What is Sandstone universities?
The '''sandstone universities''' are a group of [[Australia|Australian]] universities. All were founded more than 100 years ago. {{Location map+ | Australia | width = 350 | float = | border = | caption = Sandstone Universities in Australia | alt = | relief = | AlternativeMap = | overlay_image = | places = {{Location map~ | Australia | label = [[University of Sydney]] | label_size = 80 | lat_deg = -33.88 | lon_deg = 151.18 }} {{Location map~ | Australia | label = [[University of Melbourne]] | label_size = 80 | position = right | lat_deg = -37.81 | lon_deg = 144.96 }} {{Location map~ | Australia | label = {{nowrap|[[University of Tasmania]]}} | label_size = 80 | lat_deg = -42.88 | lon_deg = 147.32 }} {{Location map~ | Australia | label = [[University of Adelaide]] | label_size = 80 | position = left | lat_deg = -34.92 | lon_deg = 138.60 }} {{Location map~ | Australia | label = [[University of Queensland]] | label_size = 80 | lat_deg = -27.46 | lon_deg = 153.02 }} {{Location map~ | Australia | label = [[University of Western Australia]] | label_size = 80 | lat_deg = -31.95 | lon_deg = 115.86 }} }} The universities in the group have buildings made mostly of [[sandstone]]. Some universities, such as the private [[Bond University]], have sandstone-plated buildings, but are not considered sandstone universities. These universities focus on research. Their courses have a strong emphasis on theory rather than practice. Students who enter the sandstone universities come from higher income families, and graduates usually have higher paid occupations or positions of influence. This prompts claims of elitism and social division.<ref>Department of Education Training and Youth Affairs (1998), The Characteristics and Performance of Higher Education Institutions, Canberra: Higher Education Division, Department of Education, Employment and Youth Affairs</ref><