Sustainable Development Goals at our University
In 2019, we signed the University Commitment which recognises the significant scope of work needed to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the important role university communities play in reaching these goals. We are committed to sustainability for ourselves, our surrounding communities, and the world.
The SDGs offer a shared framework for all levels of government, businesses, community groups and education organisations to prioritise action between 2015 to 2030, across environmental, socio-cultural and economic sustainability.
How we measure our impact for the SDGs
We use the Times Higher Education Sustainability Impact Ratings (previously Impact Rankings) and other frameworks, such as the Sustainability Tracking Assessment and Rating System (STARS), to measure our progress towards sustainability. The THE Impact Ratings aim to evaluate university performance in relation to the SDGs.
SDG1 No Poverty
No Poverty aims to reduce poverty in all its dimensions including implementing social protection systems, providing equal rights to economic and natural resources and access to basic services, reducing exposure and vulnerability to disasters, or creating sound policy frameworks to support poverty eradication actions.
The University supports the eradication of poverty by providing regional and accessible education in Tasmania including via the provision of scholarships and alternative learning pathways - acknowledging that education builds human capital and facilitates access to quality jobs. We seek to enable social and economic development for all Tasmanians including Indigenous, rural, and disadvantaged communities and improve community health and well-being so individuals can reach their potential.
University anti-poverty programmes
Bottom financial quintile admission target and student success
The University of Tasmania is committed to increasing educational opportunity and success for students from low socio-economic status (SES) backgrounds, including those who fall within the most disadvantaged socio-economic groups in Australia. This commitment is embedded within the University's Strategic Plan: 2025 Strategic Refresh, which identifies improving access to higher education and supporting educational attainment among underrepresented groups as a central institutional priority. Through initiatives such as the Schools Recommendation Program, expanded scholarship opportunities, regional delivery, and targeted student support services, the University seeks to ensure that higher education is accessible to all Tasmanians regardless of socio-economic background.
The University of Tasmania's access and participation objectives are founded on the principle that students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds should be represented within higher education at rates comparable to their representation in the wider Tasmanian population . University planning documents note that approximately 37% of Tasmanians fall within the most disadvantaged socio-economic quintile nationally. Accordingly, the University seeks to maintain and increase participation among low SES students so that their representation within the student population reflects Tasmania's community profile. This represents a participation aspiration substantially above the national equity target of 20 per cent low SES participation identified through the Australian Universities Accord. This commitment aligns with the University's place-based mission and supports the national equity objectives, which calls for increased participation and attainment among students from low SES backgrounds. As Tasmania has a higher proportion of socio-economic disadvantage than the national average, the University plays a critical role in expanding access to higher education for students who have traditionally been underrepresented within the sector.
The University has traditionally enrolled a higher proportion of students from low SES backgrounds than the Australian sector average and continues to monitor participation, retention and completion outcomes for equity cohorts. Through its strategic planning and equity initiatives, the University aims to maintain and strengthen access for students from disadvantaged backgrounds while ensuring that these students are represented across all areas of study and campus locations.
In addition to improving access, the University is committed to improving student success and completion outcomes. Recognising that equitable access must be matched by equitable achievement, the University has identified improving completion rates as a key priority. Institutional planning documents note the need to increase completion rates from historical levels of approximately 58 per cent, with a medium-term objective of achieving completion rates of around 70 per cent by 2030 and longer-term aspirations above 80 per cent while maintaining academic quality . These ambitions are supported through scholarships, transition programs, academic skills services, wellbeing support, mentoring opportunities and other initiatives designed to improve retention and success, particularly for students from underrepresented groups.
Through this combination of participation, retention and completion objectives, the University demonstrates an institution-wide commitment to improving outcomes for students from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds and contributing to greater educational equity across Tasmania.
Low-income student support
The University of Tasmania is committed to ensuring that financial circumstances are not a barrier to accessing and succeeding in higher education. In 2025, the University continued to provide a range of scholarships, financial assistance programs and support services designed to assist students experiencing financial hardship and to improve access, participation and success for students from low-income and disadvantaged backgrounds.
Through its scholarship program , the University provides targeted support to students facing financial disadvantage, including assistance for living and study costs, relocation expenses and accommodation. The University's Support to Study Scholarship Package and other scholarship opportunities are designed to help students successfully commence and continue their higher education journey regardless of their financial circumstances.
The University also supports students experiencing unexpected financial hardship through financial assistance initiatives such as the Student Hardship Fund and emergency support measures. Students facing temporary financial difficulties may be eligible for assistance to help manage essential living costs and remain engaged in their studies during periods of financial stress.
The University also supports students experiencing cost-of-living pressures through initiatives addressing food security, accommodation and transport barriers. In partnership with the Tasmanian University Student Association (TUSA), the University supports a network of student Food Hubs located across major campuses. During 2025, these Food Hubs expanded to additional University locations and provided students with free fresh fruit and vegetables, bread, affordable pantry staples and access to food education and cooking programs. The initiative was established to address food insecurity and support student wellbeing, helping students continue their studies while managing rising living costs. The University also provides accommodation support through its Support to Study Scholarship Package, which includes accommodation assistance for eligible students living in University residences, as well as relocation support for students who must move to commence their studies. Depending on individual circumstances, eligible students may receive accommodation credits and relocation assistance to reduce the financial barriers associated with accessing higher education.
