- Western Sydney University has launched a university-wide AI education programme to make AI literacy a core skill for all students and staff.
- A free online AI literacy course is now open to the entire university community, focusing on practical use, critical thinking, and ethical responsibility.
- An advanced, fully funded AI bootcamp for up to 1,000 students will provide industry-relevant skills, hands-on training, and recognised certifications.
Western Sydney University has launched a major artificial intelligence education programme to ensure that all students and staff gain practical AI knowledge while also preparing a group of students with advanced, industry-relevant digital skills. The initiative aims to make AI literacy a core capability across the university rather than limiting it to specialist technology courses.
The programme comes as AI tools become increasingly common in education, research and the workplace. Universities are facing growing pressure to ensure graduates understand how to use these technologies effectively, responsibly and critically. Western Sydney University has responded by focusing on broad access to AI education alongside hands-on training that aligns with current workforce needs.
A central part of the initiative is a free online AI literacy course that is open to the entire university community. The course introduces basic AI concepts and explains how these systems work in real-world settings. Participants learn how AI generates outputs, how to interact with AI tools effectively and how to assess their accuracy and limitations. By making the course available to everyone, the university aims to build a shared foundation of AI understanding across all disciplines.
The course also places strong emphasis on responsible and ethical use of AI. It addresses academic integrity, critical thinking and the importance of human judgement and creativity when working with AI systems. This approach reflects wider global discussions about ethical governance and the need for informed decision-making as AI adoption increases across sectors.
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Alongside the foundational course, the university has introduced an advanced AI skills bootcamp for up to 1,000 students who are beyond their first year of study. The bootcamp provides intensive, fully funded training in applied AI over a short period. Students gain practical experience in areas such as machine learning basics, applied AI techniques, security risks and governance frameworks. The programme also offers access to industry-recognised certifications at no cost, helping students gain credentials that are valued by employers.
Professor Deborah Sweeney, Vice-Chancellor and President of Western Sydney University, said the initiative reflects the institution’s responsibility to prepare students for a rapidly changing world. “AI is already reshaping how we study, work and solve problems. Our goal is to ensure every student and staff member has the confidence and capability to use these tools responsibly and effectively”, she said.
The university believes the initiative will strengthen digital equity by removing financial barriers to AI education and ensuring access regardless of background or field of study. Over time, the programme is expected to shape how AI is used across teaching, assessment and research, supporting ethical practice and stronger workforce outcomes.
