Goal 4: Quality Education

Students rate UOW Australia’s #1 public university for educational experience

The University of Wollongong has been named Australia's top-ranked public university for undergraduate student experience in the latest national Quality Indicators for Learning and Teaching (QILT) Student Experience Survey. 

The 2024 Student Experience Survey National Report, released in September 2025, found UOW achieved the highest overall educational experience rating of any public university in Australia, with a positive rating of 80.9% – well above the national undergraduate average of 76.4%. UOW also outperformed the national average across every focus area for undergraduates, including teaching quality and engagement, skills development, learning resources, student support services, and peer engagement. 

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor G.Q. Max Lu AO said the result reflected the university's commitment to placing student experience and success at the centre of UOW's future. 

The annual survey includes feedback from hundreds of thousands of university students from across Australia. The strong result was echoed in the latest QILT Employer Satisfaction Survey, where UOW received an 83.6% overall satisfaction rating, ranking highest nationally in the foundation skills category and above the national average across all other measures.

This initiative is working towards:

• Goal 4: Quality Education
• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth

UOW recognised nationally for teaching excellence

The University of Wollongong’s commitment to high-quality, student-centred education received national recognition in 2025. For the second consecutive year, students ranked UOW first in Australia for undergraduate Teacher Education in the federal government’s QILT survey, reflecting strong results across teaching quality, learning resources, skills development and student support. Two UOW educators also received prestigious national teaching awards for their transformative approaches to higher education and their contribution to shaping the next generation of leaders and professionals.  

Associate Dean (Education) in the Faculty of Science, Medicine and Health, Professor Tracey Kuit was recognised with the highly competitive Award for Teaching Excellence at the Australian Awards for University Teaching. Dr Erin Twyford, a senior lecturer based in UOW’s School of Business, was honoured with a Citation for Outstanding Contributions to Student Learning at the same awards, announced in 2025. 

The annual awards celebrate the contributions of educators who have demonstrated excellence in teaching, leadership and enhancing the student experience across higher education in Australia. The approaches of Professor Kuit and Dr Twyford combine inclusive, student-focused learning with practical and industry-connected experiences that build confidence, professional capability and employment readiness. 

‘My goal is to foster a culture of innovation that adapts to our students’ and society’s changing needs, ensuring a top-tier educational experience,’ said Professor Kuit. ‘I am so very privileged to work with amazing students and educators within UOW and beyond who continually inspire and challenge me.’

This initiative is supporting:

• Goal 4: Quality Education
• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

UOW launches Indigenous curated library database

This initiative is supporting:

• Goal 4: Quality Education
• Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
• Goal 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions
• Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Exceptional students recognised for leadership and innovation

Six UOW students were awarded prestigious Westpac scholarships in 2025, recognising their potential to become future leaders in technology and international relations. 

Kalea Ford, Amelie Hutchins, William Ilic, Joshua Moran and Sophie Weppler each received a Westpac Young Technologists Scholarship, worth $15,000 over 3 years plus $5,000 to attend the Disruptive Leaders Program in Singapore. The sixth student, Zoe Barden, was awarded a Westpac Asian Exchange Scholarship, funding up to 2 semesters of study at a leading Asian university. The scholarships offer the students valuable opportunities to expand their knowledge, develop leadership skills and build professional networks. 

Former Interim Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic and Student Life) Professor Sue Bennett said the scholarships reflected Westpac's commitment to supporting innovation and global perspectives among Australia's future leaders, aligning with UOW's focus on world-ready student success. 

‘These Westpac scholarships provide our students with much more than financial support – they offer access to unique experiences, industry connections, and leadership development that will shape their futures,’ Professor Bennett said. 

The scholarships form part of UOW's ongoing partnership with the Westpac Scholars Trust, which began in 2014 and has supported 77 Young Technologists Scholars and 4 Asian Exchange Scholars to date. 

This initiative is supporting:

• Goal 4: Quality Education
• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Goal 10: Reduced Inequalities
• Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

UOW's 50th Anniversary Awards celebrate legacy of impact

In September 2025, UOW marked 5 decades of research excellence, innovation, social impact and creative leadership by honouring outstanding alumni and community members at its 50th Anniversary Awards. 

The milestone evening saw the presentation of UOW's annual alumni awards alongside a new 50th Anniversary Council Award for Excellence. Distinguished Professor Gerry Swiegers received the inaugural honour for pioneering electrolyser technology that sets a new global standard in green hydrogen production. 

Other award recipients demonstrated the breadth of impact generated by the UOW community over the years, including: Professor Ranjith Gamage for innovations in sustainable mining and geo-engineering; Professor Scott Avery for reshaping national understanding of disability through an Indigenous lens; policy leader Carolyn Hough for work at the intersection of technology, law and ethics; and astrophysicist Dr Sabine Bellstedt for contributions to galaxy mapping and science communication. Vivid Sydney festival director Gill Minervini and multidisciplinary artist Kirli Saunders OAM were jointly recognised for their creative impact in Australia and internationally. 

Vice-Chancellor and President Professor G.Q. Max Lu AO said he was inspired to join UOW by the people of Wollongong, and their shared commitment to making a difference in the community and the wider world. 

‘At UOW we have a clear purpose, which is to change lives through education, and to make a positive impact through research and engagement,’ he said. ‘It is the amazing UOW people – generations of staff, students, alumni, partners and leaders – who have helped to build this great university.’ 

This initiative is supporting:

• Goal 4: Quality Education
• Goal 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Goal 17: Partnerships for the Goals

Hands-on discovery at Early Start's The Dad Space

Recognising the increasing presence of fathers and male caregivers at Early Start Discovery Space, UOW researchers created The Dad Space program to acknowledge and support the unique contributions of fathers to child development and family wellbeing. 

Associate Professor Jane Herbert from the School of Psychology co-designed the 10-week program, alongside PhD candidate Amy Hofmeier, and Early Start specialists and staff. The unique program combined expert-led sessions with hands-on Discovery Space activities, allowing fathers to share parenting experiences, build community networks, and practice evidence-based play approaches with their children in a supportive environment.

By equipping fathers with research-informed strategies and celebrating their essential role in family structures, the initiative aimed to strengthen long-term family and community wellbeing and demonstrated the positive influence engaged fathers have on children's social-emotional development.  

Launched in late 2024, community response to The Dad Space was overwhelmingly positive. Across two terms, more than 85 father-child pairs attended the program, with many becoming regular participants and familiar faces in the Early Start community.

This initiative is supporting:

This subject is working towards:

• Goal 3: Good Health and Wellbeing
• Goal 4: Quality Education
• Goal 5: Gender Equity
• Goal 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities