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 

24 September 2021

The NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee has welcomed the NSW Government’s announcement to allow a small number of international students to return to NSW in the later months of 2021.

“After more than 18 months of planning, we are delighted that both the Federal and State Governments are supportive of an incremental reopening of our borders to international students” said the Convener of the NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee, Professor Barney Glover AO. 

“This has been a collaborative effort and we thank the Deputy Premier, Treasurer and Minister for Jobs, Investment, Tourism and Western Sydney for leading the State’s economic recovery and enabling the safe reintroduction of our international students to our local communities as part of the broader NSW roadmap.

“We will be ready to go once the lockdown in NSW ends with the state reaching the 70 per cent vaccination target,” said Professor Glover. “In the meantime, universities continue to work closely with government on the logistics and are following public health advice regarding the Delta outbreak. 

The Convener emphasised that international student arrivals will not impact the capacity for Australians looking to return home through Sydney: “This pathway is industry led and funded, and it is important to note that students will still be required to complete 14 days of quarantine in government supervised purpose-built student accommodation,” Professor Glover said.

“We know the pilot is small in scale, but it is a critical milestone that will allow us to test and refine our plans and processes before committing to a full return. We want to ensure a safe return for all our international students as well as keep our community safe. The pilot will be evaluated after the first two flights with the view to scaling up as quickly as possible thereafter.

27 August 2021

NSW and ACT universities have taken note of the announcement made today by the NSW Government regarding changes to the HSC this year, accepting that the decision has been made in the best interests of students during a time of great disruption to their education. 

“Our message to year 12 students remains simple, do your best to complete your HSC appreciating that there are many pathways into university.” said Professor Barney Glover AO, Convener of the NSW Vice-Chancellors’ Committee.

“We understand how unsettling all these changes are for you, but we are strongly encouraging you to stay the course and complete your HSC.

“Don’t get distracted or disheartened, instead, take this extra time as an opportunity to devote your energy to studying. Focus on putting all your effort into meeting the challenges that are in front of you with the promise of a well-deserved break over the holiday period.”

Professor Glover also wished to convey words of support to schools, teachers and parents: “Colleagues, we are all in this together. We are grateful for your extraordinary efforts during this time of crisis, and we commend you for going above and beyond to prepare students for their HSC assessments. To the parents of these students, feel assured that the universities have programs to support year 12 students as they transition into university life. 

From the university sector’s perspective, Professor Glover also said that “These changes will not unduly impact us. We will work through them and adjust our admissions processes (including those through UAC) as needed.

We wish all year 12 students every success with their HSC assessments in 2021″

Additional words of support from NSW and ACT universities:

Australian National University Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Brian Schmidt said: “To everyone finishing your HSC – we know your last two years have been challenging, but your teachers have prepared you well for what comes next in your lives. For those of you planning to come to ANU – stay the course and we look forward to welcoming you to our campus in 2022.”

Charles Sturt University Interim Vice-Chancellor and President Professor John Germov said: “In recent weeks year 12 students in regional NSW have been forced to again deal with lockdowns and changed schooling conditions. Changes to the scheduling of HSC exams will no doubt be unsettling, but I encourage students to tap into the resilience that has helped them through the last 18 months to complete their exams to the best of their abilities. That resilience is just as important as their exam results in helping to open the door to a university course. There are many pathways into University and Charles Sturt is ready to support students during this challenging time.”

University of Newcastle Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Alex Zelinsky AO said: “Regional universities across New South Wales are ready to play an important role in supporting our local schools and communities through this very different HSC year. Like many regional institutions, the University of Newcastle has worked closely with school communities over the last 18 months to develop programs, resources and pathways to support HSC students.  We’re proud of the students, teachers and their families in our communities for their resilience and determination over this period of disruption. There are many ways for students to get into university, and we’re glad we have been able to play a part in their preparation for HSC exams. We encourage all students to continue with their HSC and to keep going at this important time.”

University of New South Wales President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Ian Jacobs said: “These pandemic years have been particularly tough on those completing their schooling, but Year 12 students in NSW have shown enormous character and perseverance. UNSW understands the hurdles you are facing, and we will work with you to help you realise your higher education ambitions. We encourage you to continue your studies confident in the knowledge that opportunities will be available at UNSW as usual. Your knowledge and skills will be greatly needed in the years to come.”

