University of South Australia

{{short description|Public university in Adelaide}} {{redirect|UniSA|the university in South Africa|University of South Africa}} {{Use Australian English|date=October 2011}} {{Use dmy dates|date=September 2020}} {{Infobox university | name = University of South Australia | image_name = Logo of the University of South Australia.svg | image_upright = 0.9 | image_alt = This is a logo of the university. | other_name = Adelaide University{{#tag:ref| After merging with the University of Adelaide in January 2026.<ref name="Richards 2023 Merger Agreement" />|group=Note}} | former_name = {{ubl |Antecedent colleges (1856–1991)|South Australian Institute of Technology (1960–1991)<ref name="Mixed Antecedent History" /> }} | motto = ''Australia's University of Enterprise''<ref name="UniSA Brand Guidelines">{{Cite web |date=2019 |title=Brand Guidelines 2019 |url=https://usasa.sa.edu.au/pageassets/clubs/about/start/unisa_brand_guidelines_2019_v3_apr.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240330044745/https://usasa.sa.edu.au/pageassets/clubs/about/start/unisa_brand_guidelines_2019_v3_apr.pdf |archive-date=30 March 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> | motto_lang = en | type = Public research university | established = {{ubl |1856 (antecedent) |1991 (as university)}} | closed = 31 March 2026 | accreditation = TEQSA | affiliation = Australian Technology Network (ATN) | academic_affiliation = {{hlist||Australian Space Agency|SAHMRI|UoA|OUA|Universities Australia}} | chancellor = John Hill | vice_chancellor = David Lloyd | academic_staff = 1,203 (FTE, 2023)<ref name="UniSA Annual Review 2023" /> | administrative_staff = 1,520 (FTE, 2023)<ref name="UniSA Annual Review 2023" /> | total_staff = 2,942 (2023)<ref name="UniSA Annual Review 2023" /> | students = 34,878 (2023)<ref name="UniSA Annual Review 2023" /> | undergrad = 4,204 ({{abbr|EFTSL|Equivalent full-time student load}}, 2023)<ref name="UniSA Annual Review 2023" /> | postgrad = 10,709 ({{abbr|EFTSL|Equivalent full-time student load}}, 2023)<ref name="UniSA Annual Review 2023" /> | doctoral =  | address = North Terrace | city = Adelaide | state = South Australia | postalcode = 5001 | country = Australia | coordinates =  | campus = Metropolitan and regional, with multiple sites | colours = UniSA Blue<ref name="UniSA Brand Guidelines" /> | sports_nickname = Team UniSA | mascot = Koala and Parchie<ref>{{Cite web |title=UniSA's new friends celebrate academic success |url=https://unisa.edu.au/Media-Centre/Releases/2016-Media-releases/UniSAs-new-friends-celebrate-academic-success |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240717143049/https://unisa.edu.au/Media-Centre/Releases/2016-Media-releases/UniSAs-new-friends-celebrate-academic-success |archive-date=17 July 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> | logo = University of South Australia Logo.png | logo_upright = 0.9 | logo_alt = This is a logo of the university. | website = {{URL|https://www.unisa.edu.au/|unisa.edu.au}} }}

The '''University of South Australia''' ('''UniSA''') was a public research university based in Adelaide, South Australia. Established in 1991, it was the successor of the former South Australian Institute of Technology (SAIT). In mid-2023, it agreed to merge with the neighbouring University of Adelaide to form Adelaide University. The merger began in 2024, with the merged university formally opening in January 2026. The existing institutions were formally disestablished after 31 March 2026, when the ''University of Adelaide Act 1971'' and ''University of South Australia Act 1990'' were repealed.

UniSA's earliest antecedent institutions were both founded in the Jubilee Exhibition Building of the former Royal South Australian Society of Arts. SAIT was founded in 1889 as the School of Mines and Industries, and the South Australian College of Advanced Education dates back to the School of Art in 1856. The institute gained university status following their merger in 1991. Its expansion over three decades, including to sites on the west end of North Terrace, along with broadening its fields of studies, contributed to its status as the state's largest university, with 34,878 students in 2023.

The university comprised six campuses, including the City East and City West campuses along North Terrace, a tech-oriented campus in Mawson Lakes, the Magill campus specialising in social sciences, and two regional campuses in Mount Gambier and Whyalla. Its academic activities were divided among the seven academic units. In 2023, the university had a revenue of {{AUD|715.5 million}}. It was a member of the Australian Technology Network, an association of technology-focussed universities.

Notable alumni of the university include the incumbent foreign affairs minister Penny Wong; Human Rights Watch director Tirana Hassan; founding editor-in-chief of ''Vogue China'' Angelica Cheung; former state premier Steven Marshall; and retired politician Christopher Pyne. UniSA also managed several museums and exhibitions in a range of fields, including the Samstag Museum and Adelaide Planetarium, and formed part of the state's space and defence industry.

== History == The University of South Australia was formed in 1991 following by the merger between the South Australian Institute of Technology with three campuses belonging to the South Australian College of Advanced Education.<ref name="Mixed Antecedent History" />

=== Antecedent institutions ===

==== School of Art ==== {{Main articles|South Australian School of Art}}

[[File:Jubilee Exhibition Building 1885.jpg|alt=This is a photograph of the now-demolished Jubilee Exhibition Building in 1885.|thumb|The now-demolished Jubilee Exhibition Building in 1885]] The South Australian School of Art, the earliest antecedent institution of the University of South Australia, was established in 1856 at the former Royal South Australian Society of Arts.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Aland |first=Jenny |date=May 2023 |title=FRIENDS SASA 170-YEAR HISTORY BOOK |url=https://thefriendsofsasa.org.au/history-project |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240314131316/https://thefriendsofsasa.org.au/history-project |archive-date=14 March 2024 |access-date=19 August 2024 |website=Friends of the South Australian School of Art |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="Mixed Antecedent History">{{Cite web |title=Our Proud Antecedent History |url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/alumni-network/antecedent-history/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240202095428/https://unisa.edu.au/connect/alumni-network/antecedent-history/ |archive-date=2 February 2024 |access-date=9 May 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> The independent art school, which went through many name changes, and resided for much of its history at the Jubilee Exhibition Building.<ref name="Adelaide AZ School of Art" /><ref name="Mixed Antecedent History" /><ref name="Adelaide City Heritage 2017">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=31 August 2017 |title=Remembering the Jubilee Exhibition Building |url=https://www.adelaideheritage.net.au/remembering-the-jubilee-exhibition-building/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240717045617/https://www.adelaideheritage.net.au/remembering-the-jubilee-exhibition-building/ |archive-date=17 July 2024 |access-date=17 July 2024 |website=Adelaide City Heritage |publisher=National Trust of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> The Jubilee Exhibition Building remained on the University of Adelaide campus until 1962, when the building was demolished to make way for several university buildings.<ref name="Mixed Antecedent History" /><ref name="Adelaide AZ Jubilee Building">{{Cite web |title=Jubilee building, for 1887 global exhibition attended by twice Adelaide's population, demolished in 1962 |url=https://adelaideaz.com/articles/jubilee-building--home-to-1887-international-exhibition-attended-by-twice-adelaide-s-population--demolished-in-1962 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240710234803/https://adelaideaz.com/articles/jubilee-building--home-to-1887-international-exhibition-attended-by-twice-adelaide-s-population--demolished-in-1962 |archive-date=10 July 2024 |access-date=10 July 2024 |website=Adelaide AZ |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Jubilee Exhibition Building (1887-1962) |url=https://heritageforthepeople.au/jubilee-exhibition-building-1887-1962/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231201034953/https://heritageforthepeople.au/jubilee-exhibition-building-1887-1962/ |archive-date=1 December 2023 |access-date=19 August 2024 |website=Heritage For The People |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> at which time the art college was temporarily relocated in Stanley Street, North Adelaide. In 1973, SASA merged with Western Teachers College to form Torrens College of Advanced Education.<ref name=unisahist>{{cite web | title=Antecedent History | website= UniSA | date= | url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/alumni-network/antecedent-history/ | access-date=16 November 2025}}</ref> It is one of the oldest art schools in Australia, and the oldest public art school.<ref>{{Cite book |last=McCulloch |first=Alan McLeod |title=Encyclopedia of Australian art |date=1977 |publisher=Hutchinson of Australia |isbn=978-0-09-081420-6 |edition=Repr. with corrections |publication-place=Melbourne, Victoria |language=en-AU}}</ref>

{{as of|2025}} the South Australian School of Art is incorporated into UniSA Creative, which includes the disciplines of architecture and planning; art and design; journalism, communication, and media; film, television, and visual effects; and the creative industries.<ref>{{cite web | title=UniSA Creative | website=Home | url=https://www.unisa.edu.au/about-unisa/academic-units/creative/#study | access-date=2 May 2025}}</ref> The SASA Gallery in the Kuarna Building, which showcases creative works by students and researchers, is the modern descendant of the school.<ref name="UniSA Milestones" /><ref name="SASA History Project" />

==== South Australian Institute of Technology ====  The Jubilee Exhibition Building was also the birthplace of the South Australian Institute of Technology which was established in 1889 as the SA School of Mines and Industries.<ref name="Adelaide AZ Jubilee Building" /><ref name="Adelaide AZ SAIT">{{Cite web |title=School of Mines and Industries starts formal technical education in South Australia from 1889 |url=https://adelaideaz.com/articles/school-of-mines-and-industries-brings-formal-technical-education-to-south-australia-in-1889--later-the-institute-of-technology |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711184514/https://adelaideaz.com/articles/school-of-mines-and-industries-brings-formal-technical-education-to-south-australia-in-1889--later-the-institute-of-technology |archive-date=11 July 2024 |access-date=11 July 2024 |website=Adelaide AZ |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 October 2023 |title=A legacy that helped shape SA |url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/alumni-network/alumni-news/alumni-connect/2023/issue7/business/a-legacy-that-helped-shape-sa/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711183134/https://www.unisa.edu.au/connect/alumni-network/alumni-news/alumni-connect/2023/issue7/business/a-legacy-that-helped-shape-sa/ |archive-date=11 July 2024 |access-date=11 July 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> It moved to the neighbouring Brookman Building in 1903, named after the Scottish-born businessman George Brookman who contributed £15,000 towards its construction.<ref name="The Advertiser 1902">{{Cite web |date=24 February 1902 |title=SCHOOL OF MINES. |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4928117 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221112222958/https://trove.nla.gov.au/newspaper/article/4928117 |archive-date=12 November 2022 |access-date=20 August 2024 |website=The Advertiser |page=5 |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=A legacy that helped shape SA |url=https://www.unisa.edu.au/connect/alumni-network/alumni-news/alumni-connect/2023/issue7/business/a-legacy-that-helped-shape-sa/ |access-date=13 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="Elton Brookman Building">{{Cite web |last=Elton |first=Jude |date=20 May 2021 |title=Brookman Building |url=https://sahistoryhub.history.sa.gov.au/places/brookman-building |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240229225703/https://sahistoryhub.history.sa.gov.au/places/brookman-building |archive-date=29 February 2024 |access-date=11 July 2024 |website=SA History Hub |publisher=Government of South Australia (History Trust of South Australia) |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>thumb|Brookman Building (1903), shortly after its construction|alt=This is a 1903 photograph of the Brookman Building, the ancestral home of the University of South Australia, shortly following its construction. The building, which took three years to complete, was opened by then-state governor Samuel Way.<ref name="Elton Brookman Building" /> It is located on the site formerly the eastern annexe of the Jubilee Exhibition Building on the corner of North Terrace and Frome Road between the University of Adelaide and the then-Royal Adelaide Hospital.<ref name="Elton Brookman Building" /> When opened, only the main hall was named after George Brookman, and a plaque commemorating his contribution is still located in the hall.<ref name="Elton Brookman Building" /> The Brookman Building in the nearby Grenfell Street, now the site of the Grenfell Centre, was his business headquarters.<ref name="Elton Brookman Building" />

The institute maintained strong ties with the neighbouring University of Adelaide that included the co-ordination of teaching, laboratories and examinations across fields of engineering and sciences.<ref name="SAIT Connect">{{Cite web |title=South Australian School of Mines and Industries |url=https://connect.adelaide.edu.au/nodes/view/25616 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240301034615/https://connect.adelaide.edu.au/nodes/view/25616 |archive-date=1 March 2024 |access-date=3 July 2024 |website=The University of Adelaide |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="SAIT">{{Cite web |title=SA School of Mines and Industries |url=https://www.adelaide.edu.au/records/university-archives/related-institutions/sa-school-of-mines-and-industries |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514071952/https://www.adelaide.edu.au/records/university-archives/related-institutions/sa-school-of-mines-and-industries |archive-date=14 May 2024 |access-date=3 July 2024 |website=The University of Adelaide |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="Harvey 2012">{{Cite book |last1=Harvey |first1=Nick |url=https://www.adelaide.edu.au/press/ua/media/667/uap-faculty-arts-ebook.pdf |title=A History of the Faculty of Arts at the University of Adelaide 1876-2012 |last2=Fornasiero |first2=Jean |last3=McCarthy |first3=Greg |last4=Macintyre |first4=Clem |last5=Crossin |first5=Carl |date=June 2013 |publisher=University of Adelaide Press |isbn=9781922064363 |editor-last=Harvey |editor-first=Nick |location=Adelaide, South Australia |language=en-AU |doi=10.1017/9781922064363 |hdl=2440/74965 |editor-last2=Fornasiero |editor-first2=Jean |editor-last3=McCarthy |editor-first3=Greg |editor-last4=Macintyre |editor-first4=Clem |editor-last5=Crossin |editor-first5=Carl |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240214154937/https://www.adelaide.edu.au/press/ua/media/667/uap-faculty-arts-ebook.pdf |archive-format=PDF |archive-date=14 February 2024 |url-status=live}}</ref> Despite the university later establishing its own faculty of engineering in 1937, the reciprocal relationship remained intertwined to its University Council and studies completed at the institute were recognised as equivalent studies eligible for credit towards university courses.<ref name="SAIT Connect" /><ref name="SAIT" /><ref name="Edgar 2000">{{Citation |last=Edgar |first=Suzanne |title=Reginald Theodore Kleeman (1901–1979) |date=2000 |work=Australian Dictionary of Biography |volume=15 |url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/kleeman-reginald-theodore-10757 |access-date=11 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231203171001/https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/kleeman-reginald-theodore-10757 |archive-date=3 December 2023 |url-status=live |place=Canberra, Australian Capital Territory |publisher=Australian National University (which owns "National Centre of Biography") |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref name="Engineering Faculty">{{Cite web |title=Faculty of Engineering |url=https://connect.adelaide.edu.au/nodes/view/7401 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230323201258/https://connect.adelaide.edu.au/nodes/view/7401 |archive-date=23 March 2023 |access-date=30 June 2024 |website=The University of Adelaide |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> The institute later expanded to the regional city of Whyalla in 1962 and to the Adelaide suburb of Mawson Lakes in 1972 as ''The Levels''.<ref name="Adelaide AZ SAIT" /><ref name="Mixed Antecedent History" /><ref name="Edgar 2000" /> In 1965, it was designated an advanced college which initiated an expansion in the variety of courses available.<ref name="UniSA Milestones" /> The campuses on North Terrace, Mawson Lakes and Whyalla all remain a part of the University of South Australia.<ref name="Mixed Antecedent History" />alt=This is a photograph of the Spanish Mission Revival-style Hartley Building of the Adelaide Teachers College and its successor the South Australian College of Advanced Education, later part of the University of Adelaide.|thumb|The Hartley Building of the original mother college and SACAE, later absorbed by the University of Adelaide

