A University of Unequal Access

A concerning trend has emerged in Australia’s elite universities: students from low socioeconomic backgrounds are increasingly being priced out of higher education. The decline in these students’ representation is not new, but recent data highlights its alarming speed and scope. According to the Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES), students from disadvantaged backgrounds made up 12.2% of all undergraduate places in 2024, down from 15.3% in 2018.

Denzel James’ story is a poignant example of this trend. As the first in his family to attend university, Denzel’s experience is not unique. However, it also highlights the systemic barriers that prevent students like him from accessing higher education. With an ATAR score of 27 and hailing from a remote area of South Australia, Denzel’s journey to university was remarkable. Yet, he acknowledges the burden of being the trailblazer in his family, hoping that his success would pave the way for his siblings.

The data suggests that Victoria’s big four universities – the University of Melbourne, Monash, RMIT, and Deakin – have been particularly affected by this trend. While some institutions attribute changes in data collection methods to the decline, experts argue that rising living costs, increased course fees, and greater job availability are disproportionately affecting students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Tim Pitman, ACSES trials and evaluation program director, starkly describes the reality facing low-socioeconomic students: “As places expand, they are taken up by high-socioeconomic-status students before low-SES students come on. And as the sector declines, the low SES students tend to go backwards.” This bleak prognosis is corroborated by data showing that Victoria University’s block model has seen a significant increase in completion rates among equity students – from 82.75% in 2018 to 90.82% in 2024.

However, this success story raises questions about the sustainability and scalability of such models. While Victoria University’s innovative approach has yielded impressive results, it remains to be seen whether other institutions can replicate its effectiveness. Moreover, the increasing reliance on short-term fixes and band-aid solutions to address systemic issues plaguing higher education in Australia is a concerning trend.

As policymakers grapple with the implications of this decline, they must confront the harsh realities of their own making. The government’s emphasis on deregulating tertiary education has led to increased competition among institutions, driving up costs and further exacerbating existing inequalities. Rather than perpetuating this flawed system, it is time for a fundamental rethink.

The experience of Denzel James and others like him serves as a poignant reminder that higher education should be a pathway to equality, not a privilege reserved for the few. As Australia continues to navigate its complex social landscape, one thing is clear: the current trajectory is unsustainable and unjust. It is imperative that policymakers, educators, and community leaders work together to create an inclusive and equitable university system, where students from all backgrounds can thrive.

Ultimately, the success of Denzel James and his peers hangs in the balance. As Australia’s elite universities continue to expand their reach, it is crucial that access and equity are prioritized above all else. Anything less would be a betrayal of the very ideals that higher education stands for – the pursuit of knowledge, the cultivation of talent, and the promise of a brighter future for all.