Adelaide University will drive the innovation and scale needed to make transformational investments for South Australia and beyond. We are building a future-focused university that combines the strengths of the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide to deliver nation-leading curriculum and student experience, greater access to education, and world-class research excellence.
Following careful consideration of a feasibility assessment based on 14 interdependent workstreams, both university Councils resolved to enter into a Heads of Agreement to support the State Government in the creation of a new institution.
While responding to State Government policy, a new Adelaide University presents an opportunity to advance our ambitions for tertiary education and innovation further and faster than what can be achieved today – charting our own course for the future.
We will shape a contemporary university that is connected to priority industries and produces graduates that are highly sought after around the world. A new university of global standing sustainably ranked in the top 1% worldwide.
The path to today has been extensive:
The operational commencement of Adelaide University requires necessary regulatory approvals. Our continued focus is on detailed transition planning and implementation, including further engagement with our communities to help design and co-create the new institution with a target launch date of 1 January 2026.
Keep up-to-date on important milestones and activities as we progress the creation of a new Adelaide University.
15 April 2024
The Adelaide University Strategic Ambition and Direction 2024-2034 has been released, outlining our strategic roadmap and overarching journey to build a new university together, from transition to full transformation.
March 2024
The new Adelaide University has been formally established under the Adelaide University Act 2023, along with appointment of the Adelaide University Transition Council and approval of the Terms of Reference for a Transitional Academic Board.
15 January 2024
Today, the first submission to the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) was put forward. This is an important step in progressing the necessary registration of the new Adelaide University under the Federal Government’s TEQSA Act.
16 November 2023
State legislation to create a combined new Adelaide University was passed through the South Australian Parliament, signalling a significant moment in our shared histories.
In December 2022, the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide agreed to undertake a formal feasibility assessment, including development of a business case for the creation of a new university for the future. The universities signed a Statement of Cooperation with the State and Federal Governments, which set out the commitment of both Governments and University Councils to work together on the feasibility assessment phase.
The feasibility assessment was undertaken in response to the South Australian Government’s higher education policy, which called for the consideration of a merger between the state’s universities to strengthen the contribution of tertiary education to the economy and society more broadly.
The purpose of the feasibility assessment was to explore the benefits and associated risks of amalgamating the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia to create a new university of global standing, dedicated to ensuring the prosperity, well-being, and cohesion of society by addressing educational inequalities, and partnering with the communities it serves, to deliver educational excellence and conducting outstanding future-making research of scale and focus.
Ahead of the feasibility assessment stage, both University Councils agreed on the following threshold matters:
The Councils of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia resolved to enter into a Heads of Agreement to support the State Government in the creation of a new university.
Both University Councils were satisfied that ‘the creation of a university for the future to be called Adelaide University in accordance with the shared ambition outlined in the Statement of Cooperation and underpinned by the [State Government’s] funding package would be in the best interests of the University'.
The Councils acknowledged that each university is established by, and operates under, state legislation. Therefore, any decision to combine the existing institutions to create a new university, including decisions as to the means and timing of any such undertaking, is a matter for State Parliament.
Following the respective Council resolutions to support the State Government with its creation of a new university for the future in South Australia, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia released the Transition Plan (Extract). The Vice Chancellors of both universities made a further commitment to release abridged versions of other key enabling documents developed during the feasibility assessment, while balancing commercial considerations and any impacts on the competitiveness of either institution, or the potential future university. The following documents are now available: Parliamentary Inquiry Submission Response, Guide to Council Documents, White Paper (Comprehensive Summary), Business Case (Comprehensive Summary), Heads of Agreement (Comprehensive Summary), State Government Heads of Agreement and Adelaide University – Key Benefits.
The South Australian Government has expressed its strong support for the creation of a combined university through provision of a significant and foundational financial contribution to the transformational ambitions of the future Adelaide University. This includes investment to achieve its strategic aspirations, and best support the future growth and success of the state, in three particular aspects:
The State Government has also committed to purchase the University of South Australia’s Magill Campus, which the University had previously indicated it will vacate in coming years, along with the surplus land at the Mawson Lakes Campus, which together will provide an additional $115 million in transition funds for the new university. The transfer of ownership will have no impact on the current teaching or research arrangements at either campus in the medium term and the new Adelaide University is committed to continuing to deliver programs at Mawson Lakes into the future. Read more about the potential Adelaide University – a new university for South Australia.
