We engage with the community in the western region of Melbourne and beyond, both to enrich the learning opportunities and capacities of our students and of the West. As part of this collaboration we welcome and encourage the involvement of the community in the life of the University.

Our collaborative relationships with the community and industry promote the application of knowledge and new technologies as our students move from university into a profession or trade.

There are many opportunities to get involved and benefit from working in partnership with VU:

• as a source of work-ready graduates
• to develop your current employees through customised training programs
• to take advantage of our research strengths
• to advance projects of relevance to your organisation and the community.

Research 

Our higher education faculties have research strengths that are recognised in Australia and overseas. Each faculty undertakes faculty-based research that informs teaching and learning.

We undertake multidisciplinary research and participate in commercial ventures and activities to develop innovative technologies that have practical application and benefits to our partners, industry and the broader community.

We also have Centres and Institutes that undertake specialised research, consultancy, advice and tailored training and development in a variety of industries in both the public and private sectors.

Our research strengths extend across disciplines and provide extensive opportunities for graduates wanting to enhance their career with a research degree. 

Contact our Innovation and Commercial Development team if you want to find out how our research and innovative technology developments could benefit your business, organisation or community.

Technology development and transfer

Our technology portfolio has a range of patented and non-patented technologies which are available for commercialisation or use under licence. 

If your business or organisation would like to undertake research to develop an idea or concept for patenting, or will benefit technology developed by us, our Innovation and Commercial Development team can assist you. 

Work placements and mentoring

We are committed to Learning in the Workplace and Community (LiWC). This is an innovative way for students to gain practical work experience in a trade, industry or profession while they study. 

Whether on-the-job or through work-based projects or research, our students produce work with real benefits to industry and the community. You can support VU by providing opportunities for students to complete a work placement in your organisation or undertake a work-based project as a part of their coursework that benefits your organisation.

Find out how you can also support VU by participating in our mentoring program to help students prepare for the challenges in the real world.

Gifts, donations and bequests

Your gift, donation or bequest will support scholarships or other priority projects to provide greater opportunities for our students and assist us to deliver programs of excellence. Our highest fundraising priority is a new range of scholarships but we are happy to talk about other current fundraising projects which may be of interest to you.

If you would like to support VU by making a gift, donation or bequest please contact the The Development Office.

Gifts to VU or the Victoria University Foundation are tax deductible.

Other ways to get involved

If you are interested in getting involved with VU but are not sure how, contact us.