Established in 1966, Flinders University is everything a modern university should be – progressive and dynamic yet still friendly and accessible. It places high value on innovation and excellence in its educational program and its research across a wide range of disciplines.

Flinders is based in Adelaide but has a teaching and research presence in Darwin, Alice Springs, Port Lincoln, South Australia’s Riverland and the Greater Green Triangle spanning south-eastern South Australia and south-western Victoria (various regional areas of South Australia, in the Northern Territory and in south-western Victoria). An Intensive English Language Institute is located on campus, as is the Australian Science and Mathematics School, the first secondary school in Australia to be fully integrated with a university. On campus accommodation is now available for 560 students, with the opening of a new University Village in 2003. The main campus in Adelaide is one of the most attractive in Australia, set on 165-hectare site overlooking the coast and incorporating a central lake, thousands of trees and areas of natural bushland.

Flinders offers more than 50 undergraduate degree courses and more than 150 postgraduate courses and provides higher degree research supervision across all disciplines. While there is a strong focus on regular direct contact between staff and students, many courses use new information and communication technologies to supplement face-to-face teaching and provide flexible options. Flinders has a strong commitment to access and equity, with schemes to encourage and support students from non-traditional backgrounds. The University was recognised for an “innovative and practical approach” to teaching in winning an institutional award through the Australian Awards for University Teaching in 2001, and individual awards in 2002, 2003 and 2004, and the University Teacher of the Year Award 2004.

International students are an increasing proportion of the student population and make up over 17% of the total student population (including onshore and off shore enrolments). Flinders has formal links with over 80 institutions in Asia, Europe and the Americas, and offers courses in China, Norway and Singapore.

Flinders has a high research profile and consistently ranks among Australia's top universities on a per capita basis. There is a strong emphasis on research collaboration across disciplines. Areas of particular research strength are found in all faculties and include health and medical sciences – neuroscience, ophthalmology, cancer control, immunology, pharmacology, pubic health, Aboriginal health – and other cross-disciplinary health and welfare research; forensic science; ageing studies, cultural, archaeological and heritage studies; biological, environmental and marine sciences; new science and technology areas such as biotechnology and nanotechnology; psychology; drama, screen and the new digital media; housing, urban and regional development; labour studies; criminal justice; Asian and regional development issues; international relations; social, economic and political analysis, and policy studies; immigration studies; ethics; and theology.