Environmental Scan 2023

 

The University of Queensland's Environmental Scan facilitates the compilation and sharing of relevant data about the higher education environment in which we operate. The information included in the Scan can be used to assist decision making, and inform and support general University operations.

 

 

The Australian Higher Education Sector



Australia’s higher education system is considered to be in the top ten globally. The sector is comprised of public and private universities, Australian branches of overseas universities, and other non-university higher education providers, totalling 197 active registered providers.

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UQ within the Australian Higher Education Sector



The University of Queensland is a highly comprehensive public university which takes pride in its position as one of the premier, broad-based, research intensive universities in Australia. A member of the Group of Eight (Go8) and Universitas 21 (U21), various rankings highlight UQ’s exemplary performance as an institution and across a range of disciplines.

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Higher Education Policy & Funding



The majority of Australia’s higher education funding is administered under the Higher Education Support Act (HESA) 2003, including measures such as the Higher Education Loan Program (HELP), Commonwealth Grant Scheme (CGS) and Commonwealth Scholarships.

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International Education Policy



In November 2021, the Australian Government announced a 10-year strategy for international education. The strategy identifies four priority areas to support the return of international students and build a more sustainable sector in the medium term: diversification of the student cohorts; better alignment with Australia’s workforce and skills needs; enhancement of student experience; and maintaining global competitiveness.

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Research and Innovation Policy, Funding, Performance and Engagement



One of the key areas for review under the Australian Universities Accord is Delivering new knowledge, innovation and capability. 

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Financial Environment



Across 39 Australian publicly funded universities, the total operating revenue for higher education activities was $37.9 billion in 2021 (excluding vocational education and training activities). 

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Recent Strategic Direction & Developments at Other Universities



Adapting to an environment of continually evolving technologies and shifting financial, social, and political climates are common themes influencing every Australian university’s direction. 

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UQ’s Strategic Direction & Developments



Towards 2032: UQ Strategic Plan 2022–2025 articulates the vision, mission and values of The University of Queensland, together with the long-term objectives and medium-term strategic focus areas. The Plan coexists alongside the UQ St Lucia Campus Master plan and other sub-plans, strategies and programs.

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement at UQ



Indigenous-focused strategies are embedded strongly in UQ’s Strategic Plan 2012-2025, including a specific Key Performance Indicator committing to ‘ensure reconciliation is business as usual through the successful development and implementation of our Stretch Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) and support the continued development of Indigenous excellence as defined by Indigenous peoples’.  

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Human Resources at UQ



The success of UQ hinges on its ability to attract and retain highly talented individuals who are leaders in their respective fields. Attracting international talent for skill shortages remains a challenge in 2023. The critical importance of embedding a supportive and inclusive culture built around UQ's core values is recognised. This aims to foster an environment that encourages and nurtures the diverse talents, passions, and perspectives of staff and alumni. 

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UQ’s International Strategic Partnerships



Global Partnerships (GP) is responsible for the strategic development and coordination of international engagements and collaboration including institutional agreements; incoming and outgoing international visits, events, and delegations; sponsored students, scholarship recipients, and incoming exchange students; and international development. 

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International Student Market



Like all providers, UQ continues to face some global challenges of recovery in a post-COVID context. Competition remains heightened, both within Australia and globally, with institutions attempting to recoup revenue and rebuild pipelines. Globally, there are signs of recovery in international education, but some analysts have reservations about sustainability. Within the higher education sector, recovery differs by country and by provider.

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Domestic QTAC Student Market



In an environment of record low unemployment, applicant demand among domestic undergraduates continued to soften across Queensland.

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Domestic Postgraduate Coursework Student Market

 

The most recent data available via the Department of Education is for 2021. Total newly commencing domestic PGCW student numbers had been fairly stable in the two years leading up to the pandemic, with a YoY increase of +8% in 2019. However, 2020 witnessed a large spike (increase of +23% on the previous year) which was due to higher unemployment caused by the pandemic.

 

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