Avondale University is a private provider of higher education located in New South Wales, Australia. It is owned and operated by the Seventh-day Adventist Church and is a member of the Adventist education system. The university operates two campuses: the main Lake Macquarie campus in Cooranbong and a clinical nursing school located at the Sydney Adventist Hospital in Wahroonga.
The institution was established in 1897 as the Avondale School for Christian Workers. Its founding was significantly influenced by Ellen G. White, a prominent figure in the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Throughout the 20th century, the institution underwent several name changes and expansions in its academic offerings, operating for many years as Avondale College. In 2011, it was recognized as a "Level 1" higher education provider and renamed Avondale College of Higher Education. Following a rigorous assessment by the Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency (TEQSA), the institution was formally granted university status on July 1, 2021.
Avondale University offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate degrees, as well as vocational education and training certificates. Its academic programs span several disciplines, including theology and ministry, nursing, teaching, business, and the arts and sciences. The university is particularly noted for its long-standing programs in teacher education and nursing.
As a faith-based institution, Avondale University integrates Seventh-day Adventist values into its curriculum and campus life. It maintains research centers focused on areas such as lifestyle medicine, Christian education, and scripture studies. The university serves a diverse student body drawn from both the Adventist community and the general public, providing a holistic educational approach that emphasizes spiritual, mental, and physical development.