The federal government last week introduced legislation that if passed would see the deregulation of tuition fees, an increase in interest fees on student loans and a 20 per cent cut in federal funding to universities. 

“There are some concerns across universities about what’s happening, but I think UOW has a plan on how to grow and keep improving,” Shoalhaven Campus head Robbie Collins said. 

“If you look at the Shoalhaven Campus we’re going to have 19 course options next year, including three new ones including Bachelor of Education early year, Bachelor of Social Work and Bachelor of Social Science, so we’ve got a big palette of courses to offer students. 

“One of the things I wanted to do when I came to the campus was make it a community of learners and I think we’ve done that. We’ve engaged a lot with the community and whenever I meet with somebody who is thinking about studying here I ask them how they heard about us and nearly 100 per cent of the answers is word of mouth, so I think we have a strong reputation.”

UOW vice-chancellor Paul Wellings said the institution was committed to providing world class education despite any possible changes to funding. 

“UOW is currently considering the financial impact of the proposed changes. Our main priority is to continue providing students with a world-class education in a high quality research and teaching environment,” he said

“If the government’s proposed deregulation of Australian universities does go through, Wollongong University anticipates maintaining its full range of courses, and its broad range of campuses and learning centres.

“We will endeavour to ensure that scholarships will be available at all our locations to help to maintain equity in access to higher education across the community.