Goal #8 Decent Work & Economic Growth | Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Most

Employable University

named by AFR for the sixth year in a row

90%

completion

of initiatives in the Disability Inclusion Action Plan

20

Global Student Fellowships

available through AHRI's program in 2025/26

In this video, Suzanna Mahinder from the Centre for Social Impact, UNSW, breaks down some of the key challenges behind SDG #8.

Our work

Career Discovery Mentoring Program

Connects students with industry professionals, providing guidance and knowledge of industries and sectors, career options, industry trends, and workplace culture and dynamics.

Best for careers

UNSW ranked best in Australia for graduate career outcomes from the Australian Financial Review (AFR). AFR also named UNSW the ‘Most Employable University’ for the sixth year in a row in 2025.

Tax help for microbusinesses

60% of small business in Australia, often have overdue tax returns or large tax debts causing emotional and financial stress.

Teachers need affordable housing

A shortage of teachers in Australia is being fueled by affordable housing shortages. UNSW researchers discovered, 90 per cent of teachers can't afford to live where they teach.

Government commissioned research

The NSW Department of Education commissioned the SPRC and UNSW School of Education to undertake an outcomes evaluation of the Educational Pathways Program, designed to improve further education and career outcomes for young people.

Addressing a chronic skill shortage

The Kaldor Centre is leading a pioneering new research project set to shape win-win solutions that help address regional Australia’s chronic skill shortages and ensure skilled refugees find employment.

Addressing modern slavery

The UNSW annual modern slavery report notes the modern slavery risk rating for direct work force is low.

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Slavery is not over | Justine Nolan

Slavery may be something you associate with the past. But the harsh reality is, that the vast number of products and services we buy every day have a hidden story; they’ve been made by slaves. Justine Nolan has seen first-hand, what needs to be done to end the practice of slavery once and for all.

Overhauling Australia’s modern slavery laws

The video on the right, produced by UNSW students Claris Lai, Flora Wu, Kyle Zhang, Kyle Zhang and Qin Yan raises awareness about modern slavery in areas such as the garment and food industries.

Initiatives

Lecturer Helps Scholar with Project, Advising on Their Work. Teacher Giving Lesson to Diverse Multiethnic Group of Female and Male Students in College Room, Teaching New Academic Skills on a Computer.

Work Integrated Learning (WIL)

WIL at UNSW enables students to work directly with industry and community partners for credit towards their degree. WIL strengthens students’ work readiness skills and enhances employability through integrating the theory of academic learning with its application in practice as part of a program of study.

Flexible Work Policy

UNSW offers a range of flexible work options which reflect needs of our diverse workforce. Our Flexible Work Policy (published in 2022) takes a principles-based approach and sets out a range of flexible work options, which may be considered on their own, or as multiple options which may apply at the same time.

Safer Communities

Safer Communities will enhance the University’s efforts in gendered violence, managing psychosocial risk, respect at work and staff wellbeing, while continuing to foster a collaborative approach, through active formal engagement with students and staff.

UNSW Disability Inclusion Action Plan (DIAP)

The DIAP applies to university policy, practice and delivery of services. The UNSW DIAP commits the University to removing the barriers people with disability face when it comes to accessing and succeeding in tertiary education. It also aims to encourage the employment of people with disability at all levels of the university.

UNSW's 2026-2029 Disability Inclusion Action Plan is currently in development.

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Global Student Fellowship program

The Australian Human Rights Institute’s pioneering Global Student Fellowship program provides students with the opportunity to build a career pathway and forge connections at a leading international development or human rights organisation in Australia or overseas for six weeks.

Since its launch, the program has supported 30 students in paid fellowships. In 2024, a record 14 fellowships were awarded, and this will increase to 20 positions in 2025, thanks to philanthropic donations and partnerships with UNSW faculties and institutes.

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UNSW Ageing Futures Institute

Population ageing is one of humanity’s most pressing challenges. The UNSW Ageing Futures Institute will conduct research and translate it into policy and practical outcomes, to enable optimal ageing for individuals and society.

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UNSW Employment Conditions

UNSW negotiates salary rates through its Enterprise Bargaining process with unions and staff representatives, and rates are documented in the UNSW Academic Staff Enterprise Agreement 2023 and the UNSW Professional Staff Enterprise Agreement 2023 as well as on the HR website.

For more information about employment conditions including pay rates, please refer to UNSW Enterprise Agreements.

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