Our journey

Students on campus

Overview

Adelaide University is 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. Adelaide University stands for progress. It will drive the innovation and scale needed to make transformational investments for South Australia and beyond. We are a driving force for good.

As a member of Australia’s Group of Eight (Go8), Adelaide University will have a significant impact on future generations of contemporary learners, researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. We are shaping a contemporary university that is connected to priority industries and produces graduates that are highly sought after around the world. A place where excellence and equity co-exist. A new university of global standing sustainably ranked in the top 1% worldwide.

Co-creation is at the heart of our transition to Adelaide University. Talented academic and professional staff from every area of both the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia have been fundamental in progressing us to this point, as has feedback from our diverse communities.

We are focused on continuing to advance detailed transition planning and implementation, including further engagement with our communities to help design and co-create the new institution, opening on 1 January 2026.

Timeline to implementation


  • March: State Government elected with a higher education policy to explore university amalgamations.
  • November: University Councils resolved to explore the feasibility of a new university for the future.
  • December: Statement of Cooperation signed between both universities and the State and Federal Governments.

  • January: Universities commenced a joint feasibility assessment.
  • March: Vision Statement released and feedback sought from the university and broader communities.
  • June: Business case and associated documentation presented to both University Councils.
  • July: Agreement reached. University Councils resolve to support a combined new Adelaide University following careful consideration. 
  • September: Parliamentary Joint Committee further explored the merits of a new university and released a report in support with key recommendations. Draft legislation introduced to State Parliament.
  • November: Welcomed the passage for legislation to establish a new Adelaide University.
  • December: Adelaide University Transition Council composition identified.

  • January: Detailed transition planning commenced.
  • April: Endorsement of the first Adelaide University Strategic Ambition and Direction.
  • May: Adelaide University received the necessary registration from the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) as a new Australian University higher education provider, and for the maximum possible period of seven years.
  • July: Adelaide University brand and programs launched to the world. Student recruitment commenced.
  • August: Academic and teaching innovation experts lead new course development.

  • Path to Day One: Continued detailed transition planning ahead of doors opening in January 2026.

  • Q1: Target launch date. Operational commencement and opening our doors to the new Adelaide University on 1 January 2026 (Day One).
  • 2026 > 2034: Transform to Target State. Ongoing transformation and evolution to reach our full ambition for the new Adelaide University by 2034.

Resources

View or download documents about Adelaide University

Vision Statement

Discover the vision outlining a shared ambition for a combined university for the future in South Australia.
Filename
Future University Vision Statement.pdf
Size
2 MB
Format
application/pdf

Strategic Ambition and Direction 2024-2034

Filename
AU Strategic Ambition and Direction 2024-34.pdf
Size
1 MB
Format
application/pdf

Adelaide University staff intranet

Accessible to University of South Australia and University of Adelaide staff only.