Adelaide University, the result of the merger between the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, has now officially been registered as a higher education provider. This registration marks a significant step towards the launch of the university, scheduled for 1 January 2026.
In early 2023, the two universities agreed to merge after years of talks, with the caveat that the South Australian parliament would still need to approve the decision. After being passed by the government in October 2023, Adelaide University will begin operations in 2026, creating one of the largest tertiary education providers in the country.
Here’s what you need to know about the merger and how it will affect you if you’re a student of either university.
Why is this merger happening?
For years, the institutions have been discussing the possibility of a merger. The talks became even more serious following the COVID-19 pandemic, with each institution wanting more financial stability. Because Australian universities are predominantly funded based on scale, the two providers had much to gain by joining forces.
University of South Australia Chancellor Pauline Carr said that the merger would allow students at Adelaide University to go “further and faster” than if the two providers continued alone.
University of Adelaide Chancellor Catherine Branson echoed this sentiment in an email to staff members announcing the merger: “Adelaide University will allow us to generate the investment and global visibility required to excel sustainably over the long-term and achieve recognition among the world’s top 100 universities on an ongoing basis.”
The merger will also be significant for the city of Adelaide and South Australia at large. It is estimated that it will generate an additional $500 million for the SA economy by the year 2034, with an extra 1,200 jobs set to be created.
Additionally, the merger will advance South Australia as a premier destination for international students, with $30 million to be invested in the recruitment of international students and an extra 6,000 international students projected by 2034.
However, it is unknown how the recently announced international student enrolment caps will impact this.
@insiderguides What do you think about the @University of Adelaide and @University of South Australia merger? Comment below! #adelaideuni #unisa ♬ Lo-fi hip hop – NAO-K
What does a merger mean for current and future students?
For now, the merger will have no immediate impact on students. However, it’s important to be aware of what this significant change could mean in the future.
Subject to legal and regulatory approvals, it is currently recommended that current students (i.e. those enrolled at either institution before 2026 or who have yet to complete their course at that time) transition to Adelaide University when it becomes operational.
If this applies to you, you’ll have the option to continue in your existing program or an equivalent one, depending on the courses available. The programs offered by Adelaide University have yet to be determined, but it is looking like they will be finalised by the end of 2025.
Both universities have maintained their commitment to assisting international students through the transition. According to the Adelaide University website, “Students will transition to the new institution in either their existing or an equivalent program from 2026 and will be highly supported during that time, including an individual study plan outlining your recommended enrolments.”
Rankings are another important consideration. While it is believed by the providers that Adelaide University will rank in the top 1% globally, others have expressed concern in previous years that there may be an initial dip in rankings when the university first opens. At the time of publication, the University of Adelaide is ranked at #82 in the world while UniSA sits at #340. It is worth noting that Adelaide University has been invited to join the Group of Eight (Go8), a group of Australia’s most prestigious universities, to which the University of Adelaide already belongs.
In terms of awards, students currently enrolled who complete their studies before the new university has opened will have the choice to take their award (i.e. diploma, certificate) with the name and logo of their original education provider (the University of Adelaide or the University of South Australia), or those of Adelaide University.
Learn more about the merger
The Adelaide University website has now launched and has plenty of resources to help you better understand the merger. This includes a dedicated international student support page with details on scholarships, education agents and preparation guides.
