Universities Australia

We're the peak body representing Australia's university sector – advocating for a strong, internationally competitive university system.

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

Universities Australia’s submission to the inquiry into Australian university graduates highlights the value of universities to individuals, the economy and the nation.

Higher education is a key pathway to stronger employment outcomes and long-term career progression.

Recent ABS data shows that in 2025, Australians with a bachelor degree earned around 70 per cent more in median weekly wages than those whose highest qualification is Year 12.

Our submission calls for a system that expands access to tertiary education and supports more students to complete their studies, ensuring universities can continue delivering strong national outcomes.

Key recommendations include:

• Replacing the Job-ready Graduates Package with a fairer, sustainable funding model that does not shortchange students or universities
• Expanding the Commonwealth Prac Payment to all students undertaking mandatory placements
• Lifting PhD stipends to a competitive, livable level so our future researchers are not living on the poverty line.

Read the submission here: https://t.co/NRcqZiHzq0

#Universitiesmatter #highered #research #auspol
@AusGovEducation @JasonClareMP

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

Great news👏 Nine universities have reached their best-ever position in 2027 in the QS World University Rankings 2027 released today highlighting that Australia’s universities continue to deliver world-class teaching, research and innovation.

See the full list of QS World University Rankings 2027 here: https://t.co/QytxASHANu

@worlduniranking #highered #research #auspol #UniversitiesMatter #education @UNSW @ourANU @MonashUni @UQ_News @uwanews @UniofAdelaide @UTSEngage @RMIT @Macquarie_Uni @CurtinMedia @UOW @Deakin @Griffith_Uni @QUT @latrobe @Uni_Newcastle

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

New research by Griffith University using Explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) has revealed how deforestation and land-use change can dramatically intensify heatwaves. While the study focused on Africa, the findings have important implications for Australia and other warm-climate regions.

This is how universities are harnessing AI to tackle real-world challenges — generating insights that can help build more resilient communities in a changing climate.

Read more about the research here - https://t.co/I4x6qq8LK1

#UniversitiesMatter #highered #research #auspol #education #ArtificialIntelligence #ClimateResearch
@Griffith_Uni @ourANU @ndehedehe

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

The Charles Darwin University Free Tax Clinic is breaking barriers across the Northern Territory by providing free, independent tax support to individuals, small businesses and charities including in some of Australia's most remote communities building stronger, fairer and more inclusive communities.

In 2025 alone, the clinic delivered more than 330 consultations, helping people navigate the tax system, improve financial wellbeing and access opportunities they might otherwise miss. At the same time, CDU students are gaining invaluable real-world experience while making a meaningful difference in their communities.

Our 2025 Shaping Australia Community Champion Award winners (People’s Choice) share more about impact of the project.

#Universitiesmatter #highered #research #ShapingAustraliaAwards @CDUni @NTGovernmentAU

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

Men’s Health Week (15-21 June) shines a spotlight on the health challenges facing men and the importance of fostering better physical and mental wellbeing.

Our universities are playing a vital role in improving men's health outcomes through research. At Griffith University, researchers have explored the link between childhood sexual abuse, men's mental health and suicide risk, highlighting how the impacts of trauma can persist long into adulthood.

Research like these by our universities help to inform better support for survivors and contribute to improved health outcomes for men.

Read more about the research here: https://t.co/ogURUH36M2

@MensHealthAMHF @Griffith_Uni #Universitiesmatter #research #MensHealthWeek #mentalhealth

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

Universities Australia’s submission to the inquiry into the factors driving educational attainment calls for urgent reforms to make it easier for more Australians to access, participate in and complete tertiary education.

Australia’s ambition of 80 per cent tertiary attainment by 2050 won’t be achieved without stronger outcomes across universities, VET, apprenticeships and traineeships—and better connected, more accessible education and training pathways for all Australians.

Our recommendations to help lift educational attainment so that Australia can meet its future skills needs include:

1. Maintain and expand pathways into tertiary education, including enabling programs and FEEFREE Uni Ready courses, to support successful transitions into further study.

2. Replace the Job-ready Graduates Package with a funding model that removes financial barriers to participation and supports student choice.

