Changes at Carnegie Mellon University - Australia

Pittsburgh, PA, June 29, 2022: Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) today announced it will wind down operations in Adelaide, South Australia. The dynamics of the international operating environment for higher education, accelerated by the impacts of COVID-19, have significantly impacted the sustainability of an ongoing, on-the-ground operation in Australia.

CMU will no longer be taking on new students for courses at its Adelaide campus. All students currently enrolled in courses will be supported and able to graduate with the CMU degree they have embarked upon. All existing courses will be completed, and staff will be given ample support and assistance during the transition.

The higher education operating environment has changed significantly in the past decade. An Australian Government report issued in October 2021 states the inbound education market is not what it once was. The global pandemic and lingering impacts of international travel restrictions, a move to blended online and on-campus delivery and the establishment of on-shore campuses in traditional source markets, including many in Asia, have all significantly impacted the Australian inbound education market.

Carnegie Mellon University Australia has been offering public policy and management and information and technology management degrees at its campus in Adelaide since 2006. In the last 16 years, more than 1200 students have completed degrees via the Adelaide campus.

Carnegie Mellon’s global mission to serve as educators, knowledge creators and engines of economic growth remains strong and it will continue to serve its students in its other international campuses and programs in Rwanda, Qatar, Portugal, and other locations.

Statement by James Garrett, Provost, Carnegie Mellon University

We’re proud that more than 1200 students have received a first-class educational experience through CMU Australia over the last 16 years. Many of these students have since gone on to make significant contributions to their professions and communities. They will never forget the great education experience they had at CMU-Australia in Adelaide.

The world is a vastly different place than when we established operations in Australia at the start of the century and the global pandemic has accelerated and amplified these changes more than anyone could have predicted.

We’re committed to seeing our students graduate with their degrees and ensuring that we look after our staff during this transition.

We have had tremendous support from federal and South Australian Governments, the business community and the community of Adelaide and thank everyone for it.

Note: The pending closure of the CMU location in Adelaide, Australia and the university's request for a substantive change are pending approval by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

FAQs
1. Why is CMU closing the AUS campus?
  We have immense pride in the work and achievements of our students, faculty and staff at CMU-A. However, upon evaluating the components critical for a vibrant and sustainable academic community – a diverse and locally representative student body, an active research portfolio, and financial viability – we were forced to conclude that we must wind down our operations in Adelaide.
2. Why was this decision made now?
  Despite our best efforts to enrich CMU-A, further challenged by the impact of the pandemic, the campus was not meeting the objectives required for a sustainable academic community. The pandemic and accompanying lockdowns had significant, extended impact on CMU operations in Australia, even more than other international campuses. The decision to wind down operations in South Australia was a difficult one, but we’re sharing it with our community now to allow for an organized, deliberate transition over the next year, and so that we may offer needed support to our students, faculty, and staff.
3. How much has CMU invested in the Australia campus?
  Over the last 16 years, CMU has made a significant investment in CMU-A, including millions in direct support and many times more in expenses like travel, marketing, additional staffing and information systems.
4. How many students have graduated from CMU-A?
  More than 1200 students have graduated from CMU-A programs and another 200 will graduate in the next year.
5. Is CMU going to close other international campuses?
  There are no plans to close or reduce operations at any other international campuses.
6. Does this decision have anything to do with the new government’s university plan?
  No. The decision was made after evaluating what we were able to do at CMU-A against the broader global mission of the university.
7. Does this change have anything to do with the policies of the new South Australian or federal governments?
  No, it’s based on an internal evaluation and realignment of our global strategy.
8. Was there a proverbial “straw that broke the camel’s back?”
  No. Despite many attempts over the years to bolster CMU-A, ultimately, key parts of our mission were not being realized and we concluded it was time to wind down operations in Adelaide.
9. What will happen to the students already enrolled?
  All current CMU Australia students will have the opportunity to graduate with the CMU degree they embarked upon. We will honor this commitment by arranging personalized plans of study for each student to complete their requirements for graduation, which may include opportunities to finish coursework remotely or at our main campus in Pittsburgh.
10. If CMU moves classes online or to another institution, will my tuition change?
  Tuition for the 2022-2023 academic year remains the same regardless of where or in what modality the student completes their studies. We’re working with each student to finalize personalized plans to complete their coursework with the least disruption possible.
11. How does the closure affect my internship?
  We will work with students and internship employers to ensure the least disruption possible and to secure alternate internships if necessary or if they choose to relocate to finish their degrees.
12. Is CMU covering relocation costs/transfer fees for students finishing their degrees?
  In most cases, students will not be required to relocate in order to earn their degrees. CMU is working on an individual basis with students whose paths to graduation are more complicated.
13. What about students who applied (or were accepted) for August ‘22 intake?
  CMU-A is no longer accepting applications. Students who are already enrolled are being accommodated with personalized plans to complete their CMU degrees. Students who were accepted for August ‘22 intake will be offered a placement in a CMU Pittsburgh campus Heinz College program.