Universities Australia

Save the date: The Universities Australia Solutions Summit returns to Canberra on 23-24 February 2027. Join more than 1,000 leaders from universities, government and industry for Australia’s premier forum for ideas, collaboration and solutions to address the issues shaping our future. Be part of the ideas and discussions driving real-world impact. Stay tuned for speaker announcements, the 2027 program and registration details. More information - events.uniaus.edu.au/2027SolutionsS… #UASolutionsSummit

The Shaping Australia Awards are all about celebrating the people, programs and research making a difference and shaping Australia’s future. If you’re part of an initiative that is driving positive change through research, innovation or community engagement, we want to hear from you! Join a national platform to showcase the outstanding work happening across our universities and the real impact it is making on our communities. Learn more about the 2026 program and how to enter here: shapingaustraliaawards.com.au/how-to-enter Entries close 1 September 2026. Submit your entry now. #ShapingAustraliaAwards26 #research #universityimpact #innovation

Students are being squeezed from both sides — facing rapidly rising living costs while being charged some of the highest university fees in Australia’s history. New analysis from Universities Australia shows that since the Job-ready Graduates Package was introduced, student rents have risen by 40 per cent, grocery prices by 27 per cent, utilities by 39 per cent and fuel by 43 per cent. The Australian Government has acted to reduce existing HELP balances, providing welcome relief to graduates. But it has left JRG — a major source of excessive student debt — in place, meaning future students will continue to accumulate unnecessarily large debts. It is time to give students a fairer deal by replacing Job-ready Graduates and making higher education more accessible and affordable. More information - universitiesaustralia.edu.au/wp-content/upl… #highered #research #auspol #JRG

Early detection saves lives and Australian researchers are redefining what's possible. The Australian Centre of Excellence in Melanoma Imaging and Diagnosis (ACEMID) is combining AI, advanced imaging and world-leading expertise to transform melanoma screening. This groundbreaking national collaboration is advancing earlier detection, more personalised care and better outcomes for patients, while setting a new global benchmark for melanoma diagnosis. Recognised in last year's Shaping Australia Awards, ACEMID is a powerful example of Australian university research delivering real-world impact. Learn more: shapingaustraliaawards.com.au/finalists/acem… Submit your entry for the 2026 Shaping Australia Awards today: ow.ly/JeYw50ZgHwQ #ShapingAustraliaAwards26 #teachers #education @hpsoyer @UQ_News @MonashUni @Sydney_Uni @PabloFP_Syd @DrVictoriaMar @MonikaJanda

As Gurawul, the humpback whales, make their annual return to the NSW South Coast, University of Wollongong researchers Associate Professor Anthony McKnight and Dr Jack Pascoe are helping share a deeper understanding of their significance to the Yuin people. Their contribution to a national Indigenous-led research project highlights the importance of Indigenous knowledge, cultural responsibility and listening to the voices of Country in environmental decision-making. “Our Gurawul has a role and obligation. They look after the medicines and the food in the ocean, and our role is to look after the land to protect their songlines, because Country and Sea are both highly interconnected." Read more about the research here: universitiesmatter.edu.au/giving-country… #Universitiesmatter #highered #research @UOW

WATCH: The webinar recording of the latest instalment of our Solutions Series: In Conversation is now available to watch. The unplugged conversation between Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) Chief Commissioner Professor Barney Glover AO and @uniaus CEO @LukeSheehyUA explores how a more connected tertiary system can be achieved, the role ATEC will play in supporting reform, and the importance of collaboration between universities, TAFEs, government and industry in shaping the future of Australian education. Watch the webinar recording here: t.co/LFOX2e8JTD #highered #research #auspol #HigherEducation @ATECtoday @AusGovEducation

Australia’s universities are home to some of the country’s best and brightest. Every day, talented people are helping solve problems, create opportunities and improve lives right across Australia. The #ShapingAustraliaAwards celebrate the people and initiatives driving this impact. Last year, we received more than 100 outstanding entries, showcasing the remarkable contribution universities are making to Australia’s future. And I can’t wait to see another exceptional field of entries this year. If you or your university teams are making a difference, now is the time to share your impact. Submit your entry for the 2026 Shaping Australia Awards today. Entries are open until 1 September 2026. For more info visit - shapingaustraliaawards.com.au #ShapingAustraliaAwards26 #research #teaching #communityimpact @uniaus @JasonClareMP @AusGovEducation @arc_gov_au

