{"id":31402,"date":"2026-06-22T10:02:56","date_gmt":"2026-06-22T02:02:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/?post_type=media-release&p=31402"},"modified":"2026-06-22T10:03:01","modified_gmt":"2026-06-22T02:03:01","slug":"enabling-programs-a-strong-path-to-university-success-report","status":"publish","type":"media-release","link":"https:\/\/www.curtin.edu.au\/news\/media-release\/enabling-programs-a-strong-path-to-university-success-report\/","title":{"rendered":"Enabling programs a strong path to university success: report"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

A new Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success<\/a> (ACSES) research report<\/a> reveals compelling evidence for the effectiveness of in-school enabling programs (ISEPs), providing new and supported pathways into higher education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Universities and schools deliver ISEPs in partnership to provide direct pathways to higher education for students \u2014 often from disadvantaged or equity backgrounds \u2014 who lack access to, or do not thrive in, ATAR-focussed pathways.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report looked at almost 2000 students from 94 high schools across Australia who enrolled in ISEPs from 2021-2023 and found 79 per cent went on to complete their university pathway program.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lead investigator Dr Angela Jones of Edith Cowan University said ISEPs equip high school students with the skills and confidence to succeed at university, particularly for those who may face barriers to higher education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cWe knew universities and schools were building supportive, academically rigorous programs \u2014 this research reveals they are more than that,\u201d Dr Jones said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cOur study shows ISEPs are academically robust, transformative pathways that build students\u2019 self-belief so they can not only access university, but have a healthy wellbeing and sense of belonging once there.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Funded through ACSES\u2019 Large Grants Research Program and including researchers from Murdoch University, Southern Cross University and the University of Southern Queensland, the project is the first national study to compare ISEPs across institutions, examining how they work and the outcomes they achieve \u2014 particularly for students from underrepresented backgrounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

ACSES Research and Policy Program Director Professor Ian Li said the data confirmed ISEPs attract high numbers of students who are underrepresented at university, help break down barriers and deliver strong pass and completion rates.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cStudents and educators highlighted the powerful personal impact of these programs, including greater confidence, resilience and a stronger sense of belonging, alongside the development of essential academic skills,\u201d Professor Li said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Other key findings include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n