UNSW Sydney’s pathway provider UNSW College has announced the launch of Applied Degrees; a new suite of three-year bachelor’s degrees that blend academic excellence with practical, industry-designed learning, to prepare graduates with the skills employers value most in today’s rapidly changing world.
Designed to bridge the gap between vocational education and traditional degrees, the qualifications are co-designed with industry and backed by the world’s most employable Australian university1, UNSW Sydney. As the first Applied Degrees to be offered by a Group of Eight (Go8) university, these programs directly address critical workforce needs and skills shortages while supporting broader access to higher education. This approach aligns with the Australian Tertiary Education Commission’s (ATEC) focus on accessibility, participation and workforce readiness.
Starting in October 2026, the courses will initially focus on three of the most high-demand workforce areas: Business Management; IT Cyber Defence and Networking; and IT Software Development2. Delivered through a work-blended learning approach, these degrees are designed to support learners at every stage in the career journey, including school leavers, career changers and professionals looking to upskill.
Attila Brungs, Vice-Chancellor and President of UNSW Sydney, says, “UNSW is proud to support the launch of Applied Degrees at UNSW College. We are delighted in this natural evolution of our shared mission to equip students, communities and industry with the skills needed to thrive. As global and local workforce demands continue to evolve and career pathways become less linear, this has never been more critical. Applied Degrees offer a vital new pathway that combines academic rigour with hands-on experience to help learners build adaptable, future-ready skills while supporting industry to innovate and grow.”
The announcement comes as Australia continues to struggle with slow productivity growth and skills shortages in areas including business, technology and management. Estimates indicate that 1.7 million tech workers will be needed by 2030, with high demand in cybersecurity, software development, AI and data analytics, while shortages in key business-related occupations also continue2.
NSW Minister for Skills, TAFE and Tertiary Education, Steve Whan says “NSW needs a highly skilled workforce to drive productivity and keep up with emerging industries, so it’s important we’re backing practical, flexible pathways into qualifications. Applied Degrees show what’s possible when universities and industry work together to give students real-world skills and clearer pathways into jobs. This is exactly the kind of approach we’re supporting through the NSW Higher Education Strategy, especially in areas where skills are in short supply.”
UNSW College, fully owned by UNSW, is uniquely positioned to deliver Applied Degrees. With 60 years of experience and over 125,000 graduates globally, the College brings credibility, resources and academic standards of UNSW together with the agility, innovation and industry focus of a smaller, independent educational institution.
