Australia has long prided itself on being an inclusive, multicultural society. Yet, despite various reforms, significant barriers remain for underrepresented groups, including Indigenous Australians, low-income families, and migrants from diverse ethnic backgrounds, when it comes to accessing higher education. These groups face systemic challenges, including financial constraints, cultural barriers, and educational inequalities. Addressing these challenges is critical to fostering a more equitable education system that reflects Australia’s commitment to inclusivity.
In Australia, the proportion of underrepresented groups, particularly Indigenous Australians and children from low-income families, who do not have adequate access to education is concerning. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), as of 2023, around 60% of Indigenous Australians aged 20-24 had completed Year 12 or equivalent qualifications compared to 89% of their non-Indigenous peers. This educational gap extends to higher education, where Indigenous Australians are significantly underrepresented. Only about 1.7% of all domestic university students are Indigenous, although they comprise approximately 3.3% of the total population.
For children from low-income families, financial barriers often hinder their ability to pursue higher education. The Grattan Institute reports that students from the lowest socio-economic quartile make up only 17% of university enrolments, despite representing about 25% of the broader population. Many low-income students are more likely to leave school early, with only 56% continuing on to Year 12, compared to 78% from higher-income families.
Migrants and refugees from diverse ethnic backgrounds face additional challenges. Adjusting to the Australian education system can be overwhelming due to language barriers, cultural differences, and a lack of support services. Research by the Centre for Multicultural Youth shows that young people from refugee backgrounds are more likely to disengage from school, with nearly 40% leaving school before completing Year 12, a stark contrast to the national average of 17%.
The Australian government has acknowledged the need to make education more accessible to underrepresented groups and has introduced a range of policies aimed at closing the educational gap. The Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP), launched in 2010, is one such initiative designed to improve access to higher education for students from low socio-economic backgrounds. In the 2023 budget, the federal government allocated $217 million to HEPPP over four years, which will be used to provide scholarships, mentoring programs, and additional academic support.
For Indigenous Australians, the government’s National Indigenous Australians Agency (NIAA) works in conjunction with universities and vocational education providers to support Indigenous students. The Indigenous Student Success Program (ISSP) is a key initiative under this strategy, providing scholarships, tutoring, and other support mechanisms to help Indigenous students succeed in tertiary education. In the 2023-24 budget, the ISSP received $86 million in funding.
However, despite these initiatives, the educational gap remains stubbornly persistent. Many critics argue that the funding provided is insufficient to address the systemic challenges facing underrepresented groups. For example, while the HEPPP funding is a positive step, the Grattan Institute has recommended that the government increase its financial commitment to fully address the needs of low-income students, particularly in regional and remote areas.
While government initiatives are well-intentioned, many individuals from underrepresented groups feel that more needs to be done to address the root causes of educational inequality. For Indigenous Australians, education is not just about access to higher learning but also about preserving cultural identity and knowledge. Many Indigenous leaders have called for greater incorporation of Indigenous knowledge systems into the mainstream curriculum, arguing that this would create a more inclusive and engaging educational environment for Indigenous students.
Low-income families, meanwhile, often highlight the financial strain of pursuing higher education. Even with government assistance, many families still struggle to afford the costs associated with university education, such as textbooks, technology, and living expenses. A 2022 study by Universities Australia found that 40% of students from low-income backgrounds work more than 20 hours a week while studying to make ends meet, which can negatively impact their academic performance and mental health.
Migrants from diverse ethnic backgrounds face significant challenges in adapting to the Australian education system, often struggling with differences in teaching methods and limited culturally relevant support. The Migration Council of Australia reports that many migrant students are placed in lower academic streams based on language proficiency, rather than academic potential, which restricts their future prospects. While programs like the New Arrivals Program (NAP) offer essential support, such as intensive English tuition to assist students in adjusting, critics argue that the system still lacks inclusivity. Advocates call for more comprehensive policies that reflect Australia’s multicultural makeup, ensuring that migrant students have equal opportunities for success in education and beyond.
Parents from these communities often express concerns about the lack of cultural representation in the education system, both in terms of curriculum and staffing. For instance, there are very few teachers from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, which can make it difficult for migrant students to see themselves represented in their educators and role models. This lack of representation can contribute to feelings of alienation and disengagement among students from migrant backgrounds.
Cultural differences also play a significant role. Many migrant students come from countries where the education system is more rigid or hierarchical, and they may find it difficult to adjust to the more collaborative and student-centered approach in Australia. This can lead to confusion and frustration, particularly when it comes to understanding expectations around assignments, participation, and critical thinking.
Moreover, migrant students often face social isolation, as they may struggle to make friends with local students or feel excluded due to cultural or linguistic differences. Bullying and discrimination are not uncommon, with some students reporting feeling marginalized because of their ethnicity or religion.
While Australia has made strides in improving access to higher education for underrepresented groups, significant challenges remain. Indigenous Australians, low-income families, and migrants from diverse ethnic backgrounds continue to face systemic barriers that prevent them from fully participating in the education system. Government initiatives such as HEPPP and ISSP are steps in the right direction, but more targeted funding, culturally appropriate support services, and inclusive curriculum reforms are needed to ensure that all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed in higher education.
As Australia continues to evolve as a diverse and multicultural nation, addressing the educational needs of its most vulnerable populations will be critical to building a more equitable and inclusive society.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Coverpage’s editorial stance.
