Professor Alexander Newman1, Dr Sally Baker2, Dr Clemence Due3, Dr Karen Dunwoodie1
Although growing numbers of Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Migrants and Refugees (CALDM/R) are entering higher education, the sector has limited knowledge of how they are supported to transition out of higher education and seek employment after they graduate. This is likely the result of CALDM/R students’ invisibility in the current formal Australian Government categories used to direct equity policy, funding and practice (which include students from low socioeconomic status (SES) backgrounds, Indigenous students and students who live in rural and remote Australia). For example, although some CALDM/R students may reside in low SES areas and/or regional/remote areas, the specific needs of this cohort are not recognised within these broad categories, while other CALDM/R students may not fall within any of the current equity categories at all. The focus on these current equity categories means that institutions are not mandated to respond to the nuanced needs of other specific groups, which is particularly problematic for CALDM/R because of their relatively poorer employment outcomes.
Read the full report here: Career Guidance for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Migrants and/or Refugees.
1Deakin University
2University of New South Wales
3University of Adelaide