A next-generation approach for selecting school leavers for university

A new national approach to tertiary selection that draws on a broader range of learners’ strengths and capabilities than traditional academic measures.

The problem

Too few school leavers enter and succeed at university, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. Some blame for this rests with Australia's approach to sorting and selecting school leavers for university, typically using a single ranking of achievement in school subjects, and/or a range of confusing ‘alternative’ entry schemes.

The proposed research

With support from the Australian Research Council, the research team will design and validate Matching for Success, a nationally applicable digital matching model to tertiary selection for school leavers, with the goal of broadening tertiary access and supporting student success.

The team will examine how aligning tertiary course capability requirements with school leavers’ learning profile can inform the selection approach, as well as the validity of matching-based selection approaches in supporting university success, particularly for educationally disadvantaged school leavers. As part of the project, they will also determine the policy, community, and practical reforms necessary to implement the proposed model.

The intended impact

A wider range of students will be confident to apply for and succeed in tertiary pathways. Universities can also more effectively evaluate and plan for success for their entrants. The model will align with policy and community needs so that partners can effectively implement it in their jurisdictions and support adopting it on a national scale.