Adelaide to open the doors of its newest major university

On the southern coast of Australia, there's a picturesque city called Adelaide. The capital of South Australia has an unmistakable energy, is consistently ranked as one of the world's most livable cities (No 11 in the 2024 Economist Intelligence Unit's Global Liveability Index) and has Australia's fastest-growing economy.

It was also recently placed among the world's top 100 cities for startup ecosystems by US company Startup Genome, with Adelaide also recognized for its growth in renewable energy, health, agriculture and space, as well as being home to a number of global tech giants.

Adelaide clearly has its eyes on the future.

But something else happening in Adelaide is adding to the vibrancy of the city. Something new has launched.

A new university for the future

In 2026, Australia's newest major university will open its doors to offer an education that is innovative and transformative to propel the next generation of learners. Adelaide University has officially launched to the world.

Adelaide University co-Vice Chancellors, Professor Peter Høj AC and Professor David Lloyd, say the new university builds on centuries of combined experience delivering teaching and research excellence through its founding institutions, the University of Adelaide, and the University of South Australia.

"This contemporary for-purpose university will produce graduates who are sought-after by employers, equipped with the skills, behaviors and attributes to excel in the workplaces of today and tomorrow," they say.

It's an ambitious project and one that promises to deliver, based on Adelaide University's strong vision for its future, key government support, community pride and much hard work behind the scenes to bring two large institutions together. Adelaide University aims to be ranked as the best university in Australia for student employment and among Australia's top five for student experience.

With trust, inclusivity, ambition, respect, and discovery as its core values, Adelaide University is designed to offer students Australia's most accessible, contemporary, and future-focused teaching and learning experience.

Inspiring students

While teaching at the new university will not begin until January 2026, Adelaide University is accepting inquiries and international student applications from July 15, 2024, allowing international students' time to prepare for their overseas studies.

The university plans to empower its students — from their first day on campus, to fostering a vibrant student community and embedding graduate qualities into each degree to ensure students are employable and prepared for successful careers.

The new university has been designed to help students be the best they can be by unlocking their potential and discovering their purpose. The student experience includes individual flexibility to ensure each students' unique needs are met as well as placing them at the center of their learning with the support to succeed on their own terms. There will also be a strong focus on place, culture, and community, to help students develop a global outlook.

Strong industry connections

A vital part of the student experience is access to industry learning and connections. Aligning students to current industry practices gives them the opportunity to receive an education that is fit for the real world. It's another way the new Adelaide University will ensure its graduates are successful in the workplace.

Combining the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide means that the rich partnerships established by both institutions at a local, national, and global level will be amplified.

Adelaide University is aiming for all students to engage with industry through placements, internships, or entrepreneurial experiences. It is working with more than 200 industry partners and employers to design an informed curriculum to ensure graduates are successful in the workplace.

Quality education with a contemporary curriculum

Studying overseas is a big step for international students and their families, so finding a degree that offers a quality education is important.

Adelaide University's curriculum is unique, with modular and stackable learning, an adaptable academic calendar and digitally rich and integrated learning.

Degrees include universal core courses, which allow students to expand their education across different disciplines, helping them maximize their professional skills and employability. This model of learning has been designed to support student access, participation and success as lifelong learners and high achievers.

Supporting innovative research

The vision is clear — Adelaide University aims to create lasting careers and opportunities for contemporary learners and global citizens. It is also committed to supporting innovative research that will help shape society and create a better future for all.

The university is dedicated to using its resources to discover solutions for global challenges. It's an opportunity to lead research and support the community through education.

Adelaide University will also teach its research, meaning students will have access to the latest insights and findings.

Making the most of life on campus

Adelaide University's commitment to a positive student experience expands to the social and cultural life of its students. Combining the two institutions means the number of student clubs and facilities will be increased overall, with a vibrant social calendar to facilitate genuine student engagement. After all, university days are meant for meeting new people, exploring new places, and discovery, to create a rich and fulfilling experience.

Experience the wonder of Adelaide

Adelaide University is eager to make students feel welcome, a theme shared across the city of Adelaide. A celebration of diversity and inclusion, with a strong sense of community, Adelaide's large multicultural population is accepting of different religious beliefs and for many students, it's the perfect home away from home.

Adelaide is an energetic capital city well-known for its festivals, cultural life, and sporting events. It also boasts a great mix of shopping, beaches, cafe culture and affordability. It's no surprise Adelaide was ranked 28 in the world in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 ranking.

"Adelaide is a university city. Students come here from all over the world, attracted to its vibrant cosmopolitan lifestyle and fantastic beaches, welcoming multicultural community, close proximity to regional highlights and its affordability compared to the nation's eastern states," professors Lloyd and Høj said.

There's a real buzz to Adelaide — as a location and as a new major university.

Adelaide University is set to become a place for outstanding educators, researchers, thinkers, innovators and entrepreneurs and Adelaide offers the perfect backdrop to educate future leaders.

2026 in Adelaide promises to be a "once-in-a-generation" moment as something truly distinctive begins — a new, future-focused university.