UTS Announces Major Restructure with Significant Job Losses

University of Technology Sydney (UTS) has revealed a major restructure plan that includes cutting 160 jobs, with 130 academic staff and 30 casual positions set to be eliminated. An additional 30 voluntary redundancies are being considered to mitigate deeper forced cuts.

Financial Pressures Driving the Changes

The university is facing a $100 million deficit in 2024, with revenues of $1.3 million and costs of $1.4 million. UTS attributes this to five years of deficits since 2020, citing impacts from COVID-19, escalating costs, and changes in government higher education policy, including reduced funding per domestic student under the job-ready graduates package.

Estimated Savings and Broader Impacts

• The reduction in academic staff is expected to save $30.2 million.
• Cutting casual staff could add another $3.3 million in savings.
• The National Tertiary Education Union (NTEU) warns that total job losses could reach 400 when proposed cuts to professional positions are included.

University's Stance and Future Outlook

UTS Vice-Chancellor Andrew Parfitt emphasized the university's commitment to achieving a sustainable future, ensuring quality education and research outcomes. UTS is hopeful for a 5% growth in international enrolments through competitive applications for additional student visas.

Union Criticism and Alternatives

NTEU NSW Division Secretary Vince Caughley criticized the plan, calling it an "abandonment of duty" and arguing that UTS recorded record income in 2024, with staff costs lower in real terms than in 2019. He stated that the university's own modeling shows a return to surplus by 2029 without cuts, suggesting these are choices rather than necessities.

Next Steps and Consultation

Staff will be consulted before final decisions are made, with the university promising to consider measures to limit negative consequences. The changes include closing schools of international studies, education, and public health.