• Tim Friedman, Daniel Edwards, Hamish Coates
• Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations

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26 May 2011A university degree, and the higher order skills that it confers, is increasingly important for securing employment in the Australian labour market. In recent decades, growth in occupations that require a university degree is greater than growth in any other occupation type in Australia (Birrell, Edwards & Dobson, 2007; Birrell & Edwards, 2007). Student demand for university education is also high and will grow with current Australian Government plans for expanding the system (Australian Government, 2009). The provision of university education is crucial to the health of the Australian economy.

In order to provide university education at a level and quality and in fields that ensure graduates have successful labour market outcomes, and which facilitate growth in the economy, it is important that pathways into the system are well understood. Ensuring that all capable people are given the opportunity to study at university plays a major role in ensuring the productivity of Australian tertiary education. If able applicants are not given the chance to succeed, or if people are not able to advance their skill development, then the full potential of individuals and hence Australia‘s skilled workforce remains unrealised.

Yet university admissions procedures in Australia have historically grown in ways that may not be most effectively servicing contemporary needs. Australia needs valid and efficient university admissions processes in order to optimise the equity and outcomes of higher education. Admissions procedures play a major role in the quality and productivity of our university education, but Australia lacks evidence about the comparability and efficacy of the various mechanisms currently used for selection.