It’s no secret that we’re facing global challenges on many fronts – environmental, social, political and technological. But these challenges also present exciting opportunities for us to come together and create lasting change. And that’s the focus of Adelaide University, Australia’s newest major university and member of the research-intensive Group of Eight (Go8), to tackle these challenges and embrace the opportunities to drive collective progress.
Adelaide University has been designed to deliver transformative education and reimagined research with impact that will transcend borders around the world. To empower communities and create a brighter future for all.
While it’s a new university, Adelaide University builds on the pioneering mindset of its founding institutions (the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia) whose 180 years of significant firsts and ground-breaking discoveries still have an impact on daily life. Like being the first Australian university to admit women to all degree courses on an equal basis to men, to the development of antibiotics and the world’s first shatterproof mirror.
Breaking cycles of inequality through supporting scholarships, flexible learning and alternate entry pathways
Adelaide University is open to students from all walks of life. It is committed to breaking down invisible institutional walls and delivering greater educational equality. Think first in family to go to university, mature age students, First Nations people and those who haven’t been given the break they need when life takes over to follow their dreams.
Every element of Adelaide University’s curriculum supports access, flexibility and encourages a mindset for lifelong learning. Accommodating the demands of life in the present, while helping people develop the skills they need for the future.
Challenging traditional learning and asking: how can we do this better?
The new Adelaide University team have had the rare opportunity to take a step back and re-examine all aspects of student life. To ask: how can we best prepare students for the future?
Now, more than 3,000 academics and teaching innovation experts are developing 1,500 new courses with dynamic content ready for when its doors open in 2026. They’ve aligned their work to international best-practice and drawn on the very best contemporary teaching and learning research. Research that indicates students perform their best with active learning, when they can immerse themselves in learning through dialogue, small group-work, and practical problem-solving.
Vibrant, interactive learning sets students up for success
Imagine working in a microbrewery to learn chemical engineering or preparing for the pressure of an operating theatre with escape room style simulations. Using paint on your body that helps ‘peel back the skin’ so you can study the anatomy underneath or working on (almost) real teeth in dental simulators.
Learning at Adelaide University will be anything but passive. Vibrant, interactive learning experiences where students are encouraged to immerse themselves in the material are the norm. Expert academics will lead learning experiences on campus through practicals, tutorials, studios, seminars, clinics and workshops alongside work integrated learning.
Dynamic and digital experiences on offer
Most courses at Adelaide University will also include digital learning activities such as videos, podcasts, simulations and discussion forums.
Forums will be a gathering place (accessible online and on campus) for all students to come together and workshop opportunities broadly and in their speciality areas.
Self-paced learning modules with high quality digital content and interactive activities like online polls and gamified elements will also help students to develop important technical skills. These digital engagements add depth and richness to the student learning experience while at the same time increasing access and flexibility. They’re essential components to help prepare students for dynamic and digitally-forward workplaces.
Ready for life beyond the classroom
The University has already collaborated with around 200 employers to co-design programs and better understand what they value most to make sure that students are well-prepared for life beyond the classroom.
All students will take universal common core courses that are linked to the in-demand skills required for modern business, including artificial intelligence, data knowledges, cultural understanding, and entrepreneurship and design thinking. As well as future-proofing their careers, these common courses give students an opportunity to connect and network with peers across different study areas.
Adelaide University is breaking ground
The need for skilled graduates has never been greater. Graduates who are passionate professionals, strategic problem solvers, and resilient and creative thinkers, who are global citizens that understand their role in the world and do what is right over what is easy. Adelaide University graduates who can change the world.
Adelaide University will be accepting student applications from August 2025 for study in 2026.
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