Flinders University is a public university located in Adelaide, South Australia, established in 1966. Named in honour of explorer Matthew Flinders, the university was founded on the principles of innovation, enterprise, and accessibility, aiming to offer a contemporary, forward-looking alternative to the older established universities. The main campus is situated in Bedford Park, offering stunning views across the city and the coastline. However, a defining feature of Flinders is its commitment to integration with the health sector and the community, exemplified by its direct connection to the Flinders Medical Centre (FMC) and its presence in the Tonsley Innovation District. This strategic co-location allows students, particularly those in health, science, and engineering, to learn and research in clinical and high-tech industry environments.

Flinders has consistently been recognized for its high-quality research, with a significant portion rated at or above world standard. Its research strategy is highly applied, focusing on areas that directly impact society and the economy, with flagship research themes including Health and Medical Research (especially in cancer and neuroscience), Defense and Maritime Engineering, and Water and Environment. The university has pioneered significant advancements, such as the development of the world’s first medical device for the diagnosis of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and leading research into marine science. Furthermore, its presence at the Tonsley Innovation District—a state-of-the-art facility for entrepreneurship and technology transfer—allows its engineering and computer science students to collaborate directly with industry partners and startups.

The university offers a broad range of degrees through its six colleges: Business, Government and Law; Education, Psychology and Social Work; Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences; Medicine and Public Health; Nursing and Health Sciences; and Science and Engineering. Flinders is particularly renowned for its excellence in Medicine and Health Sciences, capitalizing on the FMC co-location; Creative Arts (including film and television); and Psychology. It has a strong reputation for offering a supportive, student-centered learning environment, often earning high praise in national surveys for overall educational experience. Its degrees emphasize practical placement and work-integrated learning (WIL), ensuring graduates are job-ready. The new Flinders Railway Line extension directly connects the main campus to the Adelaide CBD, further enhancing accessibility and integration with the wider metropolitan area. This blend of strong research, industry connectivity, and student focus cements Flinders University’s role as a vital institution in South Australia’s academic and innovation landscape.