On Widening Participation in Higher Education: A National Examination of Equity Initiatives in Australian Secondary Schools

Despite historic efforts to improve rates of higher education participation for educationally disadvantaged students, equity students remain underrepresented in Australian universities. University-run equity or ‘outreach’ programs which target secondary students are one way to encourage higher education access and participation of equity students. However, there have been few national assessments of these equity initiatives. Using a representative sample of Australian schools from the GENERATION survey of Australian youth, this research examines the characteristics and targeting of university-run equity initiatives in schools during 2022. Analysis shows that approximately one-quarter of secondary schools in Australia report receiving an equity initiative. Programs mostly focused on increasing aspirations for higher education, among low socio-economic, Indigenous, and rural and regional students. However, findings indicate that these programs may not effectively target disadvantaged or regional schools. Moreover, programs may be implemented too late to impact students’ career and educational aspirations.