University of Queensland

Overview

The University of Queensland (UQ) is one of the top Australian institutions of higher education and also among the oldest in the country. This public university situated in Brisbane is widely known for the strength of its research, with its efforts recognized by the Australian Research Council and international university ranking organizations. It is a founding member of the research-oriented Group of Eight and the international group Universitas 21.

UQ’s academics are organized into six faculties, concentrating on fields like Business, Economics, Law, Engineering, Medicine, Science, and Humanities. The university offers over 300 programs and 2,000 majors for undergraduates, postgraduate students, and researchers. Meanwhile, its most highly regarded courses include Art, Mining and Minerals Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Environmental Science, and Agriculture. Moreover, UQ has a career development program designed to enhance employability.

Research in UQ primarily focuses on technology, medicine, and science. It has eight institutes and has worked with the Queensland and Australian government to provide research for several national institutions. The primary themes of its research include building better economies, transforming societies, designing new technology, promoting resilient environments, and developing health and safety solutions.

UQ collectively occupies 1,463 hectares. The university has its main campus in the Sta Lucia suburb and established other campuses in Gatton and Herston. It also operates numerous satellite research and teaching facilities throughout the Queensland state. UQ’s library system comprises 11 branches and carries over two million titles and 158,000 journals. The university also has a transport service (including a ferry wharf), several museums and collections, a historic colonnade, and utilizes more than 100,000 computers, among many other amenities.

Founded in 1909, UQ was established as a tribute to the separation of the Queensland state from New South Wales, and thus became the state’s first university. A year after its founding, the school established its first three faculties --Science, Art, and Engineering-- and held its first classes not long after, which were attended by 83 students

As of 2020, the institution has opened its doors to more than 35,000 undergraduates, around 20,000 postgraduate students, and over 7,000 academic and administrative staff. The university is credited for being a pioneer in inventing the HPV vaccine for cervical cancer, developing a vaccine for COVID-19, and building MRI magnets. It is also associated with over 100 Rhodes Scholars, more than 100 Olympic medals, and two Nobel Laureates.

UQ’s notable alumni include Quentin Bryce (Australian governor-general), Peter Varghese (Australian cabinet secretary), Peter Beattie (politician), Michael McRobbie (Indiana University president), and Anna Bligh (Queensland premier).

UQ ascribes to accomplishment by means of knowledge and hard work as suggested by its motto. With this, it continues to strengthen its research effort locally and internationally as well as maintaining its high standards of teaching.