The University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia have officially announced their merger. 

The deal supports the state government's vision of a combined institution that will enhance educational and research opportunities.

The new school will be named Adelaide University. 

The agreement outlined this week, subject to significant financial support from the government, follows extensive public feedback and a thorough feasibility assessment.

The merger will be carried out through a legislative pathway required for the new university to commence operations in January 2026. 

The vision for the institution is ambitious, with the goal of achieving high national and international standing, ranking among the top 1 per cent of universities globally. 

Both universities' Chancellors have expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration, highlighting the advantages of combining their strengths. 

They believe that the new institution will surpass their individual achievements, offering exceptional education, research, and innovation opportunities. 

The State and Federal Governments have expressed their support and provided necessary financial backing for the venture.

The new university, expected to become a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8), will continue to offer the current programs, partnerships, and regional facilities of both universities. 

By merging their resources, the universities say they will create a contemporary and industry-informed curriculum, fostering economies of scale and facilitating significant investments in teaching and research.
The universities have committed to avoiding compulsory redundancies and retrenchments during the merger process.

However, concerns have been raised about the homogenisation, which some believe will reduce the quality of the student experience.

Public Universities Australia argues that the two universities both currently perform well in serving different student demographics and needs.

“To homogenise them would appear to reduce this diversity and run counter to [South Australian Premier Peter] Malinauskas’ own platform of supporting diverse student needs,” the group said in a statement.