New Adelaide University bids to entice international students

Adelaide University is now open to enquiries from prospective international students, as the newly formed institution unveils its branding and programmes. 

The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide are in the final stages of their historic merger to create Adelaide University, which will commence operations in 2026. 

“Adelaide University is the first new major Australian university this century,” Adelaide University’s vice-chancellors, Peter Høj and David Lloyd, said in a statement. 

“Today’s 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.” 

The merger was originally proposed to bring greater security within an increasingly fragile sector and support the growth of the two institutions. 

The proposal was endorsed by a parliamentary committee in October last year, and the new institution was then granted a regulatory green light in May. 

A new brand identity has been developed for the university, which aims to convey “a cutting-edge institution that is founded upon two strong legacies”, the university said. 

Details of programmes on offer have also been shared online, which aim to “align with international student interest”. All “major disciplines” that are currently available at both institutions are set to remain.  

Additional programmes will be released early next year, including domestic offerings, regional study options, research degrees and online courses, ahead of local applications opening. 

Currently, students can browse details of programmes such as aviation, nursing and engineering, with subjects set to be released including Aboriginal languages, law and midwifery.

It comes as Australian policymakers move to cap international student numbers due to pressure on housing, despite opposition from the higher education sector. 

The new university has also signalled its intentions to maintain strong research outputs, including becoming a member of the research-intensive Group of Eight mission group. The University of Adelaide is currently a member, but the University of South Australia is not. 

“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,” said Professor Høj, vice-chancellor of the University of Adelaide, and Professor Lloyd, vice-chancellor of the University of South Australia.

Vicki Thomson, chief executive of the Group of Eight, said the merger would deliver “far-reaching benefits” for Australia. “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. 

helen.packer@timeshighereducation.com