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

Get to know Adelaide University

Learn about us and our mission to drive transformative change.   

Organisational structure

Designed for big ambitions

Working with us

Careers and opportunities

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Colleges and schools

Excellence in teaching and research

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Teaching and learning

Flexible, future-focused curriculum

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Governance

Learn about our leadership

Support

Need to resolve an issue?

Policies

Policies, procedures and guidelines

FAQs

Find the answers you need

First Nations at Adelaide University

Tirkangkaku: 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. 

Tirkangkaku, Place of Learning

First Nations

Adelaide University is committed to becoming the university of choice for First Nations peoples across Australia. We honour that commitment by prioritising equity and embedding First Nations knowledges across our institution, from teaching and learning to research and collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. 

Indigenous dancers in traditional body paint performing outdoors on a university campus lawn

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. 

23 July

SA economy to slow as Middle East conflict compounds and growth momentum eases

The South Australian economy grew strongly through 2025 and into 2026, but is expected to slow moving through 2026 into 2027, according to the latest Economic Briefing Report prepared by economists from Adelaide University’s SA Centre for Economic Studies (SACES).

Crowds of people in Rundle Mall
23 July

Understanding sexual and reproductive healthcare gaps for culturally and linguistically diverse men

New research from Adelaide University has compared the sexual and reproductive healthcare seeking behaviours of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) men to non-CALD men in Australia over a decade.

an empty waiting room
22 July

Cue utilisation training could help distracted drivers

Driver distraction contributes to approximately 16 per cent of serious crashes across Australia. Now, researchers from Adelaide University’s School of Psychology are investigating whether cue utilisation helps drivers maintain performance when distracted by smartwatch notifications.

an arm with a smartwatch on a steering wheel
 

Events

From campus events and exhibitions to public lectures and international receptions, find out what’s on at Adelaide University. 

Events

Stay in touch

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