Universities face renewed pressure over Indigenous student outcomes and support

Australian universities are facing renewed scrutiny over the outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students, with the latest government data revealing that while enrolment numbers have hit record highs, significant gaps in access and completion rates persist. According to the Australian Government Department of Education’s 2024 Higher Education Student Statistics, published in September 2025, First Nations student commencements rose 6.9 per cent to a historical high of 10,840 in 2024, up from 10,142 in 2023.

Despite this growth, the data shows First Nations students remain significantly underrepresented in higher education. In 2024, they made up just 2.3 per cent of all enrolled domestic students, well below the 3.8 per cent share of the Australian population recorded in the 2021 ABS Census. Education experts and Indigenous leaders argue that while participation has improved, completion rates remain a key challenge. The national four-year completion rate for domestic commencing bachelor students was just 41.6 per cent for the 2021 cohort, down from 46 per cent in 2007, and the six-year completion rate stood at 62.8 per cent for the 2019 cohort.

The government data also highlights the compounding barriers First Nations students face. In 2024, 43.6 per cent of enrolled First Nations students had a first address in a regional or remote area and 36.1 per cent came from a low socio-economic area. One in five First Nations students (20.4 per cent) reported a disability, almost twice the rate of the broader domestic student population (12.4 per cent). The Department of Education noted that these figures indicate “a high percentage of First Nations students face additional socioeconomic and geographical challenges while studying.”

Universities and government agencies have acknowledged the issue and are working to improve outcomes through targeted programs. The 2024 data highlights that providers with dedicated First Nations pathways programs have experienced significant growth. The La Trobe RISE pathway program, for example, supports First Nations students through tailored academic support, Indigenous mentors, peer networks and regional and flexible delivery. Regional University Study Hubs (RUSH), operating since 2018, have also been cited as an innovative approach to improving access for students in regional and remote areas. However, critics argue that progress has been uneven and that more systemic change is needed.

Indigenous academics have emphasised the importance of culturally appropriate support, including the integration of Indigenous knowledge systems into curricula and the provision of safe spaces on campus. They argue that without these elements, universities risk perpetuating environments that are not fully inclusive. The sector attrition rate for domestic commencing bachelor students dropped to 12.2 per cent for the 2023 commencing cohort, the lowest in a decade but the government data acknowledges that students from equity groups, including First Nations students, those from low-SES backgrounds and regional and remote areas, continue to experience higher attrition rates.

There is also growing attention on the financial dimension of higher education. The Department of Education’s data identifies “cost of living pressures” as a key factor affecting domestic student enrolments in recent years. Rising living costs and student debt are cited as major pressures, particularly for students from regional and remote communities. In 2025, the government invested additional Commonwealth Grant Scheme funding to deliver FEE-FREE Uni Ready courses through enabling programs, which saw domestic enabling course commencements increase by 14.6 per cent from 14,585 in 2023 to 16,718 in 2024. Some advocates have called for expanded scholarships, fee reforms and broader cost-of-living support to address these challenges.

The debate is unfolding alongside broader national discussions about Closing the Gap targets, many of which relate to education and employment outcomes. While universities play a key role, experts note that improving outcomes will require coordinated action across multiple sectors, including schools, communities and government agencies. The 2024 data shows that domestic student success rates reached a 10-year high of 87.9 per cent (a positive sign) but advocates stress that equity gaps must continue to be addressed.

As policy discussions continue, the central question remains how to translate increased participation into meaningful and equitable outcomes for Indigenous students. With First Nations commencements at an all-time high but representation still well below population parity, the challenge is ensuring that higher education delivers on its promise of opportunity and empowerment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.