The historic new university begins its first year situated in the global top 100 universities as it prepares to welcome tens of thousands of students and drive world-leading research right here in South Australia.
The new world-class institution is the result of the historic Heads of Agreement between the South Australian Government, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, signed in 2023 to create the new entity.
The South Australian Government committed more than $400 million towards the merger with the aim to strengthen international rankings and deliver long-term benefits for future generations of South Australians.
And this investment has paid off, with Adelaide University debuting at 82 in the esteemed QS World University Ranking, which assesses more than 1,500 institutions globally.
The government’s investment also includes a dedicated $200 million perpetual research fund, which will not only help the university to consolidate its top 100 spot, but will cement South Australia’s status as a research powerhouse.
The university boasts 5,000 dedicated researchers delivering $500 million in external research revenue per year. It is also home to the $60 million Australian Defence Technologies Academy at Lot Fourteen – the first of its kind in the nation.
An Accelerator Research Fund will see rapid seed investment for high-potential research projects, with access to an additional $50 million fund to drive innovation.
Accessibility is also a priority for the university, with $120 million committed to ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has access to a world-class education.
The inaugural student cohort will commence semester 1 classes next month, with 56,000 students transferring from the two foundation institutions, and more than 18,000 offers made to undergraduate students.
The opening of Adelaide University adds complexity to our state’s economy, with projections that it will generate an additional $500 million for South Australia’s economy each year.
