Sydney, NSW | May 2025 

The NSW university sector continues to demonstrate considerable strength and impact. It is a globally competitive research and innovation system that delivers high-quality teaching, produces a highly skilled workforce, and serves as a critical economic and social anchor for communities across the state. The ongoing challenging operating environment ensures a continued focus on ensuring long-term financial sustainability. 

While the annual reports published today present a mixed picture of financial recovery, they also demonstrate significant contributions to the NSW economy and community. 

“NSW universities play a central role in driving the state’s economic, social and innovation outcomes and the annual reports contain examples of significant impact in 2025,” said Professor Andrew Parfitt, Vice-Chancellor, University of Technology Sydney and Convener of the NSW Vice‑Chancellors’ Committee. 

NSW universities also provide the higher education that equips students to take up and create the jobs that NSW requires for future success. 

NSW universities continue to translate world-class research into real-world impact through deep and enduring partnerships with government, industry and the community. These collaborations demonstrate the sector’s capacity to work at scale, drive innovation, and support NSW’s economic and social priorities. With growing commercialisation capability and deep expertise across both emerging and established fields, NSW universities remain central to the state’s future prosperity, productivity and innovation agenda. 

The case studies below highlight examples from across the NSW university sector, demonstrating the positive impact of NSW universities:  

• A sustained commitment to student experience and success saw University of Wollongong named Australia’s top-ranked public university for undergraduate student experience in the Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) Student Experience Survey.  

• The University of Wollongong expanded its Doctor of Medicine Program across the Shoalhaven and Southern Highlands to meet critical regional health needs and support the training of more general practitioners for regional and rural communities.  

• University of New South Wales Gateway Program is expanding access to higher education for underrepresented students, engaging more than 4,000 students in 2025 and supporting 1,678 admissions through its pathway program—a 17.4% increase from 2024. These efforts helped UNSW reach its 25% equity target ahead of schedule, with Gateway students achieving outcomes comparable to the broader cohort.  

• University of New South Wales long-standing Yuwaya Ngarra-li partnership with the Dharriwaa Elders Group in Walgett continues to deliver community-led outcomes across areas including food and water security, public health and justice, demonstrating the impact of sustained university-community collaboration.  

• In 2025, University of Technology Sydney (UTS) launched the UTS Pathways Plan reflecting a commitment to education for all. By activating non-traditional pathways, UTS increased access to education for students from diverse backgrounds and low-SES.  

• The University of Technology Sydney also achieved growth in Indigenous student participation, welcoming the largest number of indigenous students in UTS history in 2025. This positive momentum will continue with Jumbunna’s new Indigenous leadership program, focused on 6 schools with high Indigenous student participation. The program is planned to expand in 2026.  

• In November 2025, University of New England became the first university in Australia to provide every student with access to an enterprise AI platform, Madgwick Student. This full creative toolbox enables students to select their own models, access professional-grade tools and build custom AI assistants, ensuring equity of access and experience for all students.   

• University of New England partnered with AgriFutures Australia to develop and launch Environer, a free online decision support tool designed to help agricultural producers across NSW and Australia navigate environmental stewardship and sustainability initiatives. Led by UNE researcher Dr Rhiannon Smith, the interactive platform was developed by the UNE CASI team to provide producers with credible, accessible information about grants, pilot programs and sustainability initiatives that deliver access to commodity markets and financial products.  

• Southern Cross University’s continued refinement of the Southern Cross Model – an immersive six‑week block structure where students focus on one or two subjects at a time – drove strong outcomes in 2025, with more than 90 per cent of unit enrolments achieving a pass or better grade and measurable improvements in engagement, retention and success, including gains of up to 17 percentage points for equity cohorts.  

• Southern Cross University’s investment in a new Veterinary Sciences Precinct in Lismore is bringing together upgraded teaching and clinical facilities to enhance hands-on training and support regional workforce development in veterinary and agricultural health.  

