The proposed new Adelaide University will drive the innovation and scale needed to make transformational investments in teaching, learning and innovation for South Australia and beyond. 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 proposed 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 ranked in the top 1% worldwide.
The path to today has been extensive:
The creation of a new Adelaide University requires necessary legal and regulatory approvals, including the passing of state legislation. The target launch date for the combined Adelaide University is 1 January 2026.
Our focus moving forward will be on transition planning and implementation, including further engagement with our communities to help design and co-create the new university.
Hear the latest from the University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Høj AC, and the University of South Australia Vice Chancellor, Professor David Lloyd, as they provide an update on the creation of a new Adelaide University.
July 2023: University of South Australia Vice Chancellor, Professor David Lloyd, and University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Høj AC, confirm Council support for creation of a university for the future.
March 2023: University of South Australia Vice Chancellor, Professor David Lloyd, and University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Høj AC, talk about the release of a Vision Statement for a potential university for the future.
December 2022: University of South Australia Vice Chancellor, Professor David Lloyd, and University of Adelaide Vice-Chancellor, Professor Peter Høj AC, talk about the potential creation of a new university for the future.
See the latest news and media about the potential university for the future.
The Councils of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia have resolved to enter into a Heads of Agreement to support the State Government in the creation of a new university, should the State Government take steps towards doing so.
Both university Councils are satisfied that ‘the creation of a university for the future to be called Adelaide University in accordance with the shared ambition outlined in the Statement of Cooperation and underpinned by the (State Government’s) funding package would be in the best interests of the University'.
The Councils acknowledged that each university is established by, and operates under, State legislation. Therefore, any decision to combine the existing institutions to create a new university, including decisions as to the means and timing of any such undertaking, is a matter for State Parliament.
In December 2022, the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide agreed to undertake a formal feasibility assessment, including development of a business case for the creation of a new university for the future. The universities signed a Statement of Cooperation with the State and Federal Governments, which set out the commitment of both Governments and university Councils to work together on the feasibility assessment phase.
The feasibility assessment was undertaken in response to the South Australian Government’s higher education policy, which called for the consideration of a merger between the state’s universities to strengthen the contribution of tertiary education to the economy and society more broadly.
The purpose of the feasibility assessment was to explore the benefits and associated risks of amalgamating the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia to create a new university of global standing, dedicated to ensuring the prosperity, well-being, and cohesion of society by addressing educational inequalities, and partnering with the communities it serves, to deliver educational excellence and conducting outstanding future-making research of scale and focus.
Ahead of the feasibility assessment stage, both university Councils agreed on the following threshold matters:
The South Australian Government has expressed its strong support for the creation of a combined university through provision of a significant and foundational financial contribution to the transformational ambitions of the future Adelaide University. This includes investment to achieve its strategic aspirations, and best support the future growth and success of the state, in three particular aspects:
The State Government has also committed to purchase the University of South Australia’s Magill Campus, which the University has already indicated it will vacate in coming years, and the surplus land at the Mawson Lakes Campus, which together will provide an additional $115 million in transition funds for the new university. The transfer of ownership would have no impact on the current teaching or research arrangements at either campus in the medium term and the new Adelaide University is committed to continuing to deliver programs at Mawson Lakes into the future. Read more about the potential Adelaide University – a new university for South Australia.
The two universities are strongly committed to engaging their communities in shaping the new university, and to collaboratively building a dynamic and inclusive culture that will be at the heart of the new university’s foundation.
The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide will continue to operate as separate institutions, led by the existing Councils and leadership. During this next stage of transition, the two universities will work in joint venture, together with State and Federal Governments, to create Adelaide University, subject to new legislation and legal and regulatory approvals. The Universities have entered into a binding Heads of Agreement in support of these activities.
The amalgamation of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia represents a significant opportunity and undertaking, and it will be one of the largest changes to higher education in Australia over the past three decades. The scale of the transition is not to be underestimated.
Following the outcome of the university Councils’ deliberations, relevant legislation and legal and regulatory approvals need to proceed to create the new institution. This includes, but is not limited to:
In addition, and subject to legal and regulatory approvals, both universities will commence detailed transition planning and implementation working towards a target launch date of the new Adelaide University on 1 January 2026. A key focus during the transition period will be on developing Australia’s most contemporary, industry-informed curriculum and a leading-edge research strategy.
