Australia’s newest major university, Adelaide University, has officially launched, marking a significant milestone in the global education landscape.
This week, the amalgamation of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia was unveiled, presenting the new identity of Adelaide University at an event attended by 3000 staff and officials at the Adelaide Convention Centre.
The launch represents Adelaide University’s transformative approach to education, showcasing its future-focused identity with a new brand, website, and an initial offering of around 200 coursework programs aimed at enabling international admissions ahead of its doors opening in 2026.
Adelaide University co-Vice Chancellors, Professor Peter Høj AC and Professor David Lloyd, emphasised the significance of this moment for South Australia and the communities of both founding institutions.
“Adelaide University is the first new major Australian university this century,” they stated.
“Today’s launch marks a momentous step for future generations of learners, global researchers, innovators, and entrepreneurs. We are creating a contemporary and comprehensive for-purpose university that will break ground and be a force for good.”
The university’s ambitions are reflected in its bold visual identity, which conveys a cutting-edge institution founded on two strong legacies while looking to the future.
“Our approach to developing Adelaide University’s visual expression ensures that we have a compelling brand that will endure for decades to come,” said Professors Høj and Lloyd.
“Adelaide University will drive a transformative agenda as a global education and research powerhouse, setting an exemplar for excellence and equity that reflects not only our vision but also that of the Australian Universities Accord. It builds on the foundations of our existing universities to meet the needs of global citizens of tomorrow, while becoming a member of the prestigious research-intensive Group of Eight (Go8).”
Adelaide University will offer a comprehensive suite of programs, encompassing all major disciplines currently available at the founding institutions.
The initial subset of programs on the new Adelaide University website aligns with international student interests, allowing them to begin the detailed admission process.
Additional programs, including domestic offerings, regional study options, and research degrees, will be released early next year ahead of local applications opening in August 2025 for the 2026 academic year, along with a comprehensive suite of online programs.
Upon its inception, Adelaide University will become the largest domestic educator of students in Australia. It aims to be the university of choice for Aboriginal students and staff and is expected to graduate more students from low socio-economic backgrounds than any other higher education institution in the country. It will also be among the nation’s top five educators of regional and rural students.
Economic modelling suggests that Adelaide University’s activities will contribute an estimated A$4.7 billion per year to the Australian economy.
The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide will continue to serve their communities through 2024 and 2025, maintaining necessary functions into 2026 to support the transition.
