Robin Khuda Donates $100M to Tackle Gender Gap in STEM Education

Philanthropy-Funded Program Guarantees Scholarships for Women Pursuing STEM at University of Sydney

The University of Sydney has become the largest recipient of philanthropic donations in New South Wales after a billionaire, Robin Khuda, donated $100 million to support the participation of young girls in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). This record donation will fund a two-decade program aimed at addressing the underrepresentation of women in STEM, with a particular focus on western Sydney. Mark Scott, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Sydney, stated that he and Robin Khuda spent two years developing the program, which is the largest philanthropic donation in the university's and state’s history. Khuda, founder of AirTrunk, established his philanthropy foundation in 2020 to boost the number of women in technology.

Khuda, who made headlines in 2024 for giving $22 million in bonuses following AirTrunk's $24 billion acquisition, said he wanted to give back and was motivated by his belief in diversity in STEM. Having moved to Australia from Bangladesh at 18, Khuda chose the University of Sydney over UTS and the University of Western Sydney due to its exceptional academic reputation, confident that women graduating from the program would attend one of the world’s best universities.

Philanthropy contributes around $800 million annually to universities, with elite institutions receiving the majority. In 2021, Australia's Group of Eight universities garnered 75% of donations, totalling $360 million. The University of Sydney reached a $1 billion donation target in 2019, attracting over 64,000 global donors, and was the only university in New South Wales to report a surplus in its latest financial report.

In 2022, fewer than 10% of University of Sydney students came from low socioeconomic backgrounds, though this increased following the introduction of a scholarship program in 2023. Vice-Chancellor Mark Scott noted that Robin Khuda's program would be the only one in Australia guaranteeing an undergraduate place and scholarship for girls who qualify during the HSC exams. Scott highlighted the need to develop a strong pipeline of students, noting that while talent is equally distributed, opportunity is not. Starting in 2027, the program will partner with six high schools to provide tutoring and mentoring in maths, physics, and engineering for students in years 7 to 10.

In years 11 and 12, 1,200 girls from partner schools will join the "Khuda Academy," receiving academic support and a bursary for STEM studies. Graduates will be guaranteed a scholarship, university place, accommodation funding, and mentoring. The program aims to graduate 300 women, prioritizing students from western Sydney. The program represents a significant step towards empowering young women in STEM, particularly from underrepresented areas, and fostering greater diversity in the field.

Editor's Note:

This remarkable initiative, supported by a record donation from Robin Khuda, represents a significant step forward in tackling gender inequality in STEM education. The University of Sydney, partnering with Khuda, aims to create lasting opportunities for young girls, especially those from underrepresented communities. By providing resources, mentorship, and pathways to success in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, this effort seeks to empower women in these fields.

Skoobuzz appreciates Robin Khuda's generosity, which paves the way for new opportunities for women in STEM.