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The Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success acknowledges Indigenous peoples across Australia as the Traditional Owners of the lands on which the nation’s campuses are situated. With a history spanning more than 60,000 years as the original educators, Indigenous peoples hold a unique place in our nation. We recognise the importance of their knowledge and culture, and reflect the principles of participation, equity, and cultural respect in our work. We pay our respects to Elders past, present, and future, and consider it an honour to learn from our Indigenous colleagues, partners, and friends.

You are reading: ACSES 2024 Annual Report

Message from the Executive Director

Professor Shamit Saggar

 

The past two years have marked a significant period of renewal for the Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success (ACSES). In 2023, we welcomed a new leadership team and introduced a new operational model, laying the groundwork for a more impact-driven approach to student equity. These changes culminated in 2024, with our transition from the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education (NCSEHE) to ACSES, reflecting a broader and more ambitious commitment to research, policy, and practice in the equity space.

Our mission remains clear—to equip universities and policymakers with evidence-based solutions that improve access, retention, and success for underrepresented students. Over the past year, ACSES has expanded its research programs, deepened sector engagement, and launched initiatives that drive meaningful change on the ground. The Centre has also played a pivotal role in national discussions on equity, particularly in shaping responses to the Universities Accord.

As we look ahead, our focus is on sustained impact. Equity in higher education is not just a policy goal—it is essential to Australia’s future prosperity and social cohesion. Through rigorous research, strategic partnerships, and practical innovation, we will continue to bring to fruition what works to ensure student success.

I am deeply grateful to our partners, stakeholders, and the entire ACSES team for their dedication. I look forward to the next phase of our work as we build a fairer higher education system.

 


 

ASCES 2024 Annual Report Summary

 

The 2024 Annual Report Summary provides an overview of the Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success’s key achievements, impact, programs, and growth in 2024 as a national What Works Centre for student equity.

 


 

The full ACSES 2024 Annual Report and the ACSES 2024 Annual Report Summary are available to download below.

Featured publications
Published by the Australian Centre for Student Equity and Success, in collaboration with the Australian National AI in Schools Taskforce.
An ACSES Equity Fellowship final report. Using a mixed methods approach, this study offers new insights, including a typology of Regional University Study Hub models and key recommendations to strengthen the program’s impact on student success.
The Critical Interventions Framework Part 3 (CIF 3) focuses on evaluative studies which provide details of the impacts of specific interventions on equity groups in relation to access to and success in higher education.
A case study documenting the transition of one Indigenous student, Robbie, from an underprivileged school located in the Western suburbs of Sydney to an urban Australian university.
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