Implementation of academic change plan

The changes have been shaped by and reflect the ideas and suggestions provided by staff during extensive consultation and help the university achieve required savings.

The plan confirms changes to courses, including the retention of courses in key areas aligned with our public mission, namely teacher education, international studies and postgraduate health. It also confirms a reduced number of job losses, which will all be met through voluntary separation. 

“UTS exists to serve the public good and our primary commitment is to ensure we continue to deliver exceptional educational for our students and impactful research,” said Vice-Chancellor Professor Andrew Parfitt in confirming the changes.  

“The university needs to be financially stable so we can continue to invest in our incredible students, academics and research for the long term.” 

Feedback from UTS staff, students and other stakeholders has helped to shape these solutions. 

“Our staff have been key in helping to identify constructive solutions in a genuine consultation process throughout 2025,” Professor Parfitt said.

"They have shown passion and commitment in engaging with this process, offering valuable insights and suggestions on how we can make these changes."

“We will achieve nearly 80 per cent of our savings target for the academic changes and reduce the number of academic staff redundancies. Losing jobs is devastating but I am particularly relieved that all will be achieved through voluntary separations.” 

Total staff reductions will now be 121 full-time equivalent roles (FTE), down from the original estimate of 166 FTE (134 fixed term and continuing roles as well as 32 casual FTE).  

No changes to courses will be made before 2027. Currently enrolled students will be able to complete their studies in accordance with existing course structure and requirements. Teach-out plans will start from 2027. 

In January 2026 the Fair Work Commission determined that UTS has complied with its consultation obligations and provided adequate explanation of why change is necessary.