The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide are participating fully in the parliamentary process to advance the passage of the legislation to create the new Adelaide University. The universities have undertaken an extensive and thorough feasibility study, including detailed financial analysis, and are committed to opening the new university in January 2026 if the legislation is passed and necessary legal and regulatory approvals are obtained in a timely manner. This requires a significant amount of work to be undertaken to provide certainty to staff, current and future students and industry partners. The universities trust that any examination of the legislation can be undertaken expeditiously. The universities will provide as much information to the Parliament as it reasonably requires, while also being mindful of the commercial and confidential nature of its planning.
Following the respective Council resolutions to support the State Government with its creation of a new university for the future in South Australia, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia released the Transition Plan (Extract). The Vice Chancellors of both universities made a further commitment to release abridged versions of other key enabling documents developed during the feasibility assessment, while balancing commercial considerations and any impacts on the competitiveness of either institution, or the potential future university. The following documents are now available: Parliamentary Inquiry Submission Response, Guide to Council Documents, White Paper (Comprehensive Summary), Business Case (Comprehensive Summary), Heads of Agreement (Comprehensive Summary), State Government Heads of Agreement and Adelaide University – Key Benefits.
Both universities are committed to engaging in both formal and informal co-creation with staff, students, alumni, donors and partners. We will build on the culture of collaboration established during the feasibility stage with greater opportunities for involvement and engagement. Further details will be provided as planning progresses.
On its formation, it is anticipated with a high degree of confidence that the new Adelaide University will be among the top 1% worldwide, and its combined strength will ensure its long-term global standing as a university of choice.
While the drivers behind university rankings are complex, and there are no simple prediction measures for future performance, the new university will work to ensure the best possible position in research, teaching quality, student experience and reputation – and will aim to be among the highest ranked institutions in Australia as a leading global university, irrespective of increasing competition.
Adelaide University has also been invited to become a member of the prestigious and research-intensive Go8 group of universities upon its creation.
In the transition period, both existing universities will continue their ongoing focus on maintaining and improving key rankings.
Adelaide University will develop a new brand, including a logo and other branding elements, in a way that honours the history of both antecedent institutions. This process will follow best practice and there will be engagement with the universities’ communities in the design and selection of the logo, which will be ultimately approved by the Council of the new Adelaide University.
There will be no immediate impact for students at this time. The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia will continue to operate and deliver their respective programs and services until the new Adelaide University becomes operational (targeted for January 2026).
Subject to legal and regulatory approvals, it is proposed that current students (those enrolled before 2026 and who are yet to finish their studies) will transition to the new university in 2026, in either their existing or an equivalent program. Both universities are committed to ensuring a positive study experience for all students and supporting them over this transitional period.
The new Adelaide University will aim to deliver enhanced student experience, future-focused curriculum and research of a global standing – and students will be part of their co-creation and the transition journey. The suite of programs to be offered by the new university upon commencing operations will be determined during the transition phase (2023 to the end of 2025).
There will be no immediate impact for our international students at this time. The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide will continue to operate and deliver their respective programs and services until the new Adelaide University becomes operational (targeted for 1 January 2026).
Subject to legal and regulatory approvals, it is proposed that current students (those enrolled before 2026 and who are yet to finish their studies) will transition to the new university in 2026, in either their existing or an equivalent program. The suite of programs to be offered by the new university upon commencing operations will be determined during the transition phase (2023 to end of 2025).
The new Adelaide University will aim to deliver Australia’s most contemporary, industry-informed curriculum. Combining the strengths of both universities will enable transformational investments in teaching and research. This will mean even higher quality experiences and outcomes for students and producing graduates that are among the most sought after in the world.
Both universities will assist international students, where possible, to ensure their documentation and program of study are in compliance with their student visa. The universities are also committed to ensuring a positive study experience for all students and supporting them over this transitional period.
It is anticipated that students will continue to enrol in the University of South Australia or the University of Adelaide up to 2025 entry, then would transfer to the new university, once established in 2026. It is anticipated that students enrolling for 2026 entry and beyond would enrol directly with Adelaide University. Legislative and regulatory matters need to be finalised before students can enrol directly in Adelaide University and for existing students to be transferred to it.
The following principles are proposed for current and future students, but they are subject to legislation and legal and regulatory approvals being obtained and Adelaide University commencing operations from 1 January 2026:
Commencing and continuing students enrolled in or before 2024 (and who transfer from the University of Adelaide or the University of South Australia to the new university) will take their award from Adelaide University but, subject to regulatory approval, may be able to elect to have the name and logo of the University of Adelaide or the University of South Australia displayed on their award.
