University History

The links below will take you to a selection of online resources that celebrate or commemorate the University and its people in ways that have shaped society at state, national and international levels.

Our history

The University of Adelaide was founded with a noble goal: to prepare for South Australia young leaders shaped by education rather than birth or wealth in a settlement free of old world social and religious inequalities.

University foundation

The 1872 University Association Minute Book has been digitised for easy access.

Our pioneering women

Some of the women of the University achieved great academic and personal honours, but others, whose stories have been unsung, have developed and maintained important services that have kept the University running.

Interactive timeline

The interactive timeline shows some of the University's key historical milestones over the years.

Stories from Archives & Special Collections

Drawing on the resources of both repositories, Stories links contemporary source documents and illustrations to present a fuller picture of the lives of Adelaide’s high achievers and achievements since 1874.

WWI remembered

Over 500 students and members of staff from The University of Adelaide served in the First World War, and over 70 gave their lives for their country.

The Spirit of Knowledge

Rob Linn's social history of the University not only describes the influence of architects and planners, but also of the academics, administrators and students whose lives were centred at the University.

Please also see our list of online resources of digitised historical information.