- Posted on 17 Sep 2025
An update on the Operational Sustainability Initiative from Kylie Readman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education and Students).
I’m writing to give you an update on how UTS is planning for the future - ensuring a sustainable financial footing and supporting our vision of being a leading public university of technology recognised for our global impact – in other words, a university you can be proud to have studied at.
In May, we gave you an overview of the university’s Operational Sustainability Initiative.
We want to give students the best possible teaching and learning experience but we can’t achieve these goals without making some changes to how we operate.
We’ve released proposed changes for our staff to consult on, including streamlining our course and subject offerings. We also propose creating a new combined Faculty of Business and Law. These changes seek to enhance and streamline the student experience through:
- improved curriculum designed with a focus on student experience, progression and success
- clearer options when choosing electives and constructing timetables.
- a more consistent learning experience, with better teaching coordination and delivery
- financial stability supports continued investment in student support, facilities and digital infrastructure
- enhancing research and teaching quality, boosting the value and reputation of a UTS degree.
We have put together a set of FAQs for students. These FAQs relate to a proposed change that is currently under staff consultation. No final decisions have been made. The information below outlines what is being considered, what we know now, and how we will support you if the proposed changes go ahead. We will continue to update you as new information becomes available.
FAQs last updated 23 October 2025
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What are the change proposals and what changes are being proposed? |
UTS is focused on achieving a financially sustainable future where students can continue to get the quality of education they expect. The change proposals are an effort to help UTS become stronger and more sustainable into the future. You can view a summary of the Academic Change proposal and a summary of the Operating Model Change proposal. |
| Where can I get updates on the progress of the proposal or decision? | This page will be updated with information and new FAQs as they emerge. |
| I’m currently studying one of the courses that are being proposed to be discontinued. Will I be able to complete my course? | If the proposal proceeds, the university will follow the established policy and process for courses that are being phased out and discontinued. This will ensure we meet our TEQSA obligations. This typically allows students currently admitted to the course to continue their studies in accordance with the existing course structure and requirements. If your study plan will be directly impacted, we’ll make sure you have full information about your options. We’ll contact you in due course. |
| Will the proposed changes affect the quality of curriculum? | No. The proposed changes are designed to improve the student experience and uphold the quality and future-focus of teaching at UTS. While some courses and subjects will be discontinued due to low enrolments, duplication, or lack of strategic alignment, we will continue to offer core subjects and electives critical to student progression. This does not in any way reflect the value or quality of these courses. |
| Will my degree still be recognised if my course is discontinued? | Yes. All UTS courses are accredited and will be recognised even if they are no longer offered. Discontinuation of courses is a normal part of the curriculum lifecycle and the university will maintain the quality of the student experience and the curriculum throughout your time at UTS. |
| Will there be one-on-one support or advising sessions? Who can I talk to about how this affects me personally? | The majority of students won’t be impacted at all. However, if you are one of the small number of students in courses that will potentially change, we will send you a separate email with some advice specific to you later in the year once decisions have been made as part of change implementation planning. There is no action for you now. |
| I’m an international student. Does this affect my visa? | At this stage, the course and subject changes are part of a proposal and no final decisions have been made. Even if changes do go ahead, students will be able to finish the course that they’ve already started. If you’re an international student and your study plan is affected, we’ll give you clear guidance and support, including advice on your visa and any steps you may need to take. |
| Will there be extra support for planning my enrolment? | Yes, if you need it. However, the proposed changes have no impact on our 2025 subject offerings. |
| Will I receive individual advice if I’m impacted? | Yes, if you need it. However, if you are on track to complete your degree this year for instance, then the proposed changes won’t impact you at all. |
| I’m a student in Law, Business, TD School – what does the proposed combined new faculty mean for me? | There should be no impact for students. Business, Law and TD School will each retain their unique identity within the proposed combined administrative and leadership structure. It is intended to provide better support for teaching and research in these important disciplines as well as reduce administrative complexity. |
| Will any student services be reduced as a result of these changes as staff are cut? | No. The aim is to simplify and improve services access and provision for students. For example, a single front-door is proposed for accessing student services through ASKUTS, centralised admissions, as well as a co-ordinated student experience and success teams. There will be no changes to Student Wellbeing services. |
| What if I want to give feedback as a student? | We are undertaking a consultation process with staff as some UTS staff members’ employment may be affected. Student feedback is also important. We've created a form for you to provide feedback on both proposals. If you have specific questions, please email studentfeedback@uts.edu.au. We’ll respond to the most commonly asked questions and share answers with the wider student community. |