The University of Sydney and EdTech startup, HEX, have entered into Australia’s first School of Record partnership – a five-year agreement that goes into effect this year.

The unique collaboration is designed to help close the digital skills gap and enable more students to obtain university-level academic credit as they upskill in innovation and entrepreneurship.

What is a School of Record?

School of Record arrangements are common in the United States, in Australia recognition of prior learning for credit is generally approved on a case-by-case or subject-by-subject basis; a School of Record arrangement will streamline the process for HEX students, and for universities globally as they consider applications for credit to be applied.

After successful completion of selected HEX Ed Pro Programs, the University of Sydney will issue certificates of completion that provide graduates with a graded academic record of their learning. These can be used to apply for credit at universities around the world that recognise the University of Sydney’s academic credit.

“We’re delighted the University of Sydney recognises the academic relevance of experiential learning that’s co-designed with industry and the next generation,” said HEX co-founder, Chris Hoffmann.

“A HEX program could be the difference between a student that goes on to have quite a traditional career path, and a student who embraces the exponential future and all its possibilities. HEX gives students a credit-bearing opportunity to explore the world of innovation and entrepreneurship – regardless of what course they are enrolled in.”

How will it work?

HEX delivers innovation, entrepreneurship and ‘exponential skills’ programs that bridge gaps in tertiary and high school systems. The online and ‘innovation gap year’ programs are designed alongside industry leaders like Atlassian in response to increasing demand for short skills-based learning – and this new agreement is intended to help address Australia's digital skills gap and serve as a stepping stone into higher education, entrepreneurship and employment.

The University of Sydney will serve as a School of Record for HEX Ed Pro’s Tech, Money, You, Future and Innovation programs , which are delivered online, as well as their intensive Innovation program delivered in-person in Singapore, Ho Chi Minh City and Melbourne, with more international locations to launch in late 2024.

The five programs have been assessed by the University of Sydney’s Business School and verified to deliver equivalent content and learning outcomes as specific elective units worth 6 credit points each.

HEX will align the marking of these selected programs to the University’s marking scale, and a University of Sydney academic has been appointed to the HEX academic board to support the consistency and integrity of the curriculum and student outcomes. The agreement also provides for a joint management committee.

The University of Sydney’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Education), Professor Joanne Wright, welcomed the growing partnership with HEX – and the potential new pathway into the University’s Business School, with students able to apply a maximum total of 12 credit points for successful completion of any combination of the HEX programs to a Bachelor of Commerce course.

“HEX’s efforts to engage with students who have typically been underrepresented in post-school study aligns directly with our 10-year strategy to increase participation in higher education,” Professor Wright said.

“We’ve collaborated with HEX since 2018, supporting our students to undertake their international programs as part of our study abroad offer and granting credit for those educational experiences where appropriate. We’re delighted to strengthen our partnership with HEX and their industry collaborators including Atlassian, and to recognise and provide accreditation for these short courses in innovation and entrepreneurship, knowing our future workforce will require such learning and skills.

“We expect many successful HEX alumni will direct their achievements towards further study at Sydney and other universities around the world.”

Students who complete HEX programs and enrol at the University of Sydney will be able to continue their entrepreneurship journey through the University’s INCUBATE or Start-up Year programs, Industry and Community Project units, or through enrolling in  one of the many innovation and entrepreneurship themed units of study on offer.

Enrolment for the 2024 March cohort of HEX Ed Pro programs is now open.