About Adelaide University

Australia’s for-purpose university 

About Adelaide University

A clear vision

Adelaide University is a leading contemporary university of global standing. We are dedicated to ensuring the prosperity, wellbeing and cohesion of society by addressing educational inequality through our actions and through the success and impact of our students, staff and alumni. Partnered with the communities we serve, we conduct outstanding future-making research of scale and focus. 

Shaping what’s next

Adelaide University is Australia’s university for the future ranked in the global top 100.* With more than 180 years of collective experience and achievement, Adelaide University is leveraging the capabilities and resources of its foundation institutions to launch bright futures and breakthroughs.

We’re transforming teaching and learning for contemporary learners and global citizens, and establishing South Australia as a centre for progress and innovation through partnered research that is nation-critical and globally relevant. Our activities will contribute an estimated $4.7 billion a year to the Australian economy, driving greater investments and opportunities.  

A place for excellence and equity, Adelaide University is a member of Australia’s Group of Eight universities, and is shaping what’s next for a better Australia and a better world.

*Ranked 79, 2027 QS World University Rankings 

Globe

Global top 100

#79 worldwide in the 2027 QS World University Rankings

Microscope Science Investigate

Member of the Group of Eight

Australia’s leading research-intensive universities

Globe

Global top 150

#133 worldwide and #7 nationally in the 2026 THE World University Rankings

class

Global top 100 for education

Ranked 89 for Education Studies in the 2026 THE World University Rankings by subject

medicine

Global top 100 for medical and health

Ranked 91 for medical and health in the 2026 THE World University Rankings by subject

computer

Global top 100 for computer science

Ranked 96 for computer science in the 2026 THE World University Rankings by subject

Our ambitions

Through meaningful partnerships anchored in educational and research excellence, Adelaide University will make a measurable impact. Our ambition is to be world leading and world referenced through our actions and through the success and influence of our students, staff, researchers, partners and alumni community.

Student support

Top 5 in Australia for student experience

Aim to be sustainably ranked top 5 nationally for student experience

University Building School

Top 1% of universities worldwide

Aim to be sustainably ranked in the top 1% of universities globally

Graduation cap

Top in Australia for student employment

Aim to be ranked as the best university nationally for student employment outcomes 

australia

Australia’s most connected university

Building on our 7,000 strong partnerships with industry and collaborators 

Get to know Adelaide University

Learn about us and our mission to drive transformative change.   

Why Adelaide?

What makes us stand out?

FAQs

Find the answers you need

Organisational structure

Designed for big ambitions

Support

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Governance

Learn about our leadership

University Glossary

Key terms explained

Policies

Policies, procedures and guidelines

Contact us

Our key contact details

Place of learning

Adelaide University is proud to be the first university in Australia to have provision for an Aboriginal name in its founding legislation and has been bestowed the Kaurna name, Tirkangkaku, meaning Place of Learning.

This reflects the importance of discovery and two-way thinking and the university’s deep commitment to recognising and celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledges, culture, country and people in our foundations and future.

Our story

We’re launching bright futures and breakthroughs to shape what's next for a better Australia - and a better world.

 

Latest news 

Keep up with recent news and announcements. Discover stories that highlight our achievements, students, staff and research milestones. 

15 July

Uniting to improve outcomes for people living with rare, fragile skin condition

A new treatment approach for people living with Epidermolysis Bullosa (EB), a rare genetic condition that causes painful, chronic skin wounds, is being developed with the help of Adelaide University.

Stock photo of hand being bandaged
15 July

$300,000 funding boost for vital South Australian cancer research

Cancer Council SA has announced today a $300,000 investment into three Adelaide University local cancer research projects, each with the potential to change the way we treat cancer and save countless lives.  

Test tubes filled with blue liquid
15 July

SA regional students the focus of future medical breakthroughs

A unique Adelaide University program is encouraging regional South Australian high school students to swap their classroom for a science lab, in the hope of inspiring the next generation to pursue a career in medical research.

Stock photo of women sitting at a microscope
 

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