'Ensuring that every Australian, no matter how wealthy or poor, has a fair chance [to graduate from university] is one of the most important challenges for Australian universities ... Our reputation as an egalitarian nation and our future prosperity rests on the outcome ... The task now is to expand access and opportunity to everyone, regardless of the family or community they come from.'
The Hon Julia Gillard MP, Deputy Prime Minister
'Address to the Sir Robert Menzies Oration 2008', 6 November 2008, Melbourne
Research at UniSA's National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education (NCSEHE) informs student equity policy and practice in Australian tertiary education. We are funded by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). The NCSEHE is a research concentration within the Hawke Research Institute.
Our research program is informed by three themes: aspiration, mobility and voice. This includes research on such topics as:
- post-compulsory education for students from low socioeconomic backgrounds
- higher education pathways, including second chance opportunities
- the interface between VET and higher education
- higher education and regional engagement
- higher education and students with disabilities.
In consultation with key stakeholders, we have developed equity101, a website supporting dynamic collegial networks and providing opportunities to better locate information and scholarship for this growing community.
Our research
Current and recent research projects include:
Further information
For further information please contact Centre Director Professor Edgar Carson. Professor Carson brings to the centre research expertise in the area of government/third sector relationships, with particular reference to human services. He has extensive experience in evaluating policy and programs aimed at alleviating social disadvantage.
You can contact Lalita McHenry, Centre Manager on ph +61 8 8302 1458, email lalita.mchenry@unisa.edu.au