Apotential university of the future is being explored, which would see the University of South Australia and University of Adelaide amalgamate to create a new university.

The University of South Australia has entered into an agreement with the University of Adelaide and the state and federal governments to explore a business case to create the new university, which would be called Adelaide University.

No decision has been made to amalgamate; however a statement of cooperation was signed last week between the two universities and the State and Federal governments.

University of South Australia Regional Manager Ian McKay said if the decision to create a new university went ahead, he did not believe it would have any detrimental effect on the local UniSA Mount Gambier Campus.

“It is quite possible it could benefit the campus with the potential to expand opportunities for new course offerings,” Mr McKay said.

“Some of the possibilities may relate to the University of Adelaide’s long history in the agricultural sciences, animal and vet sciences and wine research and teaching.

“Those areas would potentially be beneficial to our local region which has such a strong emphasis on wine and agriculture.”

The proposed university would be operational from January 2026 and the two university councils will decide mid-2023 based on the feasibility and business case that will be developed over the next six months.

Initially a co-leadership model would be implemented, with University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide each appointing one of two co-Vice Chancellors until the appointment and commencement of a Vice Chancellor for the new combined university.

Mr McKay said the announcement of the potential new university was a surprise to many and it was clearly driven by the opportunities that may be created by a new, larger university.

“If those opportunities come to fruition, then it is going to be a good thing for South Australia,” he said.

“I think from a local, regional point of view the most significant benefit would be the potential for expanded course offerings further meeting the needs of our region.

“Our vice chancellor has been unequivocal in his commitment for the potential new university to remain servicing all of South Australia, I am confident that will not change.

“But from a state point of view, obviously one of the catalysts for this occurring is the policy the new government took to the election from opposition.

“The Premier is certainly committed to looking at the opportunity of creating a world-class university that will sit comfortably in the top 100 universities in the world and if that does eventuate as a result of a new university then clearly that is going to be beneficial for South Australia.”