List of universities with a campus in the state of South Australia.

South Australian Universities

Universities with an SA campus and which are based in the state, with a main campus in South Australia.

University of Adelaide logo on campus

Adelaide University

Adelaide University is South Australia's oldest and most prestigious university and the favoured study destination for the state's students.

Flinders University sign

Flinders University

Flinders University is ranked easily within the world's top 500 universities. Compared to Austalian unis, it has about an average rating.

University of South Australia logo on building

University of South Australia

UniSA will be a top 500 university in the world but just in the bottom half in Australia when it merges to form Adelaide University.

Non-SA Universities in South Australia

Universities with a campus in South Australia but which are based in another state or are considered multi-state.

ACU sign on Melbourne street

Australian Catholic University

Australian Catholic University (ACU) is one of the 1000 best universities in the world and top 30 in Australia based on research reputation.

CQUniversity Australia campus sign

CQUniversity

CQUniversity is ranked in the world's top 1000 unis. It performs best in QS while ranking lower in Times Higher Education and Webometrics.

Torrens University Australia headquarters

Torrens University

Torrens University Australia is ranked outside the top 1000 universities in the world, which is unsurprising for a young uni in this country.

FAQs

How many universities are there in the state of South Australia?

South Australia has three main universities: the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, and the University of South Australia. In 2026, the University of Adelaide and UniSA will merge to form Adelaide University, reducing the number to two.

Torrens University is also based in South Australia but does not have a designated main campus in the state. Other universities, such as Australian Catholic University and CQUniversity, have campuses in South Australia but are based in other states.

What is the name of the University in South Australia?

Currently, South Australia has three main universities: the University of Adelaide, the University of South Australia (UniSA), and Flinders University. "Adelaide Uni" typically refers to the University of Adelaide, which is the oldest and most prestigious in the state. However, starting in 2026, "Adelaide University" will refer to the new merged institution formed by the University of Adelaide and UniSA.

What is the largest University in South Australia?

Currently, the University of South Australia is the largest university in the state, with 34,580 students. However, once the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia merge in 2026 to form Adelaide University, it will become the largest university in South Australia, with a combined total of 64,754 students.

Of these, approximately 46,050 students will be on campuses, while many online students may be outside the state.

Related: University List by Size (Student Numbers)