‘No choice’: Western Sydney uni to cut hundreds of jobs

A major Sydney university has become the latest institution set to scrap hundreds of jobs under huge cost-cutting measures.

A major Sydney university has become the latest institution to roll out huge cost-cutting measures, with hundreds of jobs set for the chopping block.

Western Sydney University is expected to cut up to 400 jobs to help cope with an almost 80 million deficit in 2026 amid a “large deterioration” in student numbers.

It comes after the University of Technology Sydney announced last week it could axe 400 jobs as part of a plan to cut $100 million.

Western Sydney University Vice chancellor Professor George Williams said the university had “no choice” but to reduce staff numbers, with an estimated $6.5 million deficit now forecast to reach $79 million in 2026.

“Unfortunately, the University is facing fresh budget impacts for 2026 and beyond due to a further, large deterioration in our student load,” Mr Williams said in a statement provided to news.com.au.

“The international student caps are hitting our University hard, as is increased competition for students in Western Sydney.

“Student behaviour is also changing with many choosing to undertake fewer courses, no doubt due in many cases to cost-of-living pressures.”

Western Sydney University is set to cut 400 jobs. Picture: Supplied

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Mr Williams said the university’s “worsening budget position” means it will have “insufficient revenue to cover our 2026 salary and other costs”, adding the Senior Executive Leadership Team has had to be cut by 25 per cent and there’s a plan to disestablish 120 vacant positions.

“My salary and the pay of our senior leaders has been frozen, and we have placed strict limits on hiring, reduced travel and catering, and restricted the use of external consultants,” he said.

“We also have no choice but to reduce our workforce by 300-400 positions.

“Our priority is to preserve as many jobs as we can. I know this is about people and the real impact on people’s lives, and I feel a heavy responsibility in taking these actions. We are doing everything possible to find other non-salary savings, and are also looking first to disestablish 120 vacant positions.

“These changes are designed to meet our immediate budget challenges, and to better position the University to realise our ambitious strategy. We will continue to strengthen the University’s foundations.”

Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor Professor George Williams AO said he has “no choice” but to reduce the workforce. Picture: Jane Dempster/The Australian

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It comes after the University of Technology Sydney last week told staff there could be 400 job loses, including 150 academics and 250 professional staff, under a $100 million cost-cutting program.

The $100 million savings would boost the university’s surplus to $94 million by 2029.

“Similarly to other universities, UTS is facing financial sustainability pressure as we work to recover from the impacts of COVID, balance increasing costs and manage government policy changes that have reduced our funding and limited near term revenue growth,” UTS vice chancellor Andrew Parfit told news.com.au in a statement.

Mr Parfit added the“ University leadership is confident there is a pathway to achieve financial sustainability” and “we have been open with staff that job losses of approximately 400 are likely to be required”.

“I’m keenly aware this is a challenging time for our university and our staff and regret the impact on our people and the high degree of uncertainty they face. We are working to minimise those impacts as much as we can and to provide our people with all necessary support.”

The University of Technology Sydney last week told staff up to 400 jobs could be cut. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

Meanwhile, the Australian National University is reportedly expected to make further job cuts as it grapples with a multimillion-dollar deficit, according to the Sydney Morning Herald.

The budget blackhole was last year projected to be $200 million however staff last month were told the deficit had been revised to $140 million.

“Through careful intervention, the University has been successful in reducing the $200 million projected operating deficit for 2024 to an actual deficit of $140 million,” ANU Chief Operating Officer Jonathan Churchill said in a statement.

The deficit had already seen the university axe jobs, slash salaries and rein in procurement, facilities, travel and IT, last year.

Vice-Chancellor Genevieve Bell announced in October the university was facing a substantial financial challenge – one not even enrolling more students could fix.

“Without structural intervention, the university will not be financially sustainable,” she said.

“We will do less but we will do it better.”

The Australian National University is dealing with a $140 million deficit. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Gary Ramage

At the time, The National Tertiary Education Union labelled the plan to cut jobs as a “kick in the guts for staff”.

“Today’s announcement is completely inconsistent with recent actions taken by ANU in relation to the College of Health and Medicine,” union ANU branch President Millan Pintos-Lopez said.

“In July 2023, ANU committed to a $16.75 million land purchase for a health precinct to house world-leading translational and research work.”

The university said major restructure was needed to become smaller and ensure its long-term sustainability and financial viability.