• Charles Sturt University’s Doctor of Medicine course was created to address the chronic shortage of doctors in regional Australia which has led to poorer health outcomes, higher rates of preventable hospitalisations and reduced life expectancy for the communities that live there. More than 80% of the University’s inaugural class are now living and working in regional areas where critical shortages of GPs still persist. A further 10 Commonwealth-funded places and independent course delivery in 2026 will only increase the University’s supply of doctors for regional, rural and remote Australian communities in the years ahead.  

• For an unprecedented fourth consecutive year, Western Sydney University topped the prestigious Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, cementing its position as the world’s leading university for improving lives, advancing equity and fairness, and safeguarding the planet through its commitment to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
  
  
• Macquarie University Business School secured the top spot in the Australian Financial Review BOSS Best Business Schools 2025 Career Impact rankings for the second year in a row, with nearly 90 per cent of Macquarie graduates finding a new job or enjoying a pay rise within three months.   

• Macquarie University researchers are leading a world‑first global clinical trial of the gene therapy for an inherited form of motor neurone disease (MND). Early results from monthly infusions at Macquarie’s MND clinic indicate slowed disease progression, with the potential to halt the condition if treatment begins early. A complementary trial is also supporting pre‑symptomatic gene carriers by initiating treatment when early biological markers rise, with the aim of delaying or preventing disease onset.  

• The University of Sydney expanded access to qualifications in priority workforce areas, including graduating the first cohort of medical doctors trained at its Dubbo campus in 2025, strengthening regional health capability and supporting the pipeline of skilled professionals in rural and regional NSW.  

• In 2025, the University of Sydney continued to deliver successful Gadigal Centre outreach initiatives and recruitment results, with a 36 per cent increase in enrolments of Indigenous students over the past three years. Our residential programs also continue to record strong attendance, with 65 students attending the Tahgara (winter) program in July 2025 and 74 students attending the Gadalung (summer) program in December 2025; demonstrating measurable progress in widening First Nations participation in higher education.
  
  
• In 2025, more than 5% of University of Newcastle students identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, making them the largest cohort in Australia. In August, the Wollotuka Institute was recognised for the critical role it has played in supporting Indigenous students for more than 40 years, winning the 2025 Australian Financial Review Higher Education award for Equity and Access.   

• The University of Newcastle’s Integrated Innovation Network (I2N) has been named the most recommended startup accelerator in Australia by Startup Muster – the largest survey of the nation’s startup ecosystem. Since it was established in 2016, I2N has supported 188 startups and small businesses that have gone on to raise more than $62.7M in capital, create 280 jobs and contribute $44.1M in wages for the Hunter and Central Coast regions. 

We are deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic events at Bondi Beach. Our thoughts are with the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this terrible act of violence and terrorism in our state.

We encourage any students and staff affected to seek support through their university’s wellbeing services.

We condemn this violence and extend our heartfelt support to the Jewish community—especially our Jewish staff and students—and to all members of our university communities impacted by this horrendous attack during Chanukah, a celebration of light and hope. At a time meant for peace and reflection, this assault on a peaceful gathering is particularly painful.

This is a time for compassion, strength, and unity. As Universities across New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory, we stand together in supporting our communities and those affected. We pride ourselves on being institutions where everyone belongs—a reflection of our aspiration for a world defined by empathy, inclusion, and equity.

Antisemitism will never have a place at our universities.  We will continue our important collaboration with the Antisemitism Education Taskforce and the Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism to make sure our campuses are safe and inclusive for everyone who works and studies here.

The New South Wales Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (NSWVCC), the peak body for universities in NSW and the ACT, has initiated a sector-leading approach to introduce a new set of underlying principles for early offer admissions in 2024.

Convener of the NSWVCC, Professor Barney Glover AO, said “We acknowledge the views and feedback of the NSW Education Standards Authority, and some school principals around early offer programs. Protecting the integrity of the HSC is critical and early offer programs must be justifiable and transparent”.

“We also agree that student wellbeing should be a major consideration when providing early offer programs. The development of a set of principles is the first step to addressing current underlying concerns whilst maintaining benefits that accrue to students from these programs”.