Each university is established by, and operates under, state legislation. Therefore, any decision to combine the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide to create a new Adelaide University, is a matter for State Parliament.
In 2023, a Joint Committee into the Establishment of Adelaide University conducted a three-month parliamentary inquiry to further explore the merits of a potential new university in South Australia. The Joint Committee called upon a wide cross-section of witnesses and considered approximately 85 submissions from different organisations, individuals and groups. The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia submitted additional documentation from the extensive feasibility study, appeared at two public hearings and one in-camera session to further discuss investment and risk, and responded to 105 Questions on Notice from legislators.
The universities welcomed the Report of the Joint Committee on the Establishment of Adelaide University, which signalled support for the creation of a new Adelaide University with seven recommendations. Draft legislation was introduced to State Parliament with the necessary crossbench support and was passed in both the Upper and Lower House. The Bill then received royal assent.
On 8 March 2024, the new Adelaide University was formally established as a new entity under the Adelaide University Act 2023 (Day 0), along with appointment of the Adelaide University Transition Council and approval of the Terms of Reference for a Transitional Academic Board. Further regulatory approvals are still required for the new Adelaide University to commence operations from January 2026.
In 2023, the legislation required to create a new Adelaide University passed through State Parliament and the Bill received royal assent. On 8 March 2024, the new Adelaide University was established as a formal entity under the Adelaide University Act 2023 (Day 0).
Further regulatory approvals are required for the new university to come into operation as of January 2026. This includes, but is not limited to:
The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide will continue to operate as separate institutions, led by the existing Councils and leadership. During this current stage of transition, the two universities are working together with State and Federal Governments to create Adelaide University.
A Tripartite Agreement between the University of Adelaide, University of South Australia and Adelaide University has been signed (which is required under the Adelaide University Act 2023), to support the establishment of the new university outlining the rights and obligations to one another and commitment to working in good faith towards a common goal.
The amalgamation of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia represents one of the largest changes to higher education in Australia over the past three decades. The scale of the transition is not to be underestimated. Through an Integration Management Office (IMO) with expert staff from both institutions supported by an Integration and Transformation Partner, the universities are working towards a target launch date of the new Adelaide University on 1 January 2026.
A key focus during the transition period will be on developing Australia’s most contemporary, industry-informed curriculum and a leading-edge research strategy. The two universities are strongly committed to engaging their communities in shaping the new university through co-creation, and to collaboratively building a dynamic and inclusive culture that will be at the heart of the new university’s foundation.
Adelaide University was established as a new entity under the Adelaide University Act 2023 on 8 March 2024. This establishment date is also referred to as Day 0.
Further regulatory approvals are still required for the new Adelaide University to commence operations from January 2026.
The Adelaide University Transition Council is the initial legislated governing body of the new institution. As detailed in the Adelaide University Act 2023, the Transition Council will oversee the strategic objectives, including the transition of education and research activities from the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide to the new Adelaide University. The respective University Councils of the existing institutions will continue to serve in their current capacity until repeal of their applicable legislation later in 2026.
The composition of the Adelaide University Transition Council includes six representatives appointed by each respective institution and will be chaired by a Chancellor appointed by the University of South Australia following consultation with the University of Adelaide. Two positions of the 15 total on the Transition Council have been held vacant for further appointment at a future time to complement its leadership.
Any decision of the Transition Council requires a 60% (or greater) majority of votes cast by members voting on relevant resolutions.
Adelaide University Transition Council
Chancellor:
Deputy Chancellors:
Additional Nominated Members:
Both universities are committed to engaging in both formal and informal co-creation with staff, students, alumni, donors and partners. We will build on the culture of collaboration established during the feasibility stage with greater opportunities for involvement and engagement. You can find more co-creation information here.
On its formation, it is anticipated with a high degree of confidence that the new Adelaide University will be among the top 1% worldwide, and its combined strength will ensure its long-term global standing as a university of choice. The new university will also aim to be top for student employment outcomes nationally and top five in Australia for student experience.
