
A brief history
The University of Adelaide, a public research institution situated in Adelaide, South Australia, was established in 1874 through a generous £20,000 contribution from Walter Watson Hughes, a grazier and copper miner. Positioned on North Terrace in downtown Adelaide, the university’s primary campus is adjacent to notable institutions like the Art Gallery of South Australia, the South Australian Museum, and the State Library of South Australia. The university’s dual founding objectives were to cultivate future leaders of distinction and offer education accessible to all, regardless of social standing. The development of the North Terrace campus commenced in 1872, following the allocation of 4.5 acres of land by the South Australian Parliament. Despite early financial challenges, the university experienced steady growth and emerged as one of Australia’s prominent higher education institutions.