The University of Wollongong has generated more than $188 million in net surplus from its offshore campuses over the past decade, with the funds reinvested locally to benefit the Illawarra region. Vice-Chancellor Professor Patricia Davidson stated that the surplus, generated from campuses in Dubai, Hong Kong, Malaysia and India, supports mobility scholarships, laboratory upgrades, community programs and research.
UOW opened its first offshore campus in Dubai in 1993, becoming the first Australian university to establish a campus abroad. The initiative was led by former Vice-Chancellor Professor Ken McKinnon. Today, many Australian universities operate offshore, and federal and state government policies encourage education delivery beyond Australia.
Professor Davidson emphasised that offshore campuses are not just revenue sources but also expand access to education, build capability in partner regions, and enable student and staff mobility. The international campuses are part of a single academic community, with knowledge flowing both ways. For example, programs in International Business, business analytics and fintech were developed collaboratively with offshore campuses and are now taught in Wollongong.
Student mobility programs, including international study tours and exchanges, provide Illawarra-based students with global perspectives and real-world experience. The Malaysia campus has been a strong partner in offering deep industry connections and exposure that would not be possible without a global footprint.
Professor Davidson noted that offshore contributions will allow UOW to do more for the Illawarra in the future, reinforcing the university's outward-looking culture and commitment to global engagement.
