Adelaide University has climbed into the world’s top 80, marking the best global ranking achieved by a South Australian university in almost two decades.
The new institution has landed at 79th in the latest QS World University Rankings, rising three places in its second global ranking since the historic merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.
The result places Adelaide University in the top one percent of universities globally and cements its position as one of Australia’s leading education institutions only months after officially opening its doors to students earlier this year.
When the new Adelaide University was legislated in 2023, the University of Adelaide was ranked 109th in the world, while the University of South Australia was ranked 363rd.
In the latest rankings, Adelaide University was also named eighth in Australia out of 36 institutions, and second nationally for its international research network, recognising the global reach and connection of its research departments.
The university also features in the global top 100 for 22 subjects, led by Engineering – Mineral and Mining, which ranked 18th, and Petroleum Engineering, which ranked 25th.
The Government committed more than $400 million to the merger, including a $200 million perpetual fund designed to help the new university secure and maintain its position among the world’s top 100 institutions.
The State Government also committed $50 million in the recent State Budget for a new Research and Development Productivity Fund to drive innovation across South Australia.
Minister for State Development Chris Picton said the result showed the scale of the opportunity created by the merger.
“The Malinauskas Labor Government made a significant commitment to create this new world class education institution, so it is incredible to see the new University has achieved its highest ranking in nearly 20 years,” Minister Picton said.
“A strong Adelaide University will deliver long-term benefits for future generations of South Australians and the state’s economy.
“A lot of hard work has gone into the merger and I would like to congratulate all involved for being able to improve the ranking through this transition process.”
Adelaide University is now the second largest domestic educator in Australia, with about 60,000 students in total. It is expected to contribute $4.7 billion annually to the national economy.
Adelaide University Vice Chancellor and President Professor Nicola Phillips said the rise reflected the university’s growing global standing.
“The rise in our QS World University Rankings confirms the strengths of Adelaide University across research, education, global engagement and impact and is a testament to the hard work of our staff, students and the broader university community,” Professor Phillips said.
“We take enormous pride in the contribution that our people are making across both research and education, solving multigenerational challenges and supporting our local, national and global communities.
“Whether working with industry, government, or institutions around the world, our focus is on creating knowledge, opportunity and impact that extends beyond our campuses.
“Our commitment to increasing our global standing is unwavering, and today’s ranking is a clear signal that we are on the right trajectory.
“To be ranked among the world’s top 100 universities, and second in Australia for international research networks, is an encouraging sign that Adelaide University is already building global recognition and influence.”
The QS World University Rankings assess universities across areas including research and discovery, employability and outcomes, learning experience, global engagement and sustainability.
