Eynesbury College (Adelaide): Foundation & Diploma Fees, Intakes & Pathway to Adelaide University

Eynesbury College is a pathway college in Adelaide, South Australia, preparing international students for entry to Adelaide University, the new university formed from the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. It offers a Foundation Studies Program for students finishing secondary school and diploma programmes that can lead into the second year of a degree, plus English courses. This guide covers official fees, intakes, accommodation costs, and what to check about progression.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: Eynesbury College, a pathway college in Adelaide (part of the Navitas group)
• Pathway to: Adelaide University (formed from the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia)
• Foundation Studies Program: A$35,120 in 2026 and A$36,200 in 2027; 8 or 12 months; intakes in February, June, and October
• Diploma Stage 1 (2027): A$34,000 (A$4,250 per module) in arts, business, computing and IT, and health science
• Diploma Stage 2 (2027): A$36,200 (arts) to A$45,000 (engineering)
• Graduate Certificate in Business and Management (2027): A$24,100
• Other costs: enrolment fee A$225; OSHC about A$838 a year; ELICOS English A$400 a week

Rankings and reputation

Eynesbury is a pathway college, so it is not ranked. What matters is progression to Adelaide University and the degrees you can enter. Check progression requirements for your chosen degree.

Academics and signature programs

The Foundation Studies Program prepares students for first-year degree study in streams linked to business, science, engineering, health, and arts. Diplomas cover the first year of a degree in a smaller-class setting, after which successful students can enter the second year. Ask which Adelaide University degrees each pathway leads to.

Admissions and international eligibility

Entry depends on school results and English. Students under 18 need approved accommodation and welfare arrangements. After an offer, you receive a Confirmation of Enrolment and apply for a student visa.

English language requirements

• English entry depends on the programme; check Eynesbury's requirements
• ELICOS English courses are available at A$400 a week
• Adelaide University sets its own English rules for degree entry
• Confirm requirements before applying

Application checklist

A typical application includes school transcripts, English results, and passport details. Choose the 8- or 12-month Foundation based on your academic level and target intake.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

Eynesbury lists the Foundation Studies Program at A$35,120 for 2026 and A$36,200 for 2027. Stage 1 diplomas cost A$34,000 in 2027, and Stage 2 diplomas A$36,200 to A$45,000. Add a A$225 enrolment fee, OSHC of about A$838 a year, an accommodation processing fee of A$350 if you book housing through Eynesbury, and living costs.

Estimated living costs

• Australian student visa applicants must show they can afford tuition, travel, and living costs
• Overseas Student Health Cover is compulsory for the length of the visa
• Student visa holders can work a limited number of hours in term under current rules
• Public transport concession fares are available in most cities
• Rents have risen in most Australian cities, so book housing early

Scholarships

Ask Eynesbury about scholarships and whether Adelaide University scholarships apply after progression.

Campus life and student support

Eynesbury's campuses are in central Adelaide, close to Adelaide University's city campuses, shops, and transport. Accommodation options include Adelaide Student Lodge at about A$392.50 a week, homestays at about A$260 to A$350 a week, and student apartments at about A$290 to A$650 a week.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Career outcomes depend on the degree you progress to. Adelaide is classed as a regional area for some migration purposes, which can affect post-study work options; check current Home Affairs rules.

Australia's Temporary Graduate visa

Eligible international graduates can apply for the Temporary Graduate visa (subclass 485), which allows them to live and work in Australia after their studies, generally for two years after a bachelor's or coursework master's degree and longer after research degrees, with an age limit and study-requirement conditions. Rules change often, so confirm eligibility and current conditions with the Department of Home Affairs before relying on the visa.

Adelaide University and the merger

From 2026, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia have combined to form Adelaide University. Pathway students should check which degrees and campuses are available, and how course names and entry requirements have changed. Ask Eynesbury for current progression arrangements.

Foundation or diploma?

Students who have finished Year 11 or equivalent usually take the Foundation, which leads to first-year degree entry. Students who have completed Year 12 but do not meet direct entry often take a diploma, which can lead into the second year of a degree. A diploma can therefore save time overall.

Living in Adelaide

Adelaide is a compact, safe city with beaches, parks, and a lower cost of living than Sydney or Melbourne. Public transport includes trams, buses, and trains. Summers are hot and dry, and winters are mild.

Under-18 students

Students under 18 need approved accommodation and welfare arrangements, often a homestay arranged through the college. Ask about supervision, costs, and what happens when you turn 18.

Common mistakes applicants make

Applicants sometimes choose a programme without checking whether it leads to their exact degree, or overlook enrolment, OSHC, and accommodation fees. Confirm the pathway and total cost.

Health insurance and pre-arrival preparation

Arrange Overseas Student Health Cover, prepare evidence of funds, and be ready to show you are a genuine student when applying for the visa. Budget for the visa application charge, flights, and a housing deposit.

What to expect in your first months

The first weeks involve orientation, enrolment, and learning how Australian assessment works, with tutorials, assignments, and exams. Students who use academic support and English workshops early adjust faster.

A realistic budget

A Foundation at A$36,200 plus homestay at about A$300 a week and other costs could total about A$55,000 to A$60,000 for a year.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• Which Adelaide University degrees can I enter?
• What grades do I need to progress?
• Should I choose the 8- or 12-month Foundation?
• What accommodation is best for under-18 students?
• Does a diploma lead into second year?
• What are the total costs, including OSHC?

Who Eynesbury suits best

Eynesbury suits students who want a structured route into Adelaide University and a smaller-class start in a relaxed, affordable city. It may suit less well students who already meet direct entry.

Eynesbury compared with direct entry and other Adelaide pathways

Direct entry saves time and money if you qualify. Eynesbury offers smaller classes and support, while diplomas can save a year compared with a foundation plus a full degree. Compare total time and cost.

Step-by-step application roadmap

1. Choose your course and check accreditation and fees.
2. Confirm the English requirement and book a test if needed.
3. Apply with transcripts and passport details.
4. Accept your offer, pay the deposit, and receive your Confirmation of Enrolment.
5. Apply for your student visa and arrange Overseas Student Health Cover.
6. Book housing and attend orientation.

Preparing your documents early

Gather certified transcripts, English results, passport, and financial evidence several months before your intake. Keep written confirmation of fees, scholarships, and any pathway credit.

Diploma Stage 1 and Stage 2

Eynesbury's diplomas are split into stages. Stage 1 costs A$34,000 in 2027 across arts, business, computing and IT, and health science, at A$4,250 per module, and Stage 2 costs A$36,200 to A$45,000 depending on the field, with engineering at the top of the range. Ask which stage you would enter and how the diploma maps onto Adelaide University degree credits.

Support for international students

Eynesbury offers orientation, academic advising, welfare support for under-18 students, and help with accommodation through its housing options. Ask about study support and university preparation.

A step-by-step checklist before paying

Confirm your target Adelaide University degree and progression requirements, choose between the Foundation and a diploma, get a written quote including the enrolment fee and OSHC, arrange approved accommodation if you are under 18, and read the refund policy.

Questions for current students

If possible, speak with current Eynesbury students about class sizes, workload, homestays, and progression. Their experience can help you judge whether it suits you and what to budget for in the first year.

Mistakes to avoid

Applicants sometimes underestimate accommodation costs or choose a programme that does not lead to their exact degree. Confirm both before paying.

Planning your arrival

Arrive before orientation, collect your student ID, and set up a bank account and phone plan in the first week.

Frequently asked questions