To assist with transport costs, the University provides free access to its UniHopper shuttle service and supports free travel on selected public transport routes serving University campuses. These services help students travel between campuses, accommodation locations and study facilities while reducing transport-related financial pressures. Students may also access housing and tenancy support through TUSA, including assistance with accommodation issues, housing advocacy and free student legal services for matters relating to tenancy or rental agreements. These services help students maintain stable housing and address challenges that may otherwise affect their capacity to continue their studies.
In partnership with the Tasmanian University Student Association (TUSA), the University provides access to free and confidential financial counselling services. These services assist students with budgeting, debt management, financial planning and referrals to additional support services, helping students navigate financial challenges that may otherwise affect their studies.
Through these initiatives, the University of Tasmania continues to support students from low-income backgrounds by providing practical financial assistance and wrap-around support services that enable access to, participation in and successful completion of higher education.
Bottom financial quintile student support
Low or lower-middle income countries student support
The University of Tasmania provides a range of a range of financial support schemes that reduce barriers to higher education for international students, including students from low and lower-middle income countries. These include substantial tuition-fee scholarships available to eligible students from many countries classified by the World Bank as lower-middle-income economies.
The University of Tasmania provides a range of scholarship opportunities to support international students, including those from low and lower-middle income countries. Through its international scholarship program, the University aims to improve access to higher education by reducing financial barriers and supporting students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds.
The University of Tasmania provides financial support that assists students from low and lower-middle income countries to access higher education in Australia. In 2025, eligible international students from countries including Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Indonesia and the Philippines were able to access tuition-fee reduction scholarships through the University's international scholarship program. The University also offered the Vietnam Maritime University Scholarship, providing a 20% tuition-fee reduction for eligible students undertaking studies through a recognised pathway arrangement. Together with the Tasmanian Access Scholarship, Tasmanian International Merit Scholarship and Aurora Excellence Scholarship, these initiatives help reduce the financial cost of university study and improve access to higher education for students from economically disadvantaged regions.
In 2025, the University's Tasmanian International and Access Scholarships provide eligible international students with a 20% reduction in registered tuition fees for the duration of their studies, up to a maximum of five years. The scholarship is automatically assessed upon application and is available to eligible commencing international students enrolled in undergraduate or postgraduate coursework programs.
The University also offers the Tasmanian International Merit Scholarship, which provides eligible commencing international students with a 30% reduction in registered tuition fees for the duration of their course. While awarded on academic merit, the scholarship is available to students from countries worldwide, including low and lower-middle income countries.
In addition, the University offers a range of other international scholarship opportunities, including the Tasmanian Aurora Excellence Scholarship, which provides a 50% tuition fee reduction for high-achieving international students. Through these initiatives, the University seeks to increase access to world-class education and support participation in higher education by students from financially disadvantaged regions around the world.
Through its international scholarship program, the University of Tasmania continues to support students from low and lower-middle income countries by reducing the financial cost of study and increasing access to higher education opportunities in Tasmania.
Community anti-poverty programs
Local start-up assistance
The University of Tasmania provides free advice and assistance to unrepresented taxpayers, small business operators and start-ups in the community through the University's Tax Clinic. The Tax Clinic is a community service that assists eligible individuals and small businesses with a range of taxation matters, including tax returns, business tax obligations, tax debt management, GST, capital gains tax, advocacy and dispute resolution. The service is supported by the Australian Taxation Office and delivered by University students under the supervision of experienced tax professionals.
Established in Tasmania in 2019, the Tax Clinic continues to improve financial literacy, build business capability and support the economic sustainability of individuals, small businesses and start-up enterprises across the state. The Clinic is designed to assist unrepresented and financially vulnerable taxpayers and provides practical support that helps community members better understand and manage their taxation obligations.
In 2025, the Clinic continued operating from Hobart and Launceston and provided free professional tax assistance to eligible community members, including individuals experiencing financial hardship, small business entities and start-up operators. Services include education, advice, representation and advocacy, helping clients address taxation issues while supporting the development of future accounting and taxation professionals.
The University also supports entrepreneurship, innovation and business development through InVent, the University's commercialisation and innovation arm. InVent works with researchers, industry, investors and community partners to translate ideas into real-world outcomes, supporting the development of innovative enterprises and contributing to economic and social sustainability in Tasmania. Through commercialisation support, industry engagement and venture development activities, InVent helps bring Tasmanian innovation to market while fostering opportunities for sustainable economic growth. Some specific 2025 examples include:
- Supporting the commercialisation of Cavicam, an innovative plant water monitoring technology developed by University researchers. In 2025, the project was announced as a national winner of the Beanstalk Ventures Drought Venture Studio program, receiving funding and in-kind support. The technology aims to help farmers optimise irrigation and reduce water consumption, contributing to more sustainable agricultural practices.
- Supporting the establishment of Aspecthera Pty Ltd, a University spin-out company developing a novel eye-drop treatment for diabetic retinopathy. In 2025, the venture secured funding through the MTPConnect Targeted Translation Research Accelerator program to advance product development and commercialisation.
