The University of Adelaide’s new era: Professor Jessica Gallagher explains how the merger will benefit Indian students

To explore the significance of this merger and its potential benefits for Indian students, Hindustan Times Digital conducted an email interview with Professor Jessica Gallagher, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (External Engagement), University of Adelaide, who is currently leading the market and partner engagement activities for the new University of Adelaide.

Below are excerpts from the interview:

Could you share with us an overview of the recent merger between the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia? How do you think it will benefit international students, especially those from India?

The University of Adelaide, formed from the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, is Australia’s newest and largest university and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight (Go8). This innovative institution offers a broad range of programs aligned to global and intergenerational challenges, with a particular focus on areas crucial to India such as energy, global health and advanced technologies. The University of Adelaide emphasises work-integrated learning, providing students with practical experience and strong industry connections. The University aspires to be ranked in the top 1% globally and is poised to become Australia’s largest educator of Australian students, with a vibrant international community. Located in one of the world’s most liveable cities, the University of Adelaide offers Indian students a distinctive choice, combining an exceptional education with a supportive multicultural environment and strong links to industry and global partnerships.

What new and unconventional courses will the University of Adelaide offer? How can Indian students benefit from them?

The University of Adelaide will offer more than 300 degrees across a range of disciplines, including unconventional and emerging areas such as digital business, artificial intelligence and machine learning, environmental sustainability and modular learning. These courses are designed with industry input and are based on world-leading research, ensuring students are prepared for the future demands of industry.

Indian students can greatly benefit from this innovative approach in several ways:

Modular and stackable learning: Students can tailor their education by selecting specific modules or earning microcredentials, providing flexibility to tailor their studies to their individual needs and career goals.

Flexible academic calendar: The 10-week modular courses allow students to combine their studies with other commitments, offering greater balance and adaptability.

Advanced Digital Learning: With a hybrid learning environment enriched with AI technologies and interactive analytics, students have access to cutting-edge educational resources.

Integrated learning: Work-integrated learning opportunities, including internships and global study options, ensure students gain industry-relevant practical experience alongside their academic studies.

Universal Common Core Courses: These courses develop essential transferable skills in areas such as artificial intelligence, entrepreneurship and cultural competence, equipping students to thrive in a global and interdisciplinary workplace.

What specific programs and disciplines do you think will be most relevant to Indian students?

Currently, for Indian students studying at the University of South Australia and the University of Adelaide, the most popular programs include information technology, engineering, construction management, data science, business and business administration.

All of these degrees are offered at the University of Adelaide and we expect their popularity to continue. We also expect to see more students in areas such as advanced manufacturing, aviation, data science, energy transition and healthcare, which align with India’s growing skills demands.

Could you please explain the admission process for international students? What criteria are most important for Indian applicants?

Indian students must apply through an authorised educational agent of the University of Adelaide, who will assist them with the preparation and submission of their application, as well as with the application for a student visa. Students will be required to provide their agent with complete academic and English language proficiency documentation, and provide evidence of their genuine intention to study their chosen degree at the University of Adelaide. Some degrees may have additional requirements. If available, students must also submit a copy of the personal details and signature pages of their passport.

Some applicants will be required to participate in an interview as part of their application process, before their eligibility is confirmed, this is done via Zoom and takes no more than 15 minutes.

Could you give us an idea of ​​the expenses that an international student, particularly from India, faces when applying for these programmes at the University of Adelaide?

International students will incur a variety of expenses while studying at the University of Adelaide; however, as Adelaide is a compact, medium-sized city, the cost of living is slightly more affordable compared to other larger cities in Australia. In addition to costs such as visa and degree tuition fees, international students will need to consider living expenses such as accommodation, food, transport, utilities, study materials, health and personal care, and entertainment. Detailed information is available on the Study Australia and StudyAdelaide websites.

Are there any plans to allow enrolled students to complete part of their course in India, which could help reduce their expenses?

While students enrolled at the University of Adelaide are unable to complete part of their course in India, the founding universities have a number of key articulation partners in place and the University of Adelaide is keen to develop these relationships. This will potentially enable students from the partner institutions to articulate with the University of Adelaide’s programmes.

Are there any specific scholarships or financial aid options available for Indian students? What are the eligibility criteria and how can Indian students apply?

The University of Adelaide will offer a wide range of scholarships for academically excellent students, emerging leaders, outstanding students, alumni and associated students. The scholarships offer a range of incentives including fee discounts of up to 50%.

Details on available scholarships and application processes are available on the University of Adelaide website. The Adelaide Academic Excellence Scholarship will open for applications in 2025, other scholarships are automatically assessed at the time of application to an eligible program.

How does the University of Adelaide plan to enhance the employability of its graduates? What initiatives have been put in place to help Indian students achieve their career goals?

Research and industry engagement are central to the design of the University of Adelaide’s degrees. All degrees will incorporate work-integrated learning and the curriculum will be shaped by industry and world-leading research. The founding universities have hundreds of established partnerships and thousands of collaborations with Australian and international businesses, which will be leveraged to ensure that learning meets current and emerging workforce needs and that graduates are prepared for the future workplace.

The University of Adelaide will have a Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Student Experience and Success, the first position of its kind in Australia. This person will oversee the delivery of an exceptional student experience, with a holistic view of the entire student journey. The founding universities have a foundation focused on student success with strong graduate employment outcomes. The University of Adelaide will build on this to ensure its graduates are sought after around the world and optimally prepared for modern workplaces. Graduates will also join a highly engaged alumni community of more than 400,000 global citizens from around 150 countries.

How does the University of Adelaide plan to contribute to and benefit from the bilateral educational agreements between India and Australia?

The University of Adelaide is strategically positioned to contribute to and benefit from the strong bilateral education agreements between India and Australia, particularly under the Australia-India Economic and Trade Cooperation Agreement (AI-ECTA) and the recent Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement. These agreements facilitate greater student mobility, making India a priority market for Australian education providers. The mutual recognition of qualifications between the two countries, a landmark achievement, further strengthens this partnership, enabling more seamless academic and professional exchanges.

India’s large youth population, growing middle class and ambitious education reform agenda create fertile ground for collaboration. The University of Adelaide builds on the strong foundation of its predecessor institutions’ partnerships with leading Indian institutions such as the Indian Institute of Science, Vellore Institute of Technology and several IITs. These collaborations will deepen, particularly in areas of strategic importance to India such as artificial intelligence, advanced technology, energy, sustainability, health and entrepreneurship.

The synergy between Australia’s expertise and India’s priorities opens up significant opportunities for collaborative research and educational initiatives. The University of Adelaide aims to expand these partnerships, contributing to the educational and economic goals of both countries and helping to achieve a prosperous future driven by innovation and shared knowledge. This collaboration will enhance the global impact of the University of Adelaide while supporting India’s development goals.