Adelaide University is the first major Australian university in a generation and is set to open its doors to students in 2026.
AUSTRALIA’s newest major university – Adelaide University – has officially launched to the world.
Set to open its doors to students in January 2026, Adelaide University aims to transform education, research and innovation, and create a global impact that transcends borders.
The establishment of the university represents one of the largest changes to the Australian higher education landscape in the past three decades, as it is one of the largest global university amalgamations of this century.
The university is set to become a home for outstanding educators, researchers, thinkers, innovators and entrepreneurs.
Adelaide University is driving the scale needed to make transformational investments in teaching, learning, research and innovation for South Australia, Australia and beyond.
The university’s co-vice-chancellors Prof Peter Høj AC and Prof David Lloyd said the new Adelaide University builds on combined centuries of experience delivering teaching and research excellence, through its founding institutions – the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.
“This week’s launch marks a significant moment for future generations of global learners, researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs. This contemporary for-purpose university will produce graduates who are sought after by employers, equipped with the skills, experience and attributes to excel in the workplaces of today and tomorrow,” they said.
“Adelaide University will drive a transformative agenda as a global education powerhouse, building on the excellence of our existing universities to deliver the needs of today’s citizens.”
The university aims to produce career-ready employable graduates from all walks of life, aligned to disciplines and jobs in future areas of demand.
Holistic student experiences in Adelaide
There is a real buzz to Adelaide, both as a location and home to a new major university.
Adelaide University strives to make students feel welcome, a theme shared across the city.
With an alumni community of more than 400,000 global citizens from 150 countries, the university’s commitment to a positive student experience extends to its students’ social and cultural life.
The number of student clubs and facilities will be increased, with a vibrant social calendar to facilitate genuine student engagement.
The institution will also be offering a reimagined curriculum with more than 300 degrees across global areas of demand and more than 200 degrees available for applications from July 15, with commencement dates in 2026.
Its curriculum approach is shaped in partnership with industry, embedded with work-integrated learning, digitally underpinned, internationally informed and connected, and geared to respond to skills shortages central to economic growth and the betterment of communities.
The university’s suite of degrees aims to produce career-ready, employable graduates from all walks of life, aligned to disciplines and jobs in future areas of demand.
Apart from the educational aspects, Adelaide’s diversity, strong sense of community and multicultural population make it an ideal home away from home.
Well-known for its festivals, cultural life, sporting events, beaches, cafe culture and affordability, Adelaide was ranked 28th in the world in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 rankings.
It has also consistently ranked as one of the world’s most liveable cities, currently ranked 11th in the 2024 Economist Intelligence Unit’s Global Liveability Index.
Adelaide’s diversity, strong sense of community and multicultural population make it an ideal home away from home.
Join Adelaide University
Adelaide University is set to become a home for outstanding educators, researchers, thinkers, innovators and entrepreneurs, with the city of Adelaide offering the perfect backdrop to educate and grow the next generation of leaders.
The university is now open to receive international student applications. Prospective students can visit its newly launched website for more information on what the university has to offer to students from 2026 onwards.
To learn more about Adelaide University, visit adelaideuni.edu.au
