Swinburne University of Technology is a dual-sector institution, defined and inspired by technology and innovation, and renowned for our strong industry and community engagement. 

With a vision to bring people and technology together to build a better world, our people will be driven by a shared sense of purpose to create tomorrow’s technology and the human talent required for a digital, tech-rich future.

Our 2025 vision

People and technology working together
to build a better world.

From the Vice-Chancellor

Swinburne is a young university with a long history. We are a small university with big dreams, a Victorian university with global ambitions. 

Enriched by our past achievements and resilient in the face of the global pandemic, we now have an opportunity to reflect, regroup and embark on the next chapter of Swinburne’s unique story. A shared and meaningful purpose, and the collective determination and commitment to achieve our destiny can take us forward. 

With this new strategic plan, we choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship, and proud of it.

Professor Pascale Quester, Vice-Chancellor and President of Swinburne.

We will play a distinct role in contributing to society’s increasing need for transformative technology and for the human capital and talent to leverage it. In everything we do, we affirm our dual purpose, from vocational programs to PhDs, in our flagship research and startup creation. 

Defined, renowned and inspired by technology and innovation, Swinburne can be the most industry-engaged university. We can continue to improve industry engagement to a point where it pervades our culture and the way we deliver education and research. In partnership with organisations and government, we will co-create the technology solutions and the talent required to implement them. High quality work-based learning will be vital in connecting our learners, irrespective of their background, with industry, government and community to realise their full potential in a tech-rich future. 

It is time for us to start on this exciting journey. I am confident we will work together and explore exciting new possibilities.

Professor Pascale Quester
Vice-Chancellor and President of Swinburne

The next generation of university

Swinburne | next gen_now

University as you know it is getting an upgrade. With guaranteed real industry experience in all bachelor degrees. With innovative and creative courses, co-created with industry. Swinburne connects people and technology for a better world.

Strategic framework – 2025 moon shots

To realise our vision, Swinburne commits to taking big strides and aspires for ‘moon shots’ rather than ‘incremental steps’.

Our moon shots will embolden and energise our staff, students and partners, enabling us to focus and invest in what we know can make a real difference in the world.

Moon shot 1: Every Swinburne learner gets a work experience 

All Swinburne undergraduate learners will experience work integrated learning and real industry experience during their degree, including paid placements, internships or industry-linked projects. This is made possible by Swinburne’s extensive partnerships with leading Australian and global organisations. Learning by doing will define how we teach, assess and engage with students and industry. We will become curators of rich learning experiences, overcoming the boundary between work and study.

Moon shot 2: Every Swinburne graduate gets a job

Swinburne’s goal is for every Swinburne tertiary and vocational graduate, including our alumni, to be a job taker or a job creator in a future world of work defined by technology, innovation and entrepreneurship. We will support our graduates to obtain a job through career support and lifelong learning. Our commitment is to connect learners and alumni with employers through networks and platforms, and to provide the career development, skills and support to engage and succeed in a tech-rich future.

Moon shot 3: Every Swinburne partner gets a tech solution

When our partners come to us with a problem, they will receive a technology solution. Swinburne will concentrate its efforts in flagship areas where the university is a world leader and has potential to be the industry partner of choice including Space and Aerospace Technology, sustainable solutions to create an Innovative Planet and Medical Technology. Underpinned by leading digital technology platforms, Swinburne researchers are collaborating with industry, communities and government through embedded partnerships to co-create technology solutions to transform local and global communities.

Moon shot 4: Swinburne is the prototype of global best practice 

Swinburne will step up to the global stage, in research, education delivery and student recruitment. Swinburne will be the prototype of a new model of university that is fit for purpose in a digital future that is very different from the past. Swinburne will look forward, not backwards, in the way it thinks, operates and evolves. We want a Swinburne qualification to place our students ahead of others because they hold the best credentials you can have in a tech-led world.

Swinburne Horizon 2025

Swinburne Horizon 2025

With this new strategic plan, we choose to build Swinburne as the prototype of a new and different university – one that is truly of Technology, of Innovation and of Entrepreneurship, and proud of it.

Want to learn about our other strategies and initiatives?

Our initiatives embrace sustainability, cross-cultural partnerships and equal opportunity. Learn more about our objectives and strategies for the future and how we plan to achieve them.

Find out more