Kaplan International College Adelaide: Foundation, Degree Transfer & Pre-Master's Fees Guide

Kaplan International College Adelaide (KIC Adelaide), formerly The University of Adelaide College, is a Kaplan pathway college preparing international students for Adelaide University, formed from the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. It offers Foundation Studies, Degree Transfer Programs that lead into the second year of degrees, and Pre-Master's programmes. This guide covers official 2026 fees, extra costs, progression, and what to check.

Quick facts snapshot

• Institution: Kaplan International College Adelaide, formerly The University of Adelaide College, run by Kaplan
• Pathway to: Adelaide University
• Foundation Studies (international): A$35,100 in 2026 and A$36,500 in 2027 (standard and accelerated)
• Degree Transfer Programs (international, 2026): standard A$41,500 to A$43,800; extended A$50,295 to A$52,995
• Pre-Master's (international, 2026): extended A$51,495; standard A$48,000; accelerated A$24,000
• Other 2026 fees: enrolment A$390; administration and student support A$550; materials about A$500 to A$700; OSHC A$768
• Scholarships: launch scholarships of up to 25% for 2026 intakes (Kaplan flyer); a 10% scholarship on progression to Adelaide University has been reported

Rankings and reputation

KIC Adelaide is a pathway college, so it is not ranked. Adelaide University combines two established South Australian universities. Check how the new university's degree names, campuses, and entry requirements apply to your plans.

Academics and signature programs

Foundation Studies prepares students for first-year degrees, Degree Transfer Programs cover first-year content in business and economics or computer science, engineering, IT, and science, and Pre-Master's programmes prepare students for postgraduate study. Ask which Adelaide University programmes each pathway leads to.

Admissions and international eligibility

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

English language requirements

• English entry depends on the programme; check KIC Adelaide's requirements
• Kaplan has offered free English weeks for some students
• Adelaide University sets its own English rules
• Confirm requirements before applying

Application checklist

A typical application includes transcripts, English results, and passport details. Tuition is usually paid in two or three instalments, with the first due on accepting your offer.

Tuition, living costs, and scholarships

KIC Adelaide lists 2026 international fees of A$35,100 for Foundation Studies (A$36,500 in 2027), A$41,500 to A$43,800 for standard Degree Transfer Programs, A$50,295 to A$52,995 for extended ones, and A$24,000 to A$51,495 for Pre-Master's programmes. Add an enrolment fee of A$390, an administration and student support fee of A$550, materials of about A$500 to A$700, and OSHC of A$768.

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

Kaplan has advertised launch scholarships of up to 25% for 2026 intakes, and KIC Adelaide graduates have been reported to receive a 10% scholarship on progression to Adelaide University, with merit awards for top performers. Confirm current offers in writing.

Campus life and student support

KIC Adelaide is in central Adelaide, close to Adelaide University's city campuses and North Terrace's cultural precinct. Trams and buses connect the city.

Career outcomes and post-study work rights

Career outcomes depend on the degree you complete. 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.

From The University of Adelaide College to KIC Adelaide

Kaplan's college for the University of Adelaide has been renamed Kaplan International College Adelaide following the creation of Adelaide University. Students should check how progression agreements, degree names, and scholarships apply under the new university.

Degree Transfer Programs

Degree Transfer Programs teach first-year university content with extra support. Standard programmes are shorter, while extended programmes add more preparation. Successful students can enter the second year of a related degree, saving time compared with a foundation plus a full degree.

Pre-Master's programmes

Pre-Master's programmes prepare students whose bachelor's degrees do not meet direct master's entry. The accelerated option costs A$24,000 in 2026. Ask which master's degrees you can enter and with what grades.

Living in Adelaide

Adelaide is compact, safe, and more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne, with beaches, parks, and wine regions nearby.

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 changes when you turn 18.

Living costs and work in Australia

Australia's student visa requires evidence of funds for living costs, set by the Department of Home Affairs. Student visa holders can generally work up to 48 hours a fortnight during study periods and unlimited hours in scheduled breaks. Do not rely on part-time income to pay tuition.

A step-by-step checklist before paying

Confirm your pathway and progression grades, check scholarship terms, budget for extra fees and OSHC, and read the refund policy.

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

At A$35,100 for Foundation plus about A$1,700 in extra fees and OSHC and A$25,000 in Adelaide living costs, a year could cost about A$62,000.

Questions to ask before you accept an offer

• Which Adelaide University degrees can I enter?
• What grades do I need to progress?
• Will I receive a launch or progression scholarship?
• How are instalments scheduled?
• What accommodation is available?
• How has the university merger affected my pathway?

Who KIC Adelaide suits best

KIC Adelaide suits students who want a structured pathway into Adelaide University, including Pre-Master's routes for postgraduate study. It may suit less well students who already meet direct entry.

KIC Adelaide compared with Eynesbury

Eynesbury College also prepares students for Adelaide University. Compare programme types, fees, intakes, and progression arrangements.

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.

Building a realistic budget

Budget for tuition, enrolment and administration fees, materials, OSHC, accommodation, transport, and food. Adelaide is more affordable than Sydney or Melbourne. Keep a buffer for the first months.

Questions for current students

If possible, speak with current KIC Adelaide students about teaching, progression, accommodation, and life in Adelaide. Their experience can help you judge whether it suits you and what to budget for in the first year.

Key takeaway

KIC Adelaide offers foundation, degree transfer, and pre-master's routes into Adelaide University. Confirm progression rules under the new university.

Support for international students

KIC Adelaide offers orientation, academic advising, welfare services, and help with accommodation and settling in.

Planning your arrival

Arrive before orientation, set up a bank account, phone, and metroCARD, and attend welcome events.

Comparing total costs

To compare KIC Adelaide with Eynesbury or direct entry, add the pathway fee and extra charges to the remaining years of Adelaide University tuition and living costs. Degree Transfer Programs that lead into second year can reduce the total time.

What a typical week looks like

Pathway students attend smaller classes, tutorials, and study skills sessions, with regular assessments and academic advising to keep them on track for progression.

Frequently asked questions