Deloitte joins with leading universities to support students from under-represented backgrounds

11 November 2025: Deloitte, in partnership with Western Sydney University, Victoria University, and the University of Canberra, has launched the BrightStart program, creating exciting new career pathways for students from under-represented backgrounds.

As part of the program, participants tuition will be partly funded by Deloitte while completing a nationally recognised, industry-relevant bachelor's degree at one of the partner universities.

The students will also gain practical experience working part-time at Deloitte while they study. The inaugural BrightStart cohort will welcome students from a range of backgrounds, providing them with a unique opportunity to build both academic and professional success.

Jo Gorton, Deloitte Australia CEO said: "We're proud to launch the BrightStart Program in partnership with leading universities: Western Sydney University, Victoria University and University of Canberra. The program opens up great opportunities for under-represented students as Deloitte supports them with tuition fees and provides on-the-job learning. It has the potential to change lives and is a wonderful reminder of the power of diversity in creating better business outcomes."

Distinguished Professor George Williams AO, Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor said:"The BrightStart program is an innovative earn-while-you-learn pathway that allows students to gain hands-on experience while working with industry leader, Deloitte. It's designed to help students from Western Sydney build strong industry connections, work close to where they live and study, and receive tailored support from both the University and Deloitte to balance work and study and achieve their future career goals."

The Honourable Bill Shorten, Vice-Chancellor and President of the University of Canberra said: "UC promises students the opportunity to combine academic learning with practical application by getting our students out of the classroom and into workplaces to gain the experience they will need to propel them into fulfilling careers. The BrightStart program is going to help us achieve just that for UC students from our Bachelor of Engineering, Business Informatics and IT degrees, opening doors of opportunity beyond the end of their degrees.

"Paid internships and integrated learning opportunities like the ones being funded by Deloitte will go a long way to addressing some of the barriers to success that students may experience. We are grateful for the partnership and look forward to facilitating more of these into the future, continuing to grow the marvellous student outcomes at UC that support our graduates in finding employment quickly after graduation."

Professor Adam Shoemaker, Victoria University Vice-Chancellor said:"The diversity in Melbourne's west is a superpower and we are proud to be part of any initiative that provides the underrepresented students in our community an opportunity to pursue their dream careers."

The BrightStart program is scheduled to commence in February/March 2026, in line with the semester one university start date.