Is your project or initiative making a real difference in the community? If you or your team are strengthening communities, improving lives, and creating lasting positive impact, we'd love to hear your story. Our Community Champion Award celebrates university initiatives that deliver meaningful and tangible benefits to communities across Australia. Last year's winners showcased the incredible impact of Australian universities, from a free tax clinic supporting vulnerable communities to a program transforming communication access for Deaf and Deafblind Australians. So, if your work is helping create positive change, now is the time to share it. Submit your entry for the 2026 Shaping Australia Awards and help showcase the extraordinary work of Australian universities: shapingaustraliaawards.com.au #ShapingAustraliaAwards26 #communityimpact #UniversitiesMatter @AusGovEducation @MonashUni @LouisaWillough3 @CDUni @UNSW @UOW @oneinbillion @KateMGunn @CQU @SashaJob @CQUniversityVC

Universities Australia welcomes the Australian Government's new anti-racism and governance standards, an important step in strengthening Australia's higher education sector. There is no place for racism, discrimination or hate in our universities. Every student and staff member deserves to feel safe, respected and able to participate fully, regardless of their race, religion or background. We support the implementation of these new standards and will continue working with the Government and TEQSA to support implementation of these standards across the sector. Read our full media release here: universitiesaustralia.edu.au/media-item/uni… #auspol #highered #policy #auspol #HigherEducation @AusGovEducation @JasonClareMP @JulianHillMP

Today I joined Australian Prime Minister @AlboMP, Indian Prime Minister @narendramodi, and leaders from business, education and government at the Australia-India CEO Forum in Melbourne. The Forum brought together leaders from both countries to discuss barriers to growth and identify initiatives that can strengthen the relationship between two countries. The discussions reinforced the important role education plays in deepening Australia-India ties, and @uniaus looks forward to supporting the strengthening of this important partnership. @JasonClareMP @JulianHillMP @AusHCIndia @Austrade @BCAcomau @MineralsCouncil @OricaLimited @Populous @Macquarie @ACCINews @bhp @GrainCorp @The_AiGroup #highered #AustraliaIndia #internationaleducation

Our CEO @LukeSheehyUA joined education, industry and government leaders from Australia and India at the Australia-India Education Roundtable today to discuss how stronger collaboration can build the skills and workforce needed for the future. The launch of the Community of Practice initiative and the signing of the Business Council of Australia–Confederation of Indian Industry Statement of Collaboration mark an important step in strengthening connections between education and industry, ensuring graduates are equipped with the skills needed for the future. @AlboMP @narendramodi @JasonClareMP @JulianHillMP @BCAcomau @FollowCII @Deakin @UOW @UNSW @victoriauninews @westernsydneyu @uwanews @latrobe @Austrade @AusGovEducation @oneinbillion @AdamShoemakerVC @ProfGWilliams @ProfChakma

Great to host Professor Barney Glover AO for our latest Solutions Series: In Conversation. A candid and thoughtful discussion on the future of Australia’s tertiary education system, the role of the new Australian Tertiary Education Commission and what comes next for reform. Thanks to Barney for joining me – and to everyone who tuned in. If you missed it, you can watch here: events.uniaus.edu.au/barneyglover/h… Big challenges need real solutions, and conversations like this matter. Stay tuned for the next conversation in our series. #highered #policy #auspol #HigherEducation @ATECtoday @AusGovEducation @uniaus

Australia's biggest higher education reform in decades is now underway. In his first major public appearance as Chief Commissioner of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, Professor Barney Glover AO outlined his vision for the future of Australian tertiary education. During the webinar, Inside Canberra asked the closing media question: What will success actually look like for ATEC five years from now? Professor Glover's answer revealed a vision centred on stability, sustainability, stronger university–TAFE pathways, greater equity, research excellence and preparing Australia for an AI-driven future. Read our full in-depth analysis: insidecanberra.com/barney-glover-… @LukeSheehyUA @uniaus @AusGovEducation #HigherEducation #Universities #AustralianUniversities #ATEC #UniversitiesAccord #Research #Innovation #Skills #Canberra #Policy #Education #Australia

WATCH: An unplugged conversation on the future of Australia’s tertiary education system. In this exclusive Solutions Series: In Conversation event, @uniaus CEO @LukeSheehyUA sits down with Professor Barney Glover AO, inaugural Chief Commissioner of the Australian Tertiary Education Commission, for one of his first public conversations since commencing in the role. No speeches. No presentations. Just an open, candid discussion about the opportunities and challenges shaping Australia's tertiary education system. Watch the webinar recording here: events.uniaus.edu.au/barneyglover/h… #highered #research #auspol #HigherEducation @ATECtoday @AusGovEducation

Calling all the amazing and inspiring teachers out there! Whether you're developing the workforce of tomorrow, creating innovative learning experiences, or building new pathways for students, your impact deserves to be recognised. Our Future Builder Award recognises inspiring teachers and educators who are preparing students with the knowledge, skills and opportunities to thrive. So, if you are shaping the future through education, now is the time to share your story. Submit your entry today and help showcase the extraordinary impact of Australia's teachers. 👇 shapingaustraliaawards.com.au #ShapingAustraliaAwards26 #teaching #education