- Hosting the annual InVent Research Impact Showcase, which brings together researchers, investors, industry representatives and community stakeholders to showcase innovative technologies and research with potential commercial, social and environmental impact. The showcase highlights opportunities to translate University research into real-world outcomes and supports the growth of Tasmania's innovation ecosystem.
- Delivering entrepreneurship and innovation events that connect founders, researchers, students, investors and industry partners. In 2025, InVent hosted community engagement activities including a public Q&A with Cameron Adams, co-founder of Canva, and entrepreneurship-focused networking events designed to strengthen Tasmania's innovation ecosystem.
- Supporting innovation ecosystem development through free public events such as Feeding the Future, held in northern Tasmania in 2025. The event showcased agtech entrepreneurs and emerging businesses developing technologies and solutions to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability, while providing opportunities for community members, students and prospective entrepreneurs to connect with industry leaders.
The University's continued investment in community-facing programs such as the Tax Clinic, together with its support for innovation and entrepreneurship through InVent, demonstrates its commitment to strengthening financially sustainable businesses, supporting start-up development and contributing to long-term economic resilience within the Tasmanian community
Programs for services access
The University of Tasmania delivers a range of community-focused programs that improve access to essential services, information and support for people across Tasmania. Through its community engagement activities, the University works with government, industry and community partners to help reduce barriers to accessing health, financial and educational services, particularly for people living in regional, remote and disadvantaged communities.
A key example in 2025 is the University's Tax Clinic, which provides free tax advice and assistance to eligible individuals, small businesses and start-up operators who may not otherwise have access to professional taxation services. Supported by the Australian Taxation Office, the Clinic assists community members with tax returns, business taxation obligations, payment plans, tax disputes and financial hardship matters. The service is delivered by University students under the supervision of experienced tax professionals, improving access to financial and taxation services while also building financial literacy within the community.
The University also supports access to health services and health information through a range of community health programs delivered by the College of Health and Medicine. These include the University Psychology Clinic, which provides free specialist clinical psychology services to the community, and the HealthLit4Kids initiative, which works with schools and communities to improve health literacy and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing. These programs help address inequities in access to health information and services while supporting better long-term community outcomes.
The University also contributes to improved access to services through educational and outreach programs that connect communities with healthcare, learning and support opportunities. Community engagement initiatives, rural health activities and partnership programs help ensure that people across Tasmania can access information, expertise and services that may otherwise be difficult to obtain due to geographic, economic or social barriers.
In addition, University-supported services available to students, including free financial counselling, legal assistance and accessibility support, help remove barriers to education and participation. These services improve access to financial, legal and educational support and contribute to the University's broader commitment to equity, inclusion and community wellbeing.
Through these programs and partnerships, the University of Tasmania continues to improve access to basic services in 2025 by providing practical support, building community capability and helping individuals access the information, resources and services they need to thrive.
Participate in policy addressing poverty
The University of Tasmania actively contributes to public policy development and implementation through research, community partnerships and engagement with government. In 2025, the University continued to support evidence-based policy solutions that address poverty, social disadvantage, housing insecurity, education access and community wellbeing across Tasmania. These activities help inform policy and service delivery aimed at improving outcomes for vulnerable and disadvantaged populations.
Examples include:
- The Homelessness ColLAB brings together researchers, government agencies, community organisations, service providers and people with lived experience of homelessness to develop research and policy responses to housing insecurity and related social challenges. Through research, advocacy, community engagement and collaboration with policymakers, the ColLAB contributes evidence that supports the development of more effective housing, homelessness and social support policies in Tasmania and nationally.
- The Tasmanian Policy Exchange (TPE) was established to strengthen the University's contribution to public policy debates and evidence-based decision making. Working closely with government, industry and community partners, TPE develops independent policy analysis and research focused on issues that affect social and economic wellbeing in Tasmania. Its key research themes include life and wellbeing in Tasmania, sustainable development for communities, democratic engagement and good governance, and the transition to a zero-emissions future.
- Through its Sustainable Development for Communities research stream, TPE contributes policy analysis relating to regional development, housing, workforce participation, population change and community resilience. The program focuses on addressing complex social and economic challenges through place-based approaches that support sustainable community development and reduce disadvantage.
- In 2025, TPE continued to support public policy engagement through research reports, submissions, community forums and its Policy In My Backyard (PIMBY) initiative, which provides accessible, evidence-based analysis of policy issues affecting Tasmanians, including housing, education, healthcare, governance and economic development.
- The University also maintained its commitment to equity, participation and social inclusion through its University of Tasmania Compact 2025–26 with the Australian Government Department of Education. The Compact outlines the University's commitment to improving educational access and attainment, increasing participation among underrepresented and disadvantaged groups, supporting regional communities, and contributing to Tasmania's social and economic development through education, research and community engagement.
Through these initiatives, the University of Tasmania contributes to the development of policies and programs that address poverty and disadvantage by providing rigorous research, supporting public policy discussions, and working collaboratively with governments, communities and service providers to achieve positive social outcomes.