Flinders University has celebrated a landmark achievement, with a congratulatory video message from Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister marking the first students to complete Australia’s inaugural undergraduate Nuclear Engineering major.
The presentation of certificates at the Tonsley campus marked an important milestone for both the students and Australia’s future workforce, with participants becoming the first in the nation to complete the pioneering major.
Launched in 2024, the major is Australia’s first undergraduate program of its kind. Developed in partnership with leading international institutions, including The University of Rhode Island, it was created to help build the highly skilled workforce needed to support Australia’s future under AUKUS.
A highlight of the celebration was a special video message from Australia’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Defence, the Hon. Richard Marles, played during the certificate presentation. In his message, Deputy PM Marles congratulated the students on reaching the historic milestone and recognised the important role they will play in Australia’s future.
“Today marks an important milestone, not only in your own careers, but for Australia’s future,” Deputy PM Marles said.
“As the first students to complete Flinders University’s undergraduate Nuclear Engineering major, you are helping build the highly skilled workforce that will support Australia’s future under AUKUS.”
He also praised Flinders for pioneering Australia’s first undergraduate nuclear engineering major and acknowledged the students as among the first Australians equipped with the skills to help deliver the nation’s future nuclear capability.
The students have completed specialised studies in nuclear systems, reactor engineering and radiological science, equipping them with the expertise to contribute to Australia’s growing sovereign capability in nuclear science and engineering.
Congratulations to our inaugural cohort and to staff across the university whose vision and leadership have established a nationally significant program that is helping prepare Australia’s future nuclear engineering workforce.