University of Tasmania

About us

Location Hobart, Australia Funding Type Public
No of Students 33879 Establishment University
Founded In 1890 Estimated Cost of Living 24505 AUD
Address Churchill Avenue, Sandy Bay, Hobart

Founded in 1890, the University of Tasmania has a rich and proud history which was celebrated in 2015, as part of our 125th anniversary. We're the fourth oldest university in Australia and this vintage earns us the prestigious title of a sandstone university; one of the nation's oldest tertiary institutions.

Throughout our history we've been a stage for discoveries of global significance, a catalyst for social, economic and cultural development and – arguably most importantly – a place of life and learning for 90,000 alumni who have built their lives and careers in Tasmania and around the world. From Andrew Inglis Clark to Sir Guy Green, Enid Campbell and Lara Giddings, we've always been distinguished by staff and students who strode along the sometimes rocky path of knowledge and discovery and then set out to make a better world. We're also a prism through which Tasmania can look to the world and the world can look to Tasmania; a bridge from our island that connects people, geographies, cultures and ideas.

A quiet pursuit of the extraordinary.

Our story began over 130 years ago, in a sandstone building overlooking Hobart. Since those early days, with three lecturers teaching eleven students, our purpose has remained the same. Through academic excellence, we make our home, and the world, a better place.

Here, success takes a certain determination and imagination. With our isolated location and small population, we have always had to work differently. It’s what makes Tasmanians such creative thinkers and problem solvers. And it has seen us generate powerful ideas both for and from our island.

Here, we nurture our environment as it nurtures us.

Just as the winds and elements shaped this land, this land shapes everything we do. That’s why, today, we fight to protect our island home. As a university, we study and preserve some of the last great wilderness on our planet. From our island shores, our research extends to the great Southern Ocean and down to the Antarctic.

Here, everything is connected.

Literature students ponder the vast Southern Ocean. Scientists sing. Doctors design. Teachers become entrepreneurs. Architects devote themselves to sheltering the needy.

Our creative minds capture our unique land and seascapes, reminding us why our island is worth fighting for. They tell stories that resonate far away. Our institutions lead in medical, agricultural, social and environmental research. Our small setting allows us to test big ideas, leading to greater outcomes for the world.

We welcome all enquiring minds, from near and far, to join our pursuit. Every one of our students becomes part of a welcoming, collaborative community. And our whole island becomes their campus.

Our whole island is your campus
Tasmania offers a living experience unlike any other. Here, you can go from the wildest arts festivals to World Heritage sites all within a day.

Our campuses put you in the heart of our bustling cities alongside industry and amongst a creative, diverse and welcoming community.

Work at the University of Tasmania
The University is one of the largest employers in the State. People are at the heart of everything we do, and we strive to create a nurturing, inclusive and collaborative working environment.

Sustainability
We all have an opportunity to let sustainability guide our actions and join a shared mission to become the world's most sustainable university.

Why?

The top 5 reasons to study at the University of Tasmania

1. A pristine environment
Our state is known for its temperate climate, internationally-significant wilderness and heritage sites, and the many mountain peaks to conquer and rivers to explore. Not to mention the cosmopolitan lifestyle that comes with our quaint cities, with an interesting food and arts scene. There’s always something fun to do in Tassie, both as part of your studies or in your spare time.  

2. Fantastic study experiences
Our University has a strong emphasis on practical learning, to give students great preparation for their future careers. As we are the only university in the state, you will have unrivaled access to local industry experience, in a variety of settings around Tasmania. You will also have the opportunity to apply for student exchange or overseas study at one of our 140+ partnered universities throughout America, Europe and Asia for up to a year. Overseas study can be one of the most rewarding decisions you will ever make. Find out more here.

3. Excellent support for students
Our Scholarships and Prizes program has more than 200 awards available. You don’t need to be at the top of your class to make the most of our many scholarships, we take into account your distance from campus, living circumstances, finances, and academic capabilities. All of our campuses give you the opportunity to join clubs, societies and sports teams, so you can stay active and social between study. We also have counselling services, peer mentoring, and student and career advisors, here to better support you to reach your goals.  

4. You’ll be more than just a number
We offer great courses in an extraordinary location, and our teaching is supported by world-leading research, so you know you’ll be getting direct access to the best expertise. We maintain smaller class sizes, so our lecturers and tutors can engage with you on an individual level and offer you personalised advice and guidance that is not always available at larger institutions. 

5. Great career prospects for future success
Our University has a five star rating for graduate starting salaries and above-average rating for graduate employability (Good Universities Guide 2019) so you can be confident you will graduate from University with great career prospects.

The University of Tasmania has a strong vision for its future. We encourage you to come along on this journey with us. Here's a snapshot of where we're going:

  • We'll be ranked among the top echelon of research-led universities in Australia.
  • We'll be a world leader in its specialist, thematic areas and will be recognised for its contribution to state, national and international development.
  • We'll be characterised by its high-quality academic community, our unique island setting and our distinctive student experience.
  • Our graduates will be prepared for life and careers in the globalised society of the twenty-first century.

At the University of Tasmania we've a long tradition of excellence and a commitment to free enquiry in the pursuit of knowledge. We create, preserve, communicate, and apply this knowledge and scholarship in the global context whilst also pursuing distinctive specialisations that reflect our Tasmanian character. We aim to provide ongoing leadership within the Tasmanian community, and to contribute to the cultural, economic and social development of our island home.