Comparison
Adelaide University vs University of Melbourne
Adelaide University and University of Melbourne are both Group of Eight universities, so both carry the research reputation and both sit near the top of the tuition range. The decision comes down to city, the strength of your specific course, cost, and whether you want the skilled-migration points that come with studying regionally.
On the lowest tuition on record, Adelaide University (from A$19,000 a year) is the more affordable, below University of Melbourne (from A$47,968). Tuition varies widely by course, so price your specific program.
Adelaide University is in Adelaide and University of Melbourne is in Melbourne. That affects your rent and lifestyle more than almost anything else on this page: see the cost-of-living comparison below.
Adelaide University's main campus counts as regional for skilled migration, which adds points on the skilled visa points test and opens the 491 and 190 nomination pathways. If permanent residence is part of your plan, that is a real advantage.
| Adelaide University | University of Melbourne | |
|---|---|---|
| City | Adelaide | Melbourne |
| Group of Eight | Yes | Yes |
| Regional (migration) | Yes | No |
| International tuition | from A$19,000/yr | from A$47,968/yr |
| First-year budget | A$49,000 to A$56,000 | A$83,000 to A$95,000 |
| English (IELTS) | 6.5 | 6.5 |
| Application fee | A$150 | A$154 |
| Intakes | February, July | February, July |
| Selectivity | Selective | Selective |
Choose Adelaide University if
- Lower tuition matters (from A$19,000 vs A$47,968)
- You want the regional skilled-migration points
- Automatic entry scholarships appeal to you
- You want to live in Adelaide
Choose University of Melbourne if
- You want to live in Melbourne
Who Adelaide University suits
Consider Adelaide University if you want a large, comprehensive institution in a city with noticeably lower living costs than Sydney or Melbourne. Formed in 2026 from the merger of two established universities, it now offers one of the broadest course catalogs in the country across health, engineering, business, and the creative arts. Adelaide also counts as a regional area for skilled migration, so studying here earns extra points toward the 491 and 190 visas.
Who University of Melbourne suits
Melbourne suits students who value a broad first degree and are comfortable specialising later through a professional graduate qualification. Its Melbourne Model is deliberately different from direct-entry programs elsewhere, so it is a strong fit if you want time to explore before committing, and a weaker one if you want to start a professional degree immediately. It is highly ranked, and entry to the graduate professional degrees is competitive.
Adelaide University vs University of Melbourne: common questions
Is Adelaide University or University of Melbourne cheaper for international students?
Adelaide University is generally cheaper, from A$19,000 a year against A$47,968. Add cost of living: Adelaide and Melbourne differ, mostly on rent.
Which is harder to get into, Adelaide University or University of Melbourne?
They are broadly similar on selectivity. Entry depends far more on the specific course than on the university, so check the requirements for the program you want.
Which is better for permanent residence, Adelaide University or University of Melbourne?
Adelaide University has the edge for a PR plan: its main campus is in a designated regional area, so studying there earns regional points and opens the 491 and 190 nomination streams. Neither guarantees PR; that depends on your occupation and points.
Which is more prestigious, Adelaide University or University of Melbourne?
Both sit in a similar tier. Prestige is not a strong tie-breaker here; look at rankings in your specific field and where you want to work afterward.
Can I apply to both Adelaide University and University of Melbourne?
Yes. Australian universities assess applications independently and many charge international students no application fee, so applying to both and comparing your offers is normal.
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Other comparisons
Tuition figures are approximate and drawn from this site’s database, and selectivity is a band, not an official rate. This is general information, not admissions advice.