The combination will reportedly bring “transformational investments” in innovation, research and education, hoping to strength South Australia’s attractiveness as a global study destination, The PIE News has been told.

In an announcement, vice chancellors Peter Høj and David Lloyd said the new institution will aim to be in the “top five nationally for student experience”, aiming to cater to students that will become “highly sought after” by employers upon graduation.

The University of South Australia has been previously voted number one for graduate careers in QILT’s graduate outcomes survey.

“It caters for lifelong learners from all backgrounds, who will receive Australia’s most accessible, contemporary and future-focused education.

“Stackable degree structures will enable multiple entry paths and nested qualifications to support scaffolded learning attainment and transitions,” both chancellors said.

Adelaide University was launched in market on July 15, and will be fully operational in 2026 – when, a spokesperson said, the other two names will cease to be used.

“The timing allows for international students to appropriately consider and apply for Adelaide University ahead of the 2026 academic year, which will be the first intake.

“It also allows our local community to learn more about the ambitions and positive impact that Adelaide University will have on our state,” the spokesperson explained to The PIE.

 While the university will be open to all students, it’s clear form the announcement that the institution is very much catering to international students – especially in Adelaide, the VCs said, as a city “ideally set up” for them with a “variety of accommodation options”. The city also hosted AIEC in 2023.

“We acknowledge the benefits that international students bring to the University community and South Australia, both culturally and economically, and they will play a significant role in the success of the new Adelaide University,” the spokesperson noted.

“Stability and expansion within the international education sector are vital for the University’s prosperity, allowing us to meet the nation’s demands for skills and support the Government in reaching its strategic objectives. 

“We are confident that the new Adelaide University’s international strategies align with Government expectations and the directions outlined in the Universities Accord,” they continued.

Congradulations were received by the new institution from education minister Jason Clare, whose involvement in various pieces of legislation against international student growth have unsettled some in the sector in previous months.

“This new university will draw on the existing strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.

“It will be a powerhouse of research and a beacon for both domestic and international students,” he added.

The university also gets a very special VIP ticket to immediately join the Group of Eight.  

We are confident that the new Adelaide University’s international strategies align with Government expectations

Spokesperson, Adelaide University

When asked why this was, the spokesperson said it was simply because of the proven “world-class research activities and outcomes of its founding institutions”.

Go8’s chief executive said that the merger would create the “quality at the scale needed” to drive a “powerhouse” research and education presence.

“The creation of Adelaide University will 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.

“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,” Vicki Thomson declared.

A “selection of coursework programs based on international demand” has already been released upon the announcement, which aim to support more detailed admissions processes for studies commencing when the university opens fully in 2026.

“More programs will progressively be released and there will be no major discipline changes from what is currently offered at either existing institution – this includes key areas such as Aboriginal Languages, Agriculture, Allied Health, Creative Arts, Law, Midwifery, Music and Oral Health.

“Adelaide University will offer more than 300 programs from early 2025 that prospective students may apply for, including regional offerings and research degrees,” the spokesperson explained.

The institution has ambitions to be one of the largest providers of online education in Australia, they added.