Transformative new Adelaide University launches to the world
COMMUNITY Adelaide University co-Vice Chancellors Professor Peter Høj AC and Professor David Lloyd launching Adelaide University to the world.Australia’s newest university has launched in market, taking Adelaide University to the world stage.
On 15 July, Adelaide University showcased its transformative approach to education and its future-focused identity with a new brand, website, and an initial suite of about 200 coursework programs to enable international admissions ahead of doors opening in 2026. Enquiries are open to all prospective students.
Adelaide University co-Vice Chancellors, Professor David Lloyd and Professor Peter Høj AC, said it was a pivotal milestone for South Australia, and for the communities of the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide who are creating the new institution, together.
“Adelaide University is the first new major Australian university this century,” Professors Lloyd and Høj said.
“[The] launch marks a momentous step – for future generations of learners, global researchers, innovators and entrepreneurs – with a contemporary and comprehensive for-purpose university at scale that will break ground and be a force for good.”
Vice Chancellors Professor Peter Høj (left) and Professor David Lloyd (right) with UniSA student Oliver Shephard-Bayly and University of Adelaide student Mahshiat Tahsin.The University’s ambitions are expressed in its bold visual identity, which conveys a cutting-edge institution that is founded upon 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,” Profs Høj and Lloyd said.
“Adelaide University will drive a transformative agenda as a global education and research powerhouse, and 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 deliver the needs of the 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, including all major disciplines that are currently studied at the respective institutions. The subset of programs on the new Adelaide University website align with international student interest, enabling them to commence the detailed admission process. Additional programs will be progressively released, including domestic offerings, regional study options and research degrees early next year ahead of local applications opening in August 2025 for the 2026 academic year, along with a comprehensive suite of online programs.
The Australian 17 July 2024The University’s curriculum is unique in the distinctive features that apply to every program. These include modular and stackable learning, a flexible academic calendar, a digital underpinning that embraces AI technologies, work integrated learning, and common core courses across all degree programs, along with embedded graduate qualities to ensure strong employability.
This curriculum approach, called the ‘Adelaide Attainment Model’, places students front and centre.
More than 3000 staff from UniSA and the University of came together in July for a landmark event at the Adelaide Convention Centre, where they celebrated the achievements and legacies of their current institutions and the new chapter ahead.
Adelaide University Chancellor Pauline Carr said the new university would be purpose built to “shape a better tomorrow” based on a vision jointly created jointly by UniSA and the University of Adelaide.
“It is a vision that draws equally on the values of excellence and equity, and that vision has carried us to this moment,” she told staff at the event.
“A key aim of Adelaide University is to ensure teaching and research are respected equally, and that they align to the needs of our community.
“We will provide unrivalled learning opportunities for people from all backgrounds at all stages of their life – to make knowledge accessible and empowering for everyone. And we are taking very considered steps to ensure the culture of Adelaide University supports everyone to thrive through trust, inclusivity and ambition.”
Work is underway with Aboriginal Elders and academics to embed Aboriginal knowledges into Adelaide University’s teaching and research. In addition.
Adelaide University will be the first tertiary education in Australia to have an Aboriginal name.
A smoking ceremony helped welcome staff to the Adelaide University launch event.“Developing that name is a co-design process with Elders and Aboriginal staff and requires cultural consent,” Carr said. “So we're working through that currently and we'll share more details soon.”
It aims to be a 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 Australia. It will also be one of the nation’s top five educators of regional and rural students.
On inception, Adelaide University will be the largest domestic educator of students in Australia.
Modelling suggests that Adelaide University’s activities will contribute an estimated A$4.7 billion per year to the Australian economy.
Susan Close, who was South Australian Acting Premier at the time of the launch, said Adelaide University would “forever transform education, research and innovation outcomes in our State, along with boosting economic opportunities and prosperity”.
Federal Education Minister Jason Clare said the new university would draw on the existing strengths of the two universities.
“It will be a powerhouse of research and a beacon for both domestic and international students,” he said.
Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said the creation of Adelaide University would deliver far-reaching benefits for Australia’s research and higher education.
“South Australia and the new Adelaide University will be key factors in the nation’s push to accelerate the energy transition and to enhance our sovereign capabilities in an increasingly challenging geopolitical environment,” she said. “This requires a powerhouse research and education presence, and the merger of the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia will create quality at the scale needed.
“Adelaide University will have more resources to deliver the education, skilled workforce and research South Australia and indeed Australia needs to underpin economic growth and social cohesion.”
StudyAdelaide Chief Executive Jane Johnston said the new university responds to the contemporary needs of students and industry and “will grow the global awareness and competitiveness of Adelaide as a world-class study destination”.
For more information, visit the new Adelaide University website.
Here’s how 7News Adelaide covered the launch.
Other Stories
- Transformative new Adelaide University launches to the world
- World-first refrigeration system cuts energy costs by 20%
- Prevention of child abuse and neglect shown to save billions in adult welfare costs
- Research suggests go nuts for weight loss
- From the Vice Chancellor: There’s a new band in town
- Achievements and Announcements
- We’d move if we could: Over half of Aussies eye smaller towns for better housing and family life
- UniSA launches four new space projects worth over $18 million
- In Pictures: UniSA Open Day
- The latest books from UniSA researchers
