History
An economic, social and intellectual leader
The University of Adelaide's importance to South Australia - and beyond - began in 1874.
Founded on the basis of generous donations from Walter Watson Hughes and Thomas Elder, we are the third-oldest university in Australia and have always been a progressive, outward-looking institution.
For well over a century, our graduates, teachers and researchers have been making outstanding contributions to a number of fields.
These range from science, medicine and engineering, to law, the social sciences and performing arts.
It means we have played a vital role in contributing to the economic, social and intellectual life of our State for more than 130 years!
Ahead of our time
We are proud that from the outset, we have been a university ahead of our time.
We were a pioneer in the teaching of science, being the first in Australia to develop a science degree, and in music education with the establishment of the first Conservatorium of Music, Chair of Music, and Doctorate in Music.
Similarly, we've been a leader in the area of gender equality and can claim to be the first university in Australia, and only the second in the world, to grant degrees to women.
Our outstanding women graduates include the University's first female graduate, Edith Dornwell (BSc, 1885). We also graduated the first female surgeon, Laura Fowler (MB, 1891), and the first woman elected to a University Council in Australia, Helen Mayo (MBBS, 1902).
And then there is the distinguished career of Dame Roma Mitchell LLB (1934): Australia's first woman judge, Queens Council, University Chancellor, and Governor of an Australian State.
World-leading research
The University's reputation for world-leading original research was built by staff members such as William Bragg, Thorburn Brailsford-Robertson, Douglas Mawson, Hugh Stretton, and J Robin Warren.
They are just a few of the many hundreds who have engaged with our long-standing commitment to excellence in research, learning and teaching.
Graduates with impact
Our graduates include prominent individuals who have made significant contributions to their fields nationally and internationally, and include Howard Florey, Lawrence Bragg, Marcus Oliphant and Hugh Cairns.
Building history
Our built history can be witnessed across our four campuses at North Terace, Waite, Roseworthy and Thebarton which are home to some of the city's finest buildings and architecture.
These include including the Mitchell Building, Bonython and Elder Halls, located along Adelaide's cultural thoroughfare North Terrace, and Urrbrae House.
And across these campuses continues a tradition of community engagement and vibrant intellectual and social life that can again be traced back to our origins.
Learning more
You can find out more about the University's history and its people at:
Special Collections, Barr Smith Library
'The Spirit of Knowledge: A Social History of the University of Adelaide North Terrace Campus' by renowned historian Rob Linn
