History of UQ
Established through a 1909 Act of State Parliament, The University of Queensland and was the first university in the state and was officially founded on April 16, 1910, with the gazettal of appointments to the first UQ Senate. Teaching started in 1911 in Old Government House in George Street, Brisbane. In the first year there were three faculties – Arts, Science and Engineering – and 83 students (60 men and 23 women).
Our vision
Knowledge leadership for a better world.
Our mission
Our core purpose is to deliver for the public good through excellence in education, research and engagement with our communities and partners: local, national and global.
UQ values
Our values guide our behaviour and provide the foundation of our culture.
In this Strategic Plan, we are announcing a refreshed set of UQ values that articulate what we strive for, how we work together, and our commitment to discovering and sharing truth:
Creativity, Excellence, Truth, Integrity, Courage and Respect and Inclusivity.
Why choose UQ?
Inspiring campuses in a vibrant city
Feel welcome from the moment you arrive in Queensland. With world-class learning and research facilities, a vibrant city centre and famous beaches within driving distance, our campuses are your ideal place to study, work and live.
Student Services
Student Services staff help UQ students and staff manage personal, career, welfare and learning issues. The service, located in the Student Support Services Building (Building 21D), operates from 8.30am until 4.30pm, Monday to Friday.
UQ Union
UQU provides services designed to support and empower students at every stage of their experience at UQ. These services include legal, education and employment advice, migration support, environmental initiatives, and welfare assistance. The Union operates multiple food and beverage outlets on campus, which you can recognise by their UQU smiley. Additionally, the Union funds and champions 220+ clubs and societies, as well as women's, international, queer, student rights and Goorie Berrimpa collectives.
Safety awareness
The University developed its safety awareness program to maximise personal safety on campus. At UQ it includes services such as a safety bus, an escort service and a network of emergency call points on the St Lucia and Gatton campuses.
Child care
Childcare, kindergarten and after-school-care facilities (all independently operated) are available to UQ staff and students on or near all University of Queensland campuses.
Proven graduate outcomes
At UQ, we're committed to enriching your studies and developing your employability to prepare you for a career you'll love. We support you to gain knowledge, leadership skills and adopt an innovative mindset
Learn from industry leaders and experts
You'll be inspired by passionate and engaging lecturers who are ready to empower you with the skills, confidence and knowledge you need to face a future of unknowns.
One of the world's most respected universities
The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of Australia’s leading research and teaching institutions. We strive for excellence through the creation, preservation, transfer and application of knowledge. For more than a century, we have educated and worked with outstanding people to deliver knowledge leadership for a better world.
Some Highlights:-
Top 50 worldwide
#33 in the world for Psychology as per QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.
Graduate employability
#1 in Queensland for graduate employability
Leading innovation
#37 for Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers for World Universities 2023
World rankings
UQ ranks among the world’s top universities, as measured by several key independent rankings, including the U.S. News Best Global Universities Rankings 2023 (36), the Performance Ranking of Scientific Papers for World Universities 2023 (37), CWTS Leiden Ranking 2023 (35), QS World University Rankings 2024 (43), Academic Ranking of World Universities 2023 (51), and Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2024 (70).
213 Fellows of Australia’s 5 learned academies – AAS, AAHMS, ASSA, ATSE, and AAH – are UQ staff (including honorary and adjunct appointments) and emeritus professors.
UQ is one of only 4 Australian members of the global Universitas 21, a founding member of the Group of Eight (Go8) universities, and a member of Universities Australia.
Teaching and learning excellence
Skilled and motivated teachers are integral to providing positive teaching and learning outcomes for students.
UQ has a strong focus on teaching excellence, having won more Australian Awards for University Teaching (AAUT) than any other university in the country and attracting the majority of Queensland's highest academic achievers, as well as top interstate and overseas students. We are committed to excellence in learning experiences and outcomes for our students.