3. Strengthen student support measures that improve participation and completion, including cost-of-living assistance and placement support.

4. Accelerate implementation of a nationally linked student data framework through Universal Student Identifiers to better understand learner pathways and attainment outcomes.

Read our full submission: https://t.co/SJEkS7DAUY

#Universitiesmatter #highered #research #auspol @AusGovEducation @JasonClareMP

[Jason Clare MP @JasonClareMP]

When I think about what universities could be like, I think about places like this.

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

Our CEO @LukeSheehyUA attended the Connected Continents: A New Era of EU-Australia Research Cooperation through Horizon Europe event yesterday. This special event was held to recognise and celebrate Australia's association to Horizon Europe this week.

This is a fantastic moment for Australia's universities. Access to the world’s largest research and innovation program will create new opportunities for researchers right across Australia to participate in and lead international collaborations in areas such as health, clean energy, advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence. It will connect our best and brightest with some of the world’s leading scientific and technological partnerships and help turn great ideas into real-world outcomes that strengthen our economy and improve lives.

Congratulations to all involved in this successful announcement!

#auspol #highered @ayrestim @ThomsonVicki @GroupOfEight

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

The story Minister @JasonClareMP shared today about Carter speaking for the first time is a powerful reminder of why universities matter.

Every day, university-trained professionals in allied health, education and care professions help transform lives, strengthen communities and create opportunities for Australians.

We support the Universities Accord vision to expand access to higher education, lift participation, and ensure more Australians can gain the skills our nation needs.

#UniversitiesMatter and this is what their impact looks like in practice. 👏
@latrobe @BenCarrollMP
#auspol #highered

[Jason Clare MP @JasonClareMP]

Speech: Opening of the La Trobe Health Clinic Building

https://t.co/WzyeZKF8Yn

[Jason Clare MP @JasonClareMP]

With the Victorian Deputy Premier and Minister for Education @BenCarrollMP today at La Trobe Uni to see their simulated classroom for teaching students in action.

This year we have changed what our future teachers are taught as part of their university degree.

This includes a stronger focus on how the brain works, how to teach children to read and write and count, and how to manage classroom behaviour.

La Trobe has led the way with the science of learning and evidence-based teaching.

That is embedded in the new curriculum for teaching students and is a key part of the reforms we are rolling out across the country.

This facility here at La Trobe is one of a kind in Australia and helps take that training to the next level.

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

A partnership between the @UniCanberra and the @actgovernment is transforming teacher education and professional learning across the Australian Capital Territory.

Our 2025 Shaping Australia Future Builder Award winners, Clinical Associate Professor Joanne Keens and Dr Holly Tootell, share how initiatives such as the Affiliated Schools Program build capacity, strengthen professional practice, and improve student learning outcomes.

They also explain why programs like #ShapingAustraliaAwards are so important in recognising and showcasing the valuable work taking place across Australia’s universities.

Want to be part of the 2026 awards and share the vital work you are doing to help shape the lives of Australians? Watch this space.

Entries for the 2026 awards open soon. 👉 https://t.co/5adCCJSM1Y
#UniversitiesMatter #teachers #education
@AusGovEducation @billshortenvcuc

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

Congratulations to the university leaders, researchers, educators and alumni recognised in this year’s King’s Birthday Honours. We’re delighted to see so many talented people from our sector acknowledged for their dedication, excellence and service. 👏#UniversitiesMatter

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

Great news for Australian research and innovation. @uniaus has long advocated for Australia’s association with #HorizonEurope, and we’re pleased to see treaty negotiations now concluded.

This landmark step will open new opportunities for Australian researchers to collaborate globally, attract investment and turn world-class research into real-world impact.

This is a major win for Australia’s future prosperity and competitiveness. And we look forward to working with the government and the sector to ensure we make the most of these opportunities.

Read our full media release here: https://t.co/ZPg5K5WZWg
#highered #research @ayrestim @JasonClareMP

[Universities Australia @uniaus]

Our CEO @LukeSheehyUA met with Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC yesterday to discuss the important role universities play in Victoria and across the nation.

#auspol #highered #Universitiesmatter @VicGovernor