The University of Adelaide

ABOUT UNIVERSITY

The University of Adelaide, established in 1874, is Australia's third-oldest university and a leading public research institution based in Adelaide, South Australia. Its main campus is located in the city center, featuring historical sandstone buildings such as Bonython Hall. The university was the second in the English-speaking world to be allowed to confer degrees to women, following a royal charter granted by Queen Victoria in 1881. Founded through the efforts of Union College and significant donations from Scottish-born pastoralists Walter Watson Hughes and Thomas Elder, the university originally operated from the South Australian Institute Building. Over time, it expanded and established a strong academic and research presence. Today, it operates four campuses: North Terrace in Adelaide, Waite at Urrbrae, Roseworthy in regional South Australia, and a study center in Melbourne, Victoria. It is part of the Adelaide BioMed City precinct and is located near the Australian Space Agency headquarters. In 2023, it recorded a revenue of A\$1.13 billion, including A\$334.15 million from research grants. The university is a member of the Group of Eight and the Association of Pacific Rim Universities. A merger with the University of South Australia was announced in 2023, with the new institution, to be called Adelaide University, expected to become operational by 2026. The University of Adelaide has produced numerous notable alumni, including Australia’s first female prime minister, two presidents of Singapore, and the country’s first astronaut. It has also been associated with major scientific advancements such as the development of penicillin, Wi-Fi, the military tank, sunscreen, polymer banknotes, and X-ray crystallography. With five Nobel laureates, 117 Rhodes scholars, and 168 Fulbright scholars, the university has played a major role in shaping South Australia’s public life and contributing to global research and innovation.