Equity in Higher Education: Why We Must Do More, Now More Than Ever
Sonal Singh, Executive Manager, Student Access and Equity, Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion, University of Technology Sydney
Higher education in Australia stands at a tipping point. While universities have long championed equity and access, systemic barriers continue to exclude students from underrepresented backgrounds. The challenge is not new—but in the face of economic uncertainty, shifting government priorities, and diminishing funding for equity programs, the sector must make a choice: double down on its commitment to educational justice or risk further entrenching inequality.
The reality is stark. Despite well-intentioned reforms efforts and widening participation initiatives, university access is still too often determined by postcode, family income, and cultural background. Students from historically underrepresented groups face greater financial stress, fewer academic support networks, and systemic hurdles that make university feel like an uphill battle from day one. While institutions like the University of Technology Sydney (UTS), among others, have developed a Pathways Plan to address these inequities, it is clear that piecemeal efforts are not enough. The sector must work collectively to ensure meaningful, systemic change.
We Have Come Far, But It Is Not Far Enough
Across Australia, universities have pioneered programs that challenge traditional notions of merit and entry into higher education. Strengths-based admissions, early intervention pathways, Enabling programs (now known as FEE-FREE Uni Ready courses) and guaranteed places for equity students have created new opportunities for thousands of students. Champions of equity across the sector—from dedicated academics to student support teams—have driven these efforts, often in the absence of strong policy settings or sustainable funding.
Yet, despite these innovations, equity in higher education remains fragile. Participation targets are often not met, financial barriers persist, and many students who enter university through equity pathways struggle to stay and succeed. The diminishing funding, such as the Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP), places even greater pressure on institutions to do more with less. The message is clear: we cannot rely on individual universities or dedicated teams alone to carry this work forward. Equity must be a sector-wide, government-backed priority.
Beyond Admission: Equity is About Success
Access to higher education is only one part of the equation. The real test of an inclusive system is whether students can not only enter but also thrive, graduate, and transition into meaningful careers. This requires universities to move beyond just widening participation and towards genuine structural reform in how we design learning, support students, and fund equity initiatives.
A sector-wide approach should include:
A national equity strategy that holds institutions accountable for meaningful participation and success outcomes, not just admissions figures.
Stronger financial support for students, including scholarships, cost-of-living assistance, and paid internships, to address economic barriers.
Greater collaboration between universities, TAFEs, and schools to create seamless pathways that don’t rely on ATAR alone.
Embedding cultural and structural change within institutions, ensuring that equity is not just an “initiative” but a core part of university planning, curriculum design, and student services.
Advocating for long-term, sustainable funding that supports universities in delivering equity programs without the uncertainty of short-term grants.
A Call to Action for the Sector
There is no single solution, and no one institution can do this alone. The responsibility for creating a fair and just higher education system does not sit solely with universities—it requires government leadership, industry collaboration, and a collective commitment across the sector.
The next few years will determine whether Australia’s universities remain engines of social mobility or whether they risk becoming institutions that serve only those who can afford them. The work of equity champions across the sector—whether in student equity teams, Indigenous education units, widening participation programs, or student advocacy groups—must be amplified, resourced, and embedded in policy.
Now, more than ever, we must work together to ensure that education is a right, not a privilege. We must hold ourselves accountable for building a system where success is defined by where a student finishes, not where they started.
The time for action is now. Because equity in education is not just about fairness—it’s about our collective future.
Sonal Singh, Executive Manager, Student Access and Equity, Centre for Social Justice and Inclusion, University of Technology Sydney