Four of NSW’s leading universities are joining forces to create a world-class, higher education institution in the heart of the new Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
The project – an Australian first – will have a clear focus on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education, ensuring that young people in Western Sydney are ready for the jobs of tomorrow.
Vice Chancellors from the University of Newcastle, University of NSW and University of Wollongong (the NUW Alliance), and Western Sydney University, have signed a Statement of Intent with the NSW Government to deliver the new higher education institution.
"The NSW Government is working hard to create more jobs in every part of NSW and the Western Sydney Aerotropolis will create thousands of employment opportunities for young people," Premier Gladys Berejiklian said.
"The jobs of tomorrow will rely heavily on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, so I applaud this great initiative. It will ensure students in Western Sydney have even greater access to world-class higher education."
Minister for Western Sydney Stuart Ayres added, "Quality jobs are built on a foundation of quality education. This education alliance is exactly what the Western Sydney Aerotropolis needs to be a jobs powerhouse of the future."
The project builds on the significant momentum already made on the Western Sydney Aerotropolis.
In May, Ms Berejiklian hosted the Aerotropolis Investor Forum in Western Sydney, with more than 250 local and international business leaders seeking to secure their place at the 10,000-hectare greenfield site around Western Sydney Airport.
With a 24-hour international airport at its core, the Western Sydney Aerotropolis will be a thriving hub for education and leading industries including advanced manufacturing, aerospace, defence and agribusiness, generating a huge high-skill jobs boost for the area.
Located in the new Aerotropolis precinct, the four universities will create one campus. Students at the new institution will have unparalleled access to industry research, development and employment opportunities.
"The university project we have announced today is the first of its kind in Australia and the first new university built in Sydney in 50 years," Ms Berejklian said.
"This will transform Western Sydney for generations to come."
"It will be a world-class institution bringing together the best and brightest educators to develop our state’s future scientists, engineers, and mathematicians."
"Stage One of the new university will be open by 2026, the same time the new $5.3 billion Commonwealth funded airport is expected to be operational."
