Our vision
Our vision is to build a co-operative university model that responds to the needs of our students and regions
At Federation, our vision is to build a university that grows alongside our regions and creates real opportunities for students and local communities. By 2040, we aim to be known around the world for our Co‑operative Education Model, where employers and industry help shape the curriculum and delivery.
Every course at Federation will offer meaningful, work‑based experience, giving students the skills, confidence and connections to go straight from study to employment. As our campuses, technology parks and partnerships expand, we’ll continue creating jobs, driving innovation and opening global doors for regional learners.
Our goals
We'll help deliver the Australian Government’s ambition to lift participation in vocational and higher education to 80% by 2050.
We’ll track how many of our graduates take up local jobs, helping meet the projected need for 280,000 additional workers by 2035.
We’re committed to reaching Net Zero by 2033, showing leadership in climate action across regional Victoria.
Our Co‑op model and industry partnerships are expected to generate more than $2 billion in direct economic output by 2040.
Transformation through Co-op
Our Co-op Model puts students at the heart of education and industry.
We are on track to become Australia’s first co-operative university – a model of tertiary education where learning is fused with real-world experience at every step."
In 2025, over 5400 of our TAFE and higher education students completed placement.
Why Co-op works
- Co-op placements will be paid wherever possible, boosting affordability and return on investment.
- We'll liaise directly with employers to find the right placement for each student and guide them through the recruitment process.
- Integrated learning and earning boosts engagement and reduces attrition.
- The Co-op work placements, cadetships and research internships count toward course credits.
- Real-world work opportunities will build experience, confidence and connections.
- Co-op students arrive in the workplace with relevant experience and industry knowledge.
- Employers co-design, co-develop and co-deliver curriculum and research to meet their workforce needs.
- Partners can be any size – from local businesses to global leaders.
- Employers have the opportunity to co-locate with Federation in our Technology Parks.
- Co-op delivers on national priorities for equitable access and skilled graduates across vocational and higher education.
- The model supports attainment, workforce development and economic growth in regional Victoria and beyond.
- Industry-embedded research drives innovation, productivity and global competitiveness.
- Flexible pathways into study and between TAFE and university support lifelong learning and participation, particularly in the regions.
- Courses are aligned with future jobs and skills needs for the regions, delivering co-op students and graduates into priority sectors.
- Applied research and place-based learning precincts support vibrant, resilient communities.
Want to know more?
Read about how our Co-operative education model works for students, or find out how Co-op benefits businesses.