The University of Adelaide has signed a memorandum of understanding with Kaplan that will allow the US-based private university to open a campus in Adelaide.

Australian students will be able to study on-campus or remotely via e-learning, the University of Adelaide said.

The campus will begin operation in 2011, initially with financial services and business programs.

Kaplan must first obtain the approval of its US-based accreditor, the Higher Learning Commission, to operate the campus.