While the drivers behind university rankings are complex, and there are no simple prediction measures for future performance, the new university will work to ensure the best possible position in research, teaching quality, student experience and reputation – and will aim to be among the highest ranked institutions in Australia as a leading global university, irrespective of increasing competition.
Adelaide University has also been invited to become a member of the prestigious and research-intensive Go8 group of universities upon its creation.
In the transition period, both existing universities will continue their ongoing focus on maintaining and improving key rankings.
Adelaide University will develop a new brand, including a logo and other branding elements, in a way that honours the history of both antecedent institutions. This process will follow best practice and there will be engagement with our university communities. The new brand will ultimately be approved by the Council of the new institution.
In 2018, the University of South Australia signalled its intentions to move its operations from Magill Campus to City West as part of its Enterprise25 Strategic Plan, which was subsequently put on hold during the pandemic. Through a Heads of Agreement, which outlines the funding package to support the creation of a new Adelaide University, the State Government made a commitment to purchase the Magill Campus in its entirety. The execution of the Magill Campus Sale and Leaseback contract has been finalised with transfer of ownership to the South Australian Government at the end of 2023. The University of South Australia will leaseback the campus, which will later transfer to the new Adelaide University. There is no impact on teaching and research arrangements in the medium term. Details around the move of operations from the Magill Campus will involve detailed discussion and engagement with the University of South Australia community. The State Government will develop a masterplan for the future use of this site in the longer-term.
There is no immediate impact for students at this time. The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia will continue to operate and deliver their respective programs and services until the new Adelaide University becomes operational (targeted for January 2026).
Subject to necessary regulatory approvals, it is proposed that current students (those enrolled before 2026 and who are yet to finish their studies) will transition to the new university in 2026, in either their existing or an equivalent program. Both universities are committed to supporting all students over this transitional period.
The new Adelaide University will aim to deliver enhanced student experience, future-focused curriculum and research of a global standing – and students will be part of the co-creation journey. The suite of programs to be offered by the new university upon commencing operations will be determined during the transition phase (2023-25).
There is no immediate impact for our international students at this time. The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide will continue to operate and deliver their respective programs and services until the new Adelaide University becomes operational (targeted for 1 January 2026).
Subject to necessary regulatory approvals, it is proposed that current students (those enrolled before 2026 and who are yet to finish their studies) will transition to the new university in 2026, in either their existing or an equivalent program. The suite of programs to be offered by the new university upon commencing operations will be determined during the transition phase (2023-25).
The new Adelaide University will aim to deliver Australia’s most contemporary, industry-informed curriculum. Combining the strengths of both universities will enable transformational investments in teaching and research. This will mean even higher quality experiences and outcomes for students and producing graduates that are among the most sought after in the world.
Both universities will assist international students, where possible, to ensure their documentation and program of study are in compliance with their student visa. Both universities are committed to supporting all students over this transitional period.
It is anticipated that students will continue to enrol in the University of South Australia or the University of Adelaide up to 2025 entry, then would transfer to the new university, once operational in 2026. It is anticipated that students enrolling for 2026 entry and beyond would enrol directly with Adelaide University. Regulatory matters need to be finalised before students can enrol directly in Adelaide University and for existing students to be transferred.
The following principles are proposed for current and future students, but are subject to necessary regulatory approvals being obtained and Adelaide University commencing operations from 1 January 2026:
All students, regardless of commencement date, completing their studies prior to 2026 will receive an award from their current institution (either the University of Adelaide or the University of South Australia) but, subject to regulatory approvals, will also be taken to be alumni of the new Adelaide University. They will be eligible to receive official confirmation of this from the new Adelaide University should they require it.
It is intended that all program areas offered by the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia will continue to be delivered, subject to student interest and viability.
Students will continue to have access to state-of-the-art teaching and learning facilities and it is anticipated that the new Adelaide University will also offer an extended suite of leading online study options.
A masterplan will be developed for the new Adelaide University, which will optimise our combined campus footprints and property portfolios across metropolitan and regional South Australia. Our goal is to develop engaging and activated campuses that:
The future Council of the new Adelaide University will decide on the locations of graduation ceremonies, noting there are a range of venue options available, including Bonython and Pridham Halls.
