PEOPLE without university-educated parents should be recognised as disadvantaged within Australia’s higher education system, according to a new study.
A University of Queensland study has found that students who would be the first in their family to attend university face markedly lower rates of entry into higher education and are underrepresented in the nation’s most competitive degrees.
The study examined outcomes for so-called ‘first in family’ students, defined as young people whose parents did not complete a university qualification.
Using data from more than 443,000 Australians, the researchers found that parental education remains a strong determinant of whether a student enrols in university and the type of degree they pursue.
Lead author Dr Tomasz Zajac from UQ’s Institute for Social Science Research said first in family students often face subtle but significant barriers relating to a lack of guidance, limited access to networks and a lower familiarity with university pathways.
He said this translated into differences not only in enrolment rates but also in subject selection.
The study found first in family students were more likely to choose degrees with clear employment pathways such as teaching and health and less likely to enter medicine, engineering or the natural and physical sciences.
Dr Zajac said the pattern suggested a pragmatic approach shaped by financial considerations and risk. The report argues that first in family status should be considered in national equity frameworks.
Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success program director Professor Ian Li said the findings indicate that structural barriers persist and warrant policy attention.