adelaide university
Source: Adelaide University

Adelaide University has reached a milestone and launched to the world, showcasing a transformative approach to education and research, and a future-focused identity.

Adelaide University co-Vice Chancellors, Professor Peter Høj AC and Professor David Lloyd, said the new Adelaide University builds on combined centuries of experience delivering teaching and research excellence, through its founding institutions the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.

“Today’s launch marks a significant moment for future generations of global learners, researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs. This contemporary for-purpose university will produce graduates who are highly sought after by employers, equipped with the skills, experience and attributes to excel in the workplaces of today and tomorrow,” the co-Vice Chancellors said.

Adelaide University

Adelaide University Co- Vice Chancellors Professor Peter Høj and Professor David Lloyd launching Adelaide University to the world. Source: Adelaide University

The new University’s website features an initial suite of around 200 degrees to enable international admissions ahead of doors opening in 2026.

The University’s ambitions are expressed in its bold visual identity, which conveys a cutting-edge institution grounded in established legacies.

“Adelaide University will drive a transformative agenda as a global education powerhouse, preparing graduates to address the critical challenges of our rapidly changing world,” Professors Lloyd and Høj said.

“The University will also be a proud member of Australia’s prestigious research-intensive Group of Eight (Go8) universities, which are held in high regard throughout the world.”

Adelaide University will combine the immense research capabilities and expansive industry partnerships of its founding institutions. Partnered with communities, Adelaide University will conduct outstanding future-making research of scale and focus to further innovation and grow the economy as well as embedding industry and research informed learning in every degree whilst enabling rich work integrated learning experiences.

Adelaide University aims to be positioned in the top 1% worldwide from day one on a sustainable basis, offering a world-class educational experience for students, including enormous choice and flexibility.

Adelaide University

Source: Adelaide University

Adelaide University will offer a comprehensive suite of programmes, including all major disciplines that are currently studied at the existing universities. The initial degrees on the new Adelaide University website align with international student interest and career ambitions, enabling them to commence the admission process. Additional programmes will be progressively released.

The University’s curriculum is unique in the distinctive features that apply to every degree. Through the curriculum model, termed the Adelaide Attainment Model, students will access modular and stackable learning, a flexible academic calendar, and a digital underpinning that embraces AI technologies and integrated learning. There will be a common core across all degrees with embedded graduate qualities developed in partnership with industry, to ensure strong employability.

“It caters for lifelong learners from all backgrounds, who will receive Australia’s most accessible, contemporary and future-focused education. Stackable degree structures will enable multiple entry paths and nested qualifications to support scaffolded learning attainment and transitions.

“We also aim to be in the top five nationally for student experience, providing a holistic and connected student journey the empowers our learners to transform themselves, their communities and the world – to be the best they can be by unlocking their potential and discovering their purpose,” Professors Høj and Lloyd said.

Adelaide consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities. It is Australia’s fastest growing economy, big enough to have everything and intimate enough to be nimble, empower innovation and have close industry connections. Adelaide was ranked 28 in the world in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 ranking.

“Adelaide is a university city. Students come here from all over the world, attracted to its vibrant cosmopolitan lifestyle and fantastic beaches, welcoming multicultural community, close proximity to regional highlights and its affordability compared to the nation’s eastern states,” Professors Lloyd and Høj said.

“Adelaide is ideally set up for international students and has a variety of accommodation options that cater specifically for students, with a pipeline to meet anticipated increases in demand.”

“The coming together of our two institutions is also the amalgamation of two university communities, which means an enormous range of student clubs and facilities to help introduce our new students to what South Australia has to offer.”

Graduates from Adelaide University will join an established internationally connected community of more than 400,000 alumni from the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, supporting each other and making an impact all around the world.

Adelaide Universityyy

Source: Adelaide University

Comments from the Federal Minister for Education, Jason Clare:

“Congratulations to the Vice-Chancellors, staff and students on taking the next steps in creating the new Adelaide University.”

“This new university will draw on the existing strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.”

“It will be a powerhouse of research and a beacon for both domestic and international students.”

Comments from Group of Eight Chief Executive, Vicki Thomson:

“The creation of Adelaide University will deliver far-reaching benefits for Australia’s research and higher education. South Australia and the new Adelaide University will be key factors in the nation’s push to accelerate the energy transition and to enhance our sovereign capabilities in an increasingly challenging geopolitical environment. This requires a powerhouse research and education presence, and the merger of the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia will create quality at the scale needed.”

“Adelaide University will have more resources to deliver the education, skilled workforce and research South Australia and indeed Australia needs to underpin economic growth and social cohesion.”

“The Group of Eight comprising Australia’s research-intensive universities – all top 100 universities and world leaders in research and innovation – looks forward to welcoming Adelaide University as a member of the Go8.”

Comments from StudyAdelaide Chief Executive, Jane Johnston:

“Adelaide’s universities have always provided exceptional educational experiences. Adelaide University will be an institution that responds to the contemporary needs of students and industry globally.”

“We look forward to welcoming the best and brightest international students from around the world and partnering with Adelaide University to ensure these students have a rewarding experience that enables their future success.”

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