Bringing more world-class education to students of Western Sydney, UNSW has announced it will invest $65m over 10 years for a multi-faculty campus in Parramatta. It has just signed a new lease in Parramatta as part of expanding the university's broader Western Sydney Precinct.
"This is an investment that sits at the core of our mission to advance social equality and economic prosperity through increased access to quality education," said UNSW Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Attila Brungs.
"Modern universities are not behind ivory towers but integrated across communities. When 56% of all higher education enrolments in Sydney are in Western Sydney, the case is clear: world-class education should meet people where they are," Professor Brungs said.
"We must support the talent, ambition and the communities we serve. That is what our Parramatta Campus is all about."
The first offering at the expanded Parramatta location will be in 2027, a Juris Doctor postgraduate program delivered by UNSW's Faculty of Law & Justice; the 1st-placed Law and Legal Studies program in Sydney, according to QS and Times Higher Education rankings.
"We bring experienced academics and a strong reputation with employers, and we're looking forward to contributing to, and learning from, the local community," said Professor Andrew Lynch, Dean of UNSW Law & Justice.
"We are excited our program can now meet many of our students where they are, and to facilitate their gaining of practical knowledge through engaging with the energy and strength of the legal profession in Western Sydney," said Professor Lynch.
Basma McCredie graduated from UNSW's Juris Doctor program last year and now works as an Associate to a Judge in the Federal Circuit and Family Court in Parramatta. Growing up in Southwest Sydney, she regularly undertook long commutes to UNSW's Kensington campus.
"I am thrilled to learn that a world-class education is now close to where we live. This campus will save students hours of commuting, time that can be better spent studying, working or with our families," she said.
"Western Sydney is a diverse community and having UNSW Law & Justice in Parramatta will mean a diverse student cohort – and contribute to a more diverse legal profession in Western Sydney and the wider city," she said.
The new Parramatta site will accommodate up to 350 students daily.
UNSW will continue investing in the development of its Western Sydney Precinct, supporting long-term impact and access to education across the region.
