FLINDERS
TURNS 60

They say old enough to know better.
We say young enough to try it anyway.

For six decades, Flinders has challenged convention, backed people and changed lives – and we’re just getting started.

Throughout 2026 we are celebrating the fearless people, ideas and impact that have shaped Flinders and continue to define our future.

On 1 July, we mark our official 60th anniversary – 60 years since Flinders became a university in its own right.

400
Students on day one

27,000+
Students studying today

140,000+
Alumni across the world

Built to do things differently

Flinders officially opened in March 1966, but 1 July marks the moment the University became fully independent.

Discover the story behind Flinders' independence

“Flinders was created to think differently, widen access to education and make a real-world impact. Sixty years on, that independent spirit still defines us.”

Professor Colin Stirling
President and Vice-Chancellor

Real stories. Impact with purpose.

For 60 years, Flinders has backed people, ideas and partnerships that create real-world impact.

Students first

From first-in-family students and trailblazing Indigenous graduates to creatives, researchers and community leaders, Flinders graduates are making an impact across South Australia and around the world.

Their stories reflect what Flinders has always stood for — opening doors, backing potential and helping people create better futures through education.

Read their stories

The university for industry and enterprise

For decades, Flinders has worked alongside industry to solve real-world problems and prepare students for the jobs of the future.

At our Factory of the Future in Tonsley, researchers, engineers and industry partners are developing smarter, safer and more accessible ways of working.

Get involved

Research that matters

Flinders researchers are tackling some of the world's biggest challenges — from health and medical breakthroughs to defence, climate, education and emerging technology.

Working closely with industry, government and community partners, Flinders research focuses on practical solutions that create real-world impact.

Explore our research

Images: First gradation ceremony held in 1967

From a bold new university challenging convention in 1966 to a globally connected institution making a difference today — with a bold ambition to change 10 million lives by 2035.

We are Flinders.
We are Fearless.

For 60 years, Flinders has challenged convention, opened doors and embraced change. That fearless spirit remains central to who we are.

As we celebrate our past, we're focused firmly on the future. Through Agenda 2035. Impact with Purpose, we have a bold ambition to change 10 million lives for the better by 2035.

Learn about Agenda 2035

What’s happening in 2026

Campus celebrations

On 1 July, Bedford Park will host the main celebration, with campuses across South Australia and the Northern Territory joining in through livestreams.

Special edition of Encounter

A special 60th anniversary edition of Encounter alumni magazine will share stories, milestones and memories from across six decades of Flinders later this year.

Alumni Awards Gala and Golden Graduates Luncheon

Later this year, the Flinders Alumni Awards Gala and Golden Graduates Luncheon will celebrate outstanding graduates making an impact across industry, community, research and public life, while reflecting on 60 years of Flinders history and looking ahead to the future.

Help a student stay on track

For students facing financial hardship, a scholarship can make the difference between continuing their studies and putting their dreams on hold.

A Matthew Flinders Scholarship helped ease the pressure on Jade and keep her journey towards becoming a doctor on track.

To mark Flinders’ 60th anniversary, the University will match all donations to the Matthew Flinders Scholarship until 17 July 2026 — turning a $50 donation into $100 of support for essentials like rent, groceries, transport and study costs.

Every contribution helps more students, like Jade, stay on track and reach their potential.

Find out more