Newcastle University settles unaccredited-degree class action for $7.55m

The University of Newcastle has settled a class action brought by 163 students who alleged they were misled about the professional accreditation of a medical engineering degree. Students who studied the Bachelor of Medical Engineering (honours) in 2018 and 2019 will share a $7.55 million settlement reached in the New South Wales Supreme Court. The students claimed the university suggested the course was accredited and that they would be able to work abroad.

Lead plaintiff Andreas Sklavos said he had completed an additional year of study to obtain accreditation with Engineering Australia and had been left with a $55,000 HECS debt. He said the settlement followed years of disappointment and stress. The university later achieved full accreditation for the course, with accreditation applied retrospectively to students who began the programme from 2020.

In court, it acknowledged that accreditation was not a prerequisite but could be important to students. An email sent by the university in 2020 said an error had been made in information posted online about professional recognition. The university had previously denied negligence and argued that its website stated it was seeking accreditation.

The university said it was offering support to students who began before 2020 to pursue professional accreditation. The students’ lawyer said the settlement highlighted the importance of universities ensuring their promotional material did not mislead applicants. Sklavos urged prospective students to check accreditation with a recognised professional body.