The creation of Adelaide University represents the nation’s largest change to higher education in more than three decades.

In partnership with the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia, on 31 July 2024 we hosted an engaging discussion about the unique opportunity to transform the higher education landscape in South Australia and have a positive impact that will transcend borders around the world.

We also heard some great insights about how the much-publicised brand was developed and the next steps for the marketing campaign which can now me been across Adelaide.

This important conversation closely aligns with the Committee for Adelaide’s key pillar ‘Thriving Community’, which focuses on attracting and retaining the talent and skills required for current and future workforce needs.

Click here to read an opinion piece on Adelaide University from our Chief Executive, Sam Dighton.

Thank you to our speakers on the night which included:

• Sandy Verschoor, Former Lord Mayor for Adelaide (moderator)
• Professor Peter Høj AC, co-Vice Chancellor, Adelaide University (The University of Adelaide)
• Professor David Lloyd, co-Vice Chancellor, Adelaide University (University of South Australia)
• Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice Chancellor External Engagement, The University of Adelaide
• Jane Booth, Chief People and Culture Officer, University of South Australia
• Will Fuller, Managing Director, Fuller Brand Communication
• Dr Benjamin Grindlay, Chief Marketing Officer, The University of Adelaide
• Sarah Cutbush, Chief Marketing and Communications Officer, University of South Australia.

See below a list of key take-aways from the discussions:

• Through scale and collaboration, the new university will transform the higher education landscape in South Australia, enabling the attraction of talented staff, researchers and students through increased global prominence, comprehensive and contemporary curriculum, new and improved partnerships, and world-class research.
• Catering for more than 70,000 students, the largest student cohort in the country, Adelaide University will combine the collective strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia to provide an exceptional student experience, including flexible entry pathways, an enhanced online offering, scholarship opportunities, industry pathways and dedicated student support.
• Adelaide University will proudly hold the largest campus footprint in South Australia, spanning 6 metropolitan and 3 regional campuses; a detailed infrastructure masterplan will optimise the university’s combined property portfolios to deliver engaging and responsive campuses.
• With a clear focus on equity and excellence, the new university will deliver the most contemporary, future-focused and industry-informed curriculum to produce career-ready graduates, from all walks of life, aligned to the jobs and skills required for current and future workforce needs.
• Work-integrated learning, informed by industry experts in conjunction with program advisory groups, will form a key part of Adelaide University’s new courses. This hands-on experience will provide practical, applied knowledge, and support students to graduate with strong industry experience and professional networks.
• Industry has a role to play to connect, engage, advocate and partner with the new university to inform and deliver curriculum that aligns with the skills needed, utilise and push the boundaries of research, and be ambassadors for transformational change.
• The new university is forecasting 3% growth in international student numbers each year after inception, delivering ongoing and significant economic benefits for the state. With a 10% vacancy rate for purpose-built student accommodation in Adelaide, there is plenty of capacity to cater for international students and opportunities to add to the state’s student housing stock in the future. As per the Committee’s recent position, any caps on international students, currently being considered at the Federal level, would be detrimental to the South Australia economy, local businesses and community.
• Adelaide University will leverage existing collaborations to become a global research powerhouse, with greater scale and capacity for research breakthroughs and industry integration, it will help drive discovery, innovation and knowledge-based transformation.
• Regional South Australia will continue to be an integral part of the University’s educational and research impact, aiming to be one of Australia’s top five educators in regional and rural areas.
• The new Adelaide University brand aims to strengthen Adelaide’s reputation as a learner’s city, both locally and globally. It stands for excellence and equity, progress and momentum while building on and leaning into proven legacies.
• With a large-scale internationally campaign currently in market and teasers rolling out domestically, marketing of the Adelaide University will ramp up ahead of its official opening in early 2026.