Media releases

In a first for Australia, the globally recognised cooperative education model – providing academic credit for real workplace experience – will be embedded across all Federation University Australia programs from 2025.

Federation’s new education model will be unveiled to future students for the first time at Sunday’s Open Day.

To gain the practical skills employers are looking for, every student will complete accredited learning in a workplace, start-up or consultancy, with options for paid cadetships, internships, or working on real projects on campus to deliver practical outcomes for industry.

The University’s co-op programs will be developed and delivered in partnership with industry and employers. 
Not only will Federation partner with industry to ensure graduates are job ready, but it will continue to support them with real opportunities to upskill throughout their careers.

Federation Acting Vice-Chancellor Liam Sloan said the University will be the first choice for regional students wanting a head start on a successful career and for regional employers wanting graduates primed for the workplace.

Federation is already well versed in successfully delivering similar models, with flagship offerings such as the award-winning Bachelor of Information Technology (Professional Practice), with students embedded in projects with real teams.

To implement the model, academics, students and industry engagement experts have been brought together in three newly established Institutes to guarantee programs meet the needs of students, industry and employers.

Pilot programs in IT and business will begin in 2023.

Quotes attributable to Federation Acting Vice-Chancellor Liam Sloan
“We’re partnering with industry and employers to take Federation to the next level by embedding an extended period of real workplace learning into all our offerings from 2025.”

“Students will benefit from working on projects in real workplaces, delivering practical outcomes for industry, government, and not-for-profits, with the work experience they gain contributing to their academic record.”

“Our strong partnerships with community, industry and employers will enable us to offer students the opportunity to develop workforce-leading skills, experiences and networks, both in the classroom and the workplace.”

“We will work with industry and employers where they are located, supporting students to stay in regional areas – addressing skills shortages and driving jobs and economic growth.”