Universities and Colleges in Australia

There are 39 universities with some one million students enrolled (2011). In addition to this there are over 100 other tertiary education institutions. The female–male ratio for gross enrolment in tertiary education is 0.66:1 (2009). 74% of Australian residents of relevant age attend tertiary institutions. One in five Australians have attained education up to university level. Australian universities attract overseas students in large numbers. Currently there are close to 300,000 international students studying in Australian universities and other tertiary institutions. There is virtually no illiteracy among people aged 15–24.

Higher Education is central to achieving the government’s vision of a stronger and fairer nation. In March 2010, the government initiated major reform of the higher education system, to ensure the sector’s fitness for purpose in meeting the needs of the Australian community and economy, following the recommendations of the final report of the Review of Australian Higher Education, published in December 2008. The Diversity and Structural Adjustment Fund was launched by the government in January 2008 to promote structural reform in the higher education sector, greater specialisation among providers and better responsiveness to labour markets operating in the local or national interest. Over A$200 million has been allocated to the Diversity Fund to support projects during 2008–11.