The five-key principles endorsed by the NSWVCC are:

1.  that universities, as self-accrediting institutions, are responsible for their admission policies and procedures, consistent with the Higher Education Standards Framework (Threshold Standards)
2. that university admissions practices should be cognisant of the needs of students and ensure that those students admitted are capable of succeeding with appropriate support
3. that admission practices should be evidence-based, transparent and publicly defensible
4. that admission practices should respect and support the integrity of the HSC and are conditional on the completion of the HSC
5. that early offers for 2024 (with one agreed and unavoidable exception) will not be issued before September 2023.

These principles will apply to early offers made to students completing the HSC in 2023 for admission to university in 2024. In supporting the integrity of the HSC, the principles will require that all early offers be conditional on the completion of the HSC.

“Alongside early offer programs, the NSWVCC continues to support the ATAR which provides a consistent starting point for tertiary entry across all states and territories, no matter where a student completes their senior secondary study.”

“NSW and ACT universities are committed to upholding the integrity and standards of all admission programs and through the NSWVCC, and in collaboration with other key stakeholders, will continue to monitor and assess the impact of early offer programs in 2023.

“We look forward to welcoming students into their chosen courses” said Professor Glover.

The Western Parkland City Authority (WPCA) and the NSW Vice Chancellors’ Committee (NSWVCC) have formalised an agreement to boost education and research opportunities across the Western Parkland City.

This agreement will ensure that local communities in the eight Western Parkland City council areas will benefit from having leading education facilities and ground-breaking research opportunities closer to where they live.

Minister for Enterprise, Investment and Trade Alister Henskens said the agreement builds on strong partnerships the NSW Government already has with NSW universities.

“Australia’s tertiary education sector is world class. We are developing the Aerotropolis, next to the 24/7 Western Sydney Airport, to turbocharge innovation and industry in the Western Parkland City,” Minister Henskens said. 

“This agreement will ensure that the Western Parkland City will be underpinned by world class education facilities and research opportunities which in turn will secure economic prosperity for all our communities.

“We want to work together on leading edge research and training opportunities across Western Sydney while drawing on the full strength and capability of our world class Australian university sector.”

Convener of the NSW VCC, Professor Barney Glover AO said this agreement will be part of a larger commitment to support new research opportunities to drive innovation across the sector.

Western Parkland City Authority Chair Jennifer Westacott said the Aerotropolis will become one of the country’s most significant manufacturing hubs.

“The Aerotropolis will be where the nation’s brightest minds will gather, with leading edge technology and equipment. It will boost education, employment, and economic prosperity across the whole Western Parkland City,” Ms Westacott said.

The agreement between the WPCA and the NSWVCC is focussed on research in advanced manufacturing technology. It will be centred around the Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility (AMRF) being developed in Bradfield City Centre – Australia’s newest city centre in the heart of the Aerotropolis.  The first offering of its kind in Australia, the AMRF will bring industry and universities together, alongside Australia’s national science agency the CSIRO, to access the latest technologies and research in advanced electronics and manufacturing, including robotics, additives, and automation.

The agreement also includes the NSW Government’s $37 million New Education Training Model (NETM). The NETM is being delivered by WPCA in collaboration with industry, universities, vocational education and training providers and government. It is industry-led and designed to fill the gaps in traditional training. It allows businesses to create specific short courses to plug gaps in their workforce training in new and emerging industries.

The Western Parkland City covers eight local government areas including the Blue Mountains, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Hawkesbury, Liverpool, Penrith and Wollondilly.

The NSWVCC includes the Vice-Chancellors of fourteen universities based in NSW and the ACT.

Sydney, Friday 18 November 2022

The New South Wales Vice-Chancellor’s Committee (NSW VCC) has partnered with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) in a unique opportunity to boost the nuclear science and technology workforce of the next generation.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) was signed 18 November 2022 between the two parties, with the NSW VCC as the representative committee for 14 universities across NSW and ACT, and ANSTO as Australia’s centre of excellence for nuclear science and technology.

NSW is home to some of the world’s leading research institutions, which provides advantageous collaboration opportunities for the development and training of workforces across the nuclear industry, research, and educations sectors.  Areas of focus of the MOU include:

• Establishing common interests and capabilities in nuclear science and technology to develop the required national workforce skills and training,
• Developing a prospectus to identify and promote key areas for activity,
• Supporting the preparation of funding cases by the parties for resources and activities; and
• Forming a joint working group to progress MOU activities.

