The University of Western Australia has helped to shape the careers of more than 75,000 graduates since it was established in 1911. UWA graduates have distinguished themselves across every sphere of endeavour, in Australia and the international arena. Their success reflects the UWA’s balanced coverage of disciplines in the arts, sciences and professions.
The University of Western Australia’s mission is to advance, transmit and sustain knowledge and understanding, through the conduct of teaching, research and scholarship at the highest international standards, for the benefit of the international and national communities and the State of Western Australia. Its enduring commitment is to improve society through learning and discovery.
UWA aims to be recognised internationally as an excellent research-intensive university and a leading intellectual and creative resource to the communities it serves.
It continues to build research and postgraduate strengths linked to, and sustained by, a high quality undergraduate program in which teaching and learning takes place in an atmosphere of research and scholarship.
The University fosters an international focus for all its activities and standards as an integral part of its overriding commitment to excellence and high quality.
Western Australia’s first university, UWA remains one of Australia’s best research-led universities.
Sir John Winthrop Hackett was the founding Chancellor of UWA and its main benefactor, leaving more than ￡425,000 (the equivalent of $18 million today) to the University. He was proprietor and Editor of The West Australian newspaper, and had an abiding interest and passion in the establishment of a university for Perth, a vision realised in 1911.
UWA consistently attracts high calibre students, annually enrolling more than three quarters of the top five per cent of school leavers. According to the Good Universities Guide: "UWA has more young, bright full-timers than any other University in the country… it is at the top of the WA academic totem pole."
The 65-hectare Crawley campus is widely acclaimed for its grounds and buildings, which are listed in the register of Australian National Estate. There are more than 200 species of plants and trees which enhance the tranquillity and beauty of the grounds, and support more than 55 species of birds.