The University of Western Australia (UWA) was established in 1911 as the State's first university. It was also the first free university in the British Empire, actively promoting equal access to tertiary education for all social classes.

The University is home to a number of industry-based research centres and institutes, and is affiliated to many others in Western Australia and across the country.

The University continues to set the standard for other West Australian universities to follow in terms of recognition for its achievements nationally and internationally.