The 14 universities included are: Australian Catholic University, Australian National University, Charles Sturt University, Macquarie University, Southern Cross University, University of Canberra, University of Newcastle, University of New England, University of New South Wales, University of Notre Dame, University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, University of Wollongong, and Western Sydney University.

Professor Barney Glover, the Convener for the NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee said the MOU was an opportunity to strengthen the link between the universities and government.

“Working collaboratively to develop a framework to establish a strong workforce for the nuclear industry, research, and education sections is vital to not only inform a national approach, but to also support the future economy of NSW”.

ANSTO’s Group Executive Nuclear Safety, Security and Stewardship, Dr Miles Apperley welcomed the partnership with the NSW VCC.  

“A nuclear-literate workforce is essential for Australia’s outcomes in fields as diverse as defence, resources, environment, and health.  The MOU recognises an important collaboration in NSW that helps promote this important national agenda,” Dr Apperley said.

For nearly 70 years, ANSTO has undertaken nuclear-based science, technology, and research for the benefit for all Australians. ANSTO operates a large proportion of Australia’s landmark and national infrastructure, including one of the world’s most modern – and Australia’s only – nuclear research reactors, the Open Pool Australian Light-water multipurpose reactor.

ANSTO’s start-of-the-art infrastructure places Australia at the forefront of innovation for the benefit of industry, public health, and the environment, particularly through the nuclear fuel cycle.

Sydney, Tuesday 21 June 2022

The NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (NSW VCC) has welcomed the NSW Government’s landmark investment of $832.7 million to scientific research, innovation and technological development as announced today as part of 2022-23 NSW Budget.

The announcement includes a $703.4 million investment to establish a Future Economy Fund, set to accelerate R&D and commercialisation opportunities across the State, building on the Government’s innovative R&D Action Plan.

Convener of the NSW VCC, Professor Barney Glover AO, congratulated the NSW Government for its ground-breaking investment in R&D and commercialisation.

“NSW VCC and universities look forward to working with the government and industry on the implementation of these substantial investments to boost research and development and build the future economy of NSW,” said Professor Glover.

“This landmark funding is critical to future-proofing the social and economic prosperity of NSW and translating our collective research strengths to achieve real impact for the communities we serve.”

Professor Glover highlighted the significance of the commitment as the single largest investment in R&D, innovation and commercialisation from the NSW Government.

This follows a recent announcement of significant funding of two new facilities – the Sydney Biomedical Accelerator Complex in Camperdown and the Viral Vector manufacturing facility at Westmead, as well as the Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility.

“Scientific research, innovation and technological development are critical in the creation of a workforce and communities that can engage, lead, inspire and deliver solutions to realise the full potential of NSW, and the nation,” added Professor Glover.

Sydney, 10 June 2022

The NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (NSW VCC) has welcomed the NSW Government’s budget announcement of $119 million over 10 years to fund R&D initiatives and grants to firmly establish an RNA manufacturing and innovation ecosystem in NSW.

Convener of the NSW VCC, Professor Barney Glover AO, congratulated the NSW Government for its foresight and ambition which is set to transform the State into a world-leading destination for research, development and local manufacturing capabilities.

“Investments such as these are critical to future-proofing the social and economic prosperity of NSW. Universities look forward to working closely with government and industry, to utilise and translate our collective research strengths to achieve real impact for the communities we serve.”

The budget announcement follows previous commitments from the NSW Government to invest in the RNA Pilot Facility, RNA Production and Research Network and the establishment of the UNSW RNA Institute.

“This collaboration will bring together top scientists and researchers from the state’s leading universities, research institutes and hospitals to collaborate on RNA research and find therapeutic solutions to tackle other diseases and help protect the long-term health of our communities,” said Professor Glover.

“This is a significant investment and the collaboration between Government and the university sector will be a driver for future innovation and lead to a major vaccine producer establishing a base in NSW.”