University of Sydney Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Mark Scott AO said: “Class of 2021, please keep going and trust that we all want to see you succeed. Whatever happens with case numbers, vaccination rates or the lockdown one thing is certain – there will be places at universities across the country for you next year.”

University of Technology Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Attila Brungs said: “As a parent of high school kids, I know how much the pandemic has impacted upon all of you, but also how much your teachers are doing to make sure you succeed despite those challenges. You’ll find the same supportive approach at university next year, if that’s what you choose to pursue. Good luck in your exams.”

Sample list of programs available to students transitioning into university:

Australian Catholic University

• Support for Year 12 students: https://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/support-for-year-12-students
• ACU Guarantee: https://www.acu.edu.au/study-at-acu/admission-pathways/acu-guarantee

Australian National University

• First-Year Experience Program: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/information-for/new-students/first-year-experience-program
• Set4ANU Mentoring: https://www.anu.edu.au/students/information-for/new-students/set4anu-mentoring

Charles Sturt University: Advantage: https://study.csu.edu.au/study-options/pathways/charles-sturt-advantage

Macquarie University

• Macquarie Entry: https://www.mq.edu.au/study/high-school-students/getting-into-university/macquarie-entry 
• Year 12 Early Entry Schemes: https://www.mq.edu.au/study/year-12-early-entry 
• Macquarie Leaders and Achievers: https://www.mq.edu.au/study/admissions/entry-requirements/domestic/macquarie-entry/macquarie-leaders-and-achievers 
• Macquarie University Adjustment Factors: https://www.mq.edu.au/study/high-school-students/getting-into-university/adjustment-factors 
• Pathways at Macquarie University: https://www.mq.edu.au/study/pathways 
• Year 12 Personal Consultations: https://page.mq.edu.au/year-12-consultations.html 

Southern Cross University

• Transition to Uni: https://www.scu.edu.au/transition-to-uni/ 
• Preparing for Success Program: https://www.scu.edu.au/study-at-scu/courses/preparing-for-success-at-scu-program-2307160/

University of New South Wales

• Gateway Admission Pathway and Program: https://www.futurestudents.unsw.edu.au/unsw-gateway-early-offer
• Alternative entry schemes by faculty: https://www.entry.futurestudents.unsw.edu.au/alternative-entry
• Preparation Program: https://www.futurestudents.unsw.edu.au/unswprep17-19

University of Technology Sydney

• U@Uni Academy: https://www.uts.edu.au/partners-and-community/initiatives/social-justice-uts/centre-social-justice-inclusion/uuni-academy
• Schools Recommendation Scheme: https://www.uts.edu.au/study/undergraduate/admission-requirements/admissions-schemes/educational-access-schemes/schools-recommendation-scheme

Western Sydney University

• True Reward: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/future/study/application-pathways/hsc-true-reward?cid=hp-omc-22acquisition-hsctr-21
• Western Success: https://www.westernsydney.edu.au/starting/orientation/transition_success_program

University of Notre Dame Sydney

• Tertiary Pathway Program: https://www.notredame.edu.au/study/pathways/tertiary-pathway-program or https://www.notredame.edu.au/study/pathways/tertiary-pathway-program
• Logos: https://www.notredame.edu.au/about/schools/sydney/philosophy-and-theology/logos-for-schools
• Study prep workshops: https://www.notredame.edu.au/events-items/uni-success-prep-workshop/_nocache
• Everyday Maths and Numeracy: https://www.notredame.edu.au/about/schools/pathways/everyday-maths-and-numeracy
• Science primer – School of Nursing (Pre-semester): https://www.notredame.edu.au/about/schools/sydney/nursing
• Library workshops: https://bookings.library.nd.edu.au/calendar/universitylibrary_calendar?cid=7107&t=m&d=0000-00-00&cal=7107&inc=0
• Young Achievers’ Early Offer Program: https://www.notredame.edu.au/study/early-offer/early-offer-2022

The University of Sydney

• The Gadigal Program: https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/undergraduate/admission-pathways/aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-pathways.html
• Broadway Scheme: https://www.uac.edu.au/future-applicants/scholarships-and-schemes/educational-access-schemes
• Early Offer Year 12 (E12) Scheme: https://www.sydney.edu.au/study/how-to-apply/undergraduate/admission-pathways/early-offer-year-12-scheme.html
• Portfolio admissions program: https://www.sydney.edu.au/architecture/study-architecture-design-planning/undergraduate-courses/portfolio-pathways.html