Higher education
$40B
dollars in expenditure
130K+
employees around Australia
42
universities and other higher education institutions
1.4M+
students supported by the sector
Australia’s universities and higher education providers underpin national productivity, innovation and international engagement. They educate a growing cohort of domestic and international students, deliver research that informs public policy and industry, and contribute materially to export earnings through education and research partnerships. Public investment through the Commonwealth Grant Scheme and HELP, combined with student contributions and research income, remains the core of university funding.
The sector is emerging from a period of significant disruption. Border closures and shifts to online learning reshaped enrolments, delivery models and financial settings. International student numbers have rebounded above pre-pandemic levels and domestic enrolments have returned to earlier peaks, supported by population growth and renewed demand for qualifications in a softening labour market.
Universities are operating in an environment characterised by funding pressure, increased public scrutiny and rapid technological change. Providers are balancing the need to diversify revenue with expectations for accessible study options, strong student support and high-quality research. The regulatory framework places clear obligations on providers to demonstrate quality, protect student interests and maintain academic integrity across all modes of delivery.
Workforce and capability remain central challenges. Total higher education staff numbers are at their highest level in a decade, yet universities are navigating workforce mix, casualisation, career pathways and enterprise bargaining. At the same time, institutions are expected to strengthen student safety, respond to emerging codes on campus conduct, and embed digital and AI enabled learning while maintaining standards. Successfully navigating these dynamics requires leadership that can connect strategy, governance, culture and the student experience.
Our offering
We partner with universities and higher education providers navigating funding pressures, regulatory oversight and evolving expectations across teaching, research and student experience.
Our work spans executive leadership, academic and research roles and corporate and enabling functions. We bring a strong understanding of governance, stakeholder engagement and institutional performance.
Our focus is on building leadership teams that sustain academic excellence, drive research impact and deliver high quality outcomes for students and communities.
