The new Adelaide University, located in Adelaide, Australia, will officially launch for Malaysian admissions at an event tonight in Kuala Lumpur.
A member of Australia’s prestigious ‘Group of Eight' (Go8) research intensive universities, Adelaide University will offer a transformative learning experience to students around the world, in an idyllic Australian setting.
Drawing on the world-class research and global partnerships of its founding institutions, Adelaide University plans to deliver Australia’s most accessible, contemporary and future-focused curriculum. Its transformative approach includes modular and stackable learning across a flexible academic calendar, a cutting-edge digital underpinning that leverages the latest technology, and rich face-to-face learning experiences.
The university’s close collaboration with industry is central to graduate outcomes, with programs developed with industry partners and work integrated learning incorporated in every degree, to ensure graduates are equipped to excel in the workplace.
The Malaysian delegation is led by Professor Jessica Gallagher, Vice-President and Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement) at the University of Adelaide who is also leading Market and Partner Engagement for Adelaide University; and the Hon John Hill, Chancellor of the University of South Australia.
Tonight’s celebration will host government officials, industry, and agency partners - including several attending from Singapore, Indonesia, Cambodia and the Philippines. It will feature a panel discussion on the synergies between Malaysia and Australia covering educational setting, skills gaps and research priorities.
Prof Gallagher says: “Adelaide University’s founding universities have a wonderful relationship with Malaysia through a rich history of transnational education, research collaboration, student exchange arrangements, and thousands of alumni. We’re looking forward to deepening this strong Malaysian connection.
“The University comes at an ideal time to serve the needs of Malaysia. Digital fluency, cybersecurity and artificial intelligence will be cornerstones of the university’s curriculum. Adelaide University is ideally positioned to leverage industry opportunities with many tech businesses located in the South Australian capital and a recent influx of global tech companies setting up shop.”
As a newly created institution, Adelaide University is leveraging this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rethink the modern teaching and learning experience. Degree developers have engaged with more than 200 industry partners to co-design its programs to date – and that is only the beginning.
“We’re dedicated to shaping the future of education through innovation and global relevance. Our graduates will be well-prepared to lead and excel in a rapidly evolving job market. By integrating industry insights and advanced technologies into our programs, we aim to set new standards for graduate employability and success,” says Prof Gallagher.
An initial suite of around 200 degrees is available for admission now, with more than 300 open when classes at Adelaide University commence in 2026. The comprehensive offerings will include undergraduate and postgraduate programs in sought after disciplines that address Malaysia’s skills needs.
“Degrees most popular with Malaysian students at Adelaide University’s founding institutions include medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, information technology, computer science, engineering and business,” Prof Gallagher explains.
“We expect to see enrolments increase across other areas experiencing skills shortages in Malaysia, including cyber security, data science, renewable resources and sustainability, and digital business.”
Australia and Malaysia have a longstanding bilateral relationship. In January 2021, the bilateral relationship became a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, with Australia and Malaysia committing to expand cooperation in education, the digital economy, and emerging areas of science and innovation.
Australia is one of the top three education destinations for Malaysian students, with the Australian education system world-renowned, and ranking well above average in international education league tables.
Adelaide consistently ranks as one of the world’s most liveable cities and is Australia’s fastest growing economy, big enough to have everything and intimate enough to be nimble, empower innovation and have close industry connections. Adelaide was ranked 28 in the world in the QS Best Student Cities 2025 ranking.
“Students come here from all over the world, attracted to our vibrant cosmopolitan lifestyle and fantastic beaches, welcoming multicultural community, and close proximity to regional highlights,” Prof Gallagher says.
Adelaide University will be one of the largest educators of Australian students when it opens in 2026, with international students from more than 100 countries. Its graduates will become part of an alumni community of more than 400,000 global citizens from 150 countries around the world.
About Adelaide University
Adelaide University is a university for the future, aiming to consistently rank in the top 1% of global universities and make a transformative impact in the world. Built on the legacies of the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide, it combines the strengths of both founding institutions to create brighter futures for contemporary learners and global citizens. Its research of scale and focus will address society’s greatest needs.
Adelaide University is Australia’s newest major university. It will deliver nation-leading curriculum and exceptional student experience, pursuing educational equality and expanding research partnerships and outcomes, in alignment with industry.
More information: Adelaide University Website
This article is provided by Adelaide University.
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