About Adelaide University

Australia’s for-purpose university 

About Adelaide University

A clear vision

Adelaide University is a leading contemporary comprehensive university of global standing. We are dedicated to ensuring the prosperity, wellbeing and cohesion of society by addressing educational inequality through our actions and through the success and impact of our students, staff and alumni. Partnered with the communities we serve, we conduct outstanding future-making research of scale and focus. 

Shaping what’s next

Adelaide University is Australia’s new university for the future ranked in the global top 100.* With more than 180 years of collective experience and achievement, Adelaide University will leverage the capabilities and resources of its foundation institutions to launch bright futures and breakthroughs.

Recognised for excellence across multiple disciplines, Adelaide University is ranked in the global top 100 in Education Studies, Medical and Health and Computer Science.^

We’re transforming teaching and learning for contemporary learners and global citizens and establishing South Australia as a centre for progress and innovation through partnered research that is nation-critical and globally relevant. Our activities will contribute an estimated $4.7 billion a year to the Australian economy driving greater investments and opportunities.  

A place for excellence and equity, Adelaide University will stand as a differentiated member of Australia’s Group of Eight, and shape what’s next for a better Australia and a better world.

*Ranked equal 82, 2026 QS World University Rankings 
^ Ranked 89 in Education Studies, 91 in Medical and Health and 96 in Computer Science, 2026 Times Higher Education Subject Rankings

Globe

Global top 100

#82 worldwide and #8 nationally in the 2026 QS World University Rankings

Microscope Science Investigate

Member of the Group of Eight (Go8)

Australia’s leading research-intensive universities

Globe

Global top 150

#133 worldwide and #7 nationally in the 2026 THE World University Rankings

class

Global top 100 for education

Ranked 89 for Education Studies in the 2026 THE World University Rankings by subject

medicine

Global top 100 for medical and health

Ranked 91 for medical and health in the 2026 THE World University Rankings by subject

computer

Global top 100 for computer science

Ranked 96 for computer science in the 2026 THE World University Rankings by subject

Our ambitions

Through meaningful partnerships anchored in educational and research excellence, Adelaide University will make a measurable impact. Our ambition is to be world leading and world referenced through our actions and through the success and influence of our students, staff, researchers, partners and alumni community.

Student support

Top 5 in Australia for student experience

Aim to be sustainably ranked top 5 nationally for student experience

University Building School

Top 1% of universities worldwide

Aim to be sustainably ranked in the top 1% of universities globally

Graduation cap

Top in Australia for student employment

Aim to be ranked as the best university nationally for student employment outcomes 

australia

Australia’s most connected university

Building on our 7,000 strong partnerships with industry and collaborators 

Get to know Adelaide University

Learn how your new university for the future will drive transformative change.   

Why Adelaide?

What makes us stand out?

FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Our journey

A university for the future

Support

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Governance

Learn about our leadership

University Glossary

Key terms explained

Policies

Read our policies  

Contact us

Our key contact details

Place of learning

Adelaide University is proud to be the first university in Australia to have provision for an Aboriginal name in its founding legislation and has been bestowed the Kaurna name, Tirkangkaku, meaning Place of Learning.

This reflects the importance of discovery and two-way thinking and the university’s deep commitment to recognising and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, culture, country and people in our foundations and future.

Our story

We’re launching bright futures and breakthroughs to shape what's next for a better Australia - and a better world.

News and events

Read the latest news and find out what’s on.

29 January

Officially making our mark in Adelaide city

Adelaide University officially became part of the Adelaide city streetscape with a commemorative plaque unveiled on North Terrace.

Plaque unveiling ceremony
29 January

Ultra-fast 6G wireless one step closer with breakthrough terahertz technology

The race towards ultra-fast 6G wireless communication is gaining speed at Adelaide University, with the translation of research into high-tech devices.

3D Printed UpNano
27 January

Australia Day honours awarded to Adelaide University community

Adelaide University staff, alumni, and friends are among those recognised in the 2026 Australia Day Honours List.

Emerita Professor Pascale Quester AO
 

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