==== South Australian College of Advanced Education ==== The Adelaide Teachers College, which changed names and shifted locations multiple times throughout its existence, was established in 1876.<ref name="Hernen 2020" /><ref name="Adelaide Teachers College" /> Despite not being located at the University of Adelaide campus until 1900, students from the institution attended university lectures since at least 1878.<ref name="Hernen 2020" /><ref name="Adelaide Teachers College" /> In 1921, it renamed to the Adelaide Teachers College, in line with other interstate teachers colleges.<ref name="Hernen 2020" /><ref name="Adelaide Teachers College" /> Despite offers from the university to take control of the college, which was heavily integrated into the university, the Education Department retained administrative authority throughout its early history.<ref name="Hernen 2020" /><ref name="Adelaide Teachers College">{{Cite web |title=Adelaide Teachers College |url=https://www.adelaide.edu.au/records/university-archives/related-institutions/adelaide-teachers-college |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514071951/https://www.adelaide.edu.au/records/university-archives/related-institutions/adelaide-teachers-college |archive-date=14 May 2024 |access-date=18 August 2024 |website=The University of Adelaide |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> The Hartley Building was built as its permanent home in 1927.<ref name="Hernen 2020" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Hartley Building (originally Adelaide Teachers College), The University of Adelaide |url=https://www.experienceadelaide.com.au/heritage-places/hartley-building-originally-adelaide-teachers-college-the-university-of-adelaide-kintore-avenue-adelaide/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240707210227/https://www.experienceadelaide.com.au/heritage-places/hartley-building-originally-adelaide-teachers-college-the-university-of-adelaide-kintore-avenue-adelaide/ |archive-date=7 July 2024 |access-date=19 August 2024 |website=Experience Adelaide |publisher=The Corporation of the City of Adelaide (Adelaide Economic Development Agency) |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="Adelaide Teachers College" />

The college eventually renamed to the Adelaide College of the Arts and Education.<ref name="Hernen 2020">{{Cite web |last=Hernen |first=Danielle |date=2020 |title=Adelaide Teachers College |url=https://connect.adelaide.edu.au/nodes/view/7414 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202181037/https://connect.adelaide.edu.au/nodes/view/7414 |archive-date=2 December 2023 |access-date=10 July 2024 |website=The University of Adelaide |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="Harvey 2012" /> It also established additional teachers colleges in other parts of the city including Magill.<ref name="Hernen 2020" /><ref name="Adelaide AZ SACAE">{{Cite web |title=Adelaide and suburban teachers college became colleges of advanced education all merged as South Australian CAE |url=https://adelaideaz.com/articles/adelaide-teachers-college-part-of-colleges-of-advanced-education-from-1873-on-university-campus-until-new-university-formed-in-1990s |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240305030017/https://adelaideaz.com/articles/adelaide-teachers-college-part-of-colleges-of-advanced-education-from-1873-on-university-campus-until-new-university-formed-in-1990s |archive-date=5 March 2024 |access-date=11 July 2024 |website=Adelaide AZ |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref name="Mixed Antecedent History" /> Following a series of mergers,<ref name="Mixed Antecedent History" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sergeant |first=Kate |title=Guides: UniSA Calendars: CAEs (1973-1981) |url=https://guides.library.unisa.edu.au/UniSACalendars/CAEs |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714010611/https://guides.library.unisa.edu.au/UniSACalendars/CAEs |archive-date=14 July 2024 |access-date=23 September 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="Adelaide AZ SACAE" /> the colleges expanded to become advanced colleges which all later amalgamated with the original mother college to become the South Australian College of Advanced Education in 1982.<ref name="Hernen 2020" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=7 January 1982 |title=South Australian College of Advanced Education Act 1982 |url=https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/home/historical-numbered-as-made-acts/1985/0001-South-Australian-College-of-Advanced-Education-Act-No-1-of-1982.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240628011120/https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/home/historical-numbered-as-made-acts/1985/0001-South-Australian-College-of-Advanced-Education-Act-No-1-of-1982.pdf |archive-date=28 June 2024 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=19 August 2024 |website=South Australian Legislation |publisher=Government of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=SA College of Advanced Education |url=https://www.adelaide.edu.au/records/university-archives/related-institutions/sa-college-of-advanced-education |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714010611/https://www.adelaide.edu.au/records/university-archives/related-institutions/sa-college-of-advanced-education |archive-date=14 July 2024 |access-date=23 September 2024 |website=The University of Adelaide |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> The combined institution continued its presence alongside the University of Adelaide with which it maintained joint teaching, facilities and committees.<ref name="Harvey 2012" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=SA College of Advanced Education |url=https://www.adelaide.edu.au/records/university-archives/related-institutions/sa-college-of-advanced-education |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240514072010/https://www.adelaide.edu.au/records/university-archives/related-institutions/sa-college-of-advanced-education |archive-date=14 May 2024 |access-date=11 July 2024 |website=The University of Adelaide |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="UniSA Awarding Bodies">{{Cite web |title=Parchments, transcripts and AHEGS |url=https://unisa.edu.au/Student-Life/Support-services/Student-administration/parchments-transcripts-and-ahegs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240322114144/https://unisa.edu.au/Student-Life/Support-services/Student-administration/parchments-transcripts-and-ahegs/#Antecedent |archive-date=22 March 2024 |access-date=1 July 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="Hernen 2020" /> The campus merged with the latter university in 1991 with three of the remaining campuses merging with the SAIT to establish the University of South Australia.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Sergeant |first=Kate |title=Guides: UniSA Calendars: SACAE (1982-1990) |url=https://guides.library.unisa.edu.au/UniSACalendars/SACAE |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240708114154/https://guides.library.unisa.edu.au/UniSACalendars/SACAE |archive-date=8 July 2024 |access-date=23 September 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="Adelaide AZ School of Art">{{Cite web |title=School of Art (from 1856) and Institute of Technology (1889) part of new University of South Australia 1991 |url=https://adelaideaz.com/articles/south-australian-school-of-art--from-1856--and-institute-of-technology--1889--absorbed-with-colleges-into-new-university-in-1991 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231003164725/https://adelaideaz.com/articles/south-australian-school-of-art--from-1856--and-institute-of-technology--1889--absorbed-with-colleges-into-new-university-in-1991 |archive-date=3 October 2023 |access-date=11 July 2024 |website=Adelaide AZ |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

alt=This map shows the South Australian Institute of Technology and the locations of its neighbouring institutions in 1926.|thumb|220x220px|The SAIT and neighbouring institutions in 1926

====Others==== In 1973, the South Australian School of Art merged with Western Teachers College to form Torrens College of Advanced Education.<ref name=unisahist/>

=== Merger and establishment === {{See also|Dawkins Revolution}} Stronger demand for advanced college places throughout the country resulted from a broadening appeal of higher education beyond the traditionally elite education provided by the universities.<ref name="Wesley 2023">{{Cite web |last=Wesley |first=Michael |date=7 September 2023 |title=Robert Menzies and Australia's Universities |url=https://www.robertmenziesinstitute.org.au/institute-news/robert-menzies-and-australias-universitiesnbsppresentation-to-the-robert-menzies-institute-university-of-melbourne7-september-2023nbspmichael-wesley |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240419215325/https://www.robertmenziesinstitute.org.au/institute-news/robert-menzies-and-australias-universitiesnbsppresentation-to-the-robert-menzies-institute-university-of-melbourne7-september-2023nbspmichael-wesley |archive-date=19 April 2024 |access-date=13 July 2024 |website=Robert Menzies Institute |publisher=The University of Melbourne |language=en-AU |publication-place=Melbourne, Victoria}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last=Heffernan |first=Troy |title=The History of Education in Australia |date=26 May 2021 |encyclopedia=Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Education |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352039277 |access-date=13 July 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713224222/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352039277_The_History_of_Education_in_Australia |archive-date=13 July 2024 |url-status=live |publication-place=Oxford, United Kingdom |publisher=University of Oxford (which owns "Oxford University Press") |language=en-GB |doi=10.1093/acrefore/9780190264093.013.1459 |isbn=978-0-19-026409-3}}</ref><ref name="Skuja 1997">{{Cite web |last1=Skuja |first1=Eric |last2=Clarke |first2=John |last3=Birney |first3=Damien |date=2 September 1997 |title=Diversity and the New Binary System in Australian Higher Education |url=https://www.aair.org.au/app/webroot/media/pdf/JIR/Journal%20of%20Institutional%20Research%20in%20Australasia%20and%20JIR/Volume%206,%20No.%202%20September%201997/Skuja.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170226124748/https://www.aair.org.au/app/webroot/media/pdf/JIR/Journal%20of%20Institutional%20Research%20in%20Australasia%20and%20JIR/Volume%206,%20No.%202%20September%201997/Skuja.pdf |archive-date=26 February 2017 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=13 July 2024 |website=Australasian Association for Institutional Research |language=en-AU |publication-place=Melbourne, Victoria}}</ref> Advanced colleges were originally designed to complement universities, forming a binary system modelled on that of the United Kingdom.<ref name="Skuja 1997" /><ref>{{Cite journal |last=Meek |first=Vincent Lynn |date=July 1990 |title=The rise and fall of the binary policy of higher education in Australia∗ |url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0268093900050309 |journal=Journal of Education Policy |language=en-GB |publisher=Taylor & Francis |publication-place=Abingdon, United Kingdom |volume=5 |issue=3 |pages=282–292 |doi=10.1080/0268093900050309 |issn=0268-0939|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref name="Mahony 1994">{{Cite journal |last=Mahony |first=David |date=January 1994 |title=A Comparison of the Australian and British Post Binary Higher Education Systems |url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/0729436940130107 |journal=Higher Education Research & Development |language=en-GB |publisher=Taylor & Francis |publication-place=Abingdon, United Kingdom |volume=13 |issue=1 |pages=71–84 |doi=10.1080/0729436940130107 |issn=0729-4360|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref name="Mahony 1993">{{Cite journal |last=Mahony |first=David |date=1993 |title=The Construction and Challenges of Australia's Post-Binary System of Higher Education |url=https://www.jstor.org/stable/1050566 |url-status=live |journal=Oxford Review of Education |language=en-GB |publisher=Taylor & Francis |publication-place=Abingdon, United Kingdom |volume=19 |issue=4 |pages=465–483 |doi=10.1080/0305498930190404 |jstor=1050566 |issn=0305-4985 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713231753/https://www.jstor.org/stable/1050566 |archive-date=13 July 2024 |access-date=13 July 2024|url-access=subscription }}</ref><ref name="Beddie 2014">{{Cite web |last=Beddie |first=Francesca |date=25 August 2014 |title=A differentiated model for tertiary education: past ideas, contemporary policy and future possibilities |url=https://www.ncver.edu.au/research-and-statistics/publications/all-publications/a-differentiated-model-for-tertiary-education-past-ideas,-contemporary-policy-and-future-possibilities |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709014919/https://www.ncver.edu.au/research-and-statistics/publications/all-publications/a-differentiated-model-for-tertiary-education-past-ideas,-contemporary-policy-and-future-possibilities |archive-date=9 July 2024 |access-date=13 July 2024 |website=National Centre for Vocational Education Research |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> It was originally created by the Menzies government following World War II on the advice of a committee led by physicist Leslie H. Martin, during a period of high population growth and corresponding demand for secondary and tertiary education.<ref name="Wesley 2023" /><ref name="Beddie 2014" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 March 1965 |title=SPEECH BY RT. HON. SIR ROBERT MENZIES, K.T., C.H., Q.C., M.P., ON TERTIARY EDUCATION IN AUSTRALIA |url=https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/original/00001081_0.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713235320/https://pmtranscripts.pmc.gov.au/sites/default/files/original/00001081_0.pdf |archive-date=13 July 2024 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=13 July 2024 |website=PM Transcripts |publisher=Australian Government, Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet |language=en-AU |publication-place=Canberra, Australian Capital Territory}}</ref><ref name="Abbott 2003">{{Cite web |last1=Abbott |first1=Malcolm |last2=Doucouliagos |first2=Chris |date=July 2003 |title=The changing structure of higher education in Australia, 1949-2003 |url=https://www.deakin.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/402594/swp2003_07.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230526085402/https://www.deakin.edu.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0006/402594/swp2003_07.pdf |archive-date=26 May 2023 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=14 July 2024 |website=Deakin University |language=en-AU |publication-place=Melbourne, Victoria}}</ref> This sector ceased to exist when, between 1989 and 1992, the Hawke-Keating government implemented the sweeping reforms of Education Minister John Dawkins that dismantled the binary system.<ref name="Skuja 1997" /><ref name="Beddie 2014" /><ref name="Department of Education 2023">{{Cite web |date=18 December 2023 |title=2022 Section 1 Commencing students |url=https://www.education.gov.au/higher-education-statistics/resources/2022-section-1-commencing-students |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711014218/https://www.education.gov.au/higher-education-statistics/resources/2022-section-1-commencing-students |archive-date=11 July 2024 |access-date=20 August 2024 |website=Department of Education |publisher=Australian Government |language=en-AU |publication-place=Canberra, Australian Capital Territory}}</ref> The states, eager for increased education funding, merged the colleges either with existing universities or with each other to form new universities.<ref name="Skuja 1997" /><ref name="Mahony 1994" /><ref name="Mahony 1993" /><ref name="Beddie 2014" /><ref name="Abbott 2003" /><ref name="AVCC 2004">{{Cite web |date=2004 |title=Australian Higher Education Institutions as at 4 November 2004 |url=http://www.avcc.edu.au/documents/universities/AustralianHEMerges-Amalgamations.pdf |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061110170536/http://www.avcc.edu.au/documents/universities/AustralianHEMerges-Amalgamations.pdf |archive-date=10 November 2006 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=13 July 2024 |website=Australian Vice-Chancellors' Committee (later Universities Australia) |language=en-AU |publication-place=Canberra, Australian Capital Territory}}</ref> Following its expansion and increasing autonomy from the University of Adelaide, the South Australian Institute of Technology was given the option to merge with either TAFE South Australia or the South Australian College of Advanced Education.<ref name="Adelaide AZ School of Art" /><ref name="SAIT Connect" /><ref name="SAIT" /> It chose to merge with the latter advanced college resulting in the establishment of the University of South Australia, which continues to remain neighbours with the University of Adelaide.<ref name="Adelaide AZ School of Art" /><ref name="AVCC 2004" /><ref name="UniSA City East">{{Cite web |title=City East Campus |url=https://unisa.edu.au/siteassets/campus-facilities/maps/city-east-campus-map.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507095448/https://unisa.edu.au/siteassets/campus-facilities/maps/city-east-campus-map.pdf |archive-date=7 May 2024 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=17 July 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

The University of South Australia became the state's third public university, a continuation of the former South Australian Institute of Technology that merged with most of the SACAE, and maintained their historical presence next to the University of Adelaide, in the suburbs of Mawson Lakes and Magill and in the regional city of Whyalla.<ref name="Sumerling 2006">{{Cite web |last1=Sumerling |first1=Patricia |last2=McDougall |first2=Katrina |date=August 2006 |title=The City of Adelaide: A Thematic History |url=https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/adelaide-city-council-key-historical-dates/resource/45a3f1bf-7c69-4842-a3f0-b564fd6685b5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216102814/https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/adelaide-city-council-key-historical-dates/resource/45a3f1bf-7c69-4842-a3f0-b564fd6685b5 |archive-date=16 December 2019 |access-date=28 August 2024 |website=McDougall & Vines |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="Mixed Antecedent History" /><ref name="Mackinnon 2016">{{Cite book |last=Mackinnon |first=Alison |title=A New Kid on the Block: the University of South Australia in the Unified National System |date=July 2016 |publisher=Melbourne University Publishing (The University of Melbourne) |isbn=9780522870572 |location=Melbourne, Victoria |language=en-AU}}</ref> Its expansion over the next few decades, including to sites on the west end of North Terrace, and broadening fields of studies contributed to its status as the state's largest university by student population.<ref name="Sumerling 2006" /><ref name="Mackinnon 2016" /><ref>{{Cite web |date=24 February 2016 |title=A history of enterprise |url=https://unisa.edu.au/enterprise-magazine-home/Issue-1-2016/A-history-of-enterprise/ |access-date=13 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> It also became the second-largest university nationally by number of online students, either in the state or from other parts of the country, and expanded to Mount Gambier in 2005.<ref name="Department of Education 2023" /><ref name="Watkinson 2010">{{Cite web |last1=Watkinson |first1=Julie |last2=Ellis |first2=Bronwyn Joan |last3=Sawyer |first3=Janet |date=October 2010 |title=Collaborative development of a university presence in regional South Australia |url=https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228743416 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240820191757/https://www.researchgate.net/publication/228743416_Collaborative_development_of_a_university_presence_in_regional_South_Australia |archive-date=20 August 2024 |access-date=20 August 2024 |website=ResearchGate |language=en-AU |publication-place=Berlin, Germany}}</ref> In 2021, the university celebrated its 30th birthday.

