Students rank Federation #1 in Victoria for teaching quality and support

Federation University Australia has again topped Victoria for undergraduate teaching quality and engagement, along with student support and services, in the latest national student survey results.

The newly released Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) 2025 Student Experience Survey also found Federation is number one in regional Australia and number two in Victoria for undergraduate skills development – demonstrating the University’s strong track record of equipping students with the practical skills needed to succeed.  

The survey collects data on key aspects of the higher education student experience, with students from 43 universities participating in 2025.

 In the latest results, Federation University was ranked:

• #1 in Victoria and #1 in regional Australia for undergraduate Student Support and Services
• #1 in Victoria and #3 in regional Australia for undergraduate Teaching Quality and Engagement
• #1 in regional Australia and #2 in Victoria for undergraduate Skills Development
• #2 in in Victoria and #3 in regional Australia for Quality of Entire Educational Experience (undergraduate)

Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley said the results were especially meaningful because they came directly from students.

"This tells us that students value the quality of our teaching, the support they receive and the opportunities they have to develop the skills they need for their future careers,” Professor Bentley said.

"As a university deeply embedded in the communities we serve, we are able to offer a learning experience that is personal and connected, where students know their lecturers and can access academic support when they need.”

Professor Bentley said the results reflected the broad range of supports available to students, including the Nourishment Nook pantry, Styled for Success program, Hardship Support Grants, scholarships and other supports, which were this year expanded to include a free weekly Breakfast Club and low-cost campus lunches to ease cost of living pressures.

"We know that when we remove barriers to education like the cost of living and genuinely support students, they are better able to focus on their studies and achieve their goals,” he said.

The results follow the QILT 2025 Graduate Outcomes Survey which found Federation is ranked number one in Victoria for undergraduate salary, undergraduate employment rates and postgraduate full-time employment. 

Professor Bentley said Federation’s strong results were also supported by its Co-operative Education Model, which integrates workplace experience into students’ courses as a core part of their degree.

“By gaining that practical on-the-job experience, our students graduate with not just a qualification – but with a resume.”

Third-year Bachelor of Nursing student Rajindu Kularathne described the university support he’d received throughout his degree as excellent.

“The support available from the health placements team, learning skills advisors, international student advisory team, peer mentors and library staff helped me settle in quickly,” he said.

“The direct approachability of the lecturers and the hands-on learning opportunities as a fellowship student with St John of God Ballarat gave me valuable experience and I’m excited to have been selected to complete my graduate year there.

“I’ve also had a great opportunity to upskill in public speaking through my role as a student ambassador and content creator.”

For more information on QILT and the latest results, visit www.qilt.edu.au