The University of Gloucestershire will play in Championship One from 2013, the Rugby Football League have announced.
The All Golds, who will be based at and run by the university in Cheltenham, will be one of four new teams from outside the traditional rugby league heartland joining the third tier of the professional game.
Teams from Northampton and Hemel have already been confirmed.
RFL chief operating officer Ralph Rimmer said: "Once again we are breaking new territory for rugby league in terms of geographical expansion which will ultimately grow the player pool."
The University All Golds are among the top eight student sides in the British Universities and Colleges Sport League and are currently delivering rugby league to 22 local schools.
Director of sport Andy Pitchford said: "The announcement builds on many years of hard work, led by both enterprising students and supportive members of the local community.
"The team now play at the very highest level of student sport, with 12 student internationals, two full internationals and three students who have made their professional debuts this season.
"The professional club is the natural next step for those both on and off the pitch."
The All Golds will also benefit from close links with Super League champions Leeds, who have been active in developing the sport in the south-west.
