SAE and ACAP announce gradual wind-down of Byron Bay campus
SAE and ACAP University Colleges have confirmed their Byron Bay campus will begin a long-term wind-down process, with operations to conclude by February 2028.
The Trimester 2 (May) 2025 intake was the final cohort of new students to study at the campus with no new enrolments moving forward.
Currently, the Byron Bay campus has approximately 180 students and 40 staff members.
All academic staff at SAE and ACAP University Colleges will remain in their roles in the immediate term.
While there are many variables to student completion timelines, this slow wind-down has been designed to ensure that all current students at ACAP and SAE University Colleges have the opportunity to complete their studies undisrupted and to mitigate any student disadvantage.
ACAP and SAE University Colleges will work closely with all students and staff to ensure that students are able to finish their studies as undisrupted as possible and will support any students seeking alternate arrangements.
If a student’s current projected timeline will take them past February 2028, there are support services available to discuss options with them. These options include the potential to offer them scholarships to finish their studies at one of our other campuses or online, where they can continue to receive high-quality teaching from our experienced, industry-connected educators.
Lara Jacques, General Manager, ACAP University College said, “We’re committed to engaging openly and respectfully throughout this transition. We will continue to engage all impacted students and staff in proactive communications, and I encourage them to reach out if they have questions. We are dedicated to ensuring all our students continue to receive high-quality teaching from our experienced, industry-connected educators.”
The Byron Bay campus has been a vibrant part of SAE University College’s history for over 20 years. Established in 2004 as a degree centre for students in Audio and Film, it quickly became a destination for aspiring creatives from around the world. More recently it has also been home to ACAP University College students who have further helped grow the collaborative culture of the campus.
Matthew Evans, Executive General Manager, SAE University College said, “Byron Bay has been more than a campus – it’s been a creative hub for artists, educators, and innovators. However, our institution has evolved and so has the education landscape. International student demand has shifted, and domestic enrolment in the region is no longer sufficient to support future operations. With our lease concluding in 2028, this marks a natural end to our time at the Byron campus.
“SAE and ACAP University Colleges remain committed to the Byron Bay creative and care communities and to celebrate our heritage in the region we plan to announce a future scholarship for members of the Byron Bay community to apply to study at other ACAP and SAE campuses.”
Flexible learning options will continue to be offered online for all Byron Bay students, as well as access to resources and support through the Brisbane campus.
There are no plans to close other campuses. Both SAE and ACAP University College will continue to offer practical education from industry experts, across Australia and globally.