Is the University of South Australia good? Overview of the University of South Australia's global ranking, tuition fees, and entry requirements.

Is the University of South Australia a good choice? It is a five-star university ranked among the top 400 in the world and holds the highest student satisfaction rating in South Australia. Its nursing program ranks in the global top 100, while the business school is in the top 1%. The university's "learning by doing" philosophy leads to impressive employment outcomes for graduates. Cyclopes will provide detailed information on the university's rankings, tuition fees, features, and popular programs to assist students considering studying in Australia in choosing their ideal university.

Source: Universities Australia

The University of South Australia was established in 1991 through the merger of the South Australian Institute of Higher Education, founded in 1856, and the South Australian Institute of Technology, established in 1889.

The university has 6 campuses, including those in the Adelaide city center and surrounding areas, all located near significant development, commercial, and transportation hubs in Adelaide. Additionally, the local climate is pleasant, the cost of living is comfortable, and it is affordable, making it a great place for international students to live and study.

According to the 2025 QS World University Rankings, the University of South Australia is ranked among the top 350 globally and has received a five-star rating. In the Times Higher Education rankings, it is placed within the top 300, particularly ranking in the top 125 for education. Additionally, its business, law, computer science, and engineering programs also rank within the global top 250.[2] Overall, the university demonstrates strong performance in various fields.

Domestically, the University of South Australia ranks within the top 20 in Australia. Its business and finance programs are highly regarded, making it the only business school in South Australia to receive the European Quality Improvement System (EQUIS) accreditation. Furthermore, the university's engineering, architectural design, and education programs also hold high ratings nationally.

Source: Freepik

The University of South Australia is not a traditional conservative university; it places "learning by doing" at its core, focusing on cultivating students' practical skills through activities such as company visits, internships, and interactions with industry experts. This educational philosophy is reflected in its curriculum design, and the university collaborates with over 2,500 companies worldwide to enhance students' employability through industry exposure. In 2023, 80% of graduates and 90% of postgraduates successfully secured full-time jobs within four months, making it the highest employment rate in South Australia [3]. Additionally, the university encourages interdisciplinary learning, allowing students to freely choose courses based on their personal interests and career goals, offering various teaching methods, including online courses, remote teaching, and blended learning, enabling both local and international students to receive education without time and space constraints.

Is the University of South Australia a good choice? In summary, the university performs excellently in global rankings, with most of its faculties leading both internationally and domestically, demonstrating strong competitiveness in academic research and industry collaboration. Having achieved such educational success in less than 50 years since its founding, it is one of the rapidly rising young universities. Importantly, the University of South Australia is known for its practice-oriented educational model, offering flexible learning modes and interdisciplinary courses, as well as opportunities for internships in companies, which equip students with market-relevant professional skills and experience before graduation, allowing them to stand out in various fields.

The University of South Australia has 7 faculties covering areas such as business, law, education, science, engineering, creative arts, and health [4]. Among them, the nursing program is highly sought after due to its top global ranking, excellent student employment rates, and high-quality teaching facilities. This program provides clinical internship opportunities, allowing students to learn in Australia’s top healthcare environments and interact with industry experts, becoming outstanding nursing professionals. As a result, many students from Hong Kong are drawn to the promising prospects and good salaries associated with the nursing program, choosing to obtain their Bachelor of Nursing degree here. In addition to nursing, programs in business, aviation, and engineering are also very popular. The University of South Australia not only offers internationally accredited course designs but also boasts world-class teaching facilities and faculty, helping students develop into talent across various fields in a high-quality educational environment.

Source: Freepik

The tuition fees at the University of South Australia vary depending on course type and field of study, generally ranging from AUD$30,000 to AUD$41,000 per year for international students [5]. Compared to other Australian universities, UniSA's tuition fees are relatively affordable. However, actual fees can vary based on the course, discipline, and duration; for instance, courses in medicine, engineering, and business typically have higher fees. Nonetheless, the quality of faculty, campus facilities, and course design at UniSA are top-notch, providing significant value. Additionally, UniSA offers various international undergraduate and postgraduate scholarship programs aimed at encouraging academically exceptional students with research potential. The scholarship programs and fee waivers are diverse, including tuition reductions and living allowances, with discounts of up to 50% of tuition, aimed at encouraging more international students to study in Australia in a high-quality educational environment.

The admission requirements for the University of South Australia include the completion of 12 years of education and obtaining a high school diploma before applying. If high school grades do not meet the required standards, students may consider enrolling in bridging courses at UniSA, which allow them to progress directly to the first or second year of university [6]. Regarding language requirements, UniSA requires students to provide proof of English proficiency through IELTS, TOEFL, or other accepted tests, with a minimum IELTS score of 6.0.

Is the University of South Australia a good choice? With an excellent global ranking, UniSA closely integrates with industry, providing students with ample resources and an environment to accumulate practical skills and knowledge, ensuring they graduate with employability. Furthermore, with reasonable tuition fees, diverse special courses, and advanced facilities, along with a comprehensive scholarship system, students can maximize their use of university resources. If you want to learn more about the University of South Australia, feel free to contact the Cyclopes team, and we will provide you with the most complete study abroad information.

Reference:

1. QS World University Rankings: Top global universities

https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings  

2. 2024 Times Higher Education Rankings: World University Rankings 2024

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings/2024/world-ranking

3. 2023 QILT Graduate Employment Survey

https://qilt.edu.au/surveys/Data-Visualisation/gos

4. University of South Australia

https://www.unisachina.com/

5. University of South Australia 2025 Study Abroad Guide

https://cdn.sin0sites.com/1081378852776509440/files_1764552815294898176/2025-china-brochure_web.pdf

6. University of South Australia: How to Apply

https://www.unisachina.com/how-to-apply