International News - Around the World in Higher Education and Research, by News Tank Academic - Nr.9

Two of Australia's universities merge; New Zealand universities accept Duolingo English proficiency tests; South Africa’s government faces a lukewarm response to student loan offers for the “missing middle”; the Trump administration moves to dissolve a key climate research agency; Pakistan prepares to launch its first Teaching Excellence Framework...

Welcome to the new edition of News Tank Academic's roundup of international news. Every week, we will bring you a selection of some of the most important developments in higher education from around the world.

Enjoy the read!

Headline News

Adelaide University launched after merger of two existing institutions

Adelaide University has officially launched following the merger of the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia, a major reform enabled by the November 2023 legislation. The merger, driven by financial, demographic and competitive pressures, transferred around 56,000 students to the new entity in December 2025. Internationally, the university starts 2026 with 7,350 overseas students, up from 6,750 in 2025…