Our ambition for the new Adelaide University will be to deliver future making research of scale and focus that can drive innovation and knowledge-based transformation for South Australia and beyond.
The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide will progressively harmonise and join resources to become a global research powerhouse, centred on signature sector-focused research thematics and multidisciplinary and transdisciplinary research that creates positive social and economic impacts.
Our future research strategy will be designed in collaboration with our research community.
During the transition and integration period (2023-25), we will continue to focus on delivering quality teaching and learning, research and engagement with our communities.
To provide certainty to our staff, the Vice Chancellors have secured a commitment from both University Councils that no staff member will be made compulsorily redundant or will be compulsorily retrenched as a consequence of establishing the new Adelaide University. This will be effective from the passing of the Councils’ resolutions and for the first 18 months post commencement of operations of the new university. This commitment is outlined in the Statement of Intent. Our focus will be on fulfilling our stated ambition for the new Adelaide University and to grow the workforce in line with educational and research success.
The two universities will continue detailed transition planning and implementation, including opportunities to help co-create and design core elements of the new institution.
We recognise the importance of work processes, systems and resources to the future success of the new university and will be working quickly to establish approaches and structures to establish these in parallel with existing operations.
The high level organisational structure, its refinement, and the design of operational functions will be informed by detailed planning, along with staff consultation and co-creation activities. The universities are committed to open communication and providing all necessary support to staff during the transfer and transition stages.
The universities have each independently negotiated new Enterprise Agreements, which will continue to govern staff employment terms and conditions until a new Enterprise Agreement is negotiated covering the staff of the new Adelaide University.
The universities will continue to comply with their respective obligations under their Enterprise Agreements and are committed to open and constructive communication and collaboration with staff members and union representatives throughout the transition to the new Adelaide University across a range of forums for engagement.
Alumni are likely to identify with the institution they attended as a student, while recognising that universities change and evolve over time. For example, Roseworthy Agricultural College became a part of the University of Adelaide and the SAIT and SACAE gave rise to the University of South Australia in years past.
It is the intent that all registered alumni of the two existing universities will join the new Adelaide University alumni community.
Graduates of the University of Adelaide or the University of South Australia will, subject to legal and regulatory approvals, also be taken to be graduates of the new Adelaide University. This will enable them to reference their qualification from the University of Adelaide or the University of South Australia and/or the new Adelaide University – the choice will be theirs.
The universities are incredibly thankful to those individuals who have chosen to leave a gift to their university of choice. Through the passing of new state legislation, a provision has been made for honouring and transferring bequests made to the antecedent institutions.
The new Adelaide University will be required to apply the bequest to the purpose for which it was intended and accepted; that is, the purposes for which the gifts were granted will remain intact and in keeping with the wishes of donors.
There is precedent for this – when the amalgamations of South Australian education institutions occurred in the 1990s to create the University of South Australia, deeds of gift and testamentary dispositions referring to the former institutions were specifically referenced in the relevant statutes as automatically transferring to the new institution.
The universities are sincerely grateful for the support and generosity of donors. Through the passing of new state legislation, a provision has been made for honouring and transferring gifts made to the antecedent institutions. This applied to gifts received in the past or endowed, as well as gifts which have been pledged but not yet completely fulfilled.
Adelaide University will be required to apply the gift or endowment to the purpose for which it was intended and accepted, and in keeping with the wishes of donors. It is intended for the new Adelaide University to have Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status, and the tax status of any gift is not expected to be affected.
Public FAQs correct at May 2024
We want to hear from you. If you have any feedback or would like to ask a question about the new Adelaide University, fill out the enquiry form below.
If you are planning to study at the University of South Australia in 2024 or 2025 contact unisa.edu.au/enquire for help.
If you are planning to study at the University of Adelaide in 2024 or 2025 contact future.ask.adelaide.edu.au for help.
Co-creation is at the heart of our transition. Together, with our university communities, we will shape and design core elements of the proposed new university for the future in our state.
This platform is designed to share information and resources about Adelaide University with staff in a dedicated environment as we move through the transition period. This is accessible for University of South Australia and University of Adelaide staff only.