May 22, 2026
Annual report highlights revenue growth, research strength and strategic renewal
UOW records $16.9 million deficit as transformation investment reshapes the university for long-term growth
The University of Wollongong has reported a consolidated deficit of $16.9 million for 2025 in its Annual Report, amid major organisational transformation and continued sector-wide challenges.
The result reflects the University’s move to reshape its operating model for long-term financial sustainability amid a period of significant change in the higher education sector. It includes $39 million in transformation costs as the University implemented changes aimed at operational efficiency. The transformation will not only result in financial savings but also new structures and ways of providing support and services delivering core missions.
“2025 was a significant year for UOW. We celebrated our 50th Anniversary, launched our new Vision 2035 and Strategic Plan 2030, and underwent an organisation-wide transformation to strengthen our long-term sustainability,” Vice-Chancellor and President Professor G.Q. Max Lu AO said.
“By our 60th anniversary, UOW aims to be recognised among the world's top 100 universities.”
UOW’s consolidated income increased to $941 million in 2025, up from $889 million in 2024, supported by growth in student tuition fees and research-related income. Expenditure increased to $958 million, reflecting transformation costs and continued investment in infrastructure, digital capability, teaching and research.
Domestic student enrolments remained strong in 2025, while declining international onshore enrolments reflected broader sector-wide impacts associated with changes to migration policy and international student market conditions.
Continued growth across UOW’s offshore campuses helped diversify revenue and offset softer international enrolments in Australia, highlighting the strategic importance of UOW’s presence in Dubai, India, Malaysia and Hong Kong. UOW Global Enterprises, which operates the offshore campuses and UOW College Australia, delivered a strong surplus of $36m in 2025 and made a positive contribution to the University’s consolidated result.
The Annual Report also highlights strong research and education outcomes during 2025. UOW researchers secured $54 million in Australian Research Council and National Health and Medical Research Council funding, while the University was selected to lead the new $72 million ARC Centre of Excellence for Renewable Fuels.
The University also received a $41.8 million Commonwealth Research Block Grant allocation and recorded 266 Higher Degree Research completions, up from 251 in 2024.
UOW was ranked Australia’s top public university for undergraduate student experience in the QILT Student Experience Survey, third nationally for teaching and equal eighth overall in the Australian Financial Review Best Universities Ranking, and equal 31st globally in the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings.
The 2025 Annual Report includes expanded voluntary disclosure of consultancy expenditure, going beyond what NSW Treasury annual reporting guidelines require of universities. The disclosure details where external specialist expertise was used and at what cost. The largest category of consultancy expenditure related to research and teaching activities followed by transformation-related work including planning and coordination, staff support and advice, and technical and system support.
In releasing this additional detail, UOW has called for the introduction of clear and consistent consultancy reporting requirements across the sector, to ensure annual reports meet public expectations.