The University of Technology Sydney (UTS) plans to close its schools of education and public health as part of a significant restructuring effort. This initiative will eliminate over 1,100 subjects and result in 134 job losses. Previously, UTS had announced 400 job cuts as part of a broader cost-saving strategy aimed at reducing expenses by $100 million.

In a proposal released on Wednesday, UTS outlined plans to merge its trans-disciplinary and business schools into a new faculty of Business and Law. This restructuring will reduce the number of schools from 24 to 15, a decrease of 31 percent. The closures will include the International Studies, Education, and Public Health schools, along with the discontinuation of its teacher training program. As a result, 167 courses will be eliminated.

This restructuring is part of UTS's strategy to return to financial stability after experiencing five years of deficits exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Vice-Chancellor Andrew Parfitt stated that restrictions on domestic and international student enrollments have limited revenue growth. "UTS is focused on achieving a sustainable future where students can continue to get the quality of education they expect, and we can continue to deliver research outcomes for the communities that benefit from our work," Parfitt said.

The proposed changes have sparked criticism from various stakeholders. Vince Caughley, a representative from the National Tertiary Education Union, labeled the proposal as "poorly managed." He expressed concern that the decision to cut programs in health and education comes at a time when these sectors are critically important. "It seems curious that a public institution would make this decision and be allowed to make this decision," he said. Caughley called for increased scrutiny and better governance, arguing that the university is not in imminent financial danger.

Greens Deputy Leader Mehreen Faruqi also condemned the restructuring, calling it an "absolute disgrace." She criticized the management for prioritizing financial optics over the needs of staff and students. "As per usual, it is the staff, students, and the wider community that will bear the brunt of terrible management decisions," she said, emphasizing the need for overhauling university governance.

The New South Wales Department of Education has expressed concern about the impact of these cuts on the teaching profession. Secretary Murat Dizdar highlighted the importance of maintaining a strong pipeline of teachers, especially amid a national and international teacher shortage. "Teaching is the profession that creates every single other profession, it's so important for the state's social and economic fabric," he said. Dizdar confirmed he has been in contact with the vice-chancellor regarding the proposal.

The proposal is currently under a consultation period that will last until October 15. UTS indicated that any approved changes would take effect in 2026.