All students, regardless of commencement date, completing their studies prior to 2026 will receive an award from their current institution (either the University of Adelaide or the University of South Australia) but, subject to the legislation being passed, will also be taken to be graduates of the new Adelaide University. They will be eligible to receive official confirmation of this from the new Adelaide University should they require it.
It is intended that all program areas offered by the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia will continue to be delivered, subject to student interest and viability.
Students will continue to have access to state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities and it is anticipated that the new Adelaide University will also offer an extended suite of leading online study options.
The future Council of the new Adelaide University will decide on the locations of graduation ceremonies, noting there are a range of venue options available, including Bonython and Pridham Halls.
Pending formation of the new Adelaide University, research will be conducted very much the way it is now. Subject to new legislation and legal and regulatory approvals, the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide will progressively harmonise processes and join up their decision making, but initially this will have very little impact.
Transition details will be designed, and further advice will be provided before all research is eventually undertaken through new processes within Adelaide University. Meanwhile, there is merit in expanding our research activities and the already-strong research collaboration across the two institutions, including through joint PhD supervision where appropriate. The post-2026 research strategy for Adelaide University will be formulated with direct involvement of the research community.
During the transition and integration period, we will continue to focus on business as usual, to ensure that both institutions continue to deliver first-class teaching and learning, research and community engagement.
To provide certainty to our staff, the Vice-Chancellors have secured a commitment from both university Councils that no staff member will be made compulsorily redundant or will be compulsorily retrenched as a consequence of establishing the new Adelaide University. This will be effective from the passing of the Councils’ resolutions and for the first 18 months post commencement of operations of the new university. This commitment is outlined in the Statement of Intent.
Our focus will be on fulfilling our stated ambition for the new Adelaide University and to grow the workforce in line with educational and research success.
Subject to new legislation and legal and regulatory approvals, the two universities will soon begin work to co-create the new Adelaide University. While the exact timeline is being confirmed, there will be scope and opportunities for staff to be involved in a range of activities throughout the transition period.
We recognise the importance of work processes, systems and resources to the future success of the new university and will be working quickly to establish approaches and structures to establish these in parallel with existing operations, once new legislation and legal and regulatory approvals are obtained.
The organisational structure of the new university is intended to be determined through detailed planning and informed by the co-creation activities progressed with staff and students from both universities. The universities are committed to open communication and providing all necessary support to staff during the transition stage.
The universities have each independently negotiated new Enterprise Agreements, which will continue to govern staff employment terms and conditions until a new Enterprise Agreement is negotiated covering the staff of the new Adelaide University. The universities will continue to comply with their respective obligations under their Enterprise Agreements as well as communicating and engaging with staff members and union representatives regularly throughout the transition period. The universities are committed to collaborating openly and constructively with staff and their union representatives throughout the transition to the new Adelaide University and there will be a number of forums for staff and union representatives to engage with.
Alumni are likely to identify with the institution they attended as a student, while recognising that universities change and evolve over time. For example, Roseworthy Agricultural College became a part of the University of Adelaide and the SAIT and SACAE gave rise to the University of South Australia in years past.
It is the intent that all registered alumni of the two existing universities will join the Adelaide University alumni community.
Graduates of the University of Adelaide or the University of South Australia will, subject to legislation being passed, also be taken to be graduates of the new Adelaide University. This will enable them to make reference to their qualification from the University of Adelaide or the University of South Australia and/or the new Adelaide University – the choice will be theirs.
The universities are incredibly thankful to those individuals who have chosen to leave a gift to their university of choice. It is the intention for the new legislation for the creation of Adelaide University to have provision for honouring and transferring bequests made to the antecedent institutions.
It is the intention for the new Adelaide University to be required to apply the bequest to the purpose for which it was intended and accepted; that is, it is intended that the purposes for which the gifts were granted will remain intact and in keeping with the wishes of donors. There is precedent for this – when the amalgamations of South Australian education institutions occurred in the 1990s to create UniSA, deeds of gift and testamentary dispositions referring to the former institutions were specifically referenced in the relevant statutes as automatically transferring to the new institution.
The universities are sincerely grateful for the support and generosity of donors. It is intended that the new legislation for the creation of the Adelaide University will have provision for honouring and transferring gifts made to the antecedent institutions. This is intended to apply to gifts received in the past or endowed, as well as gifts which have been pledged but not yet completely fulfilled. Adelaide University is intended to be required to apply the gift or endowment to the purpose for which it was intended and accepted, and in keeping with the wishes of donors. It is intended for Adelaide University to have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, and the tax status of any gift is not expected to be affected.
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