While there has been lots of discussion in recent weeks regarding the launch of the new ‘Adelaide University’ brand, the union of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia is much more than just a change in name and logo.
Beyond the ‘North Terrace Purple’ and ‘South-East Limestone’ colour palette, the creation of Adelaide University represents the nation’s largest change to higher education in more than three decades.
Following a signed ‘Statement of Cooperation’ in December 2022, a joint feasibility assessment, formal agreement by the University Councils, the passing of the ‘Adelaide University Act 2023’ in State Parliament, and years of negotiations, meticulous planning and workshopping, the new university will officially open its doors on 1 January 2026.
It’s a bold undertaking that presents a once in a generation opportunity to completely rethink the higher education landscape in South Australia.
This is not just about changing up the signage and rolling out new graduate certificates. Through scale and collaboration, Adelaide University will attract talented staff, researchers and students from across the globe, heralding in a new era for industry partnerships, world-class research and substantial economic returns for current and future generations.
On inception, activities from Adelaide University are estimated to contribute $4.7 billion a year to the Australian economy. By 2034, it will aim to drive an additional $77 million a year in research revenue and create an additional 1,200 jobs. Adelaide University will also be home to more than 70,000 domestic and international students, making it the largest student cohort in the country.
With international education the state’s top export earner, contributing $3.15 billion to the state’s economy, the new university is forecasting a 3% growth in international student numbers each year after inception, delivering ongoing and significant economic benefits for the state.
Adelaide currently has a 10% vacancy rate for purpose-built student accommodation. 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 outlined in the Committee for Adelaide’s submission to the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendment (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024, any caps on international students, currently being considered at the Federal level, would be detrimental to the South Australia economy, local businesses and community. If anything, we need more international students. Not less.
Ensuring an exceptional student experience will be key to cementing Adelaide’s global reputation as a provider of high-quality higher education, including flexible entry pathways and learning models, an enhanced online offering, new scholarship opportunities, connection with industry and dedicated student support.
Holding the largest campus footprint in South Australia, spanning six metropolitan and three regional campuses, a detailed infrastructure masterplan will inform the university’s combined property portfolios to ensure fit-for-purpose and engaging campuses and facilities.
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.
Reimagining the teaching and learning experience is also critical.
With a clear focus on excellence and equity, the new university is on a mission to deliver the most contemporary, future-focused and industry-informed curriculum in the country and be placed in the top 1% of universities in the world. It will also break down barriers to access and inclusion and aims to ensure more student from low socio-economic background complete a degree than any other higher education institution in Australia.
Work-integrated learning, informed by industry experts and digital innovations, will form a key part of Adelaide University’s new curriculum approach. This hands-on experience will provide the latest practical and applied knowledge and help to produce career-ready graduates, from all walks of life, aligned to the jobs and skills required for current and future workforce needs.
While the Adelaide University Transition Council and Joint Committee is in full swing, setting the vision and overseeing the implementation of the new institution, its success will undoubtedly depend on the support and engagement it receives from local industry.
Now is the time for industry to connect, advocate, re-imagine and partner with the Adelaide University to ensure its success. The university will be heavily reliant on local industry to inform and deliver curriculum that aligns with the skills needed, to utilise and push the boundaries of research, establish new and improved partnerships and be ambassadors for transformational change.
Combining the collective strengths of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, Adelaide University will be recognised for its education and research excellence and act as a catalyst for investment and talent to support and grow an increasingly more complex South Australian economy.
The imperative will be to look beyond the name change and logo and ensure close alignment with current and emerging industries to unlock innovation and accelerate economic growth for generations of South Australians to come.
As the billboards say, next to the new logo and name, this is a new university for the future. And it’s a future we should all get behind.
