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Adelaide University

A new university for the future

Overview

Adelaide University will drive the innovation and scale needed to make transformational investments for South Australia and beyond. We are building a future-focused university that combines the strengths of the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide to deliver nation-leading curriculum and student experience, greater access to education, and world-class research excellence.

Following careful consideration of a feasibility assessment based on 14 interdependent workstreams, both university Councils resolved to enter into a Heads of Agreement to support the State Government in the creation of a new institution.

While responding to State Government policy, a new Adelaide University presents an opportunity to advance our ambitions for tertiary education and innovation further and faster than what can be achieved today – charting our own course for the future.

We will shape a contemporary university that is connected to priority industries and produces graduates that are highly sought after around the world. A new university of global standing sustainably ranked in the top 1% worldwide.

The path to today has been extensive:

  • March 2022 / The State Government was elected with a higher education policy to explore university amalgamations.
  • November 2022 / The University Councils resolved to explore the feasibility of a new university for the future.
  • December 2022 / A Statement of Cooperation was signed between both universities and the State and Federal Governments.
  • January 2023 / The universities commenced a joint feasibility assessment.
  • March 2023 / A Vision Statement was released and feedback sought from the university and broader communities.
  • June 2023 / Business case and associated documentation were presented to both University Councils.
  • July 2023/ Following careful consideration, both University Councils resolved to support a combined university for the state.
  • September-October 2023/ Parliamentary Joint Committee further explored the merits of a new university and released a report in support with key recommendations. Draft legislation was introduced to State Parliament.
  • November 2023/ Welcomed the passage for legislation to establish a new Adelaide University.

The realisation of Adelaide University requires necessary legal and regulatory approvals, including proclamation of the new state legislation. Our continued focus is on detailed transition planning and implementation, including further engagement with our communities to help design and co-create the new institution with a target launch date of 1 January 2026.  

Timeline to implementation

Messages from leadership

Key announcements from the University of Adelaide (UoA) Chancellor and Vice Chancellor, and the University of South Australia (UniSA) Chancellor and Vice Chancellor.  

Media

See the latest news and media about the potential university for the future.

Frequently asked questions

Got a question?

We want to hear from you. If you have any feedback or would like to ask a question, fill out the enquiry form below.

Co-creating a new Adelaide University

Co-creation is at the heart of our transition. Together, with our university communities, we will shape and design core elements of the proposed new university for the future in our state.