Children’s University Australasia & Africa (IO)
Children’s University Australasia and Africa (IO), led by Adelaide University, oversees the delivery of Children’s University (CU) programs across the region, including CU Adelaide. The initiative is part of the global CU network, under the leadership of the CU UK Trust.
Our programs are designed to ignite curiosity and a love of learning through fun, hands-on experiences outside the classroom. Children aged 5–14 take part in interest-led learning activities that help them discover new passions, build confidence, and connect with their communities.
For students aged 15–18, CU provides opportunities to develop leadership, mentoring, and volunteering skills, laying the foundation for future success.
Every participant’s learning journey is recognised and celebrated. As children complete activities and log their hours, they earn certificates and are invited to graduate in a cap and gown, just like university students.
Our story
What began in 2013 with just one school and 45 students in Adelaide’s northern suburbs has grown into a thriving international network of learners, educators, and communities.
From those humble beginnings, CU Adelaide now supports more than 200 schools across metropolitan Adelaide and regional South Australia, and has expanded its reach across Australia, New Zealand, and Mauritius.
Today, the CU community includes:
- 600+ schools actively involved
- 1,000+ Learning Destinations offering hands-on learning beyond the classroom
- 82,000+ children and young people who have participated in the CU journey, building confidence, discovering passions, and shaping their futures
Our impact is strengthened through partnerships with leading universities across the region, including:
- Adelaide University (lead institution)
- The University of Newcastle
- The University of Tasmania
- Charles Darwin University
- Edith Cowan University
- University of Western Australia
- Swinburne University of Technology
- Lincoln University (NZ)
- Massey University (NZ)
- University of Canterbury (NZ)
Together, we are proving that learning has no limits, and that every child, regardless of background or circumstance, can imagine, believe in, and achieve a bright future.
Over a decade of Impact: Celebrating CU Adelaide
In 2023, CU Adelaide marked a decade of inspiring learning, curiosity, and community connection. Since its launch in 2013, the program has grown from a single school initiative to partnering with more than 200 schools across South Australia, with participation now reaching over 83,000 young learners across Australia and beyond.
One powerful story is that of Dua, a former CU student who found the confidence to step outside her comfort zone. Through CU, she built skills and resilience that helped her secure her first job, complete her Nursing degree, and begin her professional journey — all sparked by opportunities she first encountered as part of CU Adelaide.
From vibrant, hands-on activities and community Learning Destinations to the excitement of cap-and-gown graduation ceremonies, CU has offered thousands of children a taste of higher education and a vision for their future. Over the years, more than 22,000 students have walked the stage at Bonython Hall, including members of the very first CU graduating cohort who returned to celebrate the 10-year milestone in 2023.
By connecting learners with places like museums, sports clubs, libraries, and galleries — and linking every experience to real university subjects — CU shows young people what’s possible: sparking curiosity, building confidence, and opening doors they might never have imagined.
As we celebrate this milestone, we look ahead with excitement and commitment to our mission: helping every child build the future they dream of, one learning adventure at a time.