UOW Global Enterprises
Wollongong (Dharawal), New South Wales.
Australian Export Awards driving Australia’s success on the world stage
We entered the Australian Export Awards to showcase our Australian success story and highlight the strength and quality of Australian education internationally. I encourage other exporters to see the awards as a powerful way to celebrate your achievements, share your story, and connect with others who are driving Australia’s success on the world stage.
Marisa Mastroianni, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.
UOW Global Enterprises: A+ for Aussie exports
Higher education is undergoing a significant shift. Globalisation and emerging technologies are reshaping how we teach, learn and engage. Institutions need to adapt and innovate to remain relevant.
The winner of the 2025 International Education and Training award category, UOW Global Enterprises (UOWGE), is uniquely positioned to take on that challenge. With a global network of campuses, this Australian education provider can deliver degrees across multiple regions.
‘We deliver Australian qualifications throughout our international footprint, expanding access to high-quality education for diverse student populations,’ says Marisa Mastroianni, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director.
‘Our distinctive higher education model sets us apart and demonstrates how innovation and collaboration can deliver global impact.’
Aussie education with global reach
UOWGE is a wholly owned subsidiary of the University of Wollongong (UOW), operating a global network of education institutions.
These include campuses in Dubai, Hong Kong, Malaysia, India and Wollongong.
Collectively, UOWGE delivers more than 200 academic, vocational, English language, and professional development programs to more than 16,000 students each year. With students from over 140 countries, UOWGE fosters a rich learning environment where diversity is embraced and celebrated.
UOWGE learns the ropes in India
UOWGE was one of the first Australian higher education institutions to establish a campus in India. This marked a significant milestone in its global expansion.
UOW India (UOWI) welcomed its pilot student cohort in November 2024. This achievement required navigating complex regulatory and legal frameworks within the Indian education sector.
Since launching its state-of-the-art campus in GIFT City, UOWI has introduced 5 postgraduate programs and hosted a series of masterclasses. UOWI plans to expand its academic offerings with the introduction of several undergraduate programs tailored to the local market.
Sights set on Saudi Arabia
Looking ahead, UOWGE plans to establish a branch campus in Saudi Arabia come 2026.
‘UOWGE was the first foreign university granted an investment licence following Saudi Arabia opening to international universities under KSA Vision 2030,’ says Mastroianni.
‘As we pursue opportunities in emerging markets, Austrade continues to open doors, provide intelligence, and connect us with the right partners at the right time. As education forms the cornerstone of Vision 2030’s national transformation, we are proud to contribute through our belief in education as a catalyst for social progress.’
Austrade expertise in local markets shores up successful entry
Austrade has been an invaluable partner in UOWGE’s international expansion.
‘Austrade’s deep expertise in local business culture and regulatory practices have been instrumental in our successful market entry and business development initiatives, particularly in Hong Kong and Malaysia,’ says Mastroianni.
‘It has provided the market intelligence, connections, and on-the-ground support that reduce the time, cost, and risk of entering new markets.’
Being the winner of the 2025 International Education and Training award means a great deal to the entire UOWGE global team. It validates our mission to deliver quality Australian education worldwide, while recognising the exceptional dedication and achievements of our staff. This award also affirms the vital role Australian higher education plays in driving export growth and transforming lives across the globe.
Australian Export Awards driving Australia’s success on the world stage
UOWGE is somewhat of an Australian Export Awards alumni. It was a national finalist in the Education and Training award category in 2015 and 2016 and won the award in 2018. More recently, UOWGE was a national finalist in the International Education and Training award category in 2022 and 2023. This year, it is the winner of the 2025 International Education and Training award category.
‘We entered the Australian Export Awards to showcase our Australian success story and highlight the strength and quality of Australian education internationally,’ says Mastroianni.
‘I encourage other exporters to see the awards as a powerful way to celebrate your achievements, share your story, and connect with others who are driving Australia’s success on the world stage.’
Face-to-face relationships rule the school
Successful exporting isn’t transactional, it’s relational. Mastroianni recommends emerging exporters invest in building genuine, face-to-face relationships before selling a single product or service.
‘Meeting partners and stakeholders in person allows you to grasp cultural nuances, local expectations, and market dynamics that research alone cannot reveal,’ she says.
‘These relationships become your foundation for navigating complex regulations and entering new markets effectively. In our experience, the strength of your relationships directly correlates with your speed to market and long-term sustainability.’
Stronger than ever in a post-pandemic world
The COVID-19 pandemic thrust UOWGE into uncharted territory. It accelerated its adoption of blended learning models, new technology platforms, and innovative teaching pedagogy.
‘We didn’t just survive COVID. We emerged stronger, more agile, and better equipped to respond to student needs and market dynamics,’ says Mastroianni.
‘Today, we deploy technology with greater speed and flexibility, continuously adapting to remain competitive in an ever-changing landscape.’
A legacy through education for all
Ultimately, UOWGE’s mission is to change lives through education.
‘Education transforms individuals and uplifts entire communities. We witness this power firsthand: in the stories shared at graduation ceremonies, in the global impact of UOW Alumni, and in every student who develops from information consumer to critical thinker,’ says Mastroianni.
‘We are committed to continuing to prepare students for an interconnected world – students who are life-ready as well as work-ready.’
Visit UOW Global Enterprises website.
