SDG 04 Quality Education

2025 Report

11th in Australia

Research and Innovation

Science and Engineering Challenge breaks down STEM barriers

Celebrating its 25th year, the University of Newcastle’s Science and Engineering Challenge was awarded a Eureka Prize by the Australian Museum for promoting inclusive STEM education. Since 2000, the program has engaged over 480,000 regional, rural, and remote students; teaching physics, maths, technology, and engineering. Half of participants are female, 5% identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, and 5% come from non-English-speaking households. The Challenge fosters curiosity, inspires careers in STEM, and helps remove barriers for students from diverse backgrounds.

The University of Newcastle’s Science and Engineering Challenge Team

Teaching and Learning

Commonwealth Supported Place initiative empowers Indigenous postgraduate students

Kieran Cubby, a proud Wiradjuri/Murrawarri man from Dubbo, is pursuing his dream of becoming an orthopaedic surgeon with the support of the University of Newcastle’s Commonwealth Supported Places (CSP) postgraduate initiative for Indigenous students. The program provides Australian Government-subsidised financial support, ensuring equitable access to postgraduate study and helping students overcome financial barriers.

Kieran credits the CSP initiative, alongside the Yapug and Miroma Bunbilla programs, and Wollotuka Institute support, with enabling his medical studies and progression toward one of Australia’s few Indigenous orthopaedic surgeons.

“CSP has helped me carry out the studies I need to become a surgeon.”
– Kieran Cubby.

CIFAL certifications for quality education

Throughout 2025, CIFAL Newcastle engaged a wide range of participants through capacity-building, research collaboration, and knowledge-sharing initiatives focused on sustainability, disaster resilience, equity, and inclusive development. A total of 1,949 beneficiaries participated across 46 learning, non-learning, and knowledge service activities, held in Australia, the Pacific, and internationally.

Approximately 55% of activities were learning programs, 40% non-learning engagements, and 5% knowledge services, collectively advancing competencies in sustainability leadership, governance, and evidence-based decision-making. Programs targeted participants from diverse backgrounds, including university students, government officials, researchers, and civil society leaders, across Newcastle, Callaghan, Ourimbah, Sydney, Singapore, the Solomon Islands, the Papua New Guinean Highlands, and Saudi Arabia.

CareerHub creating quality graduates

The University of Newcastle’s CareerHub has celebrated its 15-year partnership with Symplicity delivering high-quality educational programs to ensure that students are career-ready when they graduate from the University. To enhance employability and career readiness, the CareerHub provides practical support through resume building, LinkedIn refinement, and industry-relevant job offerings. Their programs include:

• Career Connect: Educating students through workshops to build employability and skills in career experiences.
• iLead Plus Program: Enhancing leadership through targeted workshops to showcase leadership experiences.

The CareerHub prioritises industry-relevant practical experience, emphasising career readiness and student education through skill-building and employability assurance.

Students from the CareerHub with Curriculum and Careers Manager, Academic Division Renee Smith.

Operations

200,000 lives transformed in 60 years of impact

In 2025, the University of Newcastle celebrated its 60th anniversary by reaching a milestone of 200,000 graduates. Over 1,300 students participated in nine ceremonies at Newcastle City Hall, marking six decades of life-changing education, opportunity, and regional impact.

Among the cohort, Bachelor of Aerospace Engineering graduate Aleria Dunlop represented the University’s 200,000th alum. Growing up near Williamtown, Aleria combined her passion for aviation technology with hands-on industry experience, including an internship with BAE Systems. Her story reflects a legacy of multi-generational achievement, with her grandfather graduating from the University 59 years ago.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Alex Zelinsky AO highlighted that the milestone reflects the transformative power of education, from the University’s first graduating class of 138 to a global community of over 37,000 students today. The celebrations emphasised the University’s enduring connection to its regions and commitment to fostering inclusive, empowering education for generations to come.

Graduate Aleria and her grandfather, Philip.

Community Outreach

Celebrating 50 years of Open Foundation transforming lives

For 50 years, Open Foundation has provided a pathway to higher education for people across the Hunter and Central Coast regions, helping students without direct entry qualifications develop skills, achieve goals, and realise their potential. With 2,200 students currently enrolled and 70,000 former alumni, Open Foundation has jump-started thousands of higher degrees and countless insights, ideas, and innovations across all disciplines. Open Foundation serves to increase equity and fairness, supporting the diverse lifestyles and backgrounds of all students who enroll.

Open Foundation courses have no tuition fees and are structured around progressive workloads and examinations. Following their course completion, many former students have enrolled at the University. Among their accomplishments are medical qualifications and doctoral degrees.

Associate Professor Anna Bennett, Director of Pathways and Academic Learning Support, emphasises that Open Foundation supports not only education but also community engagement, ensuring students are equipped to thrive. Generous scholarships from donors and partners like Joblink Plus further expand access, supporting students from regional areas, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities, and those overcoming personal challenges.

The program’s impact was celebrated through initiatives like the “50 Years, Fifty Stories” exhibition, which highlighted the achievements and resilience of past students. Open Foundation continues to open doors, empower individuals, and strengthen communities through inclusive education.

Students and collaborators from the 50 Years Fifty Stories exhibition at the University Gallery.