Media releases

Federation University Australia has launched a new plan to grow its presence in Melbourne’s south-east to cater for expected growth in student numbers that will see the Berwick region hosting the largest number of learners in the university’s network by 2025.

The plan for the Berwick region was unveiled today as part of the new Campus Vision 2022-2025

launched by Vice-Chancellor and President Professor Duncan Bentley. The Campus Vision sets out a clear way forward for Victoria’s premier regional university to build a strong and sustainable future.

Federation will embrace innovative forms of education program delivery that will create the necessary skills to support the jobs of the future, using programs and courses that will drive economic growth and jobs. New technologies will be used to connect classrooms, people, and communities in new and productive ways.

The Berwick Campus sits at the heart of Melbourne’s south-east and serves a community of more than 1.5 million people. In future years, Federation expects to host its largest cohort of students across the University’s network in this growing region.

Professor Bentley said it was essential to start planning now so the university is well-placed to meet demand in the Outer South East of Melbourne and in particular the Dandenong, Casey, Cardinia, and Frankston Local Government Areas.

Federation will work with local employers to meet the education and skills needs for one of the fastest growing communities in Melbourne, with technologically advanced and relevant learning places and student experiences

With a focus on areas where there is strong demand for skilled workers such as healthcare, ICT, innovation, and manufacturing, Federation expects to double its teaching capacity in Melbourne’s south-east in the coming years through new teaching and industry engagement projects.

Federation has appointed placemaking consultants Village Well to undertake community engagement activities over the coming months. This engagement will go on to inform the developing Campus Masterplans for the sites.

Find out more at: federation.edu.au/strategy/delivery-year-1/campus-vision.

Quotes attributable to Federation University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Duncan Bentley

“Our Campus Vision is not just about bricks and mortar – it’s about how we teach, our connection to our communities and how we will drive growth in our campus regions for generations to come.”

“Today we start an important conversation with our communities in Berwick, government, industry partners, staff and students on what Federation University means to them and how we can grow together.”

“The community in Melbourne’s growing south-east wants access to higher education and jobs, which we are committed to delivering.”

“While we continue to negotiate in good faith with Monash University to purchase and expand the Berwick Campus, we are also working with employers, government and the community to ensure we are delivering learning where it needs to be.”