Free University (Sydney)

The free University in Sydney was established in 1967 by Terry Irving and Rowan Cahill. The ideal of the Free University was the community of scholars, exploring new ideas in teaching, learning and action. It was a voluntary association of students who wanted to learn in their own manner, and of teachers who wanted to teach in their own manner. The Free University did not offer degrees and was independent of established universities and organisations. No formal qualifications were required for students but courses were at university standard. The courses were planned by students and teachers and the teachers did have academic qualifications or professional interests in the courses they were teaching.

Academic and organisational committees were selected by staff and students. The Free University was financed by fees from students, donations by teachers and others. Classes were held in a rented house in Calder St, Darlington.