Social Impact

A group of four students writing on glass discussing plans and putting sticky notes up.
Social impact is at the heart of CQUniversity. For more than a decade, CQUniversity has been driving innovative and inclusive change, with students, staff and communities.

Social innovation principles and practice are embedded across our education, training and research. 

We work with government, industry, business and the for-purpose sector, to solve problems for people, planet and society, and ensure our students graduate with the skills, knowledge and passion to drive social impact. 

The Social Impact Lab (formerly Office of Social Innovation) leads human-centred design and co-design for sustainable solutions in communities, that make a difference globally. 

CQUniversity is Australia’s first and only social enterprise university, certified by Social Traders Australia and recognised for our social and environmental benefit. 

CQU students and staff grow their social impact through CQU’s unique social innovation orientation program iChange, and the Build Your Changemaker Profile micro-credential.

Across CQUniversity, our work is aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. 

We are number 25 in the world amongst universities for social, environmental and economic impact, in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings.

Study with CQUniversity and build your changemaker career. 

Partner with CQUniversity and grow your social impact. 

Connect with CQUniversity’s Social Impact Lab, and start transforming your world. 

Become a Changemaker
  • A parent student with their child at the table smiling at the camera.
    Just being involved in social innovation [through the uni] has challenged me and made me realise there's so much more we can do for our community.

    Toluwalope Akinsheye

    Master of Human Resource Management | Nigeria

Social Impact News

Read more on our changemakers and how they are helping support and shape our communities.

Read More