The demand driven system
In 2012, the Government uncapped university student places and established what was known as the “demand driven system”.
Until that time, the number of student places were capped by the Government and university access for traditionally under-represented groups was more limited.
The demand-driven system worked to widen participation. The Higher Education Participation and Partnerships Program (HEPPP) also played an important role.
The latest DET data from 2017 show that since 2008:
- enrolments of undergraduate students from low socio-economic background (low SES) rose 66 per cent,
- Indigenous undergraduate student enrolments have more than doubled (105 per cent);
- enrolments of undergraduate students with a disability have increased by 123 per cent; and
- enrolments of students from regional and remote areas have increased by 50 per cent.
Table: Growth in domestic undergraduate students, by equity group