Sydney, 27 April 2022

The New South Wales Vice-Chancellors’ Committee (NSWVCC), the peak body for universities in NSW and the ACT, has welcomed the publication of the NSW Innovation and Productivity Council’s 2022 NSW Innovation and Productivity Scorecard.

Convener of the NSWVCC and IPC co-champion of the Scorecard, Professor Barney Glover AO, said the IPC’s Scorecard is an important indicator of NSW’s performance across a broad range of innovation and productivity metrics against comparable economies. Professor Glover encouraged readers to consider the data released in the Scorecard for informing good advice and good decisions.

“The IPC’s ongoing publication of these unique reports is critical for informing our understanding of the connections between government, the higher education sector and industry. Additionally, understanding our placing with respect to comparable economies also tells us where we are leading the world and where improvements can be made.”

Professor Glover highlighted the strengthening results for NSW on Global Top 200 universities, researchers at the top of their fields, and top-cited papers, each strengthening since the last Scorecard in 2019.

“These strengthening results are to be celebrated. But the 2022 Scorecard shows university-industry collaboration must continue to be a priority for focus. Universities are committed to working closely with government and industry to utilise and translate our collective research strengths to achieve real impact for the communities we serve. The Scorecard illustrates that there is more work to do.”

Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology Alister Henskens said the Scorecard is an important way of understanding NSW’s economic performance and areas where we can improve.

“The Scorecard shows NSW has the largest share of start-ups and spinouts from Australian universities and research institutions and our growing venture capital investor presence is indicative of a globally competitive economy,” Mr Henskens said.

“We are unashamedly benchmarking ourselves against the heavy hitters of the global economy and it’s clear that NSW’s human capital stands up against the best.”

For more information visit: https://www.investment.nsw.gov.au/living-working-and-business/nsw-innovation-and-productivity-council/

Sydney, 6 December 2021

NSW universities are pleased to welcome back 250 international students as part of the International Student Arrival Pilot Plan. 

The Singapore Airlines flight arrived safely at Sydney airport earlier today, carrying students from over 15 nations including Indonesia, Singapore, Vietnam, South Korea, China and Canada. 

“We are delighted that the first cohort of international students have arrived safe and well after a long journey, and that the inaugural flight under the NSW pilot program has been a success,” said Professor Barney Glover AO, Convener of the NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee.

“We particularly would like to thank our partners FCM Travel and the many university staff involved in the pilot program for their tireless efforts to get to this point. We also thank Sydney Airport for today’s smooth handover to our university staff.”

Professor Glover also acknowledged the strong support from State and Federal Governments and their ongoing collaboration with the university sector.

“Study NSW have played a pivotal role in coordinating preparations across both State and Federal Governments and we are grateful for the continuing support as NSW looks to recover from the pandemic,” said Professor Glover.

In accordance with NSW Health guidelines, the fully-vaccinated students will now undergo PCR testing and self-isolate for the next 72 hours.

A second flight is scheduled to arrive in late December and is focused on bringing back students from India and South Asia.   

For more information and FAQs, visit Study NSW: https://www.study.sydney/return 

The NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, the peak body for all universities in NSW and the ACT, has welcomed today’s announcement by the Prime Minister that fully vaccinated international students will be welcomed back into the country from December 1, without the need to apply for a travel exemption or stay in quarantine.

Convener of the NSWVCC, Professor Barney Glover AO, said tens of thousands of international students were keen to return to New South Wales and the Australian Capital Territory in order to resume or commence their education.

“During the past two years we have always said that we looked forward to when it would be safe to welcome back our students stuck overseas – it looks like that day is soon to arrive,” he said.

“We have missed these students and the vibrancy they bring to our campuses and communities. They also help support a number of important sectors, such as hospitality and tourism, and will make an important contribution to recharging our economy.

“We expect that there may be some shortage in seat availability as Australia opens up, therefore necessitating the continuation of the pilot plan for the time being. We are looking forward to welcoming the first cohort of international students on Monday 6 December 2021.

“We would like to thank the State and Federal Governments for working so collaboratively with the university sector in preparation for this important moment.” 

For more information and FAQs, visit Study NSW: https://www.study.sydney/return