Update on UTS Course Suspensions for 2026

Update on UTS Course Suspensions for 2026

You may have seen recent media reports about the University of Technology Sydney (UTS) placing a temporary pause on new student enrolments for a number of courses in 2026. Understandably, headlines like ‘over 100 courses suspended’ sound alarming, but I’d like to offer some clarity and reassurance from the Futures and Pathways Department. Here is an updated release from UTS with FAQs: Temporary Course Suspensions FAQs

What’s Really Happening

  • The majority of affected courses are double degrees combined with International Studies. UTS indicate these programs have had very low enrolments for several years, with some attracting only a handful of students.
  • Importantly, students can still study overseas. International exchanges and study abroad opportunities remain available through UTS. It is the specific combined degree structure that has been paused, not the opportunity to study internationally.
  • Current students are not impacted. The pause applies only to future enrolments beginning in 2026.

Why This Matters (and Why It Doesn’t)

UTS indicated the decision is less about taking opportunities away and more about streamlining their course offerings to align with student demand. Universities across Australia regularly review their programs, and low-enrolment courses are often the first to be reshaped or consolidated.

While there has been broader reporting about challenges facing the university sector in 2026, such as funding pressures and enrolment trends, it is important to remember that:

  • The vast majority of courses remain open and continue to provide strong pathways into careers.
  • UTS and other universities remain committed to ensuring students have access to quality degrees, international opportunities, and modernised programs that reflect today’s workforce needs.

Our Advice to Current Year 12 students

At MLC School, we are staying close to these developments and remain in contact with universities as changes are confirmed. For students currently planning for university:

  • Keep exploring your options. The most popular and in-demand courses at UTS (and across Sydney) are unaffected.
  • Stay reassured about international experiences. Exchanges, overseas study, and global pathways remain a cornerstone of many degrees.
  • We are here to guide you. If you or your daughter have concerns about how this may affect her university planning, please come and speak with me directly.

While the media coverage in various publications sounds dramatic, this is not the removal of opportunities for our students. Rather, it is part of the natural cycle of universities adjusting course offerings to match student demand. Rest assured, the Futures and Pathways Department is across these changes and will continue to provide up-to-date guidance so our students can make informed, confident decisions.

– Jo Cilia
Head of Futures and Pathways