The new Adelaide University has officially opened its doors, with a ceremony on Thursday morning marking the completion of the formal merger process to establish the new world-class institution.
The merger milestone comes less than 31 months after the Malinauskas Government signed a historic Heads of Agreement with the University of Adelaide and University of South Australia to support the creation of the new entity.
Labor committed to the merger, identifying a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen international rankings and deliver long-term benefits for future generations of South Australians and the state's economy.
More than $400 million - including a dedicated $200 million perpetual research fund - has since been committed by the Malinauskas Government to support a successful merger and position the new institution among the world's Top 100 universities.
Remarkably, Adelaide University has reached that mark ahead of its official opening, debuting at 82 in the esteemed QS World University Ranking, which assesses more than 1,500 institutions globally.
The $200 million perpetual fund will not only assist the University in consolidating its Top 100 spot but will also help the State Government in its efforts to realise South Australia's status as a research powerhouse.
The University boasts 5,000 dedicated researchers delivering $500 million in external research revenue per annum, and is home to the $60 million Australian Defence Technologies Academy (ADTA) at Lot Fourteen - the first of its kind in the country.
An Accelerator Research Fund will see rapid seed investment for high-potential research projects, with access to an additional $50 million fund to drive innovation.
Adelaide University's inaugural cohort will commence Semester 1 classes next month, with 56,000 students having transferred from its foundation institutions and more than 11,000 offers made to domestic students.
By 2034 it is projected Adelaide University will generate $500 million more for the South Australian economy each year than if no merger had occurred.
As put by Peter Malinauskas
This is a truly historic day for our state - for young South Australians, for our economy and for our future.
We recognised the once-in-a-generation opportunity that lay before us and have delivered this historic merger.
We acted decisively to realise an idea and an opportunity which had been discussed for years and years with no outcome.
Adelaide University's establishment is a seismic moment for South Australia, beginning its first year in the global top 100 universities and welcoming tens of thousands of students.
We've invested heavily to drive world-leading research right here at home.
This will add complexity to our state's economy, which plainly means: better paying and more secure jobs for South Australians.
While the formal merger process is now complete and students get ready to commence at the new university, we've put the foundations in place to see its continued and sustained success.
With $100 million committed to making Adelaide University accessible to every prospective student, no matter their background, and $200 million committed to driving world-leading research, we're proving we're in this for the long-term.
As put by Joe Szakacs
The creation of Adelaide University has been a monumental challenge, but one that has been thoroughly worthwhile in the interest of our state's future.
Our state is building up serious economic momentum and South Australians from all corners can sense that.
Beyond the direct economic benefit delivered by a world-class university right here in South Australia, this is also a boon for our industries, innovation, and our future workforce.
We will continue to work day-in-day-out alongside our universities and alongside our industries to realise the opportunities this momentum presents.
As put by Adelaide University Chancellor, Ms Pauline Carr
Today marks another milestone in the establishment of our future-leading, transformational institution.
In 2023, our Councils found the benefits of combining the two universities to create a new Adelaide University to be significant and in the best interests of each of our institutions as well as the State of South Australia.
It has been a truly momentous achievement, which we could not have achieved without the support of the State Government, and the commitment, imagination and hard work all of our staff and community.
We are excited by what the future holds as we build a truly distinct University for the benefit of our State, nation and beyond.
