Goal 1: No poverty

Victoria University addresses global and local poverty through targeted research and practical local solutions.

Investigations conducted by our institutes and centres tackle the origins of poverty, identifying strategies to remedy issues such as unequal access to health and education.

Within the University, support for marginalised groups includes scholarships, academic-progression opportunities, and culturally safe spaces. Free food programs, crisis support funds and other practical assistance address short-term poverty in our University community.

More than 700 million people, or 10 per cent of the world population, still live in extreme poverty today, struggling to fulfil the most basic needs like health, education, and access to water and sanitation, to name a few.
– United Nations

Sustainability on campus

VU offers financial advice and support to students including a no interest loan scheme.

Research addressing Goal 1

Mitchell Institute

VU's education policy think-tank works to improve educationsystems so more Australians can engage with and benefit from these services, supporting a fairer and more productive society.

Teenagers

Social & cultural transformation research

Part of the Institute for Sustainable Industries & Liveable Cities, this research area focuses on social inclusion, community development, inclusive and transformational education, and social justice.

Policy & economics research

A knowledge base for effective policy responses to key issues the world is facing in health, education, quality of the environment, level of equality in the distribution of resources and endowments.

Programs & courses addressing Goal 1

3 young adults pose on a beach with group of Polynesian kids, smiling

Master of International Community Development

This masters engages with the UN SDGs in the course learning outcomes and practice-based assessments, to prepare graduates to work on SDG projects and programs of implementation.

Free meals for our students

To support our students, Victoria University has partnered with SecondBite, a local not-for-profit organisation, to provide free healthy frozen meals to eat at home.

Science student Stella Rose Lay stands wearing a t-shirt that reads 'Always was'.

Support for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander students

We help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students reach their full potential at Victoria University, with access to financial assistance, scholarships, culturally safe spaces, and learning suppor

Zahra and Fatemeh Sayahi sitting outside at Victoria University's campus.

Diversity & Equity (hardship) scholarships

We support students facing poverty with several generous scholarships, granted every year.

Asylum seeker study opportunities

The Asylum Seeker Vocational Education and Training (ASVET) program provides free or subsidised access to vocational and apprenticeship courses.

Special admissions programs

Our admissions programs help students to access a university education, who might otherwise have find it difficult due to socioeconomic circumstance, class, language or cultural barriers.

VU stories

A pathway to a dream

Diploma of Nursing HLT51607, Bachelor of Nursing

"The best thing about VU is the friendly, multicultural environment, and the amazing support I received from the teachers."

Tahani Shamroukh

Working in a welding wonderland

Certificate III in EAL (Access) 22253VIC

"After leaving war-torn Syria, I was able to start a new life in Australia. VU helped me to learn English and then study welding, where I developed my love of sculpting."

After leaving war-torn Syria, I was able to start a new life in Australia. VU helped me to learn English and then study welding, where I developed my love of sculpting.

Innocent Karabagega outside the County Court Victoria

A learning journey to law

Advanced Diploma of Legal Practice 22276VIC (now 22565VIC Advanced Diploma of Legal Practice), Bachelor of Laws

"All my achievements are because of VU – they listened to me and transformed me into a better person who can serve other people, especially those who seek refuge in other countries."

All my achievements are because of VU – they listened to me and transformed me into a better person who can serve other people, especially those who seek refuge in other countries.

Innocent's learning journey to law

Sarah Hamidavi.

Teaching the next generation of learners

Bachelor of Early Childhood Education

"I appreciate everyone’s support and assistance throughout my study; I will repay their kindness and generosity by educating young citizens and helping the community."

I appreciate everyone’s support and assistance throughout my study; I will repay their kindness and generosity by educating young citizens and helping the community.