- Posted on 15 Oct 2026
- 2-minute read
UTS has been working towards building a National First Nations College, an Indigenous-designed, culturally responsive residential community where students can belong, connect and succeed.
The National First Nations College (the NFNC) is a key project the university has been working toward delivering over a number years.
The NFNC will provide a distinctive culturally responsive Indigenous-designed place, fully inclusive of all peoples, providing accommodation for both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students.
It aims to advance Indigenous education, making tertiary education more accessible to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, and offer cultural programming and academic support to residents which will make all students feel welcome in their home away from home.
The NFNC is based on extensive consultation with students, and the building design was awarded through a formal design competition. It is envisaged as providing spaces for public events, creative practice, and community engagement that welcomes and respects all.
The successful design was created by a consortium of Greenaway Architects (Cultural Lead Jefa Greenaway, Warren and Mahoney and Oculus. The design has since won 2024 WAFX Award and was Highly Commended in the education category of the 2024 Worls Architecture Festival (WAF) Awards.
UTS recently concluded a procurement process refining the building design, developing an operating model and commercial framework for delivery of the NFNC.
While that process concluded earlier this year with no transaction or arrangement entered into, the university is using the information gained through that process to develop an alternative approach to deliver this project and achieve the objectives of this important project.
UTS is continuing to work towards our ambition to build the NFNC.
The university will continue to keep our partners and community updated on the progress of the NFNC as this project progresses.