The “Super University” is expected to draw top students from all over the world eager to study and graduate from the region’s most respected campus. It is scheduled to begin classes in 2026, the same years as the airport is planned to be operational.
The inclusion of uni's from Newcastle and Wollongong is a great idea because it creates a pathway into an exclusive higher education and career opportunities for talented students from the Illawarra and Hunter/Central Coast region.
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 and further abroad are ready for the jobs of tomorrow.
Vice Chancellors from the University of Newcastle, University of NSW and University of Wollongong 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 when announcing the new university at the recent State Of The Region address for the Western Sydney Business Connection.
"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 said quality jobs were 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 further enhances the rapid acceleration of interest in Aerotropolis and the surrounding area.
In May, NSW hosted the Aerotropolis Investor Forum in Western Sydney, with more than 250 local and international business leaders seeking to secure their place at the 10,000ha 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 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 is the first of its kind in Australia and the first new university built in Sydney in 50 years,” Ms Berejiklian 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, engineer, and mathematicians.”
“Stage One of the new university will be open by 2026, the same time the new $5.3bn Commonwealth funded airport is expected to be operational.”
