UNSW Launches Australia’s First Nuclear Engineering Degree

The University of New South Wales has launched the country’s first undergraduate degree in nuclear engineering, a move aimed at strengthening national capability and reducing reliance on foreign expertise as demand for skilled professionals grows.

The four-year honours program, announced this week, comes as Australia prepares for the workforce needs of the AUKUS security partnership, which will require an estimated 20,000 nuclear specialists.

Associate Professor Ed Obbard, Director of the UNSW Nuclear Innovation Centre, said the degree would provide pathways for students into industries ranging from medicine and aerospace to mining, defence, and government policy.

“This is very timely for Australia because we are trying to build a huge workforce in nuclear engineering primarily to support AUKUS,” Professor Obbard told Sky News.

The AUKUS agreement, signed with the United States and United Kingdom, involves building nuclear-powered submarines, requiring a long-term supply of engineers and technicians.

Australia holds the world’s largest known uranium reserves, accounting for nearly a third of global resources, according to the Minerals Council of Australia. However, the nation maintains a moratorium on nuclear energy, restricting domestic use of resources that could otherwise bolster energy security and lower long-term costs.

The debate over whether to lift that ban continues. Energy analyst Tony Wood from the Grattan Institute argued that it is time for Australia to have “a sensible conversation” about the role of nuclear power. Nationals Senator Matt Canavan highlighted that “thirty countries have committed to triple nuclear plants in the next generation,” framing nuclear energy as essential for reliable and affordable electricity.

Not all voices support the shift. Independent MP Zali Steggall said nuclear power was not competitive on economic grounds, while Assistant Minister Anthony Chisholm stated there had been “no serious proposals” in Queensland.

Other experts believe more public engagement is needed. Aleshia Duncan, Deputy Assistant Secretary in the US Office of Nuclear Energy, said people need clearer explanations of what nuclear energy is and how it could affect daily life.

Despite the federal government’s ban on nuclear energy, the new UNSW program marks a significant milestone in Australia’s higher education and defence preparedness. Supporters argue it not only strengthens national security but also empowers a new generation of Australians to take responsibility for meeting the country’s future energy and industrial needs without excessive government dependence.