The University of Melbourne's 2025 Annual Report has been tabled in the Victorian Parliament, covering the period from 1 January to 31 December 2025.
This Annual Report is the first since the launch of the University's refreshed Strategy 2030, which set out a roadmap to strengthen the University's resilience, positioning us to thrive in an increasingly complex environment.
The report reflects on the year's successes and pays tribute to the considered and inspirational leadership of Professor Emma Johnston AO. It acknowledges the profound loss experienced by the institution with her passing in December and recognises the enduring legacy of her time as Vice-Chancellor.
Key milestones and achievements highlighted in the report include:
- Remaining the highest ranked Australian university across all three major global rankings.
- Professor Richard Robson winning the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for developing metal-organic frameworks with revolutionary applications in gas storage, energy and catalytic reactors.
- Setting a record for the largest number of graduate researcher theses in a year with 1026 submitted in 2025.
- Achieving 100 per cent renewable electricity across all campuses.
The Annual Report also reflects on a challenging year for both the University and the higher education sector more broadly. The report details the University's overall financial results for 2025, which include a net result of $22 million and an operating deficit of $124 million. The University has already shared its intention to return to break even by the end of 2027.
University Vice-President (Administration & Finance) and Chief Operating Officer Katerina Kapobassis said the University is working to enhance its operational and financial sustainability, in alignment with Strategy 2030.
"Strategy 2030 provides a framework to sharpen our focus and prioritise," Ms Kapobassis said.
"Our financial situation, compounded by sector conditions and the global outlook, require us to be intentional about how we direct our time, effort and resources. We are already working to strengthen our financial position and improve the resilience of our institution.
"At the same time, we will continue to leverage our strengths and deliver exceptional education and transformational research that benefits our community and society more broadly."
Find out more about the University of Melbourne's 2025 Annual Report.
