Widening participation
Improving educational outcomes for students traditionally underrepresented in higher education.
As part of UNSW’s strategic priority of advancing social impact, the university has committed to an access rate of 25% by 2027 for commencing domestic students from underrepresented schools and low-socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds. However, we recognise that access without continued support poses a risk to student success and effective inclusion at university.
UNSW takes a holistic, university wide approach to ensure underrepresented students can access, fully participate and succeed at university. Access, Equity & Inclusion leads the university’s primary admission strategy for widening participation and collaborates directly with faculties, divisions and students to design and implement targeted initiatives that span the student life cycle.
Student equity in focus
Recommendations from the Australian Universities Accord
We welcome the Australian Universities Accord's recommendations on widening participation in tertiary education for historically underrepresented students and this renewed focus on student equity.
Widening Participation Strategy 2030
Our strategy sits within the broader UNSW 2025 Strategy and addresses the priority of social impact.
Our work
Underpinned by the Widening Participation Theory of Change, the work of Access, Equity & Inclusion in student equity includes:
- Leading core equity initiatives to address the underrepresentation of students from socio-educationally disadvantaged schools (Gateway schools), low-SES backgrounds, regional, remote and rural areas, culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds and migrant and refugee status.
- Undertaking research to inform future educational outreach and influence innovative teaching and learning practices.
- Providing subject matter expertise to ensure strategies, policies, and programs across UNSW, are relevant and responsive to the needs of underrepresented students.
- Designing an overarching theory of change to measure progress and the intended outcomes of equity initiatives.
- Advocating to reduce structural barriers for underrepresented students at UNSW.
- Ensuring underrepresented student voices are amplified through Students as Partners initiatives and purposeful collaborations with ARC/SRC/PGC student leadership.
- Contributing to UNSW and G08 student equity relevant submissions to government and providing advice for government funding for aligned programs of work.
- Supporting the effective transition to higher education, early sense of belonging and orientation to UNSW for students from equity cohorts.
- Partnering across UNSW to promote inclusive teaching and learning resources and practice through innovative and collaborative initiatives that promote interconnectivity across the student life cycle.
To support the effective implementation and stewardship of our work and the communication of program outcomes, the following governance is in place:
Internal
- Management Board
- EDI Board
- Student Equity Steering Committee
- GAPP Working Groups
External
- Times Higher Education
- Australian Department of Education, Skills and Employment
- NSW Department of Education
Our impact
2023 Impact Statement
2022 Impact Statement
2021 Impact Statement
Our approach
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Through educational outreach, we deliver programs that seek to support students' interest in their own learning and focus on higher order thinking, metacognition, critical analysis and literacy - all essential factors for success at university. We also guide students to explore and develop their learning goals and participate in experiences that are interactive, experiential and explore a range of different contexts. Continued support is offered to students once they’re at university, including academic, financial and wellbeing assistance.
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We recognise that there is a greater chance of overcoming the structural barriers of educational disadvantage through collaboration. We have formed partnerships with schools, NGOs, industry partners and other universities to co-design innovative educational programs and strengthen student engagement.
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We know our programs will only be successful if they’re relevant to the students we work with, as well as to their immediate networks. We consult with school leaders, teachers, UNSW student ambassadors and academics and use a strengths-based approach to program design that ensures our work is relevant to students’ needs. We also deliver our programs through a range of methods from experiential learning both on-campus and in the classroom to blended learning with a digital experience.
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Key to the success of our programs is the involvement of University Ambassadors, most of whom have entered UNSW through the Gateway Admission Pathway. University Ambassadors co-deliver our programs and serve as powerful role models who demonstrate the opportunities a university education can bring. They also contribute to an enhanced sense of belonging across the whole student life cycle.
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We reach beyond UNSW to draw on our links with industry and workplaces. These partners play an important role in demonstrating where a university education can lead and the expanded career opportunities. Our partners offer students access to their workplaces and provide role models and mentors who help them develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce of the 21st Century.
