ULSTER University Vice Chancellor Professor Paddy Nixon is to leave his post early next year to take up a position in Australia.
The computer scientist, who took charge of UU in 2015, will step down on February 29.
He will start his new role as head of the University of Canberra (UC) next summer.
Prof Nixon joined UU from the University of Tasmania where he was its deputy vice-chancellor for research for five years.
UU said the process to appoint a new vice chancellor will "commence shortly". Prof Paul Bartholomew will lead in the interim.
During his time in charge, UU closed its school of modern languages and cut degrees including maths due to budget reductions.
This year, Prof Nixon apologised to staff for several governance failings during a staff redundancy process.
He will leave the multi-campus university before two major schemes are realised.
UU has been frustrated by efforts to open a new medical school at its Magee campus in Derry. Trainee doctors were due to start this year, but the school has been delayed due to the absence of a Stormont executive.
The massive Belfast campus redevelopment is also running years behind schedule. An audit report this week found it would cost £110 million more than first estimated.
"I am sorry to be leaving the university at a time when a number of key transformational projects are advancing," Prof Nixon said.
"I am confident that the leadership and wider university team will continue their work in this regard to grow Ulster's position as a civic university."
UC chancellor Tom Calma hailed Prof Nixon's skills in "inspiring staff, bridging industry and research".
