The University of New England has achieved Gold Certification in the FISU Healthy Campus Program, becoming the first regional university in Australia to reach this international benchmark for health, wellbeing and sustainability.
The recognition places UNE among just three Australian universities to hold Gold Status, reflecting a university-wide effort led by SportUNE and supported by People & Culture, Student Wellbeing, UNE Medical Centre, Estate & Built Environment and UNE Life.
UNE’s success was built on strong foundations in sustainability, mental health, and active living. The UNE Solar Farm, Staff Wellbeing Hub, Wellness Centre, Healthy Campus Walk and social sport competitions all contributed to meeting 82 of the program’s 100 global criteria.
“It’s exciting for UNE to be recognised among Australia’s leading universities for health, wellbeing, and sustainability,” said Caitlin Bryce, Sport Programs & Partnerships Coordinator.
“The Gold certification reflects a fantastic team effort across UNE and UNE Life, and we’re already working together towards Platinum.”
“We want to keep sharing the Healthy Campus message and connect with more staff, students and departments who’d like to be part of it and embedding it into UNE’s culture.”
UNE joined the global Healthy Campus Program in 2022 and earned Bronze Certification in its first year. The upgrade to Gold marks rapid progress and positions UNE as a national leader in embedding health and wellbeing into university life.
The program, run by the International University Sports Federation (FISU), assesses universities against 100 standards across seven domains – from nutrition and physical activity to environmental sustainability and mental health.
Each area aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, including Good Health and Wellbeing, Quality Education and Climate Action.
Healthy Campus complements UNE’s strategic focus on belonging, wellbeing and sustainability. It helps improve student success and staff engagement while demonstrating UNE’s contribution to measurable global goals.
UNE’s Gold-level certification will be verified during an on-site audit by FISU in early 2026. Work toward Platinum Status has already begun, focusing on stronger interdepartmental collaboration, new wellness initiatives, and improved reporting on wellbeing outcomes.
The University will continue to build on this success, strengthening collaboration across departments, expanding wellness initiatives and refining how it measures and reports wellbeing outcomes as part of its push toward Platinum Status.
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