compared to other areas. As a result, no prison was built for some time. Criminals took advantage of this decreased law enforcement and the prison was added soon after.
2. Adelaide is a small city, and it only takes 20 minutes to get to any point in the city. Nicknamed the 20-minute city, Adelaide is one of the easiest cities to venture around.
3. Adelaide has many nicknames, including the city of churches, which means you will see a church on every corner in the city. Some are historic monuments where some are simply a few years old. Whatever their age, each beautifully designed church adds to the city’s peaceful atmosphere.
4. Adelaide is the opal capital of Australia, famous both locally and internationally for the best-selling opals available
5. Throughout history, Adelaide has been at the centre of forward-thinking. It was the first city to give women access to vote, recognise Indigenous land rights, as well as criminalise sexual and racial discrimination.

What is Adelaide famous for?

Adelaide is famous for its wineries with four out of six of Australia’s top wine regions are in South Australia; Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, McLaren Vale and Riverland. It is also well known for its churches, which is why it has gained its nickname as the city of churches. These beautifully designed churches add to the city’s peaceful atmosphere.

What is the food culture like in Adelaide?

• Cheese and wine!
• Hahndorf is a small town South East of Adelaide and is packed with many typical German restaurants offering delicious food.
• Adelaide’s famous wineries are located only a stone’s throw away from the city. Some of the popular ones are Barossa Valley, Coonawarra, McLaren Vale and Riverland.

Lifestyle in Adelaide

Why is Adelaide liveable city?

Adelaide is a very livable city. It has performed extremely well in things like feeling safe and affordable housing, which makes it a perfect city for families and students. Additionally, the city isn’t too crowded and everything you need is very close regardless of where you live.

Are there many clubs and restaurants in Adelaide?

Nightlife and restaurants in Adelaide and in general in Australia are good. Adelaide has a lot of different types of cafes. Bars and pubs can be found all over Adelaide and many of these establishments are housed in fine historic buildings. The most popular nightlife street is Hindley street surrounded by many bars and clubs for everyone.

What to do during your free time in Adelaide?

Adelaide has a lot to offer on weekdays and weekends. Discover the beautiful and quaint Adelaide Botanic Gardens or sunny beaches, go see Adelaide Central Markets, participate on the Adelaide Walking Tours to learn more about Adelaide’s history, go visit South Australian Museum or go to a wine tour with your friends.

What does nightlife look like in Adelaide?

Adelaide is a good city with many festivals, wineries, bars and restaurants to enjoy during nighttime. You can also visit the Bakehouse Theatre, which is a performing arts theatre that can be found in a neighbourhood area along Angas Street. There are two theatres, one that houses up to 87 people and the other, 40 people. Instead of lazing the night away, you could get out and get into this live theatre. Also, Moonlight Cinema Adelaide is situated in the same vicinity as Adelaide Botanic Garden and Adelaide Zoo, so once you’re done with your day’s activities, this outdoor movie theatre is a great place to wind down. Located in Botanic Park, the gates are open at 7pm but screenings start after 8pm. Arrive early if you want to rent bean beds for the ultimate comfort while snacking away. You can bring your own food and booze or purchase some light bites at their candy bar. Don’t forget to layer up or bring a blanket since the nights can be rather chilly.