Federation University outlines vision for future-focussed course portfolio

Federation University has announced the next steps of its ongoing transformation, ensuring it meets community and industry needs, delivers on student experiences, and positions itself as a stronger and more financially sustainable institution.

The proposed changes support the long-term sustainability of Federation’s five campuses in Ballarat, Melbourne, Berwick, Gippsland and Wimmera. It will also create closer alignment between course offerings, student demand, industry need and future labour forecasts.

The University is proposing changes to a small number of low-demand courses — equivalent to around 10% — as part of a broader strategy to better meet the education and skills needs of Victoria’s regional communities and create ongoing financial viability.

The proposed course changes include changing the locations from which some courses are offered, streamlining specialisations, shifting delivery modes, and, in some cases, pausing intakes where demand is low. There are no anticipated impacts on current students and no changes proposed to Federation’s TAFE offerings.

The proposal supports the long-term sustainability of Federation’s campuses and will create closer alignment between course offerings, student demand, industry need and future labour forecasts. The proposed course changes, if adopted, will result in a reduction of 16.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) academic staff.

“It is vital that we focus our resources on education, training and modes of delivery where there is strong and growing demand, and which is aligned with the future skills needs forecast by government and industry,” said Federation University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Duncan Bentley.

Demand in many course areas is increasing, and Federation University has a plan to grow through its innovative co-op education model which helps drive the local economy by delivering education and training aligned with community and industry needs.

Like many universities across Australia, Federation is facing significant external pressures, including changes in government policy, constraints on student numbers, shifting market demand, and economic uncertainty.

“We must keep evolving to stay true to our purpose — serving our regional communities with high-quality education and applied research that delivers real outcomes. Through the co-op model, we’re growing where demand is high and impact is greatest,” said Professor Bentley.

“We don’t offer the same courses as we did in 1870 when we began, and re-shaping our programs means our courses stay relevant, our campuses remain vibrant, and our operations are financially sustainable.”

In 2024, Federation commenced a transformation program which focussed on simplifying and streamlining non-academic services to create $40 million of savings.

Federation says many discipline areas are growing rapidly, while some face ongoing decline. Running courses with very low student numbers is both financially unsustainable and deprives students of a full and engaging learning experience.

“Reviewing course offerings is a vital part of good university management and ensures we are meeting the needs of our communities both now and into the future,” said Professor Bentley.

“The proposed changes will mean we’re future-ready and able to invest in the student experience, our co-op model, teaching and research, and a streamlined, more contemporary course offering.”

Federation is already trialling and expanding flexible modes of delivery and co-designing and co-delivering courses with industry and continues to integrate the innovative “co-op” model into every course, driving the economic growth of regional and outer-suburban communities.

In some engineering disciplines, Federation is offering a new cadetship model that sees students employed in the sector from day one, with block-release on-campus learning — cutting down travel and cost while increasing relevance and employment outcomes.

“We’re investing in areas of strong and growing demand, evolving our delivery models and building a more agile, responsive university that can thrive for the next 150 years,” said Professor Bentley.

Federation is working closely with the Commonwealth and Victorian Government to ensure its offerings are aligned to the Victorian Skills Plan and University Accord Reforms. Recent investments made by the Victorian Government and the Commonwealth Government's Managed Growth Model ensure the focus on aligned demand will create more opportunities for regional learners.