Today marks a historic milestone for Australia as Adelaide University officially opens its doors, building from the bedrock strengths and legacy of its foundation institutions.
This moment reflects the dedicated work of thousands of academic and professional staff and the strong support from across industry, government and community since the creation of Adelaide University was announced in 2023.
Adelaide University is Australia’s new for-purpose university, positioned as a leading contemporary comprehensive university of global standing. It is dedicated to ensuring the prosperity, wellbeing and cohesion of society by addressing educational inequality through its actions and through the success and impact of its students, staff and alumni. Partnered with the communities it serves, it conducts outstanding research of scale and focus.
The University has been built on and from the shared values of its foundation institutions, the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide, with the needs of students, communities and industry at its centre, and a commitment to expand opportunities for all while reimagining what higher education can deliver.
Opening as a global top 100 university and a member of Australia’s Group of Eight, Adelaide University will play a defining role in South Australia’s economic growth, skills development and competitiveness across priority industries.
Chancellor Pauline Carr said the University’s opening today signals the beginning of an exciting chapter that places students at the centre of a more connected, ambitious and innovative university experience.
“Today is more than the creation of a new University– it is the beginning of a new promise,” said Chancellor Carr.
“We are creating a university that is agile, courageous and deeply connected to the communities we serve.
“Around 70,000 students will benefit from richer pathways, stronger industry links and a learning environment shaped by the very best of our combined strengths.”
Founding co-Vice Chancellors Professor David Lloyd and Professor Peter Høj AC said Adelaide University’s activities will demonstrate its deliberate differentiation in mission and approach, while contributing an estimated $4.7 billion a year to the Australian economy and that by 2034 it will contribute an additional $500 million a year to South Australia’s economy, driving greater investments and opportunities.
“We open today as a comprehensive institution where excellence and equity go hand in hand in expanding access to education, and where research is partnered, impactful and relevant to the needs of today’s society.
“We are also proud to be the first University in Australia to have provision for an Aboriginal name in its founding legislation, having been bestowed the Kaurna name Tirkangkaku, meaning Place of Learning.
“This reflects the University’s deep commitment to recognising and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, culture, country and people in all that we do.”
Foundation institution staff have worked together for more than two years to develop and unite systems, curricula, research partnerships, student services and campus operations.
Their contributions have ensured a smooth transition for current and incoming students and laid the foundations for long-term success.
“This University exists because of the thousands of people who built it,” Professors Lloyd and Høj said.
“Our staff have shown remarkable dedication, resilience, creativity and generosity through every stage of the transition to Adelaide University.
“They have balanced complex change while continuing to deliver exceptional teaching, research and service.
“Their commitment has shaped not only the institution we open today, but the culture, values and spirit that will carry us into the future.
“We want to thank each and every one of them, and of course all of our existing and new students for choosing to study with us.”
Adelaide University will welcome its new Vice Chancellor, Professor Nicola Phillips, on 12 January, as well as its first full cohort of new commencing students following SATAC offers on 15 January.
The path to Adelaide University
- December 2022: Statement of Cooperation signed between both universities and the State and Federal Governments.
- January 2023: Universities commence a joint feasibility assessment.
- July 2023: University Councils resolve to support a combined new Adelaide University following careful consideration.
- November 2023: Legislation passes State Parliament to establish the new Adelaide University.
- January 2024: Detailed transition planning commences.
- May 2024: Adelaide University receives the necessary registration from the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) as a new Australian University higher education provider, and for the maximum possible period of seven years.
- July 2024: Adelaide University brand and programs launch to the world. Student recruitment commences.
- September 2024: Deputy Vice Chancellors appointed.
- February 2025: More than 400 in-demand degrees released, launching the full program suite.
- June 2025: Adelaide University appoints new Vice Chancellor, Professor Nicola Phillips.
- July 2025: Adelaide University is bestowed a Kaurna name – Tirkangkaku – enshrined in legislation.
- December 2025: 56,000 students transferred from the foundation institutions to the new University, with bespoke study plans for their continued education.