Access and inclusion

Four women smile and hold an orange card with the title gender equality

When talented individuals are denied the chance to reach their potential, all of society loses out. Yet too many are still left behind.

In all parts of the world, socioeconomic factors remain a major barrier to accessing higher education. Staff and students from diverse and historically marginalised backgrounds remain chronically underrepresented. Gender imbalances persist at every level. And millions will find their studies and academic careers constrained by conflict, crisis, and long-term displacement.

Tackling these disparities, and levelling the playing field, calls for equality of opportunity – to learn, to lead, to progress, and to thrive. The ACU supports this ambition through grants and initiatives that help to drive systemic change – both on campus and beyond - and by working with universities to widen access and reduce inequality.