Community

Community impact is a cornerstone of UNSW’s mission, with many strategic programs and partnerships in place to drive positive health, economic, social and cultural outcomes locally and globally.
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The pillars of the UNSW community

Collaboration for change
Our community extends beyond our campuses. We partner with a number of community leaders and organisations to drive real change.
Inclusive environments
We welcome all backgrounds, abilities and interests, embedding inclusive activities and initiatives across our physical and virtual platforms.
Healthy and active university
Our mental health and wellbeing strategy fosters resilience and an awareness of mental wellbeing for students, staff and their families.
Celebrating cultures
We are enriched by the diversity of our community, with opportunities to celebrate different cultures and perspectives all year round.

Outreach for schools and future students

Discover UNSW programs, resources and partnerships designed for teachers, schools and students from primary school through to Year 12. These initiatives connect young people with new ideas, university learning and pathways for their future.
Students in white and navy uniforms holding UNSW Step Up certificates with a UNSW staff member and a UNSW Sydney tote bag at Arthur Phillip High School in 2022

STEP UP

Interactive financial literacy and economics learning for Years 9–12.

STEP UP: Playconomics is a free, game-based outreach program that helps high-school students build financial literacy, strengthen confidence in economics and mathematics and explore pathways to university. The program is designed for easy implementation by teachers and is available to students from all backgrounds.

Explore STEP UP
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Future You

Free STEM resources and activities for children, families and educators.

Future You builds children’s interest, confidence and sense of belonging in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Explore curriculum-aligned resources, activities, stories and relatable role models designed to challenge stereotypes and inspire children to imagine their STEM future.

Explore Future You

Local engagement 

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Dharriwaa Elders Group (DEG)

The DEG works to support Elders’ wellbeing, protecting Aboriginal cultural heritage and knowledge and promoting Aboriginal cultural values. Learn more about UNSW’s partnership with the DEG.
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Matraville Education Partnership

The Matraville Educational Program is an initiative between UNSW School of Education, Matraville Sports High School and the broader Little Bay Community of Schools involves enriched curriculum activities for students, professional learning, and ongoing research and evolving partnerships with the Aboriginal and wider community.
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UNSW Tax Clinic

The UNSW Tax Clinic is a free service for financially vulnerable individuals and small businesses who would otherwise not have access to tax advice and support.
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A group of law students at the Kingsford Legal Centre

Kingsford Legal Centre (KLC)

The KLC is a community legal centre providing free legal advice, casework and legal education to our local community. It advises on matters such as Domestic Violence, Credit and Debt, Victim’s Compensation, Criminal Law, Employment Law, Discrimination Law (anywhere within NSW), Motor Vehicle Accidents, Consumer Matters and Neighbourhood Disputes.
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Students volunteer at the Arc booth during O-week

Arc@UNSW

Arc is the one and only student organisation at UNSW designed to support and enrich the student experience through guidance and access to clubs, sport, volunteering opportunities, wellness, events, tutoring, and more. Membership is free to all UNSW students, expanding the University experience beyond the classroom.
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Gateway Pathway & Program

The UNSW GAPP runs over three years from Year 10 to Year 12 and aims to prepare students from Gateway partner schools for university.
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Australia-wide and international engagement

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Institute for Global Development

Building partnerships that benefit communities by reimagining development. Explore our diverse global community programs.
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COVID-19 vaccine in researcher hands, female doctor holds syringe and bottle with vaccine for coronavirus cure. Concept of corona virus treatment, injection, shot and clinical trial during pandemic.

Eliminating cervical cancer in the Western Pacific

The Western Pacific has among the highest rates of cervical cancer in the world. The Kirby Institute at UNSW is contributing to a landmark program in the region, providing critical access to preventative measures such as vaccination in childhood and HPV screening opportunities for adult women.
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The Football United Program

FUn empowers social change through sport by delivering youth-orientated soccer initiatives from around the world, serving to encourage good health, strong communities, and build personal and social development. Discover our impact.
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The Women in STEM Ambassador Program

Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith is focused on all gender equity issues spanning Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) disciplines including natural, physical and life sciences. The primary aim of the Ambassador's role is to increase the participation of women and girls in STEM studies and careers.
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Search impact by faculty

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Art, Design & Architecture

UNSW Arts, Design & Architecture participates and contributes to a diverse range of community groups and organisations, guided by our shared values of collaboration, integrity and respect.
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Business School

UNSW Business School is committed to make lives better whether this is through our Girls in Business Camp or our community of entrepreneurial leaders in ENACTUS. We’re making real change possible.
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girls in engineering events

Engineering

UNSW Engineering is committed to developing solutions to complex problems facing society through sustainable methods including the Women in Engineering initiative, and broad ChallENG program.
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Centre for crime law and justice

Law & Justice

UNSW Law & Justice looks to advance human rights and community access to legal advice through its centres and institutes such as the Indigenous Law Centre, Youth Law Centre and the Human Rights Institute, to name just a few.
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Proposed UNSW Health Translation Hub

Medicine & Health

UNSW Medicine & Health understands the value of community partnerships, from the new Health Translation Hub in Randwick, to our Rural Clinical Schools which serve broader NSW.
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UNSW Science Outside building

Science

UNSW Science runs a wide range of community events and activities including the Women in STEM Ambassador Program and the Talented Students Program. We’re helping our community thrive.
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Jace Stallard, Tech Aero NAVY

UNSW Canberra

UNSW Canberra works with key community partners to share knowledge and expertise and drive positive change, spanning areas of Defence, veteran support, bushfire awareness, public leadership, and more.
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