Set to open in 2026, the new Adelaide University has already landed in the global top 100. Here’s what students can expect.
Adelaide University isn’t officially opening its doors until 1 January 2026, but it’s already creating buzz as one of the world’s top 100 universities.
The institution – which merges the University of South Australia (UniSA) and the University of Adelaide – recently made headlines by debuting at number 82 in the QS World Rankings, placing it firmly among the world’s top 1 per cent.
How does a uni rank so impressively before even teaching a class? By harnessing decades of research excellence, renowned teaching programs, and strong international reputations from its two founding universities.
Degrees designed for your future
Uni isn’t just about campus vibes and events (though that’s part of it) – it’s about graduating ready for the jobs of the future – and ones that might not even exist yet.
Adelaide University’s degrees have been redesigned by more than 3000 academics and 200 industry leaders, ensuring you’ll get real-world experience like work placements, industry projects, and practical skills employers actually want.
You’ll have more than 400 programs to choose from, including medicine and allied health, business, engineering, teaching, creative industries, veterinary science, psychology, law, and more.
Students across the university will also learn about AI, entrepreneurship, big data intercultural understanding, ethics, and First Nations perspectives. It’s all part of the new Adelaide Attainment Model and common core courses to build the interdisciplinary skills needed in the modern workplace.
Plus, flexibility is built-in – whether you prefer studying full-time, part-time, in the city, regionally or online. While most students are expected to choose face to face learning, Adelaide University also expects to teach more online students across the nation than any other Australian university.
A new name that reflects a deeper purpose
Adelaide University has become the first university in Australia to have an Aboriginal name enshrined in legislation. Gifted by the Kaurna people, Tirkangkaku means “Place of Learning” and honours more than 65,000 years of continuous knowledge and culture.
The name was developed through consultation with Kaurna Elders and Aboriginal staff, and reflects the university’s commitment to truth-telling, inclusion, and two-way knowledge sharing.
It’s also backed by action – from dedicated study pathways to research strategies – creating real opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to thrive and break cycles of intergenerational disadvantage.
Practical stuff: Info for current students
Campus locations – will I need to move?
Most likely, no. For most students, your classes in 2026 will be exactly where they were in 2025. The uni will only move classes if it means you’ll get access to better labs or facilities elsewhere.
How will my transition to Adelaide Uni work?
If you’re a continuing student at UniSA or the University of Adelaide, you’ll automatically become an Adelaide University student in 2026, no extra application needed. You’ll get credit for your previous studies and also get your own personal study plan, clearly mapping out your next steps, so there’s no confusion.
Will my fees go up?
Your existing terms and conditions stay exactly the same, with just the usual annual indexation increase you’d expect at any university.
Graduation parchments – what name goes on my degree?
If you graduate from 2026 onwards, your degree parchment will say Adelaide University. But if you started at UniSA or the University of Adelaide and transitioned across, you can also choose to have your original uni’s name and logo included on your parchment.
Where, when, how? Info for future students
What types of classes will I attend?
There are a range of class types and the combination will vary depending on your program. Types of classes can include interactive lectures, clinical activity, practicals, studios, tutorials and workshops.
Can I study fully online?
Yes, absolutely. Adelaide University will offer heaps of degrees that are fully online – so you can study from anywhere in Australia – if that suits you better. Everything from lectures and assessments to support and resources will be online and easy to access 24/7.
What about the Elder Conservatorium of Music?
Don’t worry, it’s staying. The Elder Conservatorium (or Elder Con) has been around since 1898 and is a huge part of Adelaide’s music scene. At Adelaide Uni, it’ll stay central, with new opportunities for students planned to expand and build on its legacy.
Campus facilities: What’s on offer?
Adelaide University campuses have a range of facilities, including libraries, gyms, childcare, counselling, learning support, cafés and prayer rooms – keeping you healthy, supported, and ready to study. Check specific campus details for more information.
Are scholarships available?
Adelaide University has an impressive range of scholarships and grants you can apply for, whether you’re a high achiever, upgrading your skills, facing financial hurdles, or studying online from regional areas. There’s also special support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students and plenty of opportunities if you’re diving into research.
Got more questions?
Find the answers here.
A bright future for students – and for SA
Adelaide University is about much more than just courses and campuses. When it officially opens its doors in January 2026, it’ll start delivering real benefits for the entire state.
Representing one of the largest university mergers in Australia and around the world, Adelaide University will deliver an estimated $4.7 billion to the national economy from its combined activities, and help create 1200 new jobs.
Leading this new chapter will be its new Vice Chancellor, Professor Nicola Phillips, an internationally respected academic with 30 years of experience at top institutions in the UK and Australia. She takes the reins from the founding co-Vice Chancellors Professor Peter Høj AC and David Lloyd who have established a solid foundation for the new university.
Professor Phillips arrives excited to be “establishing the institution as a trailblazer for change.” Under her leadership, the university aims to consolidate its place in the top 1% of universities globally, become Australia’s best for student employment outcomes, and sit in the top five nationally for student experience.
Open Days: Your sneak peek at the future
July marked the start of Open Day season for SA’s universities, with both Flinders University and Adelaide University providing lots of opportunities for people to explore uni life.
If you’ve been wondering exactly what Adelaide University has to offer, there are still some upcoming Open Days across August where you can go and explore.
What’s happening when
Adelaide City Campuses (East & West): 27 July
The big one: Expect all the bells and whistles, from the high-tech health simulation labs at City West to the hands-on STEM workshops at City East. If you want the full picture, this is where you’ll all the find info on degrees and campuses.
Mount Gambier: 3 August
Discover regional study options, campus tours, and one-on-one chats with staff about education, nursing, and social work programs.
Magill: 13 August
This campus is all about arts, creative media and education degrees. Explore studios, media and film facilities, and lush parkland surroundings.
Roseworthy: 17 August
Animal lovers, this one’s for you. Tour the uni’s renowned veterinary hospital, equine centre, and working farm.
Mawson Lakes: 17 August
Get your STEM fix with robotics, aviation simulators, and the Adelaide Planetarium. Ideal if you’re into engineering, computer science, or space.
Whyalla: 31 August
Check out regional student accommodation, meet local lecturers, and get advice tailored to life outside the big smoke.
Plan your Adelaide University Open Day and register for events here.
