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Government of South Australia - Department of State Development

    International education

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    Adelaide is a leading education city with established institutions across all areas of study, including universities that rank in the world’s top 100.

    From early learning in our schools, to vocational education and training (VET), higher education and university, Adelaide’s institutions meet the highest standards guaranteed by the Australian Government’s Education Framework.

    The Australian education system is world-renowned and ranks well above average in international education league tables.

    It is this reputation for excellence that has cemented international education’s place as a key economic, skills and workforce contributor in South Australia, and as the state’s top export.

    International education is a critical economic contributor in South Australia

    International education highlights

    Investment and trade opportunities

    • Research and development partnerships
    • International student attraction (tertiary, VET and school immersion).

    Target markets

    • China and Hong Kong
    • Japan
    • India, Sri Lanka and Bangladesh
    • Southeast Asia

    South Australian Government supported initiatives

    International student recruitment will be a key focus to support creation of the new Adelaide University, with the South Australian Government committing $30 million to attract international students.

    StudyAdelaide is funded by the South Australian Government and the state’s international education providers. It is a destination marketing and student support agency that partners with the sector to grow global preference for Adelaide as an education destination.

    South Australian industry supported ecosystem

    The South Australian Government works closely with the following organisations to facilitate trade and investment outcomes for the state:

    • The University of Adelaide is a 150-year-old university ranked among the top one per cent globally, with a proud history of producing ground-breaking leaders of the future.
    • University of South Australia, Australia’s University of Enterprise, is a globally connected and engaged university with industry-informed teaching and research.
    • Flinders University is a university at the forefront of contemporary education and research and has been a centre of inspiring achievement for over 50 years.
    • Torrens University brings a modern, careers-focused perspective to higher education, reinforced through partnerships with industry and research collaborations.
    • TAFE SA is South Australia’s largest vocational education and training provider.
    • Vocational education institutions – across various fields of study – have strong industry connections, with training programs and courses at the forefront of industry practice.
    • South Australian Government schools and non-government schools, deliver educational programs and student experiences to international students.

    Universities for the future

    Adelaide University Logo

    The establishment of Adelaide University places South Australia at the forefront of education in Australia. The new university, opening in January 2026, will combine the strengths of the University of Adelaide with the University of South Australia, and build on their proud history of collaborative research, education and student mobility.

    It is part of the South Australian Government’s vision to have a globally competitive, industry-connected university that is sustainably positioned in the top 100, helping to secure a greater share of funding for high quality research.

    Flinders University Logo

    Flinders University’s new state-of-the-art city campus and Health and Medical Research Building, opened in 2024, are further expanding opportunities for first-class education, exceptional student experiences, and high-quality research.

    Flinders University is one of Australia’s fastest growing research universities, backed by its contemporary education aligned to South Australian and global skills needs of the future.