Swinburne's latest partnership news

September 2025

The CAIA Advantage: Advancing Your Alternative Investment Career event at the Hawthorn Hotel.

Swinburne University of Technology has announced a new partnership with the Chartered Alternative Investment Analyst (CAIA) Association, a globally recognised authority in alternative investments.

Through this academic partnership, Swinburne students and faculty gain access to CAIA’s extensive library of research, thought leadership, and industry insights, building a bridge between academic theory and real-world investment practice.

The partnership also provides access to CAIA’s global network of alternative investment professionals and exclusive industry events, creating valuable connections for both students and academics.

“Swinburne is proud to be the only university in Victoria to hold an exclusive partnership with CAIA. This recognition is a strong endorsement of the quality of our finance education and the global relevance of the skills our students graduate with,”says Swinburne’s Associate Professor Reza Tajaddini, Department Chair of Accounting, Economics and Finance. 

The collaboration offers opportunities for joint research with leading universities, complimentary access to CAIA’s curriculum to support program development and guest lectures from industry experts to enhance the student experience.

“Our students gain more than just technical knowledge – this partnership gives them scholarships, mentoring, and pathways into CAIA’s global community. It reflects the unique strength of our Master of Finance, where academic excellence is matched with real professional opportunities to prepare graduates for the future of finance,” says Swinburne’s Dr Jason Tian, Course Director for Master of Finance.  

The alliance reflects CAIA’s dedication to elevating global standards of professionalism and expanding educational access in the evolving field of alternative investments.

Swinburne now joins a respected global network of CAIA Academic Partners, leading institutions that integrate alternative investment education into their academic offerings and contribute to advancing the future of finance. 

Swinburne partners with CareerTrackers to boost career pathways for First Nations students.

Swinburne University of Technology and CareerTrackers have launched a new partnership to strengthen career pathways for First Nations students. The program connects students with paid structured internships, leadership development and industry networks, supporting them to build experience, grow confidence and pursue long-term career goals.

“This partnership is about building futures and advancing leadership,” said Professor John Evans, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Indigenous Engagement.

“It’s a practical step towards increasing representation and creating opportunities for First Nations students to thrive in their chosen fields.”

The partnership was launched with a celebration at the Moondani Toombadool Centre last week. The event brought together students, staff and industry partners to mark the beginning of a shared commitment to student success, cultural connection and professional growth. 

“Our vision is to see First Nations professionals leading with excellence and purpose in industries and communities across Australia,” said Adam Davids, CEO of CareerTrackers.

“This milestone partnership with Swinburne University of Technology will enable that vision and enhance the tertiary education experience more widely for First Nations students.” 

At the launch event, Swinburne students Letisha Stirling and Jessica Turner shared how the partnership has already opened doors and supported their professional journeys.

Bachelor of Design (Architecture) student Letisha Stirling completed an Interior Design internship at Hassell. 

"My internship at Hassell has been an incredible opportunity to gain real industry experience, learn from leading architects and designers, and contribute to projects that genuinely make an impact,” said Letisha.  

“As an Indigenous student, it’s been empowering to step into the architecture and design profession with the guidance and support of CareerTrackers. Their mentorship has not only opened doors but also given me the confidence to grow, thrive, and see myself belonging in this space. I hope that by sharing my journey, I can help create pathways for other Indigenous students to follow."

Bachelor of Accounting student Jessica Turner completed a Government Advisory internship at McGrathNicol.  

“I had the opportunity to contribute to impactful public sector projects, gaining firsthand experience in policy analysis and risk management,” said Jessica.

“CareerTrackers played a key role in my journey, offering mentorship, professional development workshops, and a supportive community that empowered me to thrive in a corporate environment.”

Celebrating Swinburne’s new partnership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand. 

Swinburne University of Technology has announced a partnership with Chartered Accountants Australia and New Zealand (CA ANZ) to provide a Master of Professional Accounting to students.

Swinburne will be the exclusive Victorian partner of CA ANZ, allowing students to simultaneously complete a Master of Professional Accounting and the prestigious Chartered Accountants program. This creates a unique pathway for students aiming to earn a distinctive postgraduate qualification to accelerate their career.

“This innovative program allows students to complete all the educational requirements to become a Chartered Accountant while earning a Master’s degree—in just two years” said Department Chair of Accounting, Economics and Finance, Reza Tajaddini.

“It is the most efficient pathway of its kind in Australia”.

This program is the first in both Australia and Asia to integrate cutting-edge topics including FinTech, AI, blockchain, financial crime, and cybersecurity through its FinTech specialisation, making it highly relevant to the evolving industry landscape.

Students will benefit from a range of career-focused CA ANZ initiatives, including an Employability Masterclass, and an Executive Mentoring Program. These topics and initiatives provided by the partnership with CA ANZ will assist in equipping Swinburne students to be at the forefront of the accounting profession.

Tajaddini was joined at Swinburne’s Australian Graduate School of Entrepreneurship (AGSE) by Ainslie van Onselen, CEO of CAANZ; Simon Hann, Group Executive of Education and Marketing; and other members of the CAANZ management team for a celebration event.

“We are very excited about our first collaboration with a Victorian university”, said van Onselen. “We love our relationships with the university and the academic community. We are excited particularly about the embedded Master’s program that means students can do the CA program earlier.”

“They’ll be job-ready earlier and be able to accelerate their technical and ethical competencies. And at the same time, they’ll be able to have the Master of Professional Accounting.” 

Dr Hermione Parsons, CEO and MD of Australian Logistics Council and Swinburne’s Professor Hadi Ghaderi

Swinburne University is the first Australian university to join the Australian Logistics Council (ALC) as a research partner. The partnership with ALC, the peak national body representing key participants in Australia’s freight transport and logistics supply chain, aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry.

“The Australian Logistics Council is delighted to welcome Swinburne University of Technology as a research partner. We do so recognising Swinburne’s unparalleled delivery of industry-focused supply chain and logistics applied research, education, and training. Swinburne brings a powerful new dimension to the ALC’s research partnership,” says Dr Hermione Parsons, CEO and MD of Australian Logistics Council.

Swinburne is a leading university in the field of freight and logistics and is collaborating with ALC to apply and deliver high impact, practical and cutting-edge research projects for the logistics and freight sector. For example, its Supply Chain Decarbonisation Program focuses on reducing greenhouse gas emissions in freight transport.

Swinburne’s Professor Hadi Ghaderi, an expert in logistics and supply chain management, says Swinburne’s membership with ALC provides opportunities to influence national freight and supply chain policies through research and collaboration. 

“The partnership opens opportunities for our students and researchers to apply their knowledge in real-world settings. This collaboration not only strengthens Swinburne’s influence in the logistics and freight sector, but also solidifies our role in shaping the future of national policy and workforce development within the industry,” says Professor Ghaderi.

By closely collaborating with ALC, Swinburne will deliver impactful, practical research projects, co-design training solutions, and identify talent gaps in the logistics workforce, helping ensure a sustainable future for the sector.

Swinburne students and Peter Marcato at Vision Australia Radio

Swinburne’s media students are partnering with Vision Australia Radio to create 10 Reading Radio programs that will be broadcast across the country. 

Produced and voiced by Swinburne students, the stories contribute to Vision Australia Radio’s service for those who are blind and vision impaired through readings of newspapers, books and magazines.

“The students have been working on the programs all year and it’s a great way for them to practice their presentation skills and showcase their great work,” says Peter Marcato, Lecturer in Media and Communication at Swinburne.

“Vision Australia Radio provides an important service to the community, so it’s great to be able to work with them to provide a youth-focused program for their audience across Australia.”

Swinburne has a long history of supporting Vision Australia Radio, including producing a Victorian election night broadcast in 2022. The team is also looking to host a federal election broadcast with the station in 2025.

Each program will be broadcast at 6:30pm on weekdays across their entire network from Monday 6 January 2025 to Friday 18 January 2025.