University of South Australia

ADS contact: Melissa Osborne
Email: Melissa.Osborne@unisa.edu.au
Phone: +61 (8) 8302 9103
Fax: +61 (8) 8302 0233

About UniSA

The University of South Australia is excited to be participating in the Australia Development Scholarships (ADS) program. UniSA offers a wide range of quality academic programs for you to choose from, and the city of Adelaide provides an ideal living and studying environment. We hope we will have the opportunity to welcome you to our University and our city!

The University of South Australia values quality, diversity, sustainability and equality and we aim to create, apply, and communicate knowledge which delivers economic and social benefits. This commitment extends to the international arena and underpins our commitment to the AusAID ADS program.

UniSA prides itself on being a truly international university. Of our more than 30,000 students, around 10,000 are international. More than 4,000 students from around the world study at our campuses in South Australia. Of this number, the majority are from India, Malaysia, China, Hong Kong and Singapore. In addition, we have over 4,500 transnational students studying abroad. Our teaching staff develop and deliver internationally relevant curricula, to ensure that all of our graduates (local and international) demonstrate international perspectives.

Our graduates from across Africa have formed a strong informal network, keeping in touch to share their experiences in the workplace and assist each other with their professional development. Our UniSA professors also maintain contact with our graduates to assist them to develop their industry within their country. Our graduates now hold a range of significant positions in Government, the private sector, and industry. The ADS program provides an opportunity to further strengthen these bonds.

Africa Priority Sectors and UniSA

UniSA has a range of programs that complement the ADS priority sectors in Southern and Eastern Africa. These include programs at both Graduate Diploma and Masters Levels in:

Urban and Rural Development; Education; Agriculture; Health; Communication; Information Technology; Governance and Trade; Environmental Management; Tourism; Water Resource Management; Business Administration; Finances/ Economics; International Trade.

More specific program information can be sought by contacting the AusAID ADS representative (above) or visiting UniSA Programs and Courses http://www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/programs/

Student Support Services

As well as offering a wide range of quality academic programs, UniSA provides extensive support services for all international students. These include:

• Free airport reception
• Assistance with both temporary on-arrival accommodation and suitable longer term accommodation
• A targeted 4-6 week introductory academic course prior to commencement of the formal academic program for all scholars
• Online peer mentoring – an opportunity before you depart from Indonesia to have online discussions with current UniSA students (both international and local) to ask the questions you really need the answer to
• Orientation ‘buddies’ – current students who help new students find their way around the campus and assist with many other practical issues
• Research and Innovation Service – a UniSA team which helps research students with advice on a range of research-related issues, as well as offering workshops and written resources
• International Student Advisors on every campus throughout the year, to deal with international student questions and problems
• Learning advisors to provide specific academic support
• Counselling support and advice for both academic and personal issues
• Disability assistance for students with a disability, to resolve issues such as physical access to some locations, specialised equipment, and sign language interpreters
• Support for accompanying families

Relevant Campuses

The University of South Australia has five campuses, each with a distinctive profile and offering modern and sophisticated facilities. Our campuses are City West, City East, Magill, Mawson Lakes and Whyalla.

All UniSA campuses are fully equipped to meet the needs of students. Facilities include on-campus shops which provide academic and general interest books, stationery, art materials, food and drinks, photo developing and more. Students have access to computing facilities including a wireless computer network. Cafeterias and bars are situated on campus and provide a variety of refreshments at competitive prices.

Community and surrounds

As the capital city of South Australia, Adelaide is the centre of the state's economic, cultural, political and social life. Above all, Adelaide is a welcoming and friendly place in which to live and learn, and there is a comfort and a convenience about Adelaide that is rarely found in larger cities.

Adelaide has all the beaches, the restaurants and cafés, the shopping and the nightlife of the eastern capitals with none of the hassles. Adelaide also boasts the largest fresh produce market in the southern hemisphere, where specialty foods from around the world abound. There is a thriving arts scene, international sporting events and less rain than in any other Australian capital city. Adelaide is also the most affordable city on the Australian mainland, which makes it a great destination for students.

Climate

South Australia is the driest state in the driest country in the world! This means that most days are sunny and the skies are blue.

Adelaide has a wonderful climate - hot, dry summers, perfect for swimming and picnics, and mild, wet winters. There are four seasons, each with its own special attractions. Adelaide’s weather averages 16 degrees Celsius in July (mid-winter) and 29 degrees Celsius over summer.

Cost of living and accommodation

UniSA’s Accommodation Services helps students find safe, affordable and quality accommodation and provides students with access to accommodation options provided by external providers and tips and guidelines on finding suitable accommodation.

In addition, UniSA owns the East End Apartments which are located in the heart of Adelaide on its premier inner city boulevard, North Terrace, within easy access to UniSA's City East and City West campuses and public transport. The complex includes one and three-bedroom furnished apartments, complete with air-conditioning and phone connections as well as data and network connections with UniSA. These apartments are managed by a private student accommodation provider.

Alternatively, students will find various accommodation options in the city and surrounding suburbs:
• Apartments and townhouses
• Residential colleges
• Non-profit housing
• Boarding houses

The cost of accommodation does vary however students can spend as little as $90 to as much as $210 per week depending on the type of accommodation and whether or not it is shared with other students.

Campus descriptions

City West
City West is a modern, vibrant campus located amidst Adelaide's educational and cultural precinct. With innovative learning facilities and a range of research activities across the disciplines, City West also enjoys a reputation as being part of a world-class arts precinct.

City East
Focusing on the health, biomedical and nursing professions, City East has well-established teaching and research links between UniSA programs and the nearby hospital, medical school and Health Commission. Distinguished by an elegant North Terrace façade, City East also provides community health services through specialised clinics.

Magill
Set in spacious parklands eight kilometers from the city, Magill's contemporary functionalist architecture houses a state-of-the-art library and excellent student-centered learning facilities for a range of humanities and social science disciplines. Amenities include a theatre, playing fields, a heated swimming pool and a gymnasium.

Mawson Lakes
Twenty minutes north of Adelaide, the campus is home to some of the world's most significant technological research. Mawson Lakes is the main campus for the Division of IT, Engineering and the Environment, has state-of-the-art research facilities, an extensive library and collaborative links with nearby Technology Park.

Whyalla
Four hundred kilometers from Adelaide, UniSA's Whyalla campus represents the major centre of tertiary education in rural South Australia. Whyalla's academic programs in business, social work, and nursing along with research opportunities in rural health and community development reflect UniSA's commitment to providing access to higher education.

Family and community services

Hospitals, medical centres, childcare centres, schools and other crucial community services are located close to each UniSA campus. Specific ccommunity health services are provided at City East Campus through specialised clinics in areas such as podiatry, physiotherapy and psychology. The ease of travel within Adelaide makes all community services accessible no matter where you are.

Childcare facilities

Child care centres are located on or close to each campus of the University and are open to staff and students and the public. The facilities and services provided at each centre vary as they are privately owned and operated. However all child care centres are committed to providing flexible, affordable child care options with an emphasis on quality standards, parental involvement, providing a family-friendly environment and representing children’s interests. The centres cater to children as young as 6 weeks to 5 years.

Alternatively, there are a range of private childcare centres in the community and you may wish to place children close to where you live. ADS students are advised more thoroughly of childcare options during the Introductory Academic Program.

Foods for different cultures

Adelaide is a city made up of rich diversity of different cultures and there are many shops in and around Adelaide that sell food and ingredients from around the world. Adelaide also has a large range of restaurants and cafés that cater to diverse cultural tastes.

The Adelaide’s Central Market, situated in the heart of the city, is the largest provider of fresh foods, spices and special ingredients from all over the world. There are fresh market stalls as well as specialty stores and butchers which sell halal, kosher or vegetarian / vegan foods.

Halal food is also available on each campus and from the University of South Australia's Students Association Bookshops.

Religious facilities

Chaplains are available to all students and staff on all UniSA campuses and administer religious events and groups on campus, as well as providing pastoral care for a wide range of needs. They are provided by specific denominations but are open to being a resource for anyone seeking their service.

In addition, there are prayer rooms located on each campus and the university provides an extensive guide to mosques, churches, and cultural organizations around Adelaide.

Public transport

Adelaide’s passenger transport system is extensive and makes traveling around Adelaide easy. There is a free city bus which loops around the Adelaide Central Business District and the bus service in surrounding suburbs are scheduled to run at regular 30-60 minute intervals.

Alternatively, students who have their own transport can apply for a permit to park on campus, use public car parks in the city or park for free in many areas near outer suburb campuses. Cycling is another good means of transport for students living close to their university campus.