Australia’s commitment to campus wellbeing driving international collaborations: Chinese Delegation get a taste of Australia’s Healthy Campus ecosystem

Senior leaders from the Federation of Chinese University and School Sports (FOCUSS) concluded a study visit across Australia’s eastern seaboard in late May 2026, exploring how universities are leveraging sport, physical activity and institutional wellbeing frameworks to support student success and healthier campus communities.

The high-level tour, facilitated by UniSport Australia (UniSport), provided an immersive exchange of strategies centred on the International University Sports Federation (FISU) Healthy Campus framework. Spanning four leading universities in Victoria and New South Wales, the initiative highlighted how whole-of-institution approaches can be used to build inclusive, healthy and highly engaged university communities.

With more than half of Australia’s universities now actively engaged in the FISU Healthy Campus program, the country represents one of the strongest regional examples of institution-wide approaches to student wellbeing, physical activity and campus engagement. The visit underscored a shared international priority: creating university environments that support health and wellbeing alongside academic excellence.

UniSport Australia Chief Executive Officer Mark Sinderberry said the visit represented an important opportunity for knowledge exchange and educational collaboration.

“Sport has a remarkable ability to act as a universal language. While our institutions operate in different cultural and structural environments, we share a common vision: creating university experiences that prioritise student health, active participation and meaningful community connection.

“Through initiatives such as the FISU Healthy Campus program, universities are increasingly recognising that wellbeing is not an adjunct to education, but a fundamental component of student success.”

Throughout the week-long itinerary, the delegation explored diverse models of campus health across four host institutions committed to building healthy, vibrant and sustainable communities:

• University of Technology Sydney (UTS): The delegation toured state-of-the-art metropolitan sporting facilities, examining how compact urban universities can integrate sport, physical activity and student engagement into a city-centre campus environment.

• Victoria University (VU): Hosted by Vice-Chancellor Professor Adam Shoemaker, delegates engaged directly with VU’s acclaimed Thrive initiative, a program focused on creating inclusive pathways for staff and students. A visit to the university’s allied health and hospital facilities highlighted the concept that “sport is medicine”, illustrating the connection between preventative health, research and education.

• The University of Melbourne: Focusing on student retention and engagement, university leaders presented their strategy for creating a “sticky campus”, using active social spaces and recreational opportunities to strengthen students’ sense of connection and belonging. Cultural ties were further strengthened through interactive sporting activities with Chinese international students studying in Australia.

• La Trobe University: As the first Platinum-level FISU Healthy Campus certified university in Oceania, delegates were welcomed by Dean of Allied Health, Human Services and Sport, Professor Russ Hoye, and toured the world-class La Trobe Sports Park, including the Home of the Matildas. Discussions focused on elite athlete development, women’s sport pathways and the role of sporting infrastructure in supporting broader health and community outcomes. The visit also provided delegates with a uniquely Australian experience, spotting kangaroos and kookaburras while moving between facilities on campus.

The international exchange concluded with a shared commitment to ongoing collaboration, knowledge sharing and policy development within the global university sport and wellbeing sector.

By connecting diverse perspectives across higher education, health promotion and sport, the visit highlighted the growing role of universities as environments that support not only academic achievement, but also lifelong wellbeing, social connection and healthy lifestyles.

UniSport extends its gratitude to all host institutions, academic leaders and sport management teams whose expertise, hospitality and commitment to student wellbeing contributed to the success of this important international exchange.