Vice-Chancellor's welcome
Dare to be Different is the motto for the University of Ballarat and, throughout the history of the University and its predecessor institutions, a strong belief in this motto has always been in evidence.
We are the only regional university in Victoria providing technical, vocational and higher education programs, as well as significant research opportunities. Our purpose is to provide a quality tertiary education experience that inspires our students to succeed. We are also committed to serving our regions and communities; we are proudly international in our outlook and impact; and, we publicly acknowledge the special place and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians.
The University has recently launched seven new Schools. These Schools offer a wide range of programs across many fields of study including:
- business and commerce
- human and community services
- visual and performing arts
- the sciences
- mathematics
- information technology
- engineering
- nursing
- paramedicine
- biomedical sciences
- food sciences
- teacher education
- behavioural and social sciences
- humanities
- human movement
- sport sciences
- various trades in manufacturing services
The University also has a Technical Education Centre catering for the needs of secondary school students.
To enhance its range of research activities, the University has established an Institute for Regional and Rural Research and Innovation (IRRRI) which has Centres for:
- Health Research and Practice (CHRP);
- Informatics and Applied Optimization (CIAO);
- Regional Innovation and Competitiveness (CRIC); and,
- Environmental Management (CEM).
The University has gained a national reputation for its commitment to high quality learning, teaching and training, for its applied research and for its engagement with industry, business and its regional communities and for its innovative Technology Park in Ballarat. Importantly, the University of Ballarat is a people-focused institution and it has much pride in its staff, students, alumni, and the communities it serves.
On behalf of our staff and students, I welcome you to the University and to the campuses in the historic, regional city of Ballarat and in Ararat, Stawell and Horsham. The University has also established partnership arrangements in several Australian capital cities and overseas to enable international students, in particular, to take advantage of what the University of Ballarat has to offer. I hope you will take time to visit the University and to experience for yourself the Dare to be Different spirit of the University of Ballarat where our students learn to succeed.
Professor David Battersby
Vice-Chancellor