Image Credit: Adelaide International School
Big changes are ahead for Adelaide International School, which is set to broaden its horizons with an exciting expansion at its Rundle Mall campus. Previously hosting year 10-12 students, the school will extend its intake to year 7 onwards, marking a significant step in its mission to create a more seamless education pathway.
The move is designed not just to boost the school’s capacity, but also to deepend its educational ties with China, reflecting Adelaide’s growing reputation as a global study destination.
This expansion is made possible through a new partnership, marked by the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Adelaide Education Group (AEG) and Zhangjiagang Foreign Language School (ZFLS) based in Shanghai.
Trade and Investment Minister Joe Szakacs, who attended the signing, spoke on the importance of this development in strengthening South Australia’s appeal as a vibrant study destination for international students.
“This is an important step towards welcoming more Chinese students to South Australia,” Szakacs stated.
He highlighted the rising trend of Chinese student enrolments, which saw an increase of nine per cent from 2023, reaching over 10,000 students by the end of 2024.
The expansion proposal includes a joint investment in a new entity tasked with purchasing additional facilities to accommodate the growing number of students. Adelaide International School will lease these facilities, but continue to operate as a South Australian entity.
Chair of the school board, Noel Mifsud, called the partnership a milestone moment in a decade-long relationship between AEG and ZFLS.
“This is a culmination of a decade of successful collaboration and further strengthens the long-standing, bilateral relationship and friendship between our institutions,” he said.
“It’s a fantastic opportunity to enhance language learning, deepend cultural understanding, and build lasting bridges between our communitites.”
He also noted the benefits of this collaboration in fostering language skills and cultural understanding.
“The MoU will enhance language learning and deepen mutual understanding, building bridges between cultures.”
Adelaide International School has long been a trailblzaer for the state’s education, the first in South Australia to offer Cambridge International GCSE and A-level courses.
The expansion to include younger students means an earlier start in advanced international curricula, giving both local and international students a head start in developing globally relevant skills.
With existing partnerships across China, Vietnam, and Indonesia, the school’s growth reflects a commitment to shaping global minds, ready to thrive in an increasingly connected world.
As the ink dries on the MoU, and planning moves into gear, we can excitedly anticipate this new expansion to Rundle Mall’s education scene.
The Memorandum of Understanding was officially signed last week in Shanghai, witnessed by Minister Szakacs, Study Adelaide, and representatives from the SA Department of State Development.
WHAT: Adelaide International School expansion
For the website, click here.
More News
