Closing the chapter

By Megan Andrews

INSIDE UNISA

With staff members working in their Adelaide University roles by 19 December and the new institution officially ‘opening its doors’ directly after the Christmas break, one might imagine the University of South Australia will simultaneously shut up shop. However, as with everything about the complex union of UniSA and the University of Adelaide, the reality is far more nuanced.

UniSA will continue to serve approximately 3,500 students in the first few months of 2026, most of whom are students set to graduate in the February graduation ceremonies and will not transition to Adelaide University.

The first few months will also see UniSA undertake administrative, regulatory and communications work to close off prior year activities including those relating to the new University’s creation. These will culminate in a final UniSA Council meeting to be held on 24 March 2026, after which time UniSA will be formally closed and its Council disbanded.

UniSA Chancellor John Hill says there will be a range of UniSA milestones to share with its broad community.

“Our graduations team are planning the final UniSA Graduation ceremonies, and our corporate communications team is working on UniSA’s 2025 Annual Review. A 2026 Annual Review will also be required to cover the first three months of the year while the University remains operational.  

“We’ll also be sealing the Time Capsule in February, and managing other final activities relating to the University’s closure.

“UniSA will share these highlights and corporate milestones to its audiences through a combination of Adelaide University and UniSA channels, until the University officially closes on 31 March 2026.”

The foundation university websites will remain publicly available until 31 March 2026, and will continue to be used by students who are completing assessments or graduating. Updates to the websites will otherwise be minimal.

UniSA’s main corporate social media accounts will also remain online until the University’s closing day on 31 March.

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