About the University of Adelaide
Established in 1874 the University of Adelaide is Australia’s third oldest university. Over our 140 year history we have built a reputation for excellence in research, education and community engagement.
The University constitutes a vibrant and diverse community with more than 25,000 students representing over 90 countries and over 3,500 members of staff. There are three main campuses in South Australia located at North Terrace, Adelaide; Roseworthy; and Waite. The primary campus is centrally located on the city’s cultural boulevard, North Terrace, in the heart of Adelaide. The University’s five faculties are based at the North Terrace campus.
Ranked in the top 150 in all three of the major world higher education ranking schemes and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight, we have a history of break-through research discoveries and exceptional graduates, including Australia’s first female Prime Minister Julia Gillard and Australia’s first NASA astronaut Dr Andy Thomas.
Mission
The University of Adelaide draws strength from its founding values as it fulfils its future research and teaching aspirations. The University is an international institution that distinctively embraces the ideal of the research university, where the excitement, vitality and passion of the search for new knowledge is one in which all students participate; as an enlightened and tolerant community where able students can find support, whatever their background or circumstances; and as a place where the Kaurna people, the original custodians of the land on which the campuses now rest, are acknowledged and their culture respected.
University Profile
We have an international reputation for world-leading research, education excellence and progressive thinking. The University of Adelaide is proudly ranked in the top 1 per cent of universities worldwide and a member of the Group of Eight, a coalition of Australia’s foremost research intensive universities.
We recognise exceptional people as one of our greatest assets. Adelaide has over 100 Rhodes Scholars, including Australia’s first indigenous recipient, and five Nobel Laureates among its distinguished alumni. We attract academic staff who are global leaders in their field, and our 27,000 students from more than 90 countries are some of the best and brightest in the world.
The University of Adelaide is committed to a distinctive approach that recaptures the ideal of the research university, and seeks an internationally-focused staff and a tolerant, progressive student mix, which will prepare students for global citizenship in an increasingly borderless world. It will be a university true to its historical roots, yet passionately committed to its role in producing graduates designed to play leading parts in the Asian Century.
The University community is united by a deep respect for the value of education and research, and the power these have to transform lives and the world in which we all live. This is demonstrated each day in the passion, commitment, energy and enthusiasm staff bring to their roles.
As a promoter of equity and diversity, and supporter of work-life balance, the University of Adelaide is the employer of choice for over 3,500 full time equivalent staff from a diverse range of countries, cultures and backgrounds. People travel from around the world to be a part of the rich academic tradition that has existed for 140 years.
The University is committed to employing and retaining outstanding people. Many staff are world-leading in their areas of expertise.
This ensures the teams are well placed to continue vital work across education and research, and inspiring the next generation of leaders and innovators.
Professional development is valued and leadership qualities are nurtured at the University of Adelaide. A number of training and coaching initiatives exist to promote stronger leadership, teamwork, collaboration and communication skills.
Leaders and managers offer a supportive environment that aims to inspire the best performance from staff. Through a recognition program, high performing individuals and teams who display excellence in their roles are celebrated and awarded.
Research work
With more than 4000 research staff and students working together, supported by modern infrastructure and an innovative culture, the University of Adelaide has all the ingredients to tackle global research challenges and deliver positive impacts.
Our researchers have made vital contributions to game-changing inventions throughout history including x-ray crystallography, insulin, penicillin and the Olympic torch and cauldron.
As a member of the Group of Eight, a coalition of Australia's most research-intensive institutions, the University is a destination of choice for highly talented researchers, students, government and industry partners.
Outstanding research universities share some common characteristics. They respond to emerging global and national priorities, they have access to high quality facilities and they are surrounded by highly talented researchers and higher degree students.
From excellent international rankings (which see us placed in the top 1% of Universities worldwide), through to research income success, great people and structure; view a snapshot of what makes us outstanding.
Work At The University of Adelaide
The success of a university is largely determined by the quality and commitment of its people.
The University of Adelaide community is united by a deep respect for the value of education and research, and the power these have to transform lives and the world in which we all live. This is demonstrated each day in the passion, commitment, energy and enthusiasm that staff bring to their jobs.
The University's reputation for excellence is derived from the quality of its staff and their leadership skills.
The aim of the various programs on offer whist working for The Univeristy of Adelaide is to increase the skills, knowledge and aptitude of staff, in defined areas, to increase their competence and performance, thereby supporting the goals of the University. Many personal and professional development courses are available, with most training conducted by on-campus providers.