With the ultimate aim of examining the extent to which universities are or could be learning organisations, this paper will commence with a review of selected literature on organisational learning and the learning organisation. It will then discuss the extent to which practical manifestations of these concepts are found in Australian universities by examining common university structures and systems which contribute to or impede the development of a learning organisation. Specifically, discussion will focus upon university organisational structures, human resource and knowledge management systems and organisational culture. Proposals will be made regarding structural and system modifications necessary for the development of organisational learning and a learning organisation. Finally, the role of leaders and teams in facilitating effective learning will be discussed. This latter discussion will take place with reference to the ways in which leadership and teamwork currently contribute to development of universities as a learning organisation and how current leadership and teamwork strategies might be adjusted to better reflect the requirements of a learning organisation.