=== Ongoing merger with the University of Adelaide === {{Main articles|Adelaide University}}

In June 2018, the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide began discussions regarding the possibility of a merger. The proposition was dubbed a "super uni" by then South Australian premier, Steven Marshall, and Simon Birmingham,<ref>{{cite news |last=Griffiths |first=Luke |date=19 June 2018 |title=South Australian universities in merger talks |url=https://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/south-australian-universities-in-merger-talks/news-story/cdaaba662218904f4e856ee48e32ca27?nk=b12ecadd9292107e802d5324e80aa7c9-1529400560 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220121134116/https://www.theaustralian.com.au/higher-education/south-australian-universities-in-merger-talks/news-story/cdaaba662218904f4e856ee48e32ca27?nk=b12ecadd9292107e802d5324e80aa7c9-1529400560 |archive-date=21 January 2022 |access-date=19 June 2018 |work=The Australian |publisher=News Corporation (which owns "News Corp Australia") |location=Sydney, New South Wales |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |date=19 June 2018 |title=University of Adelaide and UniSA to explore potential merger to create new institution |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-19/sa-universities-to-discuss-potential-merger/9885996 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180619072551/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-06-19/sa-universities-to-discuss-potential-merger/9885996 |archive-date=19 June 2018 |access-date=19 June 2018 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |location=Sydney, New South Wales |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=19 June 2018 |title=Adelaide Uni and UniSA in merger talks |url=https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/adelaide-university-and-unisa-to-officially-explore-merging-their-institutions/news-story/f0103cfe4e3e08a91c4fafd7246c9a47 |url-status= |access-date=21 August 2024 |website=The Advertiser |publisher=News Corporation (which owns "News Corp Australia") |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> but the merger was called off in October 2018 by the University of South Australia, which was less keen.<ref name="ABC News 2018">{{Cite news |date=23 October 2018 |title=South Australian universities decide against merger |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-23/unisa-and-adelaide-university-decide-against-merger/10418520 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181025152513/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2018-10-23/unisa-and-adelaide-university-decide-against-merger/10418520 |archive-date=25 October 2018 |access-date=24 October 2018 |work=ABC News |location=Sydney, New South Wales |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref name="Siebert 2021" /> Vice-chancellor David Lloyd, in an email to University of South Australia staff, claimed that the amalgamation lacked a compelling case. This statement was contradicted by the University of Adelaide's chancellor who said that the merger continues to be in the state's best interests and a spokesperson for the university added that it was still open to future talks.<ref name="Siebert 2020">{{Cite news |last=Siebert |first=Bension |date=31 October 2020 |title=Labor promises commission on merging South Australia's three top universities |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-31/sa-labor-election-promise-university-merger-commission/12834964 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240125210848/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-10-31/sa-labor-election-promise-university-merger-commission/12834964 |archive-date=25 January 2024 |access-date=9 July 2024 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |location=Sydney, New South Wales |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref name="Richards 2022" /><ref name="Siebert 2021" /> Following the release of several internal FOI documents retrieved by ''ABC News'', it was later revealed that the merger talks failed due to disagreements on the post-merger institution's leadership structure.<ref name="Siebert 2021" /> The name ''Adelaide University of South Australia'' was agreed upon by both universities and Chris Schacht, who previously served on the University of Adelaide Council, alleged that the merger talks failed due to disagreement on which vice-chancellor would replace the other following their amalgamation.<ref name="Siebert 2021">{{Cite news |last=Siebert |first=Bension |date=20 January 2021 |title=University of Adelaide texts, emails reveal backstory to merger breakdown |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-21/documents-shed-light-on-university-of-adelaide-sa-failed-merger/12960276 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205131614/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-01-21/documents-shed-light-on-university-of-adelaide-sa-failed-merger/12960276 |archive-date=5 February 2024 |access-date=7 May 2024 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |language=en-AU |publication-place=Sydney, New South Wales}}</ref> [[File:NorthTerrace.jpg|alt=This is a photograph of students from the two neighbouring universities near Bonython Hall on North Terrace.|thumb|Students from the two neighbouring universities near Bonython Hall on North Terrace]] In early 2022, the topic of a merger was raised again by the new state government led by premier Peter Malinauskas, which proposed setting up an independent commission to investigate the possibility of a merger between the state's three public universities should they decline.<ref name="Siebert 2020" /><ref name="Kelsall 2023 Headlock">{{Cite web |last=Kelsall |first=Thomas |date=27 June 2023 |title='The government has them in a headlock': Uni merger decision imminent |url=https://www.indaily.com.au/news/2023/06/27/the-government-has-them-in-a-headlock-uni-merger-decision-imminent |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230630070912/https://www.indaily.com.au/news/2023/06/27/the-government-has-them-in-a-headlock-uni-merger-decision-imminent |archive-date=30 June 2023 |access-date=21 August 2024 |website=InDaily |publisher=Solstice Media |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> He had made an election promise to take a heavy-handed approach towards the merger to reduce students departing to higher-ranking institutions on the east coast and to improve the state's ability to attract international students and researchers.<ref name="Kelsall 2023 Headlock" /><ref name="Siebert 2020" /> At the time, staff's opinions were evenly divided on the idea of the commission.<ref name="Richards 2022">{{cite web |last=Richards |first=Stephanie |date=3 June 2022 |title=Uni staff divided over latest merger push |url=https://indaily.com.au/news/2022/06/03/uni-staff-divided-over-latest-merger-push/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220605121721/https://indaily.com.au/news/2022/06/03/uni-staff-divided-over-latest-merger-push/ |archive-date=5 June 2022 |access-date=5 June 2022 |website=InDaily |publisher=Solstice Media |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> Following the appointment of merger advocate Peter Høj as University of Adelaide vice-chancellor, both universities announced that a merger would once again be considered.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Chapman |first=Jemma |date=3 June 2022 |title=Uni staff divided over latest merger push |url=https://www.indaily.com.au/news/2022/06/03/uni-staff-divided-over-latest-merger-push |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230629074105/https://indaily.com.au/news/2022/06/03/uni-staff-divided-over-latest-merger-push/ |archive-date=29 June 2023 |access-date=9 July 2024 |website=InDaily |publisher=Solstice Media |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="ABC News 2022" /> The universities began a feasibility study into a potential merger at the end of the year.<ref name="ABC News 2022">{{Cite news |date=7 December 2022 |title=University of Adelaide and UniSA revive merger talks, with single uni pitched for 2026 |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-07/universities-of-adelaide-and-south-australia-move-to-merge/101746396 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240505153915/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-12-07/universities-of-adelaide-and-south-australia-move-to-merge/101746396 |archive-date=5 May 2024 |access-date=4 July 2023 |work=ABC News |location=Sydney, New South Wales |language=en-AU}}</ref> The invitation to merger negotiations was rejected by Flinders University, the state's third public university.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Richards |first=Stephanie |date=8 December 2022 |title=Flinders Uni 'rejected invitation' to merge with Adelaide Uni/UniSA |url=https://www.indaily.com.au/news/2022/12/08/flinders-uni-rejected-invitation-to-merge-with-adelaide-uni-unisa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240401013212/https://www.indaily.com.au/news/2022/12/08/flinders-uni-rejected-invitation-to-merge-with-adelaide-uni-unisa |archive-date=1 April 2024 |access-date=17 July 2024 |website=InDaily |publisher=Solstice Media |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

The agreement for the merger was reached on 1 July 2023 by the two universities, which then accounted for approximately two-thirds of the state's public university population, in consultation with the South Australian Government.<ref name="Richards 2023 Merger Agreement">{{Cite news |last1=Richards |first1=Stephanie |last2=Boscaini |first2=Joshua |last3=Kagi |first3=Jacob |date=1 July 2023 |title=University of South Australia and University of Adelaide reach agreement to merge |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-02/sa-adelaide-university-merger-deal/102547600 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308064913/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-02/sa-adelaide-university-merger-deal/102547600 |archive-date=8 March 2024 |access-date=26 March 2024 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |location=Sydney, New South Wales |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last1=Richards |first1=Stephanie |last2=Lim |first2=Josephine |last3=Clarke |first3=Bernadette |date=16 August 2023 |title=University merger delay could come at $250 million cost, but impact on jobs unclear |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-16/adelaide-university-merger-delay-could-cost-millions/102730508 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240220223808/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-16/adelaide-university-merger-delay-could-cost-millions/102730508 |archive-date=20 February 2024 |access-date=26 March 2024 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |language=en-AU |publication-place=Sydney, New South Wales}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=June 2024 |title=2023 Pocket Statistics |url=https://www.adelaide.edu.au/planning/ua/media/1614/pocket-stats-2024_web.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240701145118/https://www.adelaide.edu.au/planning/ua/media/1614/pocket-stats-2024_web.pdf |archive-date=1 July 2024 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=19 September 2024 |website=The University of Adelaide |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="UniSA Annual Review 2023">{{Cite web |date=30 June 2024 |title=2023 Annual Review |url=https://unisa.edu.au/siteassets/about-unisa/docs/unisa-annual-review-2023.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240901125742/https://unisa.edu.au/siteassets/about-unisa/docs/unisa-annual-review-2023.pdf |archive-date=1 September 2024 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=19 September 2024 |website=University of South Australia |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=30 June 2023 |title=2023 Annual Report |url=https://www.flinders.edu.au/content/dam/documents/about/annual-reports/2023-annual-report.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240919145642/https://www.flinders.edu.au/content/dam/documents/about/annual-reports/2023-annual-report.pdf |archive-date=19 September 2024 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=19 September 2024 |website=Flinders University |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> The rationale for the amalgamation was a larger institutional scale may be needed in order to increase the universities' ranking positions, ability to secure future research income and a net positive impact on the state economy.<ref name="McClaren 2023">{{Cite news |last=McClaren |first=Rory |date=18 August 2023 |title=The unis might be in unison, but is the SA merger deal a unicorn? |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-19/debate-over-south-australia-adelaide-university-merger/102747032 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240410154632/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-08-19/debate-over-south-australia-adelaide-university-merger/102747032 |archive-date=10 April 2024 |access-date=7 May 2024 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |location=Sydney, New South Wales |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=17 October 2023 |title=Report of the Joint Committee on the Establishment of Adelaide University |url=https://adelaideuni.edu.au/siteassets/docs/report-of-the-joint-committee-on-the-establishment-of-adelaide-university.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240426070938/https://adelaideuni.edu.au/siteassets/docs/report-of-the-joint-committee-on-the-establishment-of-adelaide-university.pdf |archive-date=26 April 2024 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=7 May 2024 |publisher=Parliament of South Australia |language=en-AU }}</ref> The two universities argued that by combining their expertise, resources and finances into a single institution, they can be more financially viable, with stronger teaching and research outcomes.<ref name="Richards 2023 Merger Deal" /> Support for the merger among existing staff were mixed, with a National Tertiary Education Union SA survey showing that only a quarter were in favour of the amalgamation.<ref name="Kelsall 2023 Staff Reactions">{{Cite web |last=Kelsall |first=Thomas |date=16 June 2023 |title=Uni staff fears over merger impact on education and research |url=https://www.indaily.com.au/news/2023/06/16/uni-staff-fears-over-merger-impact-on-education-and-research |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240811235248/https://www.indaily.com.au/news/2023/06/16/uni-staff-fears-over-merger-impact-on-education-and-research |archive-date=11 August 2024 |access-date=21 August 2024 |website=InDaily |publisher=Solstice Media |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="Richards 2023 Merger Agreement" /> Warren Bebbington, who previously served as vice-chancellor at the University of Adelaide, described the proposed institution as a "lumbering dinosaur" in reference to its timing during an ongoing federal review of the higher education sector.<ref name="McClaren 2023" /> Vice-chancellor Colin Stirling described plans to provide the new institution with {{AUD|300 million}} in research funding and scholarships as "unfair" to students who choose to study at Flinders University.<ref name="McClaren 2023" /> The combined figure was later revised to {{AUD|464.5 million}} to include land purchases, with an additional {{AUD|40 million}} research fund set up for Flinders University.<ref name="InDaily 2023" />

[[File:Growing Universities.jpg|thumb|The University of South Australia (left) is set to merge with the University of Adelaide (right) by 1 January 2026|alt=This is a photograph of two neighbouring buildings, each belonging to the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide respectively.]]

In November 2023, legislation passed state parliament enabling the creation of the new university to be named ''Adelaide University'', previously a colloquial name used by the University of Adelaide.<ref name="InDaily 2023">{{cite web |date=16 November 2023 |title=University merger legislation clears parliament |url=https://www.indaily.com.au/news/2023/11/16/university-merger-legislation-clears-parliament |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240326085055/https://www.indaily.com.au/news/2023/11/16/university-merger-legislation-clears-parliament |archive-date=26 March 2024 |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=InDaily |publisher=Solstice Media |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="Colloqual Name">{{Cite web |title=Search |url=https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?keyword=%22Adelaide+University%22 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714011736/https://trove.nla.gov.au/search?keyword=%22Adelaide+University%22 |archive-date=14 July 2024 |access-date=14 July 2024 |website=Trove |publisher=National Library of Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Canberra, Australian Capital Territory}}</ref> An application for self-accreditation authority was submitted to the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA) on 15 January 2024, which was needed for the institution to offer courses that issue qualifications.<ref>{{Cite web |title=TEQSA application submitted |url=https://www.adelaide.edu.au/staff/news/news/list/2024/02/02/teqsa-application-submitted |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507020825/https://www.adelaide.edu.au/staff/news/news/list/2024/02/02/teqsa-application-submitted |archive-date=7 May 2024 |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=The University of Adelaide |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=19 September 2022 |title=Application Guide for Self-Accrediting Authority |url=https://www.teqsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/saa-application-guide-2022-v0-6.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230320212437/https://www.teqsa.gov.au/sites/default/files/saa-application-guide-2022-v0-6.pdf |archive-date=20 March 2023 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency |publisher=Australian Government |language=en-AU |publication-place=Canberra, Australian Capital Territory}}</ref> Following approval on 22 May 2024, students starting studies at the pre-merger institutions from 2025 onwards will be issued degree certificates from Adelaide University.<ref>{{Cite web |date=22 May 2024 |title=Adelaide University |url=https://www.teqsa.gov.au/provider/adelaide-university |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240625164250/https://www.teqsa.gov.au/provider/adelaide-university |archive-date=25 June 2024 |access-date=25 June 2024 |website=Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency |language=en-AU |publication-place=Melbourne, Victoria}}</ref><ref name="Merger FAQs">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=FAQs |url=https://adelaideuni.edu.au/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240506194851/https://adelaideuni.edu.au/#students |archive-date=6 May 2024 |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=Adelaide University |language=en-AU}}</ref> Students enrolled on or prior to 2024 will also be able to opt in adding antecedent institutions' names and logos on their parchments.<ref name="Merger FAQs" /> The combined institution is expected to become operational by January 2026, with an additional transitional period extending to 2034.<ref name="Richards 2023 Merger Deal">{{Cite news |last1=Richards |first1=Stephanie |last2=Boscaini |first2=Joshua |last3=Kagi |first3=Jacob |date=1 July 2023 |title=University merger deal reached to create one of Australia's largest education institutions |url=https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-02/sa-adelaide-university-merger-deal/102547600 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240308064913/https://www.abc.net.au/news/2023-07-02/sa-adelaide-university-merger-deal/102547600 |archive-date=8 March 2024 |access-date=4 July 2023 |work=ABC News |publisher=Australian Broadcasting Corporation |language=en-AU |publication-place=Sydney, New South Wales}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=15 April 2024 |title=Our Strategic Ambition and Direction 2024-2034 |url=https://adelaideuni.edu.au/siteassets/docs/au-strategic-ambition-and-direction-2024-34.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240508183254/https://adelaideuni.edu.au/siteassets/docs/au-strategic-ambition-and-direction-2024-34.pdf |archive-date=8 May 2024 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=8 May 2024 |website=Adelaide University |language=en-AU }}</ref> It is projected to have 70,000 students at launch, with one-in-four students being international students, and contribute approximately {{AUD|4.7 billion}} to the Australian economy annually.<ref>{{Cite web |date=14 October 2024 |title=Turning to the future: Adelaide University will bring about much change |url=https://www.indaily.com.au/news/sponsored-content/2024/10/15/turning-to-the-future-adelaide-university-will-bring-about-much-change |access-date=17 October 2024 |website=InDaily |publisher=Solstice Media |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> The amalgamation has been subject to mixed reactions.

== Campuses and buildings ==

The university has six campuses in South Australia including the ''City East'' and ''City West'' campuses in the Adelaide city centre, the two metropolitan campuses in Magill and Mawson Lakes and two regional campuses in Mount Gambier and Whyalla.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Where are the UniSA campuses located? |url=https://ask.australian.unisa.edu.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/402/~/where-are-the-unisa-campuses-located? |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240507143713/https://ask.australian.unisa.edu.au/app/answers/detail/a_id/402/~/where-are-the-unisa-campuses-located |archive-date=7 May 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>thumb|The Brookman Building of the university is its ancestral home|alt=This is a photograph of the Brookman Building of the University of South Australia, the ancestral home of the University of South Australia. === City East === The City East campus is located on the corner of North Terrace and Frome Road, next to the University of Adelaide.<ref name="UniSA City East Campus">{{Cite web |title=City East campus |url=https://www.unisa.edu.au/visit/city-east-campus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007224824/https://www.unisa.edu.au/visit/city-east-campus/ |archive-date=7 October 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

The main Brookman Building, constructed in 1903 and named after its benefactor George Brookman, formed part of the original School of Mines and Industries later renamed to the South Australian Institute of Technology.<ref name="The Advertiser 1902" /><ref name="Elton Brookman Building" /> It was inherited by the university, which also later expanded to the west end of the terrace as ''City West''.<ref name="Sumerling 2006" /><ref name="Mackinnon 2016" /> The David Murray Library is the main library on the site and is located in the Brookman Building.<ref name="auto2">{{Citation |last=O'Neill |first=Sally |title=David Murray (1829–1907) |date=1974 |work=Australian Dictionary of Biography |volume=5 |url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/murray-david-4278 |access-date=7 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240729040351/https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/murray-david-4278 |archive-date=29 July 2024 |url-status=live |publication-place=Canberra, Australian Capital Territory |publisher=Australian National University (which owns "National Centre of Biography") |language=en-AU}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web |title=David Murray Library at UniSA City East |url=https://studentvip.com.au/uni-sa/city-east/maps/117799 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008225554/https://studentvip.com.au/uni-sa/city-east/maps/117799 |archive-date=8 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=StudentVIP |publisher=Student Services Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Sydney, New South Wales}}</ref><ref name="Libraries Spaces" /> It is named after Scottish-born merchant and politician David Murray who donated £2000 towards the library.<ref name="auto1">{{Cite web |last=Elton |first=Jude |title=Brookman Building |url=https://sahistoryhub.history.sa.gov.au/places/brookman-building/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007103450/https://sahistoryhub.history.sa.gov.au/places/brookman-building/ |archive-date=7 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=SA History Hub |publisher=Government of South Australia (History Trust of South Australia) |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 October 2023 |title=A legacy that helped shape SA |url=https://www.unisa.edu.au/connect/alumni-network/alumni-news/alumni-connect/2023/issue7/a-legacy-that-helped-shape-sa/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008225130/https://www.unisa.edu.au/connect/alumni-network/alumni-news/alumni-connect/2023/issue7/a-legacy-that-helped-shape-sa/ |archive-date=8 October 2024 |access-date=8 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> thumb|Bradley Building|alt=This is a photograph of the Bradley Building, named after Denise Bradley, that is part of the Adelaide BioMed City research precinct. The original SAIT campus has undergone several building upgrades and expansions. The Basil Hetzel Building was opened in 2005 and includes {{Convert|2000|m2|sqft}} of multipurpose biomechanical, pharmaceutical and microbiological laboratory space.<ref>{{cite web |date= |title=Basil Hetzel Building |url=http://www.unisa.edu.au/blueprint/buildings/basilhetzel.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426220732/http://www.unisa.edu.au/blueprint/buildings/basilhetzel.asp |archive-date=26 April 2012 |access-date=27 October 2013 |website=University of South Australia |publisher= |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> There was also a major reconstruction to the main Brookman Building from 2008 to 2009 to include a new outdoor plaza, a new exercise physiology clinic, outdoor walkways, student lounges and other upgrades.<ref>{{cite web |date=20 April 2011 |title=UniSA Facilities Management Unit Announcement |url=http://www.unisa.edu.au/facilities/homepage/HeritageCommendation.asp |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110807145906/http://www.unisa.edu.au/facilities/homepage/HeritageCommendation.asp |archive-date=7 August 2011 |access-date=30 May 2011 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> Some other notable buildings on the east end of the campus include the Playford Building, Bonython Jubilee Building and Centenary Building.<ref name="UniSA City East" /> === City West ===  thumb|Hawke Building The City West campus is located on the west end of North Terrace.<ref name="UniSA City West Campus">{{Cite web |title=City West campus |url=https://www.unisa.edu.au/visit/city-west-campus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008071810/https://www.unisa.edu.au/visit/city-west-campus/ |archive-date=8 October 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> As the university had expanded to the west end of North Terrace over several decades following its establishment, the buildings on the site are considerably newer than on the east.<ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.unisa.edu.au/news/2007/091007.asp |title=Hawke Building opens |publisher=University of South Australia |date=9 October 2007 |access-date=27 October 2013 |archive-date=9 January 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110109150914/http://unisa.edu.au/news/2007/091007.asp |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite press release |url=http://www.unisa.edu.au/news/2005/260405.asp |title=From Blueprint to Landmark – UniSA City West buildings launched |publisher=University of South Australia |date=26 April 2005 |access-date=27 October 2013 |archive-date=11 April 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411201655/http://unisa.edu.au/news/2005/260405.asp |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="Sumerling 2006" /><ref name="Mackinnon 2016" />

The Bradley Building named after Denise Bradley, is home to various clinical and simulation facilities in the fields of healthcare and medicine,<ref>{{Cite web |title=University of South Australia Bradley Building |url=https://www.hansenyuncken.com.au/project/university-of-south-australia-bradley-building/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518092859/https://www.hansenyuncken.com.au/project/university-of-south-australia-bradley-building/ |archive-date=18 May 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=Hansen Yuncken |language=en-AU |publication-place=Melbourne, Victoria}}</ref><ref name="Lyons">{{Cite web |title=Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences |url=https://www.lyonsarch.com.au/project/adelaide-health-and-medical-sciences/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240519102544/https://www.lyonsarch.com.au/project/adelaide-health-and-medical-sciences/ |archive-date=19 May 2024 |access-date=17 July 2024 |website=Lyons |language=en-AU |publication-place=Melbourne, Victoria}}</ref><ref name="AECOM">{{Cite web |title=Adelaide Health and Medical Sciences Building |url=https://aecom.com/sa/projects/adelaide-health-medical-sciences-building/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181204083511/https://aecom.com/sa/projects/adelaide-health-medical-sciences-building/ |archive-date=4 December 2018 |access-date=17 July 2024 |website=Aecom |language=en-US |publication-place=Dallas, Texas}}</ref> form part of the Adelaide BioMed City Precinct which also includes the affiliated Royal Adelaide Hospital and the South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute.<ref name="Adelaide BioMed City">{{Cite web |last= |first= |title=Adelaide BioMed City |url=https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/careers/working+for+sa+health/our+facilities/adelaide+biomed+city |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240610224040/https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/public+content/sa+health+internet/careers/working+for+sa+health/our+facilities/adelaide+biomed+city |archive-date=10 June 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=SA Health|publisher=Government of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

====Hawke Building==== The Hawke Building, also the chancellery, is named after former prime minister Bob Hawke and was constructed in 2007.<ref name="UniSA City West">{{Cite web |title=City West Campus |url=https://unisa.edu.au/siteassets/campus-facilities/maps/city-west-campus-and-access-map.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240329132054/https://unisa.edu.au/siteassets/campus-facilities/maps/city-west-campus-and-access-map.pdf |archive-date=29 March 2024 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=University of Adelaide |language=en-AU }}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Location |url=https://www.unisa.edu.au/connect/hawke-centre/about/location/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240711021901/https://www.unisa.edu.au/connect/hawke-centre/about/location/ |archive-date=11 July 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> Designed by Wardle, the distinctive two-storey building won the Jack McConnell Award of Merit for Public Architecture at the 2008 RAIA SA Architecture Awards; an RAIA SA Award of Merit for Interior Architecture; and a National Commendation for Public Architecture in the RAIA National Architecture Awards.<ref>{{cite web | title=Hawke Building | website=Wardle | url=https://wardle.studio/projects/hawke-building/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250811073542/https://wardle.studio/projects/hawke-building/ | archive-date=11 August 2025 | url-status=live | access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref> The Hawke Building is home to the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre (known as the Hawke Centre);<ref>{{cite web | title=The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre | website=Home | date=24 September 2025 | url=https://www.unisa.edu.au/connect/Hawke-Centre | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250917012803/https://www.unisa.edu.au/connect/Hawke-Centre | archive-date=17 September 2025 | url-status=live | access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref> Kerry Packer Civic Gallery; Samstag Museum; the Allan Scott Auditorium, with a seating capacity of 400 seats; and the Bradley Forum with 150 seats.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre |url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/hawke-centre |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240917140243/https://unisa.edu.au/connect/hawke-centre |archive-date=17 September 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Hurst |first=Rachel |date=1 January 2008 |title=Hawke Building |url=https://architectureau.com/articles/hawke-building/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240529003408/https://architectureau.com/articles/hawke-building/ |archive-date=29 May 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=Architecture Australia |publisher=Royal Australian Institute of Architects (which owns "Architecture Media") |language=en-AU |publication-place=Melbourne, Victoria}}</ref><ref name="National Precest 2015">{{Cite web |title=A precast icon of character, innovation and leadership |url=https://nationalprecast.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2015/06/Bob-Hawke-Centre.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004175724/https://nationalprecast.com.au/about-us/contact-us/ |archive-date=4 October 2024 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=National Precast Concrete Association Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

====Jeffrey Smart Building==== alt=This is a photograph of the Jeffrey Smart Building.|thumb|The Jeffrey Smart Building The adjacent Jeffrey Smart Building, named after artist Jeffrey Smart, was constructed in 2014.<ref name="UniSA 2014">{{Cite web |title=Jeffrey Smart Building |url=https://unisa.edu.au/enterprise-magazine-home/Issue-1-2014/Jeffrey-Smart-Building/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724032310/https://unisa.edu.au/enterprise-magazine-home/Issue-1-2014/Jeffrey-Smart-Building/ |archive-date=24 July 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="UniSA Jeffrey Smart">{{Cite web |title=UniSA honours Jeffrey Smart |url=https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/releases/unisa-honours-jeffrey-smart/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240723194950/https://www.unisa.edu.au/media-centre/releases/unisa-honours-jeffrey-smart/ |archive-date=23 July 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> It is a student hub that comprises "open plan" teaching and learning spaces, the main library on the east end and a central green common area with an outdoor cinema.<ref name="Phelps 2014">{{Cite web |last=Phelps |first=Katrina |date=16 September 2014 |title=Jeffrey Smart Building |url=https://unisa.edu.au/enterprise-magazine-home/Issue-1-2014/Jeffrey-Smart-Building/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724032310/https://unisa.edu.au/enterprise-magazine-home/Issue-1-2014/Jeffrey-Smart-Building/ |archive-date=24 July 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="Architecture Australia 2015">{{Cite web |date=5 November 2015 |title=2015 National Architecture Awards: Education Commendation |url=https://architectureau.com/articles/2015-national-architecture-awards-education-commendation-1/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240530092008/https://architectureau.com/articles/2015-national-architecture-awards-education-commendation-1/ |archive-date=30 May 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=Architecture Australia |publisher=Royal Australian Institute of Architects (which owns "Architecture Media") |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="Wilson Architects">{{Cite web |title=UniSA Jeffery Smart Learning Centre |url=https://www.wilsonarchitects.com.au/education/unisa-jeffery-smart-learning-centre |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240316164839/https://www.wilsonarchitects.com.au/education/unisa-jeffery-smart-learning-centre |archive-date=16 March 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=Wilson Architects |language=en-AU |publication-place=Brisbane, Queensland}}</ref><ref name="Wardle">{{Cite web |title=Jeffrey Smart Building |url=https://wardle.studio/projects/jeffrey-smart-building/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240728144628/https://wardle.studio/projects/jeffrey-smart-building/ |archive-date=28 July 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=Wardle |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

====Pridham Hall==== Pridham Hall is a gymnasium and multi-sport facility constructed in 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pridham Hall |url=https://www.snohetta.com/projects/pridham-hall |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240420102307/https://www.snohetta.com/projects/pridham-hall |archive-date=20 April 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=Snøhetta |language=en-AU |publication-place=Oslo, Norway}}</ref> It was designed as a collaboration between Norwegian architecture firm Snøhetta, JPE Design Studio and JamFactory.<ref name="van Es 2019" /> It features a {{Convert|25|m|ft}} heated swimming pool, gymnasium, dance studio, a sloping roof amphitheatre and a {{Convert|1,600|m2|sqft}} convertible great hall that can be used for both sports or hosting events with up to 2,000 attendees.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Pridham Hall Swimming Pool |url=https://hydrilla.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/HCS005.1_PridhamHall_Case_Study.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714205730/https://hydrilla.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/HCS005.1_PridhamHall_Case_Study.pdf |archive-date=14 July 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=Hydrilla |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="van Es 2019">{{Cite web |last=van Es |first=Karl |date=17 October 2019 |title=Snøhetta, JPE Design Studio and Jam Factory Completes University of South Australia's Pridham Hall |url=https://www.avontuura.com/pridham-hall-by-snohetta/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007212025/https://www.avontuura.com/pridham-hall-by-snohetta/ |archive-date=7 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=Åvontuura |language=en-CA |publication-place=Toronto, Ontario}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=24 April 2018 |title=UniSA's Pridham Hall, Adelaide Sloping Roof Garden - Fytogreen Australia |url=https://fytogreen.com.au/unisas-pridham-hall-adelaide-sloping-roof-garden/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240518222914/https://fytogreen.com.au/unisas-pridham-hall-adelaide-sloping-roof-garden/ |archive-date=18 May 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=Fytogreen |language=en-AU |publication-place=Melbourne, Victoria}}</ref> It was funded largely by alumni, including its namesake Andrew Pridham and his family who donated {{AUD|5 million}} toward its construction.<ref>{{Cite web |title=EMBED YOURSELF IN THE DNA OF PRIDHAM HALL |url=https://giving.unisa.edu.au/causes/pridham-hall/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240713115612/https://giving.unisa.edu.au/causes/pridham-hall/ |archive-date=13 July 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

====Other City West buildings==== Other buildings on the western end include the Kaurna Building, Barbara Hanrahan Building, Yungondi Building, Lewis O'Brien Building, Elton Mayo Building, David Pank Building, Catherine Helen Spence Building, Dorrit Black Building, Way Lee Building, Sir George Kingston Building, Sir Hans Heysen Building, Rowland Rees Building, Liverpool Street Studios, and the Enterprise Hub.<ref name="UniSA City West" />

=== Magill ===  [[File:Murray House, UniSA.JPG|thumb|The Magill campus includes the heritage-listed Murray House and surrounding parklands|alt=This is a photograph of the heritage-listed Murray House and surrounding parklands on the Magill campus.]] The Magill campus was established in 1973 and is located on St Bernards Road in the eastern Adelaide suburb of Magill.<ref name="Mixed Antecedent History" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Magill campus |url=https://www.unisa.edu.au/visit/magill-campus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007215339/https://www.unisa.edu.au/visit/magill-campus/ |archive-date=7 October 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> The campus specialises in the social sciences, psychology, neuroscience, teacher education, sports science, journalism, creative industries, human services, social work, media and communication.<ref name="UniSA Study in 2025">{{Cite web |date=July 2024 |title=Study in 2025 |url=https://study.unisa.edu.au/siteassets/docs/brochures/2025/2025-intro-guide_web.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603190522/https://study.unisa.edu.au/siteassets/docs/brochures/2025/2025-intro-guide_web.pdf |archive-date=3 June 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> It also hosts several media studios, research laboratories, health clinics, a Samsung SMARTSchool and the de Lissa Institute of Early Childhood and Family Studies named after Montessori education pioneer Lillian Daphne de Lissa.<ref name="UniSA Study in 2025" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Jones |first=Helen |date=2001 |title=Lillian Daphne de Lissa |url=https://sahistoryhub.history.sa.gov.au/people/lillian-daphne-de-lissa/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240418161242/https://sahistoryhub.history.sa.gov.au/people/lillian-daphne-de-lissa/ |archive-date=18 April 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=SA History Hub |publisher=Government of South Australia (History Trust of South Australia) |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

The parkland campus includes the heritage-listed Murray House, named after Scottish-born pastoralist Alexander Borthwick Murray.<ref name="Swanbury Penglase 2001">{{Cite web |date=July 2001 |title=Murray House Conservation Plan |url=https://i.unisa.edu.au/siteassets/staff/facilities/documents/space-information/master-plans/murrayhouseconsplan2001.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240706112143/https://i.unisa.edu.au/siteassets/staff/facilities/documents/space-information/master-plans/murrayhouseconsplan2001.pdf |archive-date=6 July 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |publisher=Swanbury Penglase Architects |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> Built in 1884 and later expanded, the stone building incorporates Victorian-era Italianate and Gothic Revival architecture styles.<ref name="Swanbury Penglase 2001" /> According to legend, a blonde girl or young woman in Victorian-era attire named ''May'' supposedly haunts the manor, scaring patrons from the balcony or stairways.<ref name="UniSA 101 Things">{{Cite web |date=2021 |title=101 things you might not know about UniSA |url=https://www.unisa.edu.au/siteassets/about-unisa/docs/101-things_2021-edition_web.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718144450/https://www.unisa.edu.au/siteassets/about-unisa/docs/101-things_2021-edition_web.pdf |archive-date=18 July 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="Ghosts of Campbelltown">{{Cite web |title=Ghosts of Campbelltown |url=https://www.campbelltown.sa.gov.au/library/collections-and-resources/local-history-room/localhistoryarticles/local-history-articles-stories-and-events/ghosts-of-campbelltown |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240408184751/https://www.campbelltown.sa.gov.au/library/collections-and-resources/local-history-room/localhistoryarticles/local-history-articles-stories-and-events/ghosts-of-campbelltown |archive-date=8 April 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=Campbelltown City Council |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> The urban myth, one of many supposed ''Ghosts of Murray Park'', are akin to the white lady phenomenon in other parts of the world.<ref name="UniSA 101 Things" /><ref name="Ghosts of Campbelltown" /> The house replaced an earlier home built in 1854.<ref name="Ghosts of Campbelltown" />

As part of the merger, the entirety of the campus has been sold for housing and commercial re-development.<ref name="Kelsall 2024 FOI" /> {{as of|2024}} approximately half of the campus is leased back to the university for a period of up to 10 years.<ref name="Kelsall 2024 FOI" /><ref name="Mawson Lakes Campus">{{Cite web |title=Mawson Lakes Campus |url=https://adelaideuni.edu.au/why-adelaide/campuses/mawson-lakes-campus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926180027/https://adelaideuni.edu.au/why-adelaide/campuses/mawson-lakes-campus/ |archive-date=26 September 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=Adelaide University |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

=== Mawson Lakes === [[File:Sunset reflection at Mawson Lakes.jpg|alt=This is a photograph of Building X on the Mawson Lakes campus which is adjacent to Technology Park Adelaide.|thumb|Building X on the Mawson Lakes campus adjacent to Technology Park Adelaide]]The Mawson Lakes campus, established in 1972 as ''The Levels'', is located in the northern Adelaide suburb of Mawson Lakes along {{Convert|144|ha|acre}} of wetlands.<ref name="Mixed Antecedent History" /><ref name="UniSA Mawson Lakes">{{Cite web |title=Mawson Lakes campus |url=https://www.unisa.edu.au/visit/mawson-lakes-campus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007210925/https://www.unisa.edu.au/visit/mawson-lakes-campus/ |archive-date=7 October 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> It specialises in fields of science, engineering, computer science, environmental sciences, civil aviation and teacher education.<ref name="Mixed Antecedent History" /><ref name="UniSA Study in 2025" /> It is also home to the Adelaide Planetarium and several information technology and engineering laboratories, including a defence research lab and the Future Industries Institute.<ref name="UniSA Mawson Lakes" /><ref name="UniSA Study in 2025" /> The campus also has Airbus A320 and Boeing 737 flight and airport simulators and offers pilot training through its aviation academy at the nearby Parafield Airport.<ref>{{Cite web |date=February 2022 |title=UniSA prepares for perfect landing with second simulator |url=https://unisa.edu.au/unisanews/2022/february/story3/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220325003314/https://unisa.edu.au/unisanews/2022/february/story3/ |archive-date=25 March 2022 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="UniSA Study in 2025" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Study Bachelor of Aviation (Pilot) at the University of South Australia (UniSA). Information for International students. |url=https://study.unisa.edu.au/degrees/bachelor-of-aviation-pilot |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718014431/https://study.unisa.edu.au/degrees/bachelor-of-aviation-pilot |archive-date=18 July 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

It is also neighbours with the Adelaide Technology Park which is home to the Australian offices of Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Saab among other multinational companies in the space and defence technology sectors.<ref name="UniSA Mawson Lakes" /><ref name="Adelaide Technology Park" />

As part of the merger, more than half of the campus has been sold for housing and commercial development.<ref name="Kelsall 2024 FOI" /><ref name="Mawson Lakes Campus" /> It is one of two campuses belonging to the University of South Australia where land was sold.<ref name="Kelsall 2024 FOI" />

=== Whyalla === The Whyalla campus was established in 1962 and is the largest regional campus in South Australia.<ref name="UniSA Whyalla">{{Cite web |title=Whyalla campus |url=https://www.unisa.edu.au/visit/whyalla-campus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007210928/https://www.unisa.edu.au/visit/whyalla-campus/ |archive-date=7 October 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> Located in city of Whyalla in the Eyre Peninsula, it is set on {{Convert|22|ha|acre}} and offers studies in teacher education, nursing, midwifery, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, social work and human services.<ref name="UniSA Whyalla" /><ref name="UniSA Study in 2025" />

=== Mount Gambier === Based in the Limestone Coast, the Mount Gambier campus was established in 2005 and offers studies in commerce, teacher education, nursing, midwifery, social work and human services.<ref name="Watkinson 2010" /><ref name="UniSA Mount Gambier">{{Cite web |title=Mount Gambier campus |url=https://www.unisa.edu.au/visit/mount-gambier-campus/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008233933/https://www.unisa.edu.au/visit/mount-gambier-campus/ |archive-date=8 October 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="UniSA Study in 2025" /> It is located in Mount Gambier, the largest regional city in South Australia.<ref name="UniSA Mount Gambier" /> The campus also conducts research on forest management.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Research projects |url=https://www.unisa.edu.au/research/forest-research-mount-gambier/research-projects/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240719082343/https://www.unisa.edu.au/research/forest-research-mount-gambier/research-projects/ |archive-date=19 July 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

== Governance and structure == thumb|The Hawke Building is the chancellery on the west end|alt=This is a photograph of the Hawke Building, which is the chancellery of the University of South Australia on the west end.

=== Academic units === The establishment of academic units is formally the responsibility of its University Council.<ref name="UniSA Act 1991">{{Cite web |date=1990 |title=University of South Australia Act 1990 |url=https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/__legislation/lz/c/a/university%20of%20south%20australia%20act%201990/current/1990.60.auth.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221208062547/https://www.legislation.sa.gov.au/__legislation/lz/c/a/university%20of%20south%20australia%20act%201990/current/1990.60.auth.pdf |archive-date=8 December 2022 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=South Australian Legislation |publisher=Parliament of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> The university is divided into seven academic units.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Academic Units |url=https://unisa.edu.au/about-unisa/academic-units/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007204731/https://unisa.edu.au/about-unisa/academic-units/ |archive-date=7 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> These include: * UniSA Allied Health & Human Performance * UniSA Business * UniSA Clinical & Health Sciences * UniSA Creative * UniSA Education Futures * UniSA Justice & Society * UniSA STEM

=== University Council === The main governing body of the institution is its Council.<ref name="UniSA Act 1991" /> It is the executive committee responsible for managing operations, setting policies and appointing the chancellor and vice-chancellor.<ref name="UniSA Act 1991" /> The Council comprises the chancellor, vice-chancellor, a member of the academic staff, a member of the professional staff, an undergraduate student, a postgraduate student, at least one member with a commercial background, two members with prior experience in financial management and other members appointed by the selection committee.<ref name="UniSA Act 1991" /> The selection committee, which comprises the chancellor and six other appointed members, can appoint members to the Council.<ref name="UniSA Act 1991" />

==== Chancellor and Vice-Chancellor ==== {{See also|List of University of South Australia people}} The chancellor of the university was a limitless term position that was mainly ceremonial and was held (in its final iteration) by former politician John Hill – succeeding Pauline Carr, who had left to serve the equivalent position at Adelaide University in May 2024.<ref name="2024 UniSA Chancellor">{{Cite web |title=Introducing UniSA's new Chancellor |url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/alumni-network/news/archive/2024/issue3/introducing-unisas-new-chancellor/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006221919/https://unisa.edu.au/connect/alumni-network/news/archive/2024/issue3/introducing-unisas-new-chancellor/ |archive-date=6 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Williams |first=John |date=10 May 2024 |title=Adelaide University Transition Council update |url=https://www.adelaide.edu.au/staff/news/news/list/2024/05/10/adelaide-university-transition-council-update |archive-date= |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=The University of Adelaide |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> John was appointed by the University Council.<ref name="UniSA Act 1991" /><ref name="2024 UniSA Chancellor" /> The final vice-chancellor was Irish biochemist David Lloyd,<ref name="UniSA Vice-Chancellor">{{Cite web |title=Vice Chancellor and President Professor David Lloyd |url=https://unisa.edu.au/about-the-vice-chancellor/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241001055007/https://unisa.edu.au/about-the-vice-chancellor/ |archive-date=1 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> who began his role in January 2013 following the departure of Peter Høj who left to serve the same position at the University of Adelaide.<ref name="2021 Vice Chancellor">{{Cite web |title=Professor Peter Høj |url=https://www.ipgroupanz.com/about-us/our-people/steeringgroup/peter-hoj |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240804150847/https://www.ipgroupanz.com/about-us/our-people/steeringgroup/peter-hoj |archive-date=4 August 2024 |access-date=4 August 2024 |website=IP Group |language=en |publication-place=London, United Kingdom}}</ref> While the chancellor's office was largely ceremonial, the vice-chancellor served as the university's de facto principal administrative officer.<ref name="UniSA Act 1991" /> The university's internal governance was carried out by the University Council formed through the University of South Australia Act 1991.<ref name="UniSA Act 1991" />

=== Finances === In 2023, the university had a revenue of {{AUD|715.47 million}} (2022 – {{AUD|667.5 million}}), an expenditure of {{AUD|732.66 million}} (2022 – {{AUD|675.49 million}}) and net assets of {{AUD|1.46 billion}} (2022 – {{AUD|1.48 billion}}).<ref name="UniSA Annual Review 2023" />

== Academic profile == [[File:McEwin Building 2022.jpg|alt=This is a photograph of the national headquarters of the Australian Space Agency in Lot Fourteen which is located adjacent to the university.|thumb|The national headquarters of the Australian Space Agency adjacent to the university]] {{as of|October 2024}} university is a member of the Australian Technology Network, a coalition of technology-focussed Australian universities, but is expected to join the Group of Eight following its merger with the University of Adelaide.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our Members |url=https://www.atn.edu.au/our-members/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004110525/https://www.atn.edu.au/our-members/ |archive-date=4 October 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=Australian Technology Network of Universities |language=en-AU |publication-place=Melbourne, Victoria}}</ref><ref name="Savage 2023">{{Cite web |last=Savage |first=Crispin |date=2 July 2023 |title=Councils confirm support to transform higher education in SA |url=https://www.adelaide.edu.au/newsroom/news/list/2023/07/01/councils-confirm-support-to-transform-higher-education-in-sa |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240328084410/https://www.adelaide.edu.au/newsroom/news/list/2023/07/01/councils-confirm-support-to-transform-higher-education-in-sa |archive-date=28 March 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=The University of Adelaide |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> It is a close partner with the Australian Space Agency, whose national headquarters is located adjacently on Lot Fourteen, and its ''City East'' campus forms part of the Adelaide BioMed City research precinct.<ref name="Adelaide BioMed City" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Research and Development |url=https://sasic.sa.gov.au/industry/research-and-development/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240503221029/https://sasic.sa.gov.au/industry/research-and-development/ |archive-date=3 May 2024 |access-date=10 May 2024 |website=South Australian Space Industry Centre |publisher=Australian Space Agency |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> The Mawson Lakes campus is also adjacent to the Adelaide Technology Park which is home to the Australian offices of Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, Saab among other multinational companies in the space and defence technology sectors.<ref name="Adelaide Technology Park">{{Cite web |title=Businesses |url=https://techpark.sa.gov.au/about/businesses/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003064440/https://techpark.sa.gov.au/about/businesses/ |archive-date=3 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=Technology Park Adelaide |publisher=Government of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

It also offers some degree programs in Brisbane and Hong Kong as part of a joint ventures with local institutions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Search |url=https://search.unisa.edu.au/s/search.html?collection=study-search&query=&f.Tabs%7Ctab=Degrees+&+Courses&f.Student+Type%7CpmpProgramsStudentType=Australian&f.Student+Type%7CpmpProgramsStudentType=International&f.Study+Type%7CstudyType=Degree&f.Location%7CfacetProgramsCampus=Brisbane+-+Rising+Sun+Pictures&f.Location%7CfacetProgramsCampus=Offshore |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009065508/https://search.unisa.edu.au/s/search.html?collection=study-search&query=&f.Tabs%7Ctab=Degrees+%26+Courses&f.Student+Type%7CpmpProgramsStudentType=Australian&f.Student+Type%7CpmpProgramsStudentType=International&f.Study+Type%7CstudyType=Degree&f.Location%7CfacetProgramsCampus=Brisbane+-+Rising+Sun+Pictures&f.Location%7CfacetProgramsCampus=Offshore |archive-date=9 October 2024 |access-date=9 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>[[File:Adelaide (25093006117).jpg|thumb|South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute|alt=This is a photograph of a South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute building in North Terrace.]]

=== Research and publications === In the 2018 ERA National Report, the Australian Research Council evaluated work produced between 2014 and 2018.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019 |title=State of Australian University Research |url=https://dataportal.arc.gov.au/ERA/NationalReport/2018/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240502140017/https://dataportal.arc.gov.au/ERA/NationalReport/2018/ |archive-date=2 May 2024 |access-date=1 July 2024 |website=Excellence in Research for Australia |publisher=Australian Research Council |language=en-AU |publication-place=Canberra, Australian Capital Territory}}</ref> 100 per cent of the university's research activity was judged to be "at or above world standard" (3-5*).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Research at UniSA |url=https://www.unisa.edu.au/research/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240926122035/https://www.unisa.edu.au/research/ |archive-date=26 September 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

=== Research institutes === The university operates a number of disciplinary-specific research institutes and centres in partnership with other research institutions and private enterprises.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Research at UniSA |url=https://www.unisa.edu.au/research/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241007224824/https://www.unisa.edu.au/research/ |archive-date=7 October 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> Notable examples include: * Future Industries Institute * Ehrenberg-Bass Institute for Marketing Science * Sansom Institute for Health Research

== Libraries and archives == {{as of|2024}} there are five libraries located across five campuses, excluding Mount Gambier.<ref name="Libraries Spaces" />

===Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Library=== The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Library is the prime ministerial library of Bob Hawke, who served as Prime Minister of Australia from 1983 until 1991.<ref>{{Cite journal |last=Piggott |first=Michael |date=January 2005 |title=Australian Prime Ministerial Libraries—Comments and Reflections |url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00048623.2005.10755294 |url-status=live |journal=Australian Academic & Research Libraries |language=en-AU |publication-place=Melbourne, Victoria |volume=36 |issue=1 |pages=74–83 |doi=10.1080/00048623.2005.10755294 |issn=0004-8623 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240602213019/http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00048623.2005.10755294 |archive-date=2 June 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |via=Taylor & Francis}}</ref> Established in 1997, it was the first of its kind in the world to be founded during the lifetime of a prime minister.<ref name="Bundy 2005">{{Cite journal |last=Bundy |first=Alan |date=January 2005 |title=For Someone Special: The Development of the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Library |url=http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00048623.2005.10755288 |url-status=live |journal=Australian Academic & Research Libraries |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia |volume=36 |issue=1 |pages=14–24 |doi=10.1080/00048623.2005.10755288 |issn=0004-8623 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220627145550/http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/00048623.2005.10755288 |archive-date=27 June 2022 |access-date=7 October 2024 |via=Taylor & Francis}}</ref> The library, located in the Hawke Building since its construction in 2007, was expanded following Hawke's death in 2019.<ref name="UniSA 101 Things" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=The Bob Hawke Collection |url=https://apm-origin.moadoph.gov.au/collections/bob-hawke-collection |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240416205509/https://apm-origin.moadoph.gov.au/collections/bob-hawke-collection |archive-date=16 April 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House |publisher=Australian Government |language=en-AU |publication-place=Canberra, Australian Capital Territory}}</ref><ref name="Libraries Spaces" />

The Bob Hawke Collection forms the bulk of its archives, and includes a large collection of his notes, personal papers, state gifts, biographical texts, newspaper extracts, photographs, political comics, articles, recordings and transcripts of speeches and media events, including documents from ministers from his cabinet.<ref name="Bundy 2005" /><ref name="Bramston 2021">{{Cite web |last1=Bramston |first1=Troy |last2=Dalgleish |first2=Paul |date=June 2021 |title=Bob Hawke: Guide to archives of Australia's prime ministers |url=https://www.naa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-06/research-guide-bob-Hawke.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240123035508/https://www.naa.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-06/research-guide-bob-Hawke.pdf |archive-date=23 January 2024 |archive-format=PDF |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=National Archives of Australia |publisher=Australian Government |language=en-AU |publication-place=Canberra, Australian Capital Territory |isbn=9781922209276}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Guides: Special Collections: Bob Hawke | website=Guides at University of South Australia | date=15 July 2021 | url=https://guides.library.unisa.edu.au/specialandarchivalcollections/hawke | access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref> Notable artefacts held at the library include a hide belt gifted by former President Ronald Reagan, the jacket he wore to the 1983 America's Cup celebrations, a replica of a Panther Model 100 motorcycle that he crashed as a university student, and several prime ministerial briefcases.<ref name="Bramston 2021" /><ref name="Bundy 2005" />

=== Other libraries === thumb|The Jeffrey Smart Building includes staff and student spaces and the east end library|alt=This is the photograph of the Jeffrey Smart Building which includes staff and student spaces and the east end library. Established in 1903, the David Murray Library is located in the Brookman Building.<ref name="auto2"/><ref name="auto"/><ref name="Libraries Spaces" /> It is named after Scottish-born merchant and politician David Murray who donated £2000 towards the library.<ref name="auto1"/><ref>{{Cite web |date=3 October 2023 |title=A legacy that helped shape SA |url=https://www.unisa.edu.au/connect/alumni-network/alumni-news/alumni-connect/2023/issue7/a-legacy-that-helped-shape-sa/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008225130/https://www.unisa.edu.au/connect/alumni-network/alumni-news/alumni-connect/2023/issue7/a-legacy-that-helped-shape-sa/ |archive-date=8 October 2024 |access-date=8 October 2024 |website=A legacy that helped shape SA |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

The Jeffrey Smart Building, named after artist Jeffrey Smart, located on the east end of North Terrace, contains the main library.<ref name="UniSA 2014" /><ref name="UniSA Jeffrey Smart" /> It comprises "open plan" teaching and learning spaces and a central green common area.<ref name="Phelps 2014" /><ref name="Architecture Australia 2015" /><ref name="Wilson Architects" /><ref name="Wardle" />

The Mawson Lakes and Magill campuses also have their own libraries.<ref name="Libraries Spaces">{{Cite web |title=Library locations and spaces |url=https://www.library.unisa.edu.au/about/library-locations-spaces/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801003807/https://www.library.unisa.edu.au/about/library-locations-spaces/ |archive-date=1 August 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

== Museums, galleries, and exhibition spaces == The university is home to several museums, galleries and other exhibitions.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Galleries, museums and centres |url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/galleries-museums-and-centres/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008235043/https://unisa.edu.au/connect/galleries-museums-and-centres/ |archive-date=8 October 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> These include:

=== MOD. === MOD. (Museum of Discovery) is described as "a futuristic museum of discovery" featuring exhibitions designed by researchers to showcase "how research shapes our understanding of the world around us to inform our futures".<ref>{{cite web |date= |title=About Us |url=https://mod.org.au/about/about-us/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002200008/https://mod.org.au/about/about-us/ |archive-date=2 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=MOD (Museum of Discovery) |publisher=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Vision & Design Principles |url=https://mod.org.au/about/principles/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002194934/https://mod.org.au/about/principles/ |archive-date=2 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=MOD (Museum of Discovery) |publisher=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> It is located in the Bradley Building.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Plan Your Visit |url=https://mod.org.au/visit/plan-your-visit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241002195139/https://mod.org.au/visit/plan-your-visit/ |archive-date=2 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=MOD (Museum of Discovery) |publisher=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

=== Samstag Museum of Art === {{Main articles|Samstag Museum}}

The Samstag Museum of Art is a contemporary art gallery located at the Hawke Building. Established in 2007, its history dates back to 1977 as the ''College Gallery''.<ref name="UniSA Samstag Museum">{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/samstag-museum/about/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006163742/https://unisa.edu.au/connect/samstag-museum/about/ |archive-date=6 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> It is named after Anne and Gordon Samstag and is located at the Hawke Building.<ref name="UniSA Samstag Museum" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Visit |url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/samstag-museum/visit/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006171112/https://unisa.edu.au/connect/samstag-museum/visit/ |archive-date=6 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

[[File:Playing with the Universe.jpg|thumb|The ''K Mak at the Planetarium'' exhibition at the Adelaide Planetarium in 2024<ref>{{Cite web |title=K Mak At The Planetarium: ~ Adelaide Fringe 2024 Review |url=https://theclothesline.com.au/k-mak-at-the-planetarium-adelaide-fringe-2024-review/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008071628/https://theclothesline.com.au/k-mak-at-the-planetarium-adelaide-fringe-2024-review/ |archive-date=8 October 2024 |access-date=8 October 2024 |website=The Clothesline |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>|alt=This is a photograph of the "K Mak at the Planetarium" exhibition at the Adelaide Planetarium in 2024.]] === Adelaide Planetarium === Constructed in 1972, the Adelaide Planetarium is a planetarium at the Mawson Lakes campus.<ref name="UniSA Planetarium">{{Cite web |title=Adelaide Planetarium |url=https://unisa.edu.au/planetarium |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240819083000/https://unisa.edu.au/planetarium |archive-date=19 August 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="About UniSA Planetarium">{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/galleries-museums-and-centres/adelaide-planetarium/about/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240724025201/https://unisa.edu.au/connect/galleries-museums-and-centres/adelaide-planetarium/about/ |archive-date=24 July 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> It hosts public exhibitions and short courses that are open to the public.<ref name="UniSA Planetarium" /><ref name="About UniSA Planetarium" />

=== Architecture Museum === The Architecture Museum includes a collection of 400,000 items including drawings, photographs, correspondence, photographs and personal papers mostly donated by architects who worked in the state during the 20th century.<ref name="UniSA Architecture Museum">{{Cite web |title=Architecture Museum |url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/galleries-museums-and-centres/architecture-museum |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240909235141/https://unisa.edu.au/connect/galleries-museums-and-centres/architecture-museum |archive-date=9 September 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> It is also a library comprising books, journal articles, research and other literature.<ref name="UniSA Architecture Museum" /> It was formally established in 2005, though the collection has been available to the public since the 1990s.<ref name="UniSA Architecture Museum" /> Its early collection was donated by Donald Leslie Johnson, an architecture historian and curator, who began collecting the works in the 1970s due to a lack of a repository in the state.<ref name="UniSA Architecture Museum" /> The museum, which also conducts research in the field of architecture and the built environment, is located in the Kaurna Building.<ref name="UniSA Architecture Museum" />

=== Other exhibitions === {{See also|South Australian School of Art}} The SASA Gallery showcases creative works by students and researchers.<ref>{{Cite web |title=SASA Gallery |url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/galleries-museums-and-centres/sasa-gallery |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241006190439/https://unisa.edu.au/connect/galleries-museums-and-centres/sasa-gallery |archive-date=6 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> It is located in the Kaurna Building.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Visit |url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/galleries-museums-and-centres/sasa-gallery/visit |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722132037/https://unisa.edu.au/connect/galleries-museums-and-centres/sasa-gallery/visit |archive-date=22 July 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> It is the modern descendant of the SA School of Art (SASA) established in 1856.<ref name="UniSA Milestones">{{Cite web |title=Milestones |url=http://www.unisa.edu.au/about/intro/milestones.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120218134712/http://www.unisa.edu.au/about/intro/milestones.asp |archive-date=18 February 2012 |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="SASA History Project">{{Cite web |date= |title=School of Art History Project |url=http://www.unisa.edu.au/art/historyproject.asp |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090301002825/http://www.unisa.edu.au/art/historyproject.asp |archive-date=1 March 2009 |access-date=14 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

The Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre and Kerry Packer Civic Gallery have exhibitions that change regularly.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/hawke-centre/about/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915092617/https://unisa.edu.au/connect/hawke-centre/about/ |archive-date=15 September 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Kerry Packer Civic Gallery |url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/hawke-centre/kerry-packer-civic-gallery/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240802003704/https://unisa.edu.au/connect/hawke-centre/kerry-packer-civic-gallery/ |archive-date=2 August 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

== Other sub-units and events == === Innovation Collaboration Centre === {{Main|Innovation Collaboration Centre}}

The Innovation Collaboration Centre is the university's startup incubator.<ref name="Innovation Collaboration Centre">{{Cite web |title=Innovation & Collaboration Centre |url=http://icc.unisa.edu.au/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241010054404/https://icc.unisa.edu.au/ |archive-date=10 October 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> The incubator provides the Venture Catalyst General, Space and Social Enterprise programs for students and the community to build early-stage startup companies.<ref name="Innovation Collaboration Centre" /> The incubator offers office space, mentoring, access to industry experts, workshops, university resources and funding to companies accepted into the program.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Venture Catalyst |url=https://icc.unisa.edu.au/programs/venture-catalyst/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009093756/https://icc.unisa.edu.au/programs/venture-catalyst/ |archive-date=9 October 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Venture Catalyst Space |url=https://icc.unisa.edu.au/programs/venture-catalyst-space/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009093925/https://icc.unisa.edu.au/programs/venture-catalyst-space/ |archive-date=9 October 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Venture Catalyst |url=https://icc.unisa.edu.au/programs/social-enterprise/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009094053/https://icc.unisa.edu.au/programs/social-enterprise/ |archive-date=9 October 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

=== Lecture series ===  ====Annual Hawke Lecture==== The Annual Hawke Lecture was inaugurated by Bob Hawke on Tuesday 12 May 1998.<ref name=1st>{{cite web | title=Inaugural Annual Hawke Lecture | website=UniSA | date=12 May 1998 | url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/hawke-centre/events-and-exhibitions/events/annual-hawke-lecture/inaugural-annual-hawke-lecture/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250215171850/https://unisa.edu.au/connect/hawke-centre/events-and-exhibitions/events/annual-hawke-lecture/inaugural-annual-hawke-lecture/ | archive-date=15 February 2025 | url-status=live | access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref> Since then, the lecture has been held each year by a range of eminent speakers from many walks of life, including World Bank managing director Mamphela Ramphele (2000), Indigenous leader Noel Pearson (2002), Justice Michael Kirby (2007), New Zealand governor Silvia Cartwright (2011), scientist Elizabeth Blackburn (2013), former prime minister Julia Gillard (2017), journalist Stan Grant (2018), immunologist Peter Doherty (2022), foreign minister Penny Wong (2024), and ASIO chief Mike Burgess (2025).<ref name=hawkelectures>{{cite web | title=Annual Hawke Lecture series | website=UniSA | date= 2025 | url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/hawke-centre/events-and-exhibitions/events/annual-hawke-lecture/?page=1 | access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref> Many of the lectures have been presented at Adelaide Town Hall.<ref>{{cite web | title=The fifth Annual Hawke Lecture was delivered by Noel Pearson at the Adelaide Town Hall on Sunday 3 November 2002. | via=Kooriweb | url=https://kooriweb.org/foley/pearson/hawke3nov02.pdf | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714200746/https://kooriweb.org/foley/pearson/hawke3nov02.pdf | archive-date=14 July 2024 | url-status=dead | access-date=25 November 2025| quote=This text has been downloaded from www.capeyorkpartnerships.com. It is not copyright and the interested reader is free to reproduce and distribute it in any format.}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title=Learning from the Hawke legacy in an age of anxiety : 20th annual Hawke lecture / the Honourable Julia... | website=NLA| format =Catalogue entry| date=12 October 2017 | url=https://catalogue.nla.gov.au/catalog/7500774 | access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref> The 2025 event was held at the Adelaide Convention Centre.<ref>{{cite web | title=26th Annual Hawke Lecture | website=Home | date=31 July 2025 | url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/hawke-centre/events-and-exhibitions/events/2025/26_annual_hawke_lecture/ | access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref>

The lecture series is presented by The Hawke Centre,<ref name=1st/> and is described as "an opportunity to listen to the views of someone whose experience of human affairs is notable, and whose concerns about our world are truly worthy of consideration", with lectures covering topics "from the environment to human rights to science".<ref name=hawkelectures/>

====Nelson Mandela Lectures==== The UniSA Nelson Mandela Lecture series, is an occasional event presented by the Bob Hawke Prime Ministerial Centre.<ref name="nml" /> The series was established in 2008 in honour of former South African president Nelson Mandela, who served as the Hawke Centre's inaugural international patron from 2001 to 2013.<ref name="nml" /> Mandela Mandela appreciated that Hawke's actions against the apartheid regime as key to his release from prison. The lecture series seeks to promote the concepts of human rights, freedom, truth and reconciliation in life and public affairs.<ref name="nml">{{cite web | title=UniSA Nelson Mandela Lecture series | website=Home | url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/hawke-centre/events-and-exhibitions/events/nelson-mandela-lecture/ | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250818061108/https://unisa.edu.au/connect/hawke-centre/events-and-exhibitions/events/nelson-mandela-lecture/ | archive-date=18 August 2025 | url-status=live | access-date=25 November 2025}}</ref>

The inaugural Nelson Mandela Lecture was given by Musimbi Kanyoro in 2008, with following lectures given in 2009, 2010, 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022, when former Socceroo and human rights advocate Craig Foster delivered the address.<ref name="nml" />

== Academic reputation == {{Infobox Australian university ranking|QS_W==340|USNWR_W==424|ARWU_W=401–500|type=University|ARWU_W_year=2025|CWTS_W=564{{efn|name=a}}|CWTS_W_year=2024|QS_W_year=2025|QS_W_Employability=301–500|QS_W_Employability_year=2022|THE_W=301–350|THE_W_year=2025|USNWR_W_year=25/26|ARWU_N=21–24|ARWU_N_year=2025|CWTS_N=23{{efn|name=a}}|CWTS_N_year=2024|ERA_N=24|ERA_N_year=2018|QS_N=22|QS_N_year=2025|THE_N=20–24|THE_N_year=2025|USNWR_N=24|USNWR_N_year=25/26|AFR_N==10|AFR_N_year=2025}} In the 2024 ''Aggregate Ranking of Top Universities'', which measures aggregate performance across the QS, THE and ARWU rankings, the university attained a position of #313 (22nd nationally).<ref>{{Cite web |title=University Results |url=https://research.unsw.edu.au/artu/artu-results |website=Aggregate Ranking of Top Universities |publisher=University of New South Wales |language=en-AU |publication-place=Sydney, New South Wales}}</ref>

=== National publications === In the ''Australian Financial Review'' Best Universities Ranking 2025, the university was tied #10 amongst Australian universities.<ref>{{cite web | title=Best Universities Ranking | website=Australian Financial Review | date=25 November 2025 | url=https://www.afr.com/lists-and-awards/best-universities-ranking | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20251126032810/https://www.afr.com/lists-and-awards/best-universities-ranking | archive-date=26 November 2025 | url-status=live | access-date=26 November 2025}}</ref>

=== Global publications === In the 2025 ''Quacquarelli Symonds'' World University Rankings (published 2024), the university attained a tied position of #340 (22nd nationally).<ref>{{cite web |title=QS World University Rankings 2025: Top Global Universities |url=https://www.topuniversities.com/world-university-rankings |website=QS World University Rankings |publisher=Quacquarelli Symonds |language=en-GB |publication-place=London, United Kingdom}}</ref>

In the ''Times Higher Education'' World University Rankings 2025 (published 2024), the university attained a position of #301–350 (tied 20–24th nationally).<ref>{{cite web |title=World University Rankings |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/world-university-rankings |work=Times Higher Education |publisher=Inflexion |language=en-GB |publication-place=London, United Kingdom}}</ref>

In the 2025 ''Academic Ranking of World Universities'', the university attained a position of #401–500 (tied 21–24th nationally).<ref name="ARWU Rankings">{{cite web |title=ShanghaiRanking's Academic Ranking of World Universities |url=https://www.shanghairanking.com/rankings |website=Academic Ranking of World Universities |publisher=Shanghai Ranking Consultancy |language=en |publication-place=Shanghai, China}}</ref>

In the 2025–2026 ''U.S. News & World Report'' Best Global Universities, the university attained a tied position of #424 (24th nationally).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Best Global Universities Rankings |url=https://www.usnews.com/education/best-global-universities/rankings |website=U.S. News & World Report |language=en-US |publication-place=Washington, D.C., United States}}</ref>

In the ''CWTS Leiden Ranking'' 2024,{{efn|The CWTS Leiden Ranking is based on P (top 10%).|name=a}} the university attained a position of #564 (23rd nationally).<ref>{{Cite web |title=CWTS Leiden Ranking |url=https://www.leidenranking.com/ranking/2024/list |website=CWTS Leiden Ranking (Centre for Science and Technology Studies) |publisher=Leiden University |language=en |publication-place=Leiden, Netherlands}}</ref>

== Student life == thumb|Pridham Hall is a gymnasium and multi-sport facility|alt=This is a photograph of the indoor pool located in Pridham Hall, a gymnasium and multi-sport facility.

=== Sports and athletics === Founded in 2013, UniSA Sport has 28 sports clubs and competes as ''Team UniSA''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.unisasport.edu.au/aboutus |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004004911/https://www.unisasport.edu.au/aboutus |archive-date=4 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=UniSA Sport |publisher=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="Team UniSA">{{Cite web |title=Join Team UniSA |url=https://www.unisasport.edu.au/join |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004005002/https://www.unisasport.edu.au/join |archive-date=4 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=UniSA Sport |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> It includes several clubs that predate the university.<ref>{{Cite web |title=UniSA Eagles American Football Club |url=https://unisasport.edu.au/Clubs/unisaeagles |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004005153/https://unisasport.edu.au/Clubs/unisaeagles |archive-date=4 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=UniSA Sport |publisher=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mawson Lakes Cricket Club |url=https://unisasport.edu.au/Clubs/mlcricket |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004005148/https://unisasport.edu.au/Clubs/mlcricket |archive-date=4 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=UniSA Sport |publisher=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://www.unisasport.edu.au/Clubs/judo/Pages/About-Us |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240709134636/https://www.unisasport.edu.au/Clubs/judo/Pages/About-Us |archive-date=9 July 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=UniSA Sport |publisher=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> This includes its hockey club which was affiliated with the antecedent South Australian Institute of Technology since 1970.<ref>{{Cite web |title=History |url=https://unisasport.edu.au/Clubs/hockey/Pages/History |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240718070510/https://unisasport.edu.au/Clubs/hockey/Pages/History |archive-date=18 July 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=UniSA Sport |publisher=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

=== Student union === The University of South Australia Student Association (USASA, formerly UniLife) is a democratic organisation run by students.<ref name="About USASA">{{Cite web |title=We are USASA |url=https://usasa.sa.edu.au/about/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004142852/https://usasa.sa.edu.au/about/ |archive-date=4 October 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia Student Association |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> The association operates both as the representative voice for university students and as a provider of a wide range of services.<ref name="About USASA" /> The union also supports a range of services, including 71 clubs and societies, social events and an advice service.<ref name="About USASA" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Clubs & Societies |url=https://usasa.sa.edu.au/clubs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241003131141/https://usasa.sa.edu.au/clubs/ |archive-date=3 October 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia Student Association |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

===Student magazine=== The USASA produces the ''Verse Magazine'' which was established in 2014 and has an annual print run of 12,000 copies.<ref name="Verge Magazine">{{Cite web |title=About |url=https://www.versemag.com.au/about |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240915123839/https://www.versemag.com.au/about |archive-date=15 September 2024 |access-date=7 July 2024 |website=Verse Magazine |publisher=University of South Australia Student Association |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="USASA Student Guide">{{Cite web |title=Your Student Guide |url=https://events.unisa.edu.au/siteassets/docs/student-life/handouts/usasa-student-guide.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009014754/https://events.unisa.edu.au/siteassets/docs/student-life/handouts/usasa-student-guide.pdf |archive-date=9 October 2024 |access-date=9 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia Student Association |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> The two magazine publish artwork and written pieces including creative writing, essays, opinion pieces, photography, poetry and visual art.<ref name="USASA Student Guide" /><ref name="Verge Magazine" /> [[File:Newland Building.jpg|thumb|Newland Building of St Mark's College, one of several private residential colleges|alt=This is a photograph of the Newland Building at St Mark's College, one of several private residential colleges near the university.]] === Residential colleges === St Mark's College was founded in 1925 by the Anglican Diocese of Adelaide and is the oldest of the colleges.<ref name="St Mark's College 2020">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=14 December 2020 |title=Preparing for our centenary: steps towards the founding of St Mark's College in 1925 |url=https://stmarkscollege.com.au/news/preparing-for-our-centenary-steps-towards-the-founding-of-st-marks-college-in-1925/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231109083423/https://stmarkscollege.com.au/news/preparing-for-our-centenary-steps-towards-the-founding-of-st-marks-college-in-1925/ |archive-date=9 November 2023 |access-date=13 August 2024 |website=St Mark's College |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> It was developed by some former residents of the Universities of Oxford and Cambridge among others with the goal of developing a similar collegiate lifestyle.<ref name="St Mark's College 2020" />

Aquinas College was founded as a men's college in 1950 by the Catholic Church at Montefiore House, the former residence of Samuel Way.<ref name="Aquinas College 2018">{{Cite web |date= 21 December 2018|title=College History |url=https://www.aquinas.edu.au/about-aquinas/college-history/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801054535/https://www.aquinas.edu.au/about-aquinas/college-history/ |archive-date=1 August 2024 |access-date=13 August 2024 |website=Aquinas College |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref>{{Citation |last=Bray |first=John Jefferson |title=Sir Samuel James Way (1836–1916) |date=1990 |work=Australian Dictionary of Biography |volume=12 |url=https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/way-sir-samuel-james-9014 |access-date=13 August 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240813172513/https://adb.anu.edu.au/biography/way-sir-samuel-james-9014 |archive-date=13 August 2024 |url-status=live |place=Canberra, Australian Capital Territory |publisher=Australian National University (which owns "National Centre of Biography") |language=en-AU |author-link=John Jefferson Bray}}</ref> It later expanded to surrounding sites and became co-residential in 1975.<ref name="Aquinas College 2018" />

[[File:Lincoln College Abraham House.jpg|thumb|Abraham House, one of several heritage buildings that are part of Lincoln College|alt=This is a photograph of Abraham House, one of a number of heritage-listed buildings at Lincoln College, a residential college for university students in Adelaide.]]

Lincoln College was founded in 1952 by the Methodist Church and named after the Lincoln College at the University of Oxford.<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Us |url=https://lincoln.edu.au/about-us/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240719134338/https://lincoln.edu.au/about-us/ |archive-date=19 July 2024 |access-date=13 August 2024 |website=Lincoln College |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> Originally established as a men's college, it became co-residential in 1973.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Our History |url=https://lincoln.edu.au/our-history/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240603181032/https://lincoln.edu.au/our-history/ |archive-date=3 June 2024 |access-date=13 August 2024 |website=Lincoln College |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> It features several heritage-listed buildings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Lincoln College |url=https://connect.adelaide.edu.au/nodes/view/7399 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221027214318/https://connect.adelaide.edu.au/nodes/view/7399 |archive-date=27 October 2022 |access-date=6 September 2024 |website=The University of Adelaide |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

St Ann's College was founded as a women's college in 1947.<ref name="St Ann's College 2023">{{Cite web |date=6 December 2023 |title=ABOUT US |url=https://stannscollege.edu.au/about-us/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240801015329/https://stannscollege.edu.au/about-us |archive-date=1 August 2024 |access-date=13 August 2024 |website=St Ann's College |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> The college's honorary founder is politician Josiah Symon who in 1924 suggested that female students should have somewhere to live.<ref name="St Ann's College 2023" /> It became co-educational in 1973.<ref name="St Ann's College 2023" />

There are also other private student accommodation providers in the city centre and near other campuses.<ref>{{Cite web |date=June 2023 |title=Student Accommodation |url=https://study.unisa.edu.au/SysSiteAssets/docs/brochures/2024/2023-accommodation-brochure_web.pdf |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230929130459/https://study.unisa.edu.au/SysSiteAssets/docs/brochures/2024/2023-accommodation-brochure_web.pdf |archive-date=29 September 2023 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> Additionally, Whyalla campus manages its own student village.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Whyalla Student Village |url=https://www.unisa.edu.au/connect/unisa-regional/whyalla-campus/whyalla-student-village/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240725224503/https://www.unisa.edu.au/connect/unisa-regional/whyalla-campus/whyalla-student-village/ |archive-date=25 July 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

== Notable alumni and staff == {{Main list|List of University of South Australia people }}

The University of South Australia's alumni also includes students from the two antecedent institutions and their predecessors.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Parchments, transcripts and AHEGS |url=https://unisa.edu.au/Student-Life/Support-services/Student-administration/parchments-transcripts-and-ahegs/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240120152514/https://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/graduations/official-documents |archive-date=20 January 2024 |access-date=21 August 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

Notable alumni of the university include the incumbent foreign affairs minister Penny Wong,<ref name="Penny Wong">{{Cite web |date=2016 |title=Senator the Honourable Penny Wong |url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/alumni-network/alumni-awards-and-recognition/alumni-awards/2016/penny-wong/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240303022715/https://unisa.edu.au/connect/alumni-network/alumni-awards-and-recognition/alumni-awards/2016/penny-wong/ |archive-date=3 March 2024 |access-date=15 July 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> the Human Rights Watch director Tirana Hassan,<ref name="Tirana Hassan" /> the founding editor-in-chief of Vogue China Angelica Cheung,<ref name="Angelica Cheung">{{Cite web |title=Angelica Cheung |url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/alumni-network/Alumni-awards-and-recognition/alumni-awards/2016/angelica-cheung/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240924030620/https://unisa.edu.au/connect/alumni-network/Alumni-awards-and-recognition/alumni-awards/2016/angelica-cheung/ |archive-date=24 September 2024 |access-date=7 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> former state premier Steven Marshall<ref name="Steven Marshall">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=9 February 2024 |title=The Durham MBA and Steven Marshall, former Premier of South Australia |url=https://www.durham.ac.uk/business/news-and-events/news/2024/february/mba-alumnus-steven-marshall/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240715114542/https://www.durham.ac.uk/business/news-and-events/news/2024/february/mba-alumnus-steven-marshall/ |archive-date=15 July 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=Durham University |language=en-GB |publication-place=Durham, United Kingdom}}</ref> and retired politician Christopher Pyne.<ref name="Christopher Pyne">{{Cite web |last=Pyne |first=Christopher |title=Experience |url=https://www.pyneonline.com.au/about-christopher/experience |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241009194058/https://www.pyneonline.com.au/about-christopher/experience |archive-date=9 October 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=Pyne Online |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

<gallery class="center" widths="150" heights="150" caption="Notable alumni of the university include:"> File:Penny Wong DFAT official (cropped).jpg|alt=Penny Wong is the current Minister for Foreign Affairs and federal senate leader.|Penny Wong<ref name="Penny Wong" /> Current Minister for Foreign Affairs and senate leader File:Tirana Hassan - Human Rights Watch 2023 World Report - London.jpg|alt=Tirana Hassan is the eecutive director of Human Rights Watch.|Tirana Hassan<ref name="Tirana Hassan">{{Cite web |date=31 August 2001 |title=Law students visit Woomera detainees |url=https://www.adelaide.edu.au/news/news263.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230604220149/https://www.adelaide.edu.au/news/news263.html |archive-date=4 June 2023 |access-date=22 August 2024 |website=The University of Adelaide |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> Executive director of Human Rights Watch File:Angelica Cheung (cropped).jpg|alt=Angelica Cheung was the founding editor-in-chief of Vogue China.|Angelica Cheung<ref name="Angelica Cheung" /> Founding editor-in-chief of ''Vogue China'' File:Christopher Pyne.jpg|alt=Christopher Pyne is a former politician.|Christopher Pyne<ref name="Christopher Pyne" /> Former federal politician with portfolio File:Steven Marshall crop.jpg|alt=Steven Marshall was the 46th Premier of South Australia.|Steven Marshall<ref name="Steven Marshall" /> 46th Premier of South Australia File:Poh Ling Yeow in May 2013 (cropped).jpg|Poh Ling Yeow<ref>{{Cite web |title=Poh Ling Yeow |url=https://unisa.edu.au/connect/alumni-network/Alumni-awards-and-recognition/alumni-awards/2015/poh-ling-yeow2/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008070844/https://unisa.edu.au/connect/alumni-network/Alumni-awards-and-recognition/alumni-awards/2015/poh-ling-yeow2/ |archive-date=8 October 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=University of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> Celebrity chef File:Tammy Franks, 2017.jpg|Tammy Franks<ref>{{Cite web |title=About Tammy |url=https://www.tammyfranks.org.au/about_panels |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241004120238/https://www.tammyfranks.org.au/about_panels |archive-date=4 October 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=Tammy Franks |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> Leader of the SA Greens File:Beverley Bolin 1943-01-23 9-41-59 pm.png|Beverley Bolin<ref>{{Cite web |title=Beverly Louise Bolin |url=https://connect.adelaide.edu.au/nodes/view/25620 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240722100333/https://connect.adelaide.edu.au/nodes/view/25620 |archive-date=22 July 2024 |access-date=15 October 2024 |website=The University of Adelaide |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> First female architect in South Australia </gallery>

== Controversies ==

=== Initial merger discussions === The University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide had previously engaged to discuss a merger in 2018 but failed due to disagreements from the latter about the post-merger leadership structure.<ref name="ABC News 2018" /><ref name="Siebert 2021"/><ref name="Siebert 2020" /><ref name="Richards 2022" />

=== Opinion polling on staff === The National Tertiary Education Union SA conducted a survey of 1,100 university staff and found that three-quarters of respondents were against the merger.<ref name="Richards 2023 Merger Agreement" /><ref name="Kelsall 2023 Staff Reactions" /><ref name="The National Tribune 2023">{{Cite web |last= |first= |date=16 June 2023 |title=Union demands evidence that SA university merger will deliver better quality education and research |url=https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/union-demands-evidence-that-sa-university-merger-will-deliver-better-quality-education-and-research/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230704132754/https://www.nationaltribune.com.au/union-demands-evidence-that-sa-university-merger-will-deliver-better-quality-education-and-research/ |archive-date=4 July 2023 |access-date=4 July 2023 |website=The National Tribune |language=en-AU |publication-place=Toowoomba, Queensland}}</ref> In addition, the state government has been accused of coercing the universities to agree to merge, indicating that a commission of inquiry would be established to find ways to compel the two universities to merge had their councils refused to do so, with less financial support available.<ref name="Richards 2023 Merger Agreement" /><ref name="Kelsall 2023 Staff Reactions" /><ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelsall |first=Thomas |date=30 June 2023 |title=Govt's carrot-and-stick approach to uni merger |url=https://indaily.com.au/news/2023/06/30/govts-carrot-and-stick-approach-to-uni-merger/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230710102931/https://indaily.com.au/news/2023/06/30/govts-carrot-and-stick-approach-to-uni-merger/ |archive-date=10 July 2023 |access-date=4 July 2023 |website=InDaily |publisher=Solstice Media |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

Andrew Miller, the state secretary of the union, raised concerns that staff were under "extreme psychosocial pressure" to meet the 2026 launch deadline.<ref name="Kelsall 2024 GOT">{{Cite web |last=Kelsall |first=Thomas |date=30 May 2024 |title='Game of Thrones' culture claim in SA university merger |url=https://www.indaily.com.au/news/2024/05/30/game-of-thrones-culture-claim-in-sa-university-merger |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240714010615/https://www.indaily.com.au/news/2024/05/30/game-of-thrones-culture-claim-in-sa-university-merger |archive-date=14 July 2024 |access-date=21 August 2024 |website=InDaily |publisher=Solstice Media |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> Backing his claims with communications from the ''Integration Management Office'' staff responsible for merging the two institutions, he added that the "''Game of Thrones''" perception among staff competing "for the final spots of the new Adelaide University" was causing tensions, breakdowns and disharmony.<ref name="Kelsall 2024 GOT" /> The institutions' vice-chancellors David Lloyd and Peter Høj criticised the claims, referring to them as "whispers of Little Birds or Littlefingers",<ref name="Lloyd 2024">{{Cite web |last1=Lloyd |first1=David |author-link=David Lloyd (chemist) |last2=Høj |first2=Peter |author-link2=Peter Høj |date=21 August 2024 |title=Adelaide University merger is no Game of Thrones |url=https://www.timeshighereducation.com/blog/adelaide-university-merger-no-game-thrones |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240821074221/https://www.timeshighereducation.com/blog/adelaide-university-merger-no-game-thrones |archive-date=21 August 2024 |access-date=21 August 2024 |website=Times Higher Education |publisher=Inflexion |language=en-AU |publication-place=London, United Kingdom}}</ref> though they had previously admitted that the "two-by-two approach across the board" was "not as linear as first conceived".<ref name="Kelsall 2024 GOT" />

In 2025, a FOI document obtained by ''The Australian'' found an increase in bullying and harassment reports at the University of Adelaide following the announcement of the merger.<ref name="Willis 2025">{{Cite web |last=Willis |first=Belinda |date=22 January 2025 |title=Bullying and harassment spike at Adelaide University as Uni SA merger fears revealed in Freedom of Information laws report |url=https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/news/south-australia/bullying-and-harassment-spike-at-adelaide-university-as-uni-sa-merger-fears-revealed-in-freedom-of-information-laws-report/news-story/74c613eecdb09222237900a942e9a9f7 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250613215414/https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/remote/check_cookie.html?url=https%3a%2f%2fwww.adelaidenow.com.au%2fnews%2fsouth-australia%2fbullying-and-harassment-spike-at-adelaide-university-as-uni-sa-merger-fears-revealed-in-freedom-of-information-laws-report%2fnews-story%2f74c613eecdb09222237900a942e9a9f7 |archive-date=13 June 2025 |access-date=13 June 2025 |website=The Australian |publisher=News Corp Australia (News Corporation) |language=en-AU |publication-place=Sydney, New South Wales}}</ref> It added concerns from staff that the merger would result in a "meat grinder producing poorly educated students" that would be seen as "walking dollar signs".<ref name="Willis 2025" />

The post-merger plan to switch to a trimester academic calendar has also been criticised by the union whose internal poll showed that more than 4 in 5 members were against the move.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Kelsall |first=Thomas |date=4 July 2024 |title=New Adelaide University academic calendar under fire |url=https://www.indaily.com.au/news/2024/07/04/new-adelaide-university-academic-calendar-under-fire |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240705025457/https://www.indaily.com.au/news/2024/07/04/new-adelaide-university-academic-calendar-under-fire |archive-date=5 July 2024 |access-date=11 July 2024 |website=InDaily |publisher=Solstice Media |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref>

=== Land re-development === In February 2024, the State Government drew criticism for its plans to convert land it had purchased from two University of South Australia campuses for housing and commercial re-development.<ref name="Kelsall 2024 FOI" /> As part of the merger agreement, the land was to be sold to the South Australian Government for {{AUD|114.5 million}} and leased back to the university for a period of up to 10 years.<ref name="Kelsall 2024 FOI" /> Following the release of several internal FOI documents retrieved by ''InDaily'' from the Premier's Office, it was later revealed that the land was "earmarked for future development" for residential and commercial purposes.<ref name="Kelsall 2024 FOI" />

The original media release replaced the phrase with "short-term transitional lease to university", referring to the leaseback period of 10 years, following concerns from UniSA vice-chancellor David Lloyd that the original draft would "create enormous community reaction which will be particularly unhelpful at this time".<ref name="Kelsall 2024 FOI">{{Cite web |last=Kelsall |first=Thomas |date=16 February 2024 |title=FOI documents shed light on how to spin Adelaide's university merger |url=https://www.indaily.com.au/news/2024/02/16/foi-documents-shed-light-on-how-to-spin-adelaides-university-merger |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240216052304/https://www.indaily.com.au/news/2024/02/16/foi-documents-shed-light-on-how-to-spin-adelaides-university-merger |archive-date=16 February 2024 |access-date=7 May 2024 |website=InDaily |publisher=Solstice Media |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref> The land sales account for the entirety of the Magill campus and approximately 50% of the Mawson Lakes campus.<ref name="Kelsall 2024 FOI" />

== Tram stop == The university is served by two stops on the Glenelg tram line, ''University'' and ''City West'', which connects the ''City East'' and ''City West'' campuses respectively along North Terrace.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Route GLNELG |url=https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/routes/glnelg |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240810191721/https://www.adelaidemetro.com.au/routes/glnelg |archive-date=10 August 2024 |access-date=14 August 2024 |website=Adelaide Metro |publisher=Government of South Australia |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}}</ref><ref name="UniSA City East Campus" /><ref name="UniSA City West Campus" />

{{Adjacent stations |system=Adelaide |line1=Glenelg|to-left1=Adelaide Entertainment Centre|left1=Art Gallery|right1=Botanic Gardens|to-right1=Botanic Gardens}}

== Notes == {{reflist|group=Note}} <references group="lower-alpha" />

== References == {{Reflist}}

=== Sources === {{refbegin|30em}} * {{Cite web |last1=Sumerling |first1=Patricia |last2=McDougall |first2=Katrina |date=August 2006 |title=The City of Adelaide: A Thematic History |url=https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/adelaide-city-council-key-historical-dates/resource/45a3f1bf-7c69-4842-a3f0-b564fd6685b5 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191216102814/https://data.sa.gov.au/data/dataset/adelaide-city-council-key-historical-dates/resource/45a3f1bf-7c69-4842-a3f0-b564fd6685b5 |archive-date=16 December 2019 |website=McDougall & Vines |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia}} * {{Cite book |last=Hodder |first=Edwin |date=July 2013 |title=The History of South Australia Volume II. |url=https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks13/1303951h.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240428190038/https://gutenberg.net.au/ebooks13/1303951h.html |archive-date=28 April 2024 |language=en-AU |publication-place=Adelaide, South Australia |isbn=9781334291111}} * {{Cite book |last=Mackinnon |first=Alison |title=A New Kid on the Block: the University of South Australia in the Unified National System |date=July 2016 |publisher=Melbourne University Publishing (The University of Melbourne) |isbn=9780522870572 |location=Melbourne, Victoria |language=en-AU}} {{refend}}

== External links == {{Commons category}} {{GeoGroup}} * {{official website}} * [https://www.teqsa.gov.au/provider/university-south-australia Accreditation information] at Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency * [https://usasa.sa.edu.au/ Student association] * [https://www.versemag.com.au/ Verse Magazine] - a student magazine

<div class="Boxmerge"> {{Australian universities}} {{Open Universities Australia}} {{Australian university groups}} </div>

{{Coord|-34.920690|138.604558|display=title|name=University of South Australia|region:AU_type:edu|format=dms}} {{Portal bar|Australia|South Australia|Education|Schools}} {{Authority control}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:South Australia, University of}} Category:1991 establishments in Australia Category:Adelaide Category:Art museums and galleries in South Australia Category:Arts schools in Australia Category:Australian Technology Network Category:Australian tertiary institutions Category:Australian vocational education and training providers Category:Buildings and structures in Adelaide Category:Buildings and structures in South Australia Category:Distance education institutions based in Australia Category:Education in Adelaide Category:Engineering universities and colleges in Australia Category:Forestry education Category:Forestry in Australia Category:Forest research institutes Category:Mount Gambier Category:Nursing schools in Australia Category:Open Universities Australia Category:South Australia Category:Technical universities and colleges in Australia Category:Universities and colleges established in 1991 Category:Universities in Australia Category:Universities in South Australia Category:University of South Australia Category:Whyalla