Study in Adelaide: A city of high-quality education and entrepreneurial evolution

Sponsored by University of Adelaide 

When considering where to embark on your study abroad journey, the choice is not merely about selecting a city; it's about immersing yourself in an ecosystem that fosters innovation, entrepreneurship, and growth.  

Adelaide, renowned as one of the world's most entrepreneurial cities due to the rapid increase in startups located there, emerges as a compelling destination for ambitious international students seeking to carve their path in the global landscape of startups and innovation. 

The University of Adelaide, ranked 89th in the world in the latest QS World University Rankings, sits at the heart of the wider city’s entrepreneurial ambitions, helping to shape the region into a thriving hub for startups. 

Read on to learn more about the university’s commitment to entrepreneurship and how the quality of its teaching has been demonstrated by performance in recent university rankings. 

Inspiring entrepreneurial thinking 

ThincLab, a business incubator at the university, serves as a catalyst for entrepreneurial endeavours, offering not only a launching pad but also a comprehensive business intelligence platform 

Central to ThincLab's offerings is its flagship program, ThincSeed. This immersive 13-week experience equips budding entrepreneurs with indispensable skills in strategy, marketing, and growth planning.  

Under the guidance of seasoned experts, participants have the unique opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals, refine their pitches, and engage with potential investors—an invaluable experience for anyone venturing into the world of startups. 

Mary Kelly, co-founder of Reusably and a graduate of the 2023 programme, attests to the programme's transformative impact. She highlights the invaluable mentorship and guidance received, emphasising how it propelled her startup journey forward, even while managing other commitments. 

Even if your long-term career goals don’t involve working in a startup environment, the culture of the university and the focus on skill development means you’ll be well-placed to progress in your chosen field. 91 percent of business students from the University of Adelaide find full-time employment after graduating. 

A commitment to high-quality teaching 

The University of Adelaide combines this entrepreneurial focus with high-quality teaching across multiple subject areas, which has been recognised by the university’s performance in several different university rankings. 

As well as being within the top 100 universities in the world according to QS, the University of Adelaide also shines in different individual subject areas. 

In business, it stands out as Australia's premier university for entrepreneurship and engagement, boasting accreditation from the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial and Engaged Universities. Additionally, it is within the top five percent of business schools worldwide and is accredited by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). 

In the field of technology, the university shines with a global ranking of seventh for Artificial Intelligence and 41st for Computer Science. Its graduate salary ratings are stellar, earning a five-star rating for postgraduate computing and IT programmes.  

For engineering, the university secures impressive rankings, including 16th globally for Electrical and Electronic Engineering and 46th overall for Engineering. Graduates benefit from professional recognition by Engineers Australia, ensuring their qualifications are globally respected. 

In health and medical sciences, the university maintains a strong presence, ranking 59th globally for Clinical and Health disciplines and 92nd for Life Sciences and Medicine. With multiple top rankings in health education, it is South Australia's leading institution in this field. The university's programmes align with the growing demand for healthcare professionals, offering promising career prospects in the rapidly evolving healthcare sector. 

Preparing you for your dream career 

Many of these rankings place significant focus on employability and career outcomes, demonstrating how successfully the University of Adelaide prepares all of its graduates for the world of work, from entrepreneurs to engineers, medics to mathematicians. 

For international students with entrepreneurial ambitions, Adelaide offers a conducive environment to thrive and succeed. Whether you're passionate about sustainability, technology, or any other industry, the resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities available at ThincLab pave the way for turning dreams into reality. 

In other subject areas, students can take advantage of cutting-edge technologies to aid their learning and research. For example, the Australian Institute of Machine Learning (AIML), based at the University of Adelaide, stands as the largest machine learning research centre in Australia.  

So, if you’re looking for a study abroad experience that has been independently verified as one of the best in the world, in an environment that fosters entrepreneurism and career development, the University of Adelaide has plenty to offer. 

Lead image: Extraterrestrial Environmental Simulation Laboratory